# **Four months Prior**Amidst the dense trees, the thud of Daniel's sprint echoed through the forest, his breaths quickening with each step. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting fleeting shadows as he darted through the foliage. "This is not my idea of weekend training, sir!" Daniel shouted in frustration. The massive grizzly bear pursued him, a menacing force of nature with fur that seemed to absorb the sunlight.Its fur, a dull and coarse blend of dark browns and muted grays, stood out against the vibrant greens of the forest. Towering at an imposing 10 feet on its hind legs and 6 feet on all fours, the bear's scarred and weathered body spoke of battles faced and survived. Glowing red eyes out for blood it's jagged claws extended from massive paws and it weighed a staggering 1,648 pounds."Daniel, there's no escape; you must face it head-on," Arc Bishop Michael said through the frantic pace of the chase. Daniel, breathless, yelled in response, "How do you expect me to fight

Verona Italy, Haunted peaks stronghold.12:31 am Verona time, Daniels location.12:31 am Florence time, Holly's location The Church western.Daniel crashed through the window of the upstairs corridor, shards of glass flying in all directions as he rolled to his feet. The sensation of glass shattering around him, the rush of cold air against his skin, and the jolt as he hit the ground. Before he could catch his breath, his eyes locked onto Soul, who stood across the room with a predatory grin."You just had to make a dramatic entrance, didn't you?" Soul mocked Daniel "More like a painful entrance," Daniel muttered as he got up and rushed after Soul, his fists flying in a flurry of blows. Each strike was met with Soul's deft parries "I've only needed one hand this whole fight, not impressed," Soul boasted as he effortlessly blocked Daniel's attacks with one hand. Gritting his teeth, Daniel struggled to gain the upper hand, his frustration mounting with each failed strike. With a swift k