If facing a slightly larger opponent was manageable, what could I do against a monster as vast as an island? Or was this island itself a trap?
Lin Chun also sensed something was wrong. "Brother Lu, let's leave this place quickly. It's too strange!"
I instinctively didn't agree, but in the next moment, I realized the island was moving at an incredible speed. The water churned, creating colossal waves that crashed into the forest, instantly extinguishing the flames.
As expected, we were swept up by these waves. Faced with this situation, both of us could only desperately channel our Shepherd's Power to stabilize ourselves. Fortunately, the island didn't travel far and stopped again after the flames vanished.
I looked towards the edge of the island, expecting to see what lay beneath the washed-away exterior. What I saw were regular patterns, small squares that resembled scales.
"What is this?" Lin Chun asked.
I pondered for a long time before realizing, "It's a turtle!"
"A turtle?" Lin Chun blinked. "What do you mean?"
By now, I had a good idea of what was happening. "This must be a giant turtle that stopped here, perhaps sleeping or resting. It's been here for a very long time... long enough for it to become an island, and for trees to grow. The small animals here likely swam over like us, or perhaps were brought here intentionally..."
Lin Chun finally understood and nodded subconsciously.
"But I'm curious, why would someone lure us onto such a giant turtle?" I looked around and spoke slowly.
Just as Lin Chun was about to offer his guess, his face suddenly paled. His eyes widened in horror as he pointed ahead, trying to speak but unable to form words.
I turned to look in the direction Lin Chun was pointing. The moment I saw what was there, my own face darkened.
It was a massive head. In comparison, we were minuscule. That head exuded an immense pressure upon us. It was undoubtedly the head of this colossal turtle.
Its eyes were fixed on us. I even wondered if this turtle had gained sentience and might speak. But I didn't have the luxury to ponder that, as I clearly saw the giant head moving towards us. Although it appeared slow, given its immense size, its movement was something we couldn't outrun.
Yet, Lin Chun still shouted, "Brother Lu, run!"
I knew we should flee, but could we escape? I dared not dwell on it. The giant turtle opened its maw, engulfing us completely. Running was impossible. Despite our desperate attempts, it was futile. The gaping mouth swallowed us whole...
In that instant, it felt as though the sky had darkened, enveloping everything. We were swallowed by the turtle, along with the surrounding soil, trees, and rubble. I used my Shepherd's Power to protect myself, preventing serious injury from the collision.
When we finally stopped, I found ourselves in a new place. The walls around us seemed to writhe, and the sticky mucus was utterly repulsive. A foul, fishy odor filled the air. Fortunately, my vision wasn't significantly impaired in the darkness.
"Brother Lu... are you alright?" Lin Chun's voice reached me.
I slapped my head to clear my thoughts. I looked around at the remnants of food, the swallowed trees and soil, and scattered stones. "I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm also fine..." Lin Chun replied.
I moved to his side and saw a few scratches on his face, likely from an accidental scrape earlier. Fortunately, the turtle hadn't chewed its food, or we would have been in serious trouble.