The Dark Snake's tamer, oblivious to Orion's plan, grew impatient and commanded his spirit beast to end the battle once and for all. "Enough of this! Dark Snake, finish that deer off now!"
With a sinister grin, the Dark Snake coiled its massive body and launched itself at the weakened Nebula. Its red eyes burned with malice as it closed the distance between them. Before Nebula could react, the snake's fangs, dripping with venom, sunk deep into the deer's neck.
The Serenity Forest Deer let out a pained cry as the potent venom began to course through its body. It's once bright, healing light began to flicker and fade as the poison took effect. Nebula's legs gave out, and the majestic creature collapsed to the ground, defeated by the Dark Snake's lethal strike.
The Dark Snake's tamer, watching Nebula's defeat with a triumphant sneer, taunted Orion further. "I told you that you were no match for my Dark Snake! Your Serenity Forest Deer never stood a chance against its power!"
He laughed cruelly, reveling in his victory. "Now you see the consequences of interfering with me. You should have listened when I told you to leave. Perhaps next time, you'll think twice before sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."
To the Dark Snake tamer's surprise, Orion began to laugh. His laughter was calm and confident, as though he had a secret ace up his sleeve. The sudden display of amusement caught the tamer off guard, causing him to falter for a moment.
"What's so funny?" he demanded, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
"You think you've won, but you haven't," Orion said, the grin on his face growing wider. "You've underestimated Nebula and me. We've been holding back this entire time. Nebula was testing his power this entire time."
The Dark Snake tamer's face contorted with confusion and disbelief, unsure of what to make of Orion's words.
As Orion finished speaking, the fallen Nebula began to glow with radiant, healing light. The light was brighter and more powerful than before, pulsing with revitalizing energy. The Dark Snake tamer watched in awe and horror as the deer's wounds closed before his eyes, the venom neutralized by the overwhelming force of the Wood Attribute.
Orion continued, "You see, Nebula's connection to nature allows it to channel an immense amount of healing energy when it's needed most. We've been waiting for the perfect moment to unleash this power, and now that your snake has exhausted its energy, it's time for us to make our move."
Nebula stood up, fully healed and more powerful than before. The once flickering light that surrounded it had become a brilliant aura, its green eyes shining with fierce determination. The deer, now reinvigorated, seemed to have reached an even higher level of power, prepared to face the Dark Snake once more.
The Dark Snake tamer could barely contain his disbelief, his earlier confidence all but shattered. "No... it can't be! How is this possible?" he stammered, his voice shaking.
Orion, his expression calm and composed, replied, "You should never underestimate the power of nature or the bond between a tamer and their spirit beast. We've trained together for years, and our connection has grown stronger with every battle. This is the result of our trust and unity."
With renewed vigor, Nebula charged toward the Dark Snake, unleashing a torrent of razor-sharp leaves with its Leaf Blade ability. The leaves tore through the air, relentlessly attacking the snake from all directions. The Dark Snake, exhausted and caught off guard, struggled to defend itself against the onslaught.
Orion called out, "Now, Nebula! Use Nature's Fury and end this battle!" The Serenity Forest Deer complied, summoning a powerful storm of wind, vines, and branches that further battered the Dark Snake. The snake, unable to withstand the force of Nebula's attack, eventually succumbed to the combined might of the Serenity Forest Deer's abilities.
The Dark Snake's tamer stared in shock as his once formidable spirit beast lay defeated. He had underestimated Orion and Nebula, blinded by arrogance and overconfidence.
As the realization of his loss sank in, he gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Raising his hand, he summoned the Dark Snake back into its spirit form, its body dissolving into shadows before vanishing completely.
With a cold, venomous glare, he turned to Orion and hissed, "You dare to defeat me? I won't forget this humiliation. Mark my words, our paths will cross again, and next time, I'll make sure you won't be so lucky."
Without another word, the defeated tamer turned his back on Orion and Nebula, storming off into the distance, his anger and resentment palpable in the air. He had been bested, but his pride wouldn't allow him to accept the loss graciously. Instead, he was determined to seek revenge, setting the stage for a future encounter between the two tamers.
With a gentle smile, Orion turned to Nebula, his Serenity Forest Deer, and said, "We did it, Nebula. We fought as one, and together we overcame the challenge. I'm proud of you."
Nebula nuzzled against Orion affectionately, a soft and contented sound emanating from the majestic creature. It seemed to understand and appreciate the words of its tamer.
At that moment, Orion remembered the woman they had saved from the Dark Snake's tamer. He looked back to see her standing a short distance away, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and gratitude. She was a young woman, her hair cascading in gentle waves down her back, and her face was a picture of relief and appreciation.
Orion approached her, Nebula following close behind. The woman's eyes followed the Serenity Forest Deer, her expression softening as she took in the beauty of the spirit beast. When Orion reached her, she spoke, her voice trembling slightly, "Thank you for saving me. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't intervened."
Orion offered her a warm and reassuring smile. "You're welcome. I couldn't just stand by and let that man harm you. Nebula and I are glad we could help."
The woman nodded, her gaze returning to Nebula. "Your spirit beast is truly amazing. I've never seen anything like it. The way you two work together is incredible."
Orion beamed with pride, glancing at Nebula. "Thank you. Nebula is more than just a spirit beast to me; we're partners and friends. Our bond is what makes us strong."
