MLIV C4, P3- "Proof Of Honor"

"Proof Of Honor" is the third Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's fourth Chapter.
It was released on 23.06.2022.
== Plot ==
After the deaths of people who he considered allies not too long ago, Adam experiences a sense of guilt that he never noticed before. A feeling of unease swirls around his mind and tries to corrupt his emotions, making him feel like he is not the right person for the job.
Thinking that he can only defeat Darkthrop and his people if he conquers his own insecurities first, the young hero makes a hard decision that will result in separating from his father and Linus, taking on an arduous task that might be the end of him.
Alone but unafraid, Adam has to face his greatest fears in one horrible beast of evil. But will he prevail?
== Story ==
As the last of the darkling attackers falls, Jared and Linus clean their weapons.
"Their blood is tainted by dark magic."- Jared whispers to Linus- "Make sure that none of it remains, for it will taint your sword as well."
Linus nods.
"I think that I know what this means."- He says- "I'll do my best."
As Linus continues to clean his weapon, Jared looks back at his son.
"Adam?"- He says- "Did you take care of them?"
Adam nods and sighs.
"Yes, I did."- He says- "They keep getting stronger every day, but so are we."
Then, he looks back at Duskwood.
"What is wrong, son?"- Jared asks him- "Is something on your mind?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Just a feeling of unease."- He says- "Nothing more."
Jared raises his eyebrow.
"It is about Akira, right?"
Adam nods and sighs.
"I miss her already."
Jared nods.
"And so do I."- He says- "But remember that we shall soon be out in uncharted territory. Once there, family and friendship will matter less. The survival of humankind is at stake and we must focus on our goal."
Adam continues to stare at Duskwood, lost in thought.
"Perhaps I was not meant for this."
Jared raises his eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Adam sighs.
"When we murdered Linus and his people, I experienced a feeling of... dread? A wishful thinking, perhaps? I do not know the exact details of it, but I am sure that it involves the guilt that has never faded away."- He says- "Either way, I still feel like I have a long way to go. Even though I made it very far, I fear that there is still much farther to go. And I will not rest until I find a way to truly redeem myself."
Jared shakes his head.
"You still have doubts in yourself, even after becoming the hero you have always dreamed to be?"- He says- "Very well. But remember this. Guilt tends to be like a fog, standing over your mind and tainting your emotions. Letting go of it will be very hard, but I am sure that you will find a way."
He pats him on the shoulder and smiles.
"And I will always support you, no matter what happens next."
Linus nods.
"Adam, you helped me get over my own fears. Showed me that I still have a chance to be a hero, even after all of the horrible things that I've done."- He says- "You gave me the strength to be myself. To betray the ones that I should have considered my enemies from the start and become the hero that I was always destined to be. And now, I want to do the same for you. I want to be your light and help you find your purpose in this world. And I won't stop believing in you, no matter what kind of enemies get between us."
He smiles.
"So. What are we waiting for?"- He adds- "Let's work together and prove that we aren't just another pack of wanna-be heroes!"
Adam smiles.
"Very well, then."- He says- "Let us proceed."
The three of them continue to walk on the road to nowhere, eventually reaching a small village.
Once the villagers see them, they leave the streets and enter their homes, locking the doors behind and watching them from their windows.
"Something seems to be wrong here."- Linus says- "Are we sure that we're in the right place?"
Jared nods.
"I have heard many legends of the best that has been terrorizing the countryside for centuries."- He says- "Generations of heroes have tried to hunt it down, and it is no secret that they became the hunted ones instead."
He sighs.
"And yet, I never knew that this mythical creature of old would be so... close to us."- He adds- "What an unfortunate coincidence, that is."
A lone man approaches them fearlessly, ignorified the terrified looks of the villagers.
"You are Jared Kaos, right?"
Jared nods.
"Indeed, I am."- He says- "I heard about the dangers in those lands and came here to help."
The man smiles.
"Oh, thank God!"- He exclaims- "We thought that help would never arrive!"
Jared nods.
"We are here because of The Merciless One."- He says- "Have you ever heard of the name Beowulf?"
The mention of this name makes some of the villagers back away from their windows. They seem to be terrified of it, for some reason.
The man nods.
"We thought that our village is too small and unimportant to be attacked by such a magnificent creature. Oh, how deeply I regret my foolishness."- He says- "Yes, hero. The dark beast is here. And it has been scaring our people for years."
