MM Racing Page 276
Page 276
Chapter 581 The Size Behind the Power
Chapter 581 Behind the Power
"Old man, you make it sound so easy, but what do you even know?" the middle-aged man retorted unhappily.
The old beggar smiled slightly, his gaze piercing through the crowd, as if speaking directly to Zhao De and Arya. "Though I am but a wanderer, I have witnessed the rise and fall of countless powerful figures. The true trial has only just begun. Power is merely a tool for protection, not the end goal. Whether they can bear that weight depends on whether their hearts are strong enough."
As soon as he finished speaking, the light in the forbidden area suddenly intensified, and a strong wind arose, causing everyone's clothes to flutter. The halo in the sky seemed to respond to the old beggar's words, and images appeared in the light, recording the heroic battles between heroes and dragons throughout history. Each image conveyed a message—behind the power lies heavy responsibility and sacrifice.
"These...these are..." The young man was so shocked that he couldn't speak. In that instant, he seemed to understand the weight of history.
The girl gripped the young man's arm tightly, her eyes welling up with tears: "So, the road to becoming a hero is never easy."
Just as everyone was immersed in the past glories and sacrifices, a loud bang broke the silence, and the gates of the forbidden area were flung open. Zhao De and Aria walked out side by side, their bodies radiating a faint light, a transformation after undergoing trials.
"Everyone, listen to me!" Zhao De's voice resounded through the sky. The treasure in his hand emitted a gentle glow, without the slightest hint of violence. "This power is not for conquest, but for protection. Our homes, our loved ones, all need the protection of this power. But remember, what is truly powerful is the undying belief in our hearts."
Arya nodded gently, her eyes shining like stars, illuminating the surroundings. "We are willing to share the burden with everyone. As long as we are united, nothing is impossible."
Among the passersby, the old beggar nodded silently, a look of approval in his eyes. "See? The younger generation hasn't let us down. The road ahead is long, but with them, there is hope."
Just as the halo on the horizon began to dissipate, a deep and mysterious voice rang out again, echoing only in Zhao De and Arya's ears: "The real test is about to begin. Are you ready to face your destiny?"
“We are ready.” Zhao De and Aria said in unison, their voices firm and resolute.
The murmurs among the crowd gradually rose as the two made their declarations. Everyone wore a complex expression, a mixture of shock, anticipation, and deep resonance.
"I can't believe these two young people were able to pass such a test. Their courage and determination are truly admirable!" a simply dressed farmer said in a low voice, his tone full of anticipation for the future.
Upon hearing this, the blacksmith beside him dusted off his hands and a rare smile appeared on his lips: "Yes, if this power is used to protect us instead of conquering, that would be a true act of heroism. It seems there is hope for the future of our village!"
Just then, a group of children gathered around, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration. One little girl with pigtails looked up at the adult beside her and asked, "Are the big brothers and sisters going to fight monsters and protect us?"
Chapter 582 Endless Gratitude
Chapter 582 Endless Gratitude
"Yes, they went to protect us all." The adult patted the little girl's head, his eyes gentle yet firm. "You must be brave like them when you grow up."
The little girl nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with determination: "I will! When I grow up, I want to be as strong as my older brothers and sisters!"
In this warm and hopeful atmosphere, Zhao De and Arya slowly descended the steps, each step seemingly heralding the arrival of a new era. As they passed, people parted to make way, their eyes filled with both awe and boundless gratitude.
"Look, they're here!" someone shouted, followed by thunderous applause and cheers that swept across the square like a tidal wave.
A middle-aged couple squeezed through the crowd, their eyes slightly red, and reached out their hands to Zhao De, choking back tears as they said, "Child, you are the pride of our village and the dream of all parents. Please come back safely."
Zhao De gripped the couple's hands tightly, his gaze warm and firm: "Don't worry, Uncle and Aunt, we will protect this family and everyone."
Arya gently comforted the crying children and worried mothers, her words like a gentle spring breeze, bringing them comfort and hope.
Just when everything seemed to be going perfectly, the mysterious voice rang in Zhao De and Aria's minds once again, this time with a hint of urgency: "It's too late. The forces of darkness have begun to stir. We must act immediately. Go to the Shadow Forest in the north. The crucial clues are hidden there."
