Arden took a slow step forward and stopped just short of the clearing.
"I won't leave," he said firmly.
His voice was calm, but there was no hesitation in it.
"I want to know the truth."
The air trembled slightly.
The massive black tortoise lowered its head, its stone-like eyes staring straight at him.
The serpent on its shell lifted higher, its body coiling slowly.
"If you dare to block my way," Arden continued, fists tightening, "then I'll break through."
He lifted his head and met their gaze without flinching.
"This isn't just for me," he said. "It's for my fellow disciples in the God Gym."
For a moment, everything was silent.
Then the ground shook.
The tortoise let out a deep roar that rolled through the forest like thunder buried underground.
The serpent hissed sharply, water and mist gathering around its body.
"We warned you, human," the tortoise rumbled. "Turn back."
Arden exhaled slowly.
"…No."