Jared nods.
"And what does it look like?"- He asks- "Do you have any clues that might help us identify it?"
The man shakes his head.
"I fear that very few people have seen it and survived. It is way too fast and vicious, more so than any other wolf we have ever met."- He says- "And yet, those who were lucky enough are too afraid to open up about it. But they still told us a few things."
The man stares at the forest nearby.
"This nightmarish creature has black fur. It's movements are almost like a blur and its blood red eyes can scare even the most well-prepared individuals."- He says- "Its howl is like a loud keen that pierces through your mind and heart, often the last thing that you will ever hear before it pounces on top of you."
Jared nods.
"And how can we possibly defeat it?"
The man shrugs.
"Many people have tried to, but it seems like their abilities were too inadequate. Their bones are still lying in the forest, bleached white and serving as a warning to those who would dare to hunt it down again."- He says- "Maybe there is a way to defeat it. Maybe it's possible that it has some kind of a weakness. But does anyone know about it? Of that, I am not sure."
He raises his eyebrow.
"Is there anyone who is brave enough to find that out?"
Hearing the man's call, the villagers close their windows and hide back in their houses.
As Jared and Linus stare at each other, unsure what to do, Adam steps up and stares at the man. His head is high, his thoughts- clear.
It is as if he has some sort of a plan.
"I will do it!"- He exclaims confidently.
Suddenly, all eyes are on him. 
"Excuse me?"- The man asks- "Do I know you?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Does it matter?"- He asks- "I volunteer to free you of this plague. Are you willing to accept my request?"
The man raises his eyebrow.
"You want to do this... alone?"- He asks- "I'm sorry, but this is no child's play. No heroes have ever fought this beast alone, let alone young ones like yourself. You're only going to waste your own life away."
Jared glares at him.
"What did you just say about my son?"- He asks angrily- "Listen here, sir. I know that you respect elder heroes like myself, but you should treat the boy with at least a little respect!"
The man raises his eyebrow.
"And why should I do that?"- He asks- "The kid may have done spectacular things in the past, but this wolf is far more dangerous that anything you could ever imagine. I'm sorry, but I cannot allow this. Not because I'm a careless fool, but because I simply don't want him to find his doom in that forest."
Linus takes a step forward.
"If you think that my friend is just another petty hero, you are a fool!"- He exclaims- "He has defeated many villains by himself before! Bandits! Elven outlaws! Evil wizards and unspeakably powerful fiends! Even a legendary lich, one that has been living for thousands of years and terrorizing the entire world with his vile actions! And, if you really consider him as an expendable unit, them I'm sure that he will gladly prove you wrong!"
The man ignores most of Linus' speech, but is impressed by the part where Adam defeated a lich.
"A lich, you say?"- He asks- "Say, does that lich happen to be Phaerzon- Master of The Dark?"
Linus nods.
"You can bet your entire life savings that it was!"
Upon hearing that, everyone gasps, surprised that the old lich died by Adam's hand.
The man takes a better look at Adam and nods.
"You know, there seems to be a grain of truth in this."- He says- "If what your friend said is true, then this means that Beowulf will be little more than yet another treacherous element in your eyes."
He stares at him.
"But tell me."- He adds- "Is this young man speaking the truth? Have you really defeated Phaerzon?"
Adam smiles.
"Well, I am sure that you can find the answer yourself."- He responds- "I would never dare to speak about the villains that I have defeated and pride myself with my many victories. So, I will leave the answer ambiguous, in the hopes that you will find the truth within my mind with more than just your eyes."
The man nods.
"I won't dare to believe it until I've seen how you fight."- He says- "Very well. I shall allow you to go. But rest assured that you will receive no help here."
Adam nods.
"I do not need it."- He says stoically- "I am trying to help you out, not to put you in danger."
The man raises his eyebrow, surprised.
"Maybe he really is the Adam Kaos I've heard so many legends about."
As Adam prepares to enter the forest alone, the man approaches him and bows.
"Good luck, young one."- He says- "Our hopes and prayers travel with you."
Adam smiles.
"Keep on believing in me."- He says- "Soon, your belief shall be rewarded. That, I promise."
With that, he bids farewell to his allies and enters the forest, alone and unafraid.
"Well. This is quite unexpected."- Linus says- "Adam is going to battle a beast of old? Alone? Without any sort of help or support?"
Jared sighs.