"Shadow Forest?" Zhao De and Arya exchanged a knowing glance, then announced loudly to the crowd, "Folks, we have an urgent mission that requires our immediate departure. Please believe us, we will return as soon as possible and bring you a more peaceful life."
The clamor of the crowd instantly fell silent, leaving only the rustling of leaves in the wind. The people looked at each other, reluctant to part, but mostly understanding and supportive. An elderly man with white hair, Zhao De, leaning on a cane, walked shakily to the front and said in a weathered yet powerful voice, "Children, go. The safety of the village is in your hands. We are here, praying for you, awaiting your triumphant return."
"Go! Defeat those bad guys!" The little girl with pigtails shouted along, her innocent voice full of strength. The children around her echoed her, and cheers rose and fell, resounding through the sky.
Zhao De and Ailiya exchanged a smile, a smile befitting courage, brimming with confidence and unwavering spirit. They turned and strode more resolutely toward the edge of the village, their figures gradually receding into the distance until they became two tiny yet incredibly steadfast dots on the horizon.
In the north, in the Shadow Forest, a place shrouded in perpetual gloom, densely forested and impenetrable to sunlight, a place feared by countless adventurers, Zhao De and Arya cautiously traversed the woods, each step a warning of potential dangers lurking around them.
"What do you think the clue might be?" Arya asked softly, the short sword in her hand gleaming coldly, ready to deal with any unexpected situation.
"Whatever it is, we must find it. For the village, for everyone." Zhao De gripped his longsword tightly, his gaze resolute.
Suddenly, a faint rustling sound broke the silence, and the two quickly went on alert. Then, a deep, hoarse voice came from the shadows: "Outsiders, you shouldn't be here..."
Chapter 583 Werewolf
Chapter 583 Werewolf
A creature resembling a werewolf, covered in dark fur, slowly emerged. Its eyes, like abysses, emitted a ghostly green light, and the surrounding air seemed to be tainted by its evil.
"A lackey of the dark forces? Perfect, take us to your master," Zhao De said in a deep voice, his sword tip pointing directly at the werewolf-like creature.
The werewolf sneered, and the surrounding trees seemed to respond to its will, their roots growing wildly, attempting to entangle the two. "Foolish humans, feel the wrath of nature!"
The battle was about to begin. Zhao De and Aria worked in perfect harmony, one attacking and the other defending, against the relentless surge of mutated creatures and the constraints of nature. Every flash of sword light was a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice; every dodge and counterattack was a testament to their beliefs.
Just as the battle reached its climax, a mysterious traveler suddenly appeared at the edge of the battlefield. He was dressed in a long robe and wore a silver mask. With a gentle tap of his staff, the surrounding vegetation miraculously calmed down and retreated to its original position.
"Stop, werewolf Gaspar. Your master prefers to speak directly with them." The traveler's voice was gentle and magnetic, as if it possessed the power to soothe all things.
Gaspar the werewolf hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly retreated into the depths of the forest and disappeared. The traveler slowly approached Zhao De and Arya, removed his mask, revealing a handsome but slightly weary face.
"I am Lucas, a mage who walks the edge of light and darkness. I can sense the power within you. If you truly wish to save this world, come with me."
Zhao De and Arya exchanged a glance, said nothing, and followed Lucas into the deeper parts of the Shadow Forest. There, unknown challenges and truths awaited them.
As the three traveled, the surrounding environment gradually became abnormal. The trees twisted into strange shapes, and an unsettling magic permeated the air. Occasionally, passing animals would see the group and either flee in haste or stop and stare at them with astonishment, as if they could sense the vortex of fate that these outsiders were about to stir up.
“Look, even these little creatures can sense something unusual,” Arya said softly, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
“Yes, everything here is completely different from the outside world.” Lucas nodded, his fingers gently tracing the surface of a seemingly ordinary plant that actually possessed magical power. “The Shadow Forest is not only a distortion of nature, but also a point where ancient magic and the modern world intersect.”
Just as the three were engrossed in observing and discussing their surroundings, faint cries for help could be heard in the distance, filled with panic and despair.
"Someone's in danger!" Zhao De immediately became alert. He turned to Lucas and asked, "Should we go check on them?"
Lucas pondered for a moment, "Perhaps this is fate. Let's go, but be careful, the rules of the forest are often more complex than they appear."
As the sound drew closer, a horrific scene unfolded: a small caravan was surrounded by a group of centaurs. The merchants fought valiantly, but were clearly at a disadvantage. The centaurs brandished their weapons, appearing exceptionally ferocious.
