CHAPTER 8 - TEMPLE’S TRIAL

"I must escape." As Miracle uttered these words, a sizzling crackle echoed through the air, accompanied by white smoke billowing from his body.

The trees swung at him mysteriously missed their target; Miracle had delved deeper into the threshold. His heartbeat raced faster and louder, and if one could gaze within his body, they would see his heart producing not only blood but also a white liquid.

This liquid flowed into his veins, spreading throughout his body. As it solidified in his skin, white smoke radiated from him, signifying his progress toward crossing the threshold of toughness.

The apes watched in bewilderment as Miracle seemingly defied their attacks. They swung a tree at him, but it barely missed its mark. They tried again, and once more, the tree oddly missed its target.

In the blink of an eye, Miracle had vanished, leaving the apes frustrated and confused. Their faces contorted in anger, they glared at the spot where their prey had disappeared.

They were angry but not that worried, there was a blood trail leading to him, thought the trail had a distance due to the distance and speed he ran but that wasn't a problem for them.

While this was happening other children of the tribes were all walking to the palm tree.

As Miracle disappeared further into the forest, his heart pounding with joy for he had just escaped the apes he looked towards the tall palm tree and began his journey there. Meanwhile, in a different part of the forest, akpobors footstep echoed through the forest as he approached the temple.

As I walked, the trees dwindled, revealing the grand temple in all its majesty. Towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings rose high, bathed in a warm, golden light. The air grew thick with an otherworldly energy as I approached.

The massive stone doors, plated with foreign symbols, creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hallway that stretched far into the distance. I wondered why we hadn't discovered this temple before; its size and energy output should have made it stand out like a sore thumb in the forest. Yet, it remained mysteriously hidden.

I slowly pushed open the gates, my senses on high alert. As I stepped inside the compound, I was struck by the beauty that surrounded me. Lush trees bore an array of vibrant fruits - apples, oranges, grapes, mangoes, strawberries, watermelon, and many more. The fruits were so ripe and plump that I could almost taste them, and my mouth began to water in anticipation.

"I couldn't wait any longer. I had forgotten the mission that brought me here, and all I could think about was the fruit. I quickly made my way to the apple tree and plucked a juicy red apple, its skin glistening with only a few minor blemishes. Even the tribe's finest fruits couldn't compare to this level of ripeness and quality, I thought to myself."

All it took was a single bite for my taste buds to soar. The apple's heavenly flavor left me wanting more, and I devoured the rest in just two bites. Next, my eyes landed on the watermelon, and memories of my childhood came flooding back. I recalled the countless times my parents would bring a juicy watermelon home, and we'd eat it together in our hut. The nostalgia washed over me, and I couldn't resist. I picked up the watermelon, broke it in half with one hand, and started eating. The sweetness exploded in my mouth, but as I continued to savor it, scenes of my parents resurfaced in my mind. Before long, tears began pouring down my face, mingling with the juice of the watermelon. I missed my parents; the watermelon brought scenes of them I had hidden in my heart back out. While this was happening the place Akpobor got cut while coming to the temple the veins around his wrist started glistening purple but he couldn't see it because his wrist was tied up.

I stood up, wiping away the tears and clearing my mind of sentimental thoughts. I refocused on my mission, reminding myself that indulging in the fruits could wait until I had completed the trial. With renewed determination, I pushed aside the distraction and concentrated on the task at hand.

I walked closer to the main door of the temple, the strange energy growing thicker and denser at an alarming rate, pressing me down with its weight. As I inched closer, I started hearing strange sounds - Hisssss, hisssss - the unmistakable hiss of snakes, sending a shiver down my spine.

I held my hunting knife close to me, and slowly walked towards the main door, the strange energy pressing down on me made me feel like I have been walking for months. Finnaly, I got to the door and carefully opened it.

As I entered the room, I saw a horrifying sight: snakes covered every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling. I was shocked and overwhelmed. The snakes' beady eyes fixed on me like predators sensing prey. I drew my sword, ready for battle. The air was thick with the stench of venom and decay. I charged forward, swinging my sword in wide arcs to clear a path. But there were too many snakes, and they seemed to be everywhere. I stomped on one, but another took its place, its fangs bared and ready to strike. I spun and danced, using all my skills to avoid their deadly bites. But I knew I couldn't keep this up for much longer; I was getting tired, and the snakes showed no signs of relenting.

I felt their venom coursing through my veins, my vision blurring. But I refused to give up. With all my might, I swung my knife, cutting through snakes like a hot knife through butter. Yet, for every one I killed, two more took its place. My legs grew numb and heavy, and I stumbled, falling to the ground. The snakes closed in for the kill. But I wouldn't go down quietly. With a final burst of strength, I raised my knife and struck the wall. The ceiling crumbled, and it seemed I had hit the pillar of the room. Rocks killed some snakes and blocked others from reaching me. I took advantage of the situation, scrambling to my feet and making a run for a door that led deeper into the temple. "Hissssssssss!" A loud hiss echoed through the room, so piercing that my ears started bleeding. I turned to face the sound and saw a ten-foot-tall snake baring its fangs in my direction!