"This might seem like bad news at first, but I assure you that my son has the strength to back up his words with heroic actions."- He says- "Time and time again, he has proven himself to be too big of a spoon for the mouths of the villains that he subsequently defeated. I believe in him and I hope that others will take my advice and do the same."
Linus nods.
"But can he do it again?"
Jared smiles.
"That, my friend, remains to be seen."
While Jared and Linus stay behind, Adam travels further into the forest, armed only with his sword and dressed only with the armor on his back. He has few supplies left and hopes that he can defeat the wolf before it could get any worse for him.
As he descends further into the darkness, a spirit appears beside him. It is the vague image of his late aunt- Marinette.
"Well, dear. Looks like you're in quite the predicament again."- She says and smiles sadly- "How's that working out for you?"
Adam shakes his head.
"I do not see this as a danger. In fact, it is more like a challenge. A task of honor that will help me see whether I am worthy enough to be a savior."- He says- "I have to admit that it does look pretty dangerous. But I am not afraid. And I will never be, even when the wolf's jaws are around my neck."
Marinette smiles.
"That's the spirit, my dear!"- She exclaims- "But... how are you going to handle this? It's clear that the creature is a powerful one, and you're all alone here. How shall you proceed?"
Adam smiles.
"It is quite simple, auntie. We go into that forest and fight it just like the heroes of old- no magic, no potions, no fear."- He says- "We are going to prove that intensive training does not mean anything. Only the fire within my soul will keep us alive."
Marinette raises her eyebrow, shocked.
"You're going to fight... like a regular warrior?!"- She exclaims- "But... this is madness! You can't just risk your life like this! Not when you're all alone!"
Adam shakes his head.
"What do you mean by that? I am not alone! And I will never be, as long as I have the people dearest to me by my side!"- He says- "Many people might think that magic is what saves people's lives, but they never realize that the bonds that we make along the way are the ones that keep us alive."
Marinette nods.
"I would never dare to stop you."- She says- "If you want to battle that wolf, then feel free to do so. Just remember that I will always... love you."
Then, she fades away, leaving Adam alone in the forest.
"Well. It is time for me to make my move."- He says to himself- "Time is running out and I fear that my chances of survival are getting lower with each passing second. If I do not defeat that wolf soon, I might end up like the rest of the unfortunate souls that happened to be here."
As Adam draws his sword, he hears a strange sound. A howl that seems to come from very far away.
"Hmm? A howl?"- He mutters- "It must be my imagination."
As he proceeds to descend further into the forest, the howls get louder and louder. With each passing second, they get more terrifying as well.
It is almost as if the beast that they are coming from is trying to scare him, to make him weak and unable to defend himself. And yet, Adam is trained to resist such trickery. Strange abilities like those are like simple parlor tricks for his mind.
"Not yet."- He mutters- "I must find that beast. I must not back down. Not when everyone still needs me."
Suddenly, the forest gets much darker. Birds stop chirping. The wind stops and the leaves stop rustling. Once again, the howls pierce the air, like loud keens in the night. And they seem to be much louder than before.
As Adam bravely walks into the core of the forest, he experiences another feeling of dread and despair. It is as if this place is trying to make him feel unwelcome just with its presence in this world.
Suddenly, he hears something crunch under his feet. The smell of blood hangs heavy in the air, and he can feel it all.
But this is just what it is. A feeling of complete unease. On the outside, everything seems to be calm and normal, even though Adam is deep within the Forest of Beowulf.
And yet, our hero is not fooled by this. He knows that there is something wrong.
"Come on, ancient one. Show yourself."- He mutters- "Do not keep me waiting for long or I shall find you myself."
He blinks a few times, as if trying to adjust his own eyes to the dark environment. It is a strange and ominous feeling, but it seems to work well for him.
Soon, the entire forest changes. The bones of long-dead warriors reveal themselves and the smell of blood is now much more than just a vile poison in the air.
Everywhere around him, Adam sees the signs of a long struggle. Or many small ones. It is hard to describe it, with the chaos being nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
"I am not afraid of the dark."- Adam mutters to himself- "I will be the savior of those people. I will not let them down."
Suddenly, he sees a blur to the right of him. He turns around, but sees nothing.
"Interesting."- He mutters- "This must be the wolf."
He looks around.
"But how can I challenge it to a battle?"
Looking down, he realizes that one of the lifeless skeletons is holding a small, bloodied horn in the palm of its bony hand.
