The academy was a hive of activity. News of the cultists and their attempt to corrupt the primal heart spread rapidly among students and instructors. Mira gathered the top-ranking teams in the main hall, where a massive map of the forest was unfurled on the central table.
Aren and his team stood near the front, their expressions tense but determined. Lance, Kael, and their teams were also present, their earlier rivalries set aside for the greater threat. Mira's stern voice cut through the murmurs.
"We have confirmed reports of increased corruption near the heart of the forest. The primal heart is our last line of defense. If it falls, the balance will be lost, and the entire region could succumb to the darkness."
One of the instructors, a tall man with a jagged scar across his cheek, stepped forward.
"We've spotted cultists moving in coordinated groups. They're not just wandering—they're following pathways directly to the heart. Someone is guiding them."
Lyra's falcon perched on her shoulder, its feathers bristling.
"Do we know how they're controlling the corrupted beasts?"
Mira shook her head.
"Not entirely. But it's clear that whatever they're doing, it's amplifying the corruption. Our best guess is that they've tapped into a resonance opposite to the primal heart's energy. If they fully corrupt it, it will act as a beacon, drawing every corrupted beast within miles."
Dorian grunted.
"So, we smash their operation before they get there. Simple."
Aric flashed a grin.
"Yeah, just stomp them out before they ruin the forest. I'm in."
Mira raised a hand.
"It won't be that easy. The heart is protected by natural barriers and guardian beasts. Only those chosen by the forest can pass safely. We suspect that's why they've been spreading corruption—to weaken the guardians and force an opening."
Aren glanced at Sharu, who was watching the map intently.
"What about Sharu? He seems to resonate with the forest's energy. Maybe he can help."
The other students looked skeptical, but Mira nodded thoughtfully.
"That could be the key. If Sharu can stabilize the energy around the primal heart, it might slow or even reverse the corruption. Aren, your team will take the central path. Lance, Kael—you'll guard the perimeter routes and make sure no cultists slip through."
Kael crossed his arms.
"If we're doing this, we're doing it right. No one holds back."
Lance's gryphon let out a fierce cry.
"Agreed. Let's make sure they regret messing with our home."
---
The journey through the forest felt different this time. The trees seemed to groan under the strain of dark energy, and the air was thick with unease. As Aren's team pushed forward, Sharu's soft glow kept the creeping shadows at bay, but only barely.
Dorian surveyed the area, his lion's ears twitching at every sound.
"It's too quiet. Even the corrupted beasts should be making noise."
Liora nodded, her wolf sniffing the air.
"They're being pulled toward the heart. Something's drawing them in."
Aric summoned a small flame to his hand, more for comfort than light.
"I hate this feeling. It's like the whole forest is holding its breath."
They reached a natural archway formed by intertwining trees, their bark covered in luminescent moss. As they passed through, the ground rumbled, and four massive statues on either side of the path flickered to life, their stone eyes glowing a fierce green.
Lyra's falcon screeched, and Liora pulled back, her wolf growling low.
"Guardians!" Liora whispered.
"We have to prove we're not enemies," Aren said quickly. "Sharu, try resonating with them."
Sharu stepped forward, his silver aura expanding outward. The statues hesitated, the green glow fading slightly. One of the guardians spoke, its voice like grinding stones.
"Why do you seek the heart?"
Aren took a breath.
"To protect it. Corruption is spreading, and the primal heart is in danger."
The statues seemed to consider his words.
"The heart chooses its protectors. Show your resolve."
The ground split, and four elemental constructs emerged—one of fire, one of ice, one of wind, and one of earth. Aren turned to his team.
"This is our trial. Take them down, but don't destroy them completely—they're part of the forest."
Dorian and his lion faced the fire construct, sparks flying as their electric roars collided with its blazing attacks. Aric and his Salamander tackled the ice construct, their flames barely keeping its freezing breath at bay.
Liora's wolf darted around the wind construct, trying to freeze it mid-motion, while Lyra's falcon struck from above. Aren and Sharu took on the earth construct, dodging heavy stone fists as they tried to disrupt its core.
As the battle raged, Sharu's aura intensified, flowing through the ground and connecting with the constructs. Gradually, their movements became slower, less aggressive. Realizing Sharu's influence, Aren called out:
"Focus on defense! Sharu's calming them down!"
One by one, the constructs stilled, their elemental forms dissolving back into the earth. The guardians lowered their weapons, their green eyes dimming.
"You have proven your intention. Proceed."
---
The final path was narrower, winding around a deep ravine. Strange glyphs glowed faintly on the rocks, and the air pulsed with rhythmic energy. As they approached a clearing, a massive tree came into view, its roots spreading in every direction. At its base, a shimmering orb of light pulsed—the primal heart.
But they weren't alone. A robed figure stood before the heart, his hands outstretched as dark tendrils seeped into the orb. His hood fell back, revealing a familiar face.
"Professor Varn?" Aren gasped.
The man's eyes were black as pitch, corrupted energy flowing through him.
"The forest's power... wasted on harmony. It's time to reshape the world. You can't stop me."
Dorian spat.
"You traitorous coward! You're behind this?"
Varn laughed, his voice distorted.
"The academy shackles potential. But with the primal heart's power, I will awaken the ancient guardians and rule over both man and beast!"
Aren stepped forward, fire in his eyes.
"You're wrong. Power doesn't come from domination. It's about harmony."
Varn sneered.
"Fools. I'll show you true strength!"
Dark energy erupted, and corrupted tendrils lashed out. Sharu barked, creating a barrier that deflected the attack. Varn's expression twisted with rage.
"So, the little beast has a spark. No matter. Once I drain the heart, even your pet won't stand a chance."
Aren called to his team.
"Hold him off while Sharu and I stabilize the heart!"
Liora, Dorian, Lyra, and Aric sprang into action, engaging Varn with their beasts. Sharu approached the heart, his light intertwining with its glow, pushing back the corruption.
Varn roared, summoning shadowy beasts from the ground.
"You can't fight destiny!"
But Aren knew the truth.
"Destiny isn't given—it's forged. We'll stop you!"
As Sharu's light grew brighter, the primal heart responded, pulsing with pure, vibrant energy. Varn's shadows faltered, his control slipping. With a final surge, Sharu unleashed a wave of light, shattering the dark tendrils and freeing the heart.
Varn fell to his knees, his power fading. Mira and the other instructors arrived, binding him with energy restraints.
Mira looked at Aren with a mix of pride and relief.
"You did it. The heart is safe."
Aren patted Sharu's head, his heart finally calming.
"It wasn't just us—it was the forest, too."
But as they prepared to leave, a soft, echoing voice whispered through the clearing.
"The heart has awakened. Bal
ance must be maintained. Beware the shadows that linger..."
Aren couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.