Captain Robert and Bennet cautiously approached the area where Captain Orion and Travis, the captain of the LeRuk Pirates. Captain Robert led the way, while Bennet closely followed.
"What was that creature we saw out there?" Captain Robert inquired, his voice steady and laced with curiosity.
"It's the person I was fighting against a while ago," Orion replied, his voice carrying a note of disdain. His eyes bore into Captain Robert as if challenging him to question further.
Captain Robert's heart skipped a beat after hearing the answer.
"Kai?" Captain Robert couldn't hide the disbelief in his voice.
"That's Kai?" He exchanged a quick glance with Bennet.
"You seem surprised, Moon Raider. Did you not know about his ability?"
"That's not his ability," Captain Orion responded, his voice tinged with a mixture of irritation and curiosity. "I think that's a curse."
Travis, the LeRuk Pirate captain, furrowed his brows, perplexed by the revelation. "A curse? Did you curse him?" He glanced suspiciously at Captain Orion.
Orion scoffed at the accusation, his patience wearing thin. "Don't be stupid. I don't possess such an ability," he retorted dismissively.
Bennet, concealed beneath his mask and hood, seized the opportunity to interject, he tried to sound older to obscure his identity further. "That, my friends, is the seed of Erebus,".
"The seed of Erebus? How did you come by such knowledge?" Captain Orion inquired, his interest piqued despite his initial reluctance to engage in conversation.
"I... I encountered a similar case a decade ago," he fabricated, his words chosen with care to maintain the ruse. The half-truth was a calculated risk, a necessary deception.
Travis, still suspicious but momentarily placated by the explanation, continued to scrutinize the masked figures before him. "A decade ago, you say? Well, it seems we have stumbled upon an intriguing mystery."
"We have to work together for now to defeat that creature and bring Kai back," Captain Robert urged, emphasizing the gravity of their shared mission.
Travis, though hesitant, deflected the responsibility of leadership. "Don't look at me; I'm not the one who makes the decisions," he retorted, his distrust still lingering beneath the surface.
"Fine... Once that thing is down, the alliance is over." Captain Orion's words carried a tone of finality, a reminder that their partnership was born out of necessity, not camaraderie.
"Sounds good," said Captain Robert, understanding that their alliance was a fragile alliance of convenience.
"Travis, you will be the front guy," Captain Orion commanded, allocating roles for their upcoming confrontation with the formidable seed of Erebus.
"W-why me? Can't it be this watcher guy?" Travis protested, reluctance evident in his voice.
"I don't have two hearts," Captain Robert interjected, a reminder of the advantage Travis possessed.
"I don't either." Bennet chimed in, asserting his own limitations.
Travis resigned to his fate, understood that the dual hearts he possessed came with a price, not just the gift of resilience. Sure he doesn't die easily but the pain that he feels is real. Enduring numerous stab wounds that would incapacitate a regular individual only subjected him to prolonged suffering, and he wondered if the ability to cheat death was truly a gift or a cruel curse.
Captain Orion, focusing on their strategy, continued, "You and me will damage that creature as much as we can," gesturing toward Captain Robert. The plan was clear: they needed to weaken the seed of Erebus as much as possible.
"How about me?" asked Bennet, eager to contribute, inquired about his role.
"I don't think you have any value," Captain Orion declared, his tone dismissive and brutal in its honesty. "You are too weak to damage and definitely too weak to tank that creature."
"I want to help," Bennet affirmed.
Captain Orion replied indifferently, "Feel free, just make sure you don't obstruct our path."
"If you prefer, we can swap positions. I don't mind staying here and keeping watch." Travis offered.
"Would you like me to kill you?" Captain Orion's response carried a menacing undertone.
"Never mind, I'm pumped and ready to take on that creature!" Travis quickly retracted his suggestion.
With their roles and preparations settled, the group turned their attention back to the looming threat – the mysterious manifestation born from Erebus's seed, the formidable entity that had once been Captain Kai. As they braced themselves for the impending confrontation, the world around them seemed to hold its breath, the very air pulsating with otherworldly energy, while shadows danced ominously beneath the canopy of ancient trees.
Captain Orion, taking the lead, positioned himself in front, his sword poised and his eyes fixed on the spectral creature. Travis, grim determination etched on his face, flanked Orion's side, his knuckles clenched and ready for combat. Bennet and Captain Robert relegated to a supporting role, stayed close but out of their immediate path, watching and waiting for an opportunity to assist.
The cursed manifestation of Captain Kai ensnared in shadows, appeared unaware of their presence, writhing and convulsing as if battling some unseen foe.
As they walked closer, they could see it more clearly now. The once man was distorted, his body wrapped in an ever-shifting shroud of shadow. Eerie whispers emanated from within, a haunting chorus of indiscernible voices.
Without warning, the shadowy creature lunged forward, its movements fluid yet erratic. It seemed driven by a dark, malevolent force, its actions devoid of