The chaos on Lightning Island erupted in an instant, like the breaking of a dam. Clint, the high-bloodline Aswang, had vanished into the shadows, his figure dissolving into the inky blackness as if the darkness itself welcomed him. His plan was clear: to reach the ruins before anyone else. But before retreating, he left a horrifying parting gift, an army of summoned minions and familiars tasked to buy him time.
The minions, grotesque amalgamations of Tiyanaks and Tiktiks fused with Clint's dark blood magic, surged forward with unrelenting ferocity. Their shrieks and growls echoed across the battlefield, a cacophony of terror that set even the bravest hearts on edge.
Among the first to fall was a proud Beastman warrior, his fur bristling as he swung a massive club at the approaching swarm. For a brief moment, he held his ground, his raw strength scattering the smaller minions. But they were relentless, their numbers overwhelming him as they lunged and tore at his flesh. The air filled with the sound of snarls and the wet, sickening squelch of flesh being ripped apart. He roared in defiance to the very end, but it was futile. The creatures drained him dry, leaving nothing but a bloodied husk.
Elsewhere, a cultivator from China, cloaked in golden robes and exuding an aura of immense power, fought valiantly. His swordsmanship was precise and elegant, each swing cutting down dozens of Clint's vile creations. Yet, even he was unprepared for the sudden attack of a Manananggal, its bat-like wings propelling it forward at blinding speed. Its razor-sharp claws tore through his defenses, slicing cleanly through his neck. His headless body collapsed to the ground, the golden robes now soaked in crimson.
While the battlefield became a blood-soaked melee, not everyone succumbed to the chaos. Those with cunning and quick wits took advantage of the distraction, slipping past the carnage and darting into the ruins. Among them were teams of cultivators, sorcerers, and even a pair of sirens who used their hypnotic voices to lull the minions into momentary submission before making their escape.
But for every team that made it to the ruins, dozens more remained trapped in the chaos, forced to fight for their lives. A group of beastmen warriors formed a defensive circle, their claws and weapons slashing through the unrelenting wave of enemies. Nearby, a human knight in gleaming armor held his ground, his shield battered and dented as he swung his broadsword with unwavering determination.
In the midst of the chaos, our trio Emilia, Jose, and I stuck to our plan. We hung back, observing the carnage while remaining undetected.
"Clint's trying to outplay everyone," Jose muttered, his eyes narrowing as he watched the Aswang's minions wreak havoc. "If we go in now, we'll be caught in the crossfire."
"Then we wait for the opening," Emilia said firmly. Her sword was drawn, its polished blade glinting faintly even in the storm's dim light. "When the ruins open, we move."
I nodded, though my gaze lingered on the battlefield. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as I watched the others fall. But there was no room for hesitation or misplaced heroics. Clint's true power lay ahead, and if we were to face him, we needed every advantage we could get.
The storm above intensified, the winds howling as lightning illuminated the battlefield in blinding flashes. Each bolt revealed the horrors unfolding below bloodied bodies, shattered weapons, and the unrelenting tide of Clint's monstrous creations.
Suddenly, the earth trembled. A low, guttural growl echoed from the direction of the ruins, and the energy surrounding the area shifted. The barrier protecting the ruins flickered, then began to dissolve. All eyes turned toward the entrance, even the minions hesitating momentarily as if awaiting their master's command.
The ruins were opening. The real battle was about to begin.
The Bakunawa's roar echoed across the island, a deep, guttural sound that reverberated in my chest. It was as if the great serpent-dragon was signaling the beginning of something monumental, an event that would change the fate of everyone present. Lightning crackled across the sky, illuminating the ruins that had just emerged from beneath the ground. The barrier protecting them shimmered one final time before dissolving into thin air.
For a moment, the battlefield paused in eerie silence, the warring parties stunned by the sheer power of the Bakunawa's presence. Then, chaos erupted once more. Teams surged forward, desperate to claim the ruins and the treasures hidden within. Battles broke out as groups clashed, each determined to be the first to enter. Clint, the cunning Aswang, had already slipped through the entrance, his shadowy figure disappearing into the depths. His minions remained behind, snarling and snapping as they blocked the path for others.
Amidst the chaos, I heard it a voice, soft yet commanding, speaking directly into my mind.
You must go now. The path you seek is not where others tread.
The sensation was overwhelming, a pull deep within my soul. My gut churned with certainty, urging me to turn away from the fray and head elsewhere. My instincts pointed to a different part of the island, one away from the main ruins.
I grabbed Jose and Emilia's arms, pulling them close. "We can't fight through this. There's another way."
"What are you talking about?" Emilia asked, her brows furrowed as she glanced toward the ruins. "That's where the hilt is. If we don't act now, Clint will get it."
"I know," I replied, my voice firm. "But I have a feeling… something's guiding me. There's another path a better path. Around the corner of the island. There's supposed to be a balete tree. We need to go there."
Jose tilted his head, his expression contemplative. "You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"Yes," I said. "I don't know how to explain it, but I'm sure of it."
Emilia hesitated, looking between me and the chaos unfolding near the ruins. "If you're wrong about this—"
"I'm not," I interrupted. "Trust me."
Emilia sighed, sheathing her sword with a reluctant nod. "Fine. But this better be worth it."
Jose didn't need any more convincing. He shrugged, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You've got my vote. Lead the way."
We turned away from the battlefield, slipping into the shadows of the dense forest. The sounds of battle faded behind us as we made our way around the edge of the island. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of adrenaline and anticipation.
