Chapter 48: A friend's Betrayal

Mri breathed heavily, his aura flickering as the Monstrous Tiger finally collapsed. The battle had been brutal, and his body was covered in wounds.

> "We did it…" Ayang whispered.

The others sighed in relief—but suddenly, Jasmine gasped.

> "Wait! Where's Shahid?"

They turned—Shahid was gone.

Then, from the shadows, a slow clap echoed.

A familiar figure stepped forward.

> "Finally, you defeated the tiger. Took you long enough, Mri."

Shahid.

But something was wrong. His eyes were glowing red.

> "Shahid… what happened to you?" Mri asked, stepping forward cautiously.

Shahid smirked.

> "I've seen the truth, Mri. And I've chosen the winning side."

> "Winning side?!" Ayang snapped. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Shahid held up his hand—a red sigil burned into his palm.

> "The beasts aren't just mindless creatures. They were created… to reclaim the world."

His eyes darkened.

> "Professor Luwanto… was never the villain."

The team staggered in shock.

> "Shahid, you're talking nonsense! What did they do to you?!" Tanuja shouted.

Shahid's smirk widened.

> "I've seen what's coming. And if you stand against the Monstrous ...…

> "You will die."

Then—a sudden explosion of red energy.

Shahid vanished.

And Mri's team was left with more questions than answers.