"Normally, I am supposed to trick it using my magic."- Adam says to himself- "However, since magic is not an option here and now, this is the closest thing to a decent noise-maker. So, it is worth giving it a try."
Picking up the horn, he carefully cleans the nearly dried-up blood on top of it and blows a single note, with the intention of alerting the beast.
His plan works. Soon, the shadow of a wolf stops for a second and Adam takes a good look at it.
Just like the man from before described it, it is an enemy that has been dragged from one's worst nightmare. Its fur is pitch black. Its eyes are bloodshot and red. And its fangs are sharp and long, able to crush a human's bones with little more than a single chomp.
Interestingly, the creature seems to be staring at him as well. It is evaluating him. Judging him. Deciding whether he is worth the risk or not.
Finally, it realizes that it has found a worthy opponent. It stands in a position that could only signify a single thing- it is ready for battle.
As Adam draws his weapon, the mythical wolf's fur starts to glow dark gray, like unextinguishable flames in the heart of a very evil person. An aura of unease radiates from it, warning Adam not to get any closer.
"Stop pretending, wolf."- Adam says- "You are responsible for many heinous crimes. You were supposed to answer for them. And today is the day when justice shall be brought down upon you."
The wolf howls again, this time with much more ferocity and malice. Then, it takes a few steps backwards- a clear sign that it is about to attacck.
And then, without another warning, it pounces toward him, showing its incredible speed and strength.
Adam swings his weapon and bravely holds it off as he evaluates it further.
"I see. It is no wonder so many have fallen to it."- He mutters- "Its jaws could easily snap my arms in two, but it seems like it is not going all out again."
He takes a step backwards and approaches a fallen log.
"Well, I have not gone all out either."- He adds- "So, we are due."
Using his magic, he manages to form the large log into a round and stout wooden shield. It seems to be big enough to deflect the creature's blows, so Adam uses it immediately to push it back.
The wolf growls and pounces again, but Adam smacks it in the face with his new shield, forcing it to withdraw again.
Seeing that its current strategy is not working, the wolf decides to try something else.
Suddenly, it disappears. Out of sight and out of mind, as the elders tend to say.
As Adam wonders where it went, the wolf runs around him with incredible speed, looking like a blur in his eyes.
"Ah. Here you are."- He says and readies his shield and sword- "Now get back here and face me like the terror that you are!"
The wolf refuses to comply. Instead, it dashes its way past him and goes further into the woods.
Adam tries to give chase, but soon realizes that the wolf is planning to trick him into going further. Too late, he tries to leap back, but the wolf pounces on him and knocks both the shield and the sword out of his hands.
Then, as our hero tries to throw it off, it leans closer to him and viciously bites his arm, trying to rip off a chunk from it before it is forced to retreat,
Adam is close to yelling out in pain, but resists the cowardly temptation.
"No. I will not be defeated by the likes of you."- He says to the creature as it attempts to make him bleed out- "If I die here, then I shall take you down with me!"
The wolf lets go and sinks its teeth into Adam's chest, attempting to reach his heart and pierce it.
However, Adam manages to find the wolf's weakness before it could kill him. Without thinking twice, he uses two of the fingers on his right hand to viciously poke the creature in the eye, making it howl out in pain and forcing it to back down. It tries to attack back, but Adam simply pokes it in the eye again.
Soon, it is forced to retreat in the shadows.
"Well, would you look... at that."- Adam gasps- "What a coward."
As the wolf watches from the shadows, Adam's wounds miraculously seal themselves in front of it. It howls out in surprise as the damage that it did to him is almost instantly healed.
And yet, Adam is still exhausted. Without the incredible magic at his disposal, the innate healing process within his body is the only thing that is preventing him from bleeding out like the rest of the victims.
The wolf finally realizes that it cannot fight Adam all by itself. In three low, but long notes, it howls viciously, as if trying to summon something.
However, Adam seems to be anticipating this. He grabs his sword and shield, preparing for the inevitable.
"Bring it on, creature of the dark."- He says- "No matter what you send out at me, I will never surrender."
Suddenly, the scenery changes. Almost instantly, the rattling of many bones can be heard all around them as the remains of those who died to the wolf rise to protect their killer.
The wolf stares at Adam, in a way that makes it seem so... intelligent. Rational. In Adam's eyes, the gaze of this creature of old is almost human.