"Another bunch of uninvited bastards. Looks like we can go on a killing spree today!" The lead centaur let out a arrogant laugh, his eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
Chapter 584 Tacit Understanding
Chapter 584 Tacit Understanding
At this critical moment, Zhao De shouted, "Stop!"
The centaurs' attention was instantly drawn, and they stared in astonishment at the three unexpected visitors. One of the merchants, seeing a glimmer of hope, cried out excitedly, "Warriors, please save us!"
Lucas smiled slightly and said softly to Zhao De and Arya, "Let these beasts witness the power of civilization."
The battle resumed, but this time, it involved more strategy and wisdom. Zhao De and Arya no longer simply slayed demons; instead, they used the terrain and psychological tactics to gradually weaken the centaurs' offensive. Lucas stood at the rear, chanting ancient and mysterious incantations, providing powerful support to the two.
The onlookers were filled with astonishment, their conversation brimming with disbelief:
"Is this really something a human could do? It's incredible!"
"Especially that mage, he's practically a figure from mythology!"
"And that couple, they're a match made in heaven, their chemistry is truly enviable!"
The battle ended with the centaurs fleeing in disarray, and the caravan was moved to tears, rushing forward to express their gratitude.
"May I ask the names of our heroes? We must repay this kindness," the caravan captain asked earnestly.
Zhao De waved his hand and smiled calmly: "We've just been doing good deeds and have no intention of leaving our names. But if you really want to do something, then protect yourself and reduce the number of innocent sacrifices on this continent."
As night fell, Zhao De, Arya, and Lucas bid farewell to the caravan and continued their journey. Under the moonlight, Lucas suddenly stopped, looked into the distance, and said in a solemn tone, "Ahead lies the place we are looking for, but it may also be the greatest test we have ever faced."
"A test?" Arya raised an eyebrow, her eyes gleaming with eager anticipation. "Sounds exciting. Tell me, what kind of place is it?"
Lucas sighed and slowly explained, "That place is called the 'Forgotten Forest,' a legendary place where ancient magicians sealed away evil forces. In recent years, strange phenomena have begun to appear at the edge of that forest, and many adventurers have disappeared without a trace after entering. Our purpose here is to uncover its secrets and prevent a possible disaster."
“Evil forces? I like it.” Zhao De curled his lips into a smile, and the sword in his hand trembled slightly, as if echoing its master’s mood. “This is exactly what we should do, isn’t it? Protect this world and prevent darkness from spreading.”
The three continued their journey and soon reached the edge of the Forgotten Forest. Mist swirled within the forest, and the occasional strange noises sent a chill down their spines. An old hunter emerging from the forest saw them and his face showed surprise.
"Where are you headed? Young men, don't tell me you're planning to go into that land of death?"
Zhao De smiled and said, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Old man, do you know anything about this?"
The old hunter shook his head, his gaze complex: "Those who went in either never came out, or they came out insane, mentioning terrifying monsters and curses in their fragmented words. You'd better give up; this is not a place for ordinary people."
Arya patted the old hunter on the shoulder and said confidently, "Don't worry, we're not ordinary people. We will uncover the truth and bring back peace."
Chapter 585 Must Pass the Test
Chapter 585 Must Pass the Test
The three resolutely stepped into the forest, each step fraught with unknown danger. They skillfully avoided numerous traps and dealt with some creatures twisted by dark forces. Each time, one or two curious explorers witnessed their bravery, leaving behind a series of exclamations of amazement:
"My God, how did they do that? That girl can even communicate with those monsters and calm them down!"
"Look at that warrior, every swing of his sword is incredibly precise, as if he's dancing with the wind!"
"The mage's magic was even more astonishing; the light was as dazzling as the sun!"
Just as they ventured deeper into the forest, an unexpected voice broke the silence: "Welcome, brave travelers. You have finally arrived."
Before me stood an old man, cloaked and with a weathered face but sharp eyes. His appearance was completely unexpected, as if he had appeared out of thin air.
"Who are you?" Lucas asked cautiously, his fingers already secretly preparing a defensive spell.
The old man smiled slightly, revealing a powerful aura: "I am the guardian of the Forest of Oblivion, and the last mage who knows how to break the ancient seal. If you want to succeed, you must pass my test."