Chapter 39: The god’s flower

After three months of rigorous training at Venom Hunters, Marcelino was a transformed man. Once slender, he was now muscular and proficient in combat skills and other superhuman abilities. This was the day of his final trial.

“John, are you ready for your final test? You still have a chance to back out. You could lose your life,” Ms. Anamae advised, her eyes serious as she looked at him.
“Since I set foot here, Ms. Anamae, I accepted that my life was fifty percent in the grave already. Today, I’ll prove how strong I’ve become. Thank you for everything, but there’s no need to worry,” Marcelino replied confidently.

As Marcelino stood before the leaders of Venom Hunters, the atmosphere was tense.
“John, are you ready for your final trial?” asked one of the elders, his voice echoing across the hall.
“Yes, I am ready,” Marcelino responded with determination.

“Then let’s begin your final test,” the elder announced, handing him the details of his mission.
His task was to survive on the infamous Death Island, located near Venom Hunters. This island was known for its dangerous wildlife, especially the venomous snakes and insects that inhabited it. Marcelino’s mission was to retrieve a rare flower that grew only on this island—a flower said to cure any illness, even cancer.

“Remember, John, this island is treacherous. Many have tried and failed. Be careful,” Anamae warned.
“I will, Ms. Anamae. I’ve prepared for this moment,” Marcelino assured her.

“Good luck, John. Return safely,” Anamae said, her voice filled with hope.

Marcelino donned his protective gear designed to withstand the venomous bites of snakes and insects. As he ventured into the dense forest, the sound of rustling leaves and distant hisses surrounded him.
“What makes this place so deadly?” Marcelino muttered to himself, recalling Anamae’s words about the dangers lurking in the shadows.

As he pressed on, he encountered several venomous snakes. One snake, quicker than the others, managed to bite him on the leg.
“Damn it!” Marcelino cursed, feeling the burning sensation spread.

Quickly, he cut into his leg, allowing the venom to bleed out. He applied the antidote he had brought along, grateful for his training.
“Can’t let a snake take me down,” he said, gritting his teeth against the pain.

The island was filled with perilous creatures, each more dangerous than the last. But Marcelino’s resolve was unshakable.
Eventually, Marcelino reached a cliff swarming with deadly insects and snakes. A single bite could prove fatal.

“There it is,” he whispered, spotting the unique flower blooming amidst the nests of snakes and insects.
Using his resourcefulness, Marcelino lit a fire, creating smoke to drive the creatures away.

“This has to work,” he thought, watching the snakes and insects retreat from the smoke.
As their attention diverted, Marcelino seized the opportunity. He sprinted towards the flower, dodging the remaining threats.
“Almost there!” he shouted, adrenaline coursing through him.

Just as he grabbed the flower, several snakes lunged at him, sinking their fangs into his skin.
“No!” Marcelino cried, feeling his strength waning.

Despite the pain, he held onto the flower. But as he turned to escape, the ground beneath him crumbled, and he plummeted into the rushing waters below.
The river’s current was strong, pulling Marcelino along its course. As he struggled to keep his head above water, he clutched the flower tightly.
“I won’t let this be the end,” Marcelino thought, fighting to stay conscious.

The water tossed him around, but his will to survive was stronger.
“Hold on, John!” he told himself, kicking against the current with all his might.

Finally, the river calmed, and Marcelino managed to crawl onto the bank, exhausted but alive.
“I did it,” he murmured, holding the flower up triumphantly. “I survived Death Island.”

As he lay by the riverbank, Marcelino decided to eat the flower, driven by a gut feeling. To his amazement, the moment he consumed it, all his wounds began to heal rapidly, as if touched by magic. The flower’s effects were truly miraculous, and Marcelino understood why it was fiercely guarded by the deadly snakes and insects. This was no ordinary plant; it was the “Flower of the Gods.”
“This is why it’s called that,” he thought, marveling at the healing power coursing through his body.

On his journey back to Venom Hunters, Marcelino saw the remains of those who had attempted the trial before him. Skulls and bones lay scattered, silent witnesses to the island’s lethal reputation.
Back at Venom Hunters

“Two weeks have passed since John left for his final trial. Do you think he’s still alive?” an elder asked his companions.
“He’s probably dead by now! Just like all the others who dared to take the test. Not a single student has returned alive, except for those who are practically inhuman!” another elder scoffed.
“I still believe in John. He’ll make it back,” Ms. Anamae said, worry etched on her face.

“He’s probably snake food by now!” Victor sneered, overhearing the elders' conversation. His gang snickered and mocked Marcelino’s chances.
“Don’t get your hopes up; he’s dead for sure!” Victor added, laughing with his cronies.

“Who’s dead? Me?” came a loud voice from behind them. It was Marcelino, standing strong and holding the sacred Flower of the Gods.
“John!” Ms. Anamae exclaimed joyfully, rushing over to him.

The others turned, shock etched on their faces as Marcelino strode forward, evidence of his victory in hand. Silence fell as everyone realized he had defied the odds and returned triumphant.