CHAPTER 22. SHACKLE

Diego and Jarwo crossed the barren land with hurried steps, confusion washing over their faces as a giant creature appeared before them. "What is that thing?" shouted Diego, his voice blown loudly by the wind howling around them.

While running away, they both tried to plan their next move. "I don't know either," replied Jarwo, eyes full of uncertainty. However, the fear was as strong as Diego felt. However, Jarwo's words didn't reassure Diego but instead triggered a stronger urge.

"Do something! Stop pretending to look stupid!" Diego exclaimed, his eyes searching for a solution amidst the chaos. He decided to confront the giant man, deciding that resignation would get them nowhere. Determined, Diego leaped at the giant, sending out a daring kick.

However, fate said otherwise. A large palm quickly patted his body, sending him flying to the ground with unfathomable force. Diego's body slumped to the ground like a tossed doll. He now looked like an annoying fly to the giant demon, helplessness emanating from his every move. At that moment, the world seemed upside down to Diego, and fear ran rampant across his face as he realized how small he was in the face of such immense power.

The man felt as if the world was spinning in an instant. Pain pierced him like an arrow through his body, and the only place that welcomed him was the hard, dry ground beneath him. Sprawled on his back with a face that reflected deep pain, he felt a strangeness in his body. One of his ribs felt like it had been severed, and every movement sent waves of stinging pain.

"Damn that big creature! Just because it's big," he hissed as he winced in pain. Her eyes looked up at the sky, searching for answers to the fate that had suddenly brought her together with such a ferocious monster. His shortness of breath mingled with the rustling of the wind, creating a tense atmosphere amongst the neglected wastelands.

However, Diego didn't have time to get caught up in his grievances. Before he was done complaining, he realized the urgency of standing up. All around him, the shadow of the giant creature loomed menacingly, and every second counted for his survival. With great effort, the man tried to rise, feeling the groan of broken ribs infiltrate his every muscle fiber.

Standing on a patch of dry ground, Diego stretched his weakened body. His gaze was fixed on the giant creature that dominated the horizon. Although his body was sore and tired, the determination in his eyes shone. He knew he had to fight, not only for himself but also to survive in an alien world filled with the threat of dangerous and terrifying creatures.

Meanwhile, somewhere far away from Diegonya's battle, a handsome-looking man with curly hair sat in a dark room. The room was eerily quiet, decorated only by a large glass that was the center of his attention. In front of the glass, there was a wooden chair that seemed simple, yet meaningful to the man.

Excitedly, the man looked into the magical mirror that belonged to the Moon Goddess. His expression is full of excitement as if enjoying an exclusive show that only he can witness. He did not forget to bring a snack with him, creating a scene of contrast between the tranquility of the dark room and the bright lights of the world reflected in the mirror.

With a cheerful face, the curly-haired man looked like he was enjoying his favorite movie. However, ironically, his joy comes from the suffering of Diego who is struggling to survive in a world full of threats. He watched Diego's plight as if he were an invisible spectator through his magic mirror.

"This is so much fun! I stole this mirror from heaven for nothing." While engrossed in his toy, the man's fun was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. Quickly, he snapped his fingers, making the image in the mirror disappear as if it were an ordinary mirror. In a cold tone, he responded, "What's wrong?"

A man outside the door responded, "Can I come in, Zayn?" The question made Zayn feel uncomfortable, but he let Jeremy in any way. "Yeah, you can come in, buddy," Zayn replied, welcoming his talkative partner.

The door to Zayn's room opened slowly, and Jeremy emerged with his eyebrows knitted together, looking around with a sense of wonderment on his face. The room was almost empty, feeling devoid of the items that usually adorned the room. This was a very different scene from what Jeremy had imagined.

"Zayn, this room is empty," Jeremy said, his voice filled with disbelief as he stamped his foot on the deserted floor.

"Yes, as you can see," Zayn replied with a smile that never left his handsome face. But, behind that smile, lies a mystery that further tantalizes Jeremy's curiosity.

"Zayn, this room is empty," Jeremy said, his voice filled with disbelief as he stamped his foot on the deserted floor.

"Yes, as you can see," Zayn replied with a smile that never left his handsome face. But, behind that smile, there was a mystery that further tantalized Jeremy's curiosity.

"So, what are you doing in this empty room, spending all these hours?" asked Jeremy, trying to find answers to the mystery wrapped tightly around Zayn.

Zayn rose from the wooden chair he had been sitting on, his steps light as the wind. Confidently, he put his arm around his friend's shoulders. Although there was no physical attack or angry look on his face, Jeremy felt the biting vibrations of tension in his every muscle fiber.

"You look very curious. Do you want to join in the fun with me here? Maybe then you'll understand," Zayn whispered softly, but behind his words was a warning that sent chills down Jeremy's spine. Adding to the mystical aura the room felt even more gripping, and filled with a tension that made it feel like time had stopped for a moment.

"No need! I just wanted to let you know that Master has a new assignment for us." The voice boomed in the room, and suddenly, the wooden chair in the center of the room shattered into pieces after being kicked by Zayn. Splinters of wood littered the floor, reflecting the rage within him. The man's previously calm face was now a fiery red, with sharp fangs sticking out of his mouth.

"How long do I have to do everything an old man tells me to do? I can't wait to be free of these shackles!" Zayn's screams filled the room, radiating a burning anger and intense hatred.

However, his friend, Jeremy, wisely tried to calm the overwhelming anger. "But we have no choice but to obey him. Are you ready to meet the king of hell?" Jeremy said in a low voice, sensing the weight of the burden they had to carry. Although Zayn was silent, the look in his eyes was full of thunderous dissatisfaction.

Zayn remained silent, contemplating without uttering any harsh words that might roll off his lips. Jeremy knew that behind the look of surrender, there was an ember of resistance still burning within Zayn. The man grinned in a sinister way, signaling that the fight was not over.

"Not me. But he's the one who's going to meet the king of hell. So, what's our next task?" Zayn asked, turning his face back to its original state, without any visible anger. However, in his words was a grand plan to change the destiny at hand.