The forest grew thicker as we moved, the air colder and heavier. It was as if we had crossed into another realm entirely. The moonlight barely penetrated the canopy above, and the ground was tangled with roots and vines. Despite the eerie atmosphere, I felt a strange sense of purpose, as though this was where we were meant to be.
After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at the balete tree. It stood tall and imposing, its gnarled roots twisting like the limbs of some ancient creature. The tree seemed alive, its leaves rustling despite the absence of wind. A faint glow emanated from its trunk, pulsing like a heartbeat.
"This is it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jose stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the tree. "There's something… strange about this place. It's almost like—"
Before he could finish, the tree's glow intensified, and the ground beneath us trembled. A section of the roots shifted, revealing a hidden passageway descending into darkness.
Emilia unsheathed her sword again, her grip tightening. "Well, that's convenient."
"Let's go," I said, stepping forward. My instincts hadn't led me wrong so far, and I wasn't about to doubt them now.
We descended into the passageway, the air growing colder with every step. The faint glow of the tree above faded, leaving us in near-total darkness save for the light emanating from Jose's orb of fire.
"What do you think we'll find down here?" Emilia asked, her voice echoing off the walls.
"Answers," I replied. "And maybe a way to stop Clint."
The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: we were on a different journey now, one that would take us deeper into the mysteries of the island and the forces that had drawn us here.
The ruins had transformed into a labyrinth of vast chambers and endless corridors, each filled with ancient carvings and glowing symbols. Those who entered through the main entrance were scattered across this vast dimension-like space, each group facing unique trials and dangers. Meanwhile, at the base of the Balete tree, our confrontation was about to begin.
As the white portal shimmered before us, the Diwata her ethereal form radiant in the moonlight emerged from the Balete tree. Her every movement exuded grace and power. She pointed toward the portal, her expression serene but commanding, urging us to step through.
Before we could move, a rustling sound from the forest caught our attention. The shadows thickened, and from the undergrowth emerged three figures. They were clad in ornate robes, their presence exuding an air of authority and danger. These were no ordinary warriors.
"You've led us on quite the chase, boy," the one in the lead said, his voice calm but edged with menace. His eyes were sharp, and his aura crackled with suppressed energy. "Hand over the scroll."
I hesitated, my mind racing. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied, my voice steady despite the tension in the air.
"Don't play dumb," another cultivator sneered, stepping forward. She was smaller in stature but radiated an equally deadly aura. She held up a jade talisman, which began to glow faintly. "This artifact doesn't lie. It's resonating with the scroll's energy on you."
I cursed inwardly. There was no denying it now.
The leader stepped closer, his hand hovering over the hilt of a sleek, curved blade. "We don't want unnecessary bloodshed. Give us the scroll, and we'll let you leave in one piece."
Jose cracked his knuckles, stepping between me and the cultivators. "You're in the wrong place if you think threats will work."
Emilia drew her sword, her movements fluid and deliberate. "Three against three. Fair enough."
The tension snapped like a taut string. In an instant, the three cultivators attacked, their movements precise and synchronized.
The first cultivator lunged at me, but Jose intercepted him, conjuring a wall of fire that forced the man to leap back. With a flick of his wrist, Jose sent a barrage of fireballs flying toward his opponent, who skillfully dodged each one, his speed almost inhuman.
The cultivator retaliated with a wind technique, creating razor-sharp gusts that sliced through the air. Jose grinned, his confidence unshaken, and countered by heating the wind itself, turning it into searing waves of heat that forced his opponent to retreat.
Emilia faced off against the smallest of the three cultivators. Despite her opponent's size, she was lightning-fast, her twin daggers flashing as she struck at Emilia from multiple angles.
But Emilia was a knight of Arthurian lineage, her movements honed through years of training. She parried the daggers with ease, her longsword a blur as it deflected each strike. The clash of steel echoed through the forest as the two engaged in a deadly dance, neither gaining the upper hand.
The leader of the cultivators targeted me, his movements calculated and relentless. He didn't draw his blade, instead relying on powerful bursts of energy that sent shockwaves through the ground. I dodged clumsily, barely managing to avoid the brunt of his attacks.
"You're out of your depth, boy," he taunted, his voice calm even as he attacked.
I clenched my fists, drawing on my qi to reinforce my body. My recent breakthrough had granted me increased strength, but it wasn't enough to match his experience. I tried to counter with strikes of my own, but he deflected them effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.
"Pathetic," he sneered, unleashing a wave of energy that sent me sprawling.
As I struggled to get up, the Diwata raised her hand. A soft, melodic hum filled the air, and golden vines erupted from the ground, entangling the leader and pulling him back. He growled in frustration, slashing at the vines to free himself.
"Go!" the Diwata commanded, her voice echoing in my mind. "The portal will not remain open for long."
Emilia and Jose disengaged from their opponents, retreating toward the portal.
"Jiro, now!" Emilia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
I scrambled to my feet, my body aching from the leader's attacks. The cultivators were regrouping, preparing for another assault. With a final glance at the Diwata, who was holding them off with her golden vines, I turned and sprinted toward the portal.
The moment we stepped through, the world around us shifted. The air grew colder, and the forest vanished, replaced by the ruins' interior. It was a vast, otherworldly space, its architecture ancient and alien. Glowing runes lined the walls, and the faint hum of energy resonated through the air.
I collapsed onto the ground, my breath coming in ragged gasps.