Chapter 113: into the unknown
The jungle became more dark than its previous state. The trees concealed an unnatural darkness despite the sun being only recently set. Long abnormal shadows extended through the darkness while the atmosphere carried a threatening energy that remained wordless.
As leader Natasha used her heightened perception to detect every faint noise during their passage through the dense undergrowth. The darkness of the jungle led Alison as she walked by his side with his sword drawn and prepared. All three companions followed behind Natasha despite their weakened state because they refused to be left behind.
"This place feels cursed," Dren muttered, adjusting the straps on his gauntlets. "Like something is watching us."
Ira stopped, closing her eyes. She extended her hands toward the barrier while weak golden light shone from between her fingers as she searched for its source. She gazed through her eyes with a serious face.
While Eldric rested against a tree with heavy breathing Natasha turned to look at him. "How much time do we have?"
Eldric used his sleeve to remove the sweat from his head. According to Eldric the situation grows critical because they use their human captives as ritual sacrifices. The upcoming events will unfold shortly according to their plans.
Ira sank to the floor as she placed both hands on the earth. The magic beneath her fingertips glowed golden as runes appeared before her. Ira pushed through the resisting barrier while sweat formed droplets on her forehead.
Natasha turned, heart pounding. The faint jungle noises evolved into louder sounds and eventually turned into soundless footprints.
The command from Natasha only needed one repetition. She launched herself forward to strike against the enemy who held the closest weapon. A shower of sparks erupted when she blocked and defended against the warrior who ended up stunned from her counterattack.
During their battle Alison unleashed his lethal attacks while fighting by her side. Each enemy warrior died but fresh fighters continued their advance.
A loud roar emerged from Dren as he hit the earth with both his fists. The power of his strike made multiple enemies airborne but this attack failed to eliminate all enemies.
A new wave of approaching enemies threatened when something shifted within the air. Golden energy burst forth from Ira into the darkness as a brilliant sunbeam would burst through the night.
The warriors suddenly stopped moving and their bodies turned rigid before their bodies dropped to the ground like broken marionettes.
Ira swayed but caught herself. "The barrier was controlling them. When they lose their connection to the barrier they revert to lifeless bodies.
Natasha cleaned her blade while her breathing became rapid from exhaustion. "Then let's keep moving. We're running out of time."
The jungle possessed different characteristics on the opposite side of the barrier. The trees had warped shapes while their burnt blackened bark covered their trunks. The environment was suffocated by a foul odor which permeated the air.
A large structure appeared in the distance which turned out to be an ancient ruin with its stone walls decorated by mysterious red symbols.