As the young hero stares back, he realizes something. The way this creature is looking at him... it almost feels like Phaerzon is still alive, still trying to make his life a misery. The wolf holds a part of his spirit inside of itself and has the ability to mimick his abilities in life... or rather, in unlife."
"Phaerzon. You wicked lich."- He mutters- "You never faded away, did you?"
The wolf lets out a low growl. Then it looks at Adam again.
"You are... doomed."- It says in a raspy, barely comprehensible voice, much to the young hero's surprise- "I will... claim you."
Adam gasps. Surprised, he takes a step back.
"Now this is a strange show of magic!"- He exclaims as the rest of the skeletons rise from the ground all around him.
Suddenly, the young hero is surrounded by the remains of the departed. The former humans who once thought that they could destroy the dark beast, having given up on hope after leaving this world behind.
"My ancestors. They are rebelling against me."- Adam says to himself- "But why? They were supposed to aid me in this fight, not hinder me!"
As the skeletons close in, the wolf watches from nearly, growling as it witnesses everything.
"You will... not survive."- It says again- "Join them... now."
Adam lifts his sword in the air.
"No!"- He screams defiantly- "I will not become your victim!"
Having said that, he leaps back as the skeletons attacking, successfully dodging their attacks and striking some of them down, crushing the malevolent spirits that possess them and returning their to their primordial, lifeless state.
"Alright. A few of them are gone."- He mutters- "Now, I only have to stay focused. No creature in this world will ever scare me, not after everything that I already went through."
Fifteen minutes pass as Adam fights his enemies valiantly and keeps them at bay. They try their best to demoralize him, but he is too well-prepared for such a situation.
And yet, his fatigue is taking a toll on him. Soon, he is too weak to keep on fighting.
As he falls on his knees and drops his weapon, the skeletons point their blades at him, preparing to finish him off while he is down.
"Told... you."- The shadow wolf says, in a raspy voice- "Nobody can resist... the darkness."
Adam continues to fight the skeletons back, even if he only has his fists left. He punches his enemies left and right, sending them flying into the trees behind them and turning them into piles of bones.
But the young hero has suffered for way too long. Soon, the last of his energy leaves his body and he is thrown into a nearby tree by one of the larger skeletons, nearly crushing his skull in the process.
"I must not... give... up!"- He exclaims- "Justice and light shall... prevail. Right here... and right now!"
However, his spirit has already collapsed. He falls on his knees again, this time unable to get back up.
"Maybe... maybe I was too foolish for this."- He mutters- "Maybe I should have gone with dad and Linus, not all by myself."
He sighs and closes his eyes.
"It does not matter. If I am to die, I will do it by keeping my honor intact."- He says- "I will not beg. I will not try to change my fate. If this is how it is meant to be, then I guess that I have no other choice than to accept it."
As the skeletons close in again, the wolf growls.
"Yes... yes."- It says- "Accept... your fate. Join... my immortal legions."
As Adam sighs and prepares to face his doom, he hears the voices of many familiar souls. People that he knows very well, seemingly angry at him.
"You failed to protect me."- Aiden says- "What kind of friend are you, anyway?"
"I am suffering because of you."- His own mother says- "Did you ever try to understand how I really feel?"
"I thought that you were the best sibling I've ever had. But now, I can see that Alcander was right. You weren't meant to be a hero."- Akira says- "I hate you, Adam. You're dead to me."
Adam grabs his head with both of his hands.
"No. Why is this happening?"- He mutters- "Why are my own thoughts going against me?"
While he wonders what is going on, the wolf gets much closer to him. Feeling its presence with his mind, the young hero realizes that the air has grown much warmer.
When he opens his eyes, he sees that the entire forest is on fire. Black flames slowly engulf everything that makes it so beautiful and, soon, it will be his turn.
"I am sorry, everyone. I failed you."- He says- "I do not deserve to be here. I am no hero. I am just... just... "
The wolf stares at him, seemingly waiting for what he is about to say.
Before Adam can do so, he hears another voice in his mind. A voice that it like music to his ears, like a ray of hope to his heart.
"No, my dearest! This is not the end!"- Emela yells- "Do not give up! Fight back! Show them that Adam Kaos is not afraid of anything!"
The wolf looks up, surprised. After everything that just happened, it definitely did not anticipate this.
"Miss Emela?"- Adam mutters- "Is this some sort of... wishful thinking again?"
Suddenly, the spirit of his aunt appears beside him.
