"So this is the second monster lair? Doesn't look all too different from the last one." Steven said, observing the cave.
"Most lairs tend to look the same. Especially when they live in the same kind of environment." Bea responded.
"I see. So what kind of enemy is the boss we're dealing with?" Steven looked back at Bea.
"If I recall correctly, the monster leader here specializes in polearms."
"That so…?"
I walked over next to Steven and looked down at the cave. I could hear the growls of the monsters coming from deep within the cave.
"Let's get this second lair done and over with." I said, jumping out from my hiding spot and walking towards the cave entrance.
Just like before, monsters rushed out of the cave in an attempt to stop us. As the monsters approached me, I unsheathed Genki and readied myself.
"Blazing Blade."
By the time the first monster got to me, Genki was already engulfed in flames and easily made quick work of it. Before the other monsters could even get close to me, Steven activated his Genmochi's ability, creating a giant shadow bear which loomed over the monsters.
The giant shadow slammed its claws into two of the monsters, sending them flying into the side of the cave. As for the remaining four monsters, they tried rushing the large shadow but were swiftly put down when the shadow stepped on them.
"I thought you could only create inanimate objects?" I asked, looking at Steven as he jumped out from his hiding spot.
"I thought so too at first but Zi told me otherwise. It takes a huge toll on my stamina though so I'll probably continue sticking with inanimate objects for the time being."
"Good luck you two!" Bea's voice shot out from within the bush we were hiding in.
Steven and I both exchanged glances before turning back towards Bea and giving her a thumbs up. Steven and I both nodded at each other before running into the lair.
Just like the first cave, this one was also pitch black. This one was a little more open though which gave me and Steven more space to fight without the risk of hitting each other.
"Compared to Takamori's lair, these monsters aren't as organized with their attacks." Steven said, defeating two monsters with one thrust.
"I know, right? Despite how easy this is, I can't help but shake that there's something off about this place." I said, defeating a monster that was trying to attack us from behind.
Steven and I pushed further into the cave until we reached an area illuminated by sparkling gems. At the end of the opening was a monster which looked similar to Takamori.
"Hey, John?" Steven looked over at me.
"Hm?"
"Let me take care of this one. You got to fight Takamori by yourself so it's only fair that I get to fight this one by myself." Steven reached out his arm to stop me from moving forward.
"He's all yours then." I said, sheathing Genki and sitting back against the wall.
As Steven began walking towards the monster, that bad feeling from before suddenly reappeared. Right as I was about to step forward, a spear shot right past Steven's head and landed right next to mine.
"Looks like you're ready to go as well. Let's get this show started then!" Steven shouted, readying his weapon.