"It is no dream, my dear. Your teacher really is here."- She says- "She's using her abilities to communicate with you. To motivate you and prevent you from throwing your life away."
She smiles.
"And I can tell that the others feel the same way."- She continues- "Listen to them and you will see what I mean."
Suddenly, Adam hears more voices in the air. He recognizes them as well.
"Our friendship will never be defeated! We shall stand strong until the end!"- Linus says- "You stood up for me when I needed you the most, so I shall do the same! I refuse to give up on you! I will help you succeed! Together, we shall fight as one and defeat the evil without any fear!"
"Don't listen to what those fools are saying! You are the best!"- Alcander says- "If I could ever relive my life again, then I would gladly live it alongside you! You're the best brother anyone could ever wish for and I'll never, ever say otherwise! I have always believed in you... and I will never stop! And I know that you can face your fears! Now smile and let the light within you shine again!"
"Stop being so overdramatic! Nobody hates you! You're the brightest star in this world and, if you fade away, the whole world will turn black!"- Akira says again- "You, my dearest brother, are the sun that shines in the sky! The twinkles of hope that illuminate our lives! Our world depends on you, not because you're a hero with a status envied by everyone, but because you're never afraid of doing the right thing! I love you, Adam! I love you! And nothing will ever change that!"
"My friend, I threw my own life away to give you the chance to defeat Darkthrop. To teach him a lesson that he'll never forget. When I did it, I believed that you'd succeed someday. And I am certain that the day of this holy redemption is very close!"- Aiden says- "A friend like you is one in a million. Keep that in mind and keep fighting. For the light... and for the world!"
"Adam, honey. Please, don't blame yourself like this. You're the blessing that we've always cherished. The tiny gem that means more than a thousand words, the precious little thing that money can never buy. You're the little angel that always stands on our shoulders. The protector of our thoughts, the keeper of faith and order."- Meggy says- "My little hero. My sweetest child. I believe in you!"
"In what world will the mythical Adam Kaos ever be so weak?"- Donovan says- "Come on, my friend! Nothing's over yet! Stand up! Bring this fiend down! There are many strong forces in this world, but this shouldn't stop you! You can win this! I know it!"
Tears appear on Adam's eyes as he listens to them.
"My friends... my family... "- He mutters- "They never gave up on me. They were always here."
The wolf steps back, horrified.
"Im... possible!"- It roars- "Nobody... nobody can resist my wrath!"
Marinette looks at her nephew and smiles.
"See, my dear?"- She says- "Everyone is here. They got through all the trouble, just to stand by your side. But there is one who's always been here. One who risked everything he had, just to give you a better, brighter future."
Finally, Adam hears the voice of the person who gave him the motivation to become a hero- his own father.
"In the years since you graciously appeared in my life, I have been trying to train you. To prepare you for the horrors of this world and help you overcome them. I never gave up on you and knew that you would become what you are now. The inner strength that you have gained along the way. The kindness, the compassion and the altruism that still radiate from you. You may have changed, but it was in the good way. And it has always been like this."- Jared says- "So tell me, Adam. Are you really going to let it all end like this?!"
Adam looks up.
"No, dad!"- He screams- "I will not let our dreams fade away!"
Adam stands up confidently, staring at the creature as it backs away.
"I heard your prayers, everyone. I saw the light once again. Thanks to you, I can finally see that my fears are just mere illusions."- He says- "And I will never back down again!"
As the skeletons close in, Adam grabs a small stick from the ground and angrily pushes his way past the dead. Bones are crushed and dark spirits fly away as the young hero makes one last stand against the darkness.
The wolf, now utterly terrified of his enemy, attempts to back away. But Adam is too fast, too strong for it.
And then, Adam reaches his target and plunges the tiny, but mighty stick into its chest... 
Suddenly, Beowulf- terror of the woods- howls once more. But this time, he seems to be in a lot of pain. He tries to escape again, but it is too late. Soon, Adam channels all of his energy into one enormous, supercharged holy attack that slowly disintegrates the creature's head.
"This is the strength of our bond!"- He yells- "As long as there is light within this world, we shall keep on fighting! And you will never bring us down!"
Beowulf stares at him one last time and realizes just how serious he is.
In a matter of just a few seconds, the dark beast's head melts into a pile of black goo. It tries to howl again, but the sound is soon snuffed out, fading away into the wind like a distant, unpleasant memory.
As Beowulf's headless body collapses on the ground, dead at long last, Adam approaches it and kicks it once. Then twice.
It soon becomes clear that it is not coming back. Adam Kaos- chosen protector of the innocent and devoted guardian of the world- has prevailed. His greatest fears have been defeated and he can finally face the darkness with his head high in the air.
"The wolf is gone. He is no more."- He says, barely believing what he is saying- "We did it. We won."
Suddenly, a massive flash of light illuminates the forest. Now that the cursed lands are free of the wretched creature that inhabited them, the hidden spirits that tried to keep the light intact are now using it to cleanse the vile energies within.
Outside, Jared and Linus are watching this amazing event unfold, unsure how to react. But soon, they realize that it is becoming dangerous for them.
"Cover your eyes, my boy!"- Jared yells- "We may be warriors of the light, but even it can be too strong for us!"
Linus nods.
"Yes, sir!"- He says- "I will!"
In the forest, Marinette stands in front of her nephew and covers his eyes.
"There we go."- She says- "I don't want you to go blind."
Adam smiles.
"Thank you, auntie."
It takes a few minutes, but the light soon fades away. Not long after, Adam opens his eyes and looks around.
He realizes that the forest has returned to its original state. Birds are chirping once again, the bones and blood of the fallen are gone, and the wind, gentle and warm like a morning breeze, blows all around him.
"Well. My job here is done."- Marinette says and hugs Adam one last time- "Good job, nephew. You have won!"
Before Adam could respond, she smiles and fades away, leaving him alone in the forest once again.
Adam looks down at the wolf's corpse and notices that there is a ring of white flowers all around it. He bends down to sniff them and soon, their fragrance gives him newfound hope.
"Once again, the light has prevailed."- He says confidently- "And now, it is time to announce my victory."
Picking up the wolf's corpse with his bare hands and sheathing the sword and shield, Adam walks out of the forest and approaches the village.
Once he leaves the beautiful woods behind, he notices that the villagers are waiting for him. All of them are surprised to see that he has managed to survive.
"Incredible."- The man from earlier says- "So, the prophecy was true. You really are the chosen one!"
He looks at him, surprised.
"But how did you do it?"- He asks- "How did you make it out alive?"
Adam smiles and points at his chest.
"The power of hope and faith has always kept me standing."- He says- "As long as they are still around, there will always be light within my soul."
He turns to the curious villagers and smiles again.
"My friends, the vile shadow of a beast that has plagued you for so long... has finally been defeated. It will never corrupt the peace that we have been keeping for so long, for it is gone forever."- He says proudly and throws its lifeless remains on the ground- "If you never believed in the heroes of our world, then I hope that you finally realized your mistake. There are many who would gladly give their lives away to protect you, in the name of our common future... and I am the living proof of that."
The villagers heartily cheer for Adam as he joins his allies again.
"Adam. I had no doubt that you will succeed."- Jared says to his son- "What you just did is truly spectacular. Unheard of. But to me, it was just another miracle that you performed with your own hands. So, tell me. How do you feel about this?"
Adam smiles.
"It is just another day of the week for me."- He says- "Nothing truly special. Just a job being done."
Linus approaches his friend and pats him on the back.
"You absolute saint! You actually did it!"- He exclaims- "I can't believe it! I'm so proud of you!"
Adam smiles.
"Now that I have managed to conquer my own fears, I am ready to face Darkthrop one last time. My mind is clean of all impurities, so I shall keep on shining."- He says- "Before we go, however, I want to grab something that we can take home once this is over."
Then, in front of everyone else, he pulls out his sword, grabs one of the wolf's claws and unceremoniously cuts it off.
"There we go."- He says and gives it to his father- "Someday, this claw will serve as a trophy. A remnant of those dark times. It will be a memory that will always remind us of who we are, what we have always been fighting for. A valuable trophy of a time long past, a sign of heroism, most appreciated."
He turns around and waves at the villagers.
"I am glad that everything is going well for you!"- He exclaims- "Farewell, for now! And, please, keep on believing! We will keep fighting for you!"
The villagers wave back as the three brave heroes leave, ready to reach their next destination.
"So."- Jared says- "Now that you heart is pure, what shall our next goal be?"
Adam smiles.
"Our next goal is to reach World's End."- He says confidently- "And nothing will ever stop us. We shall stand tall and proud."
Jared smiles as well.
"Very well, then."- He says- "To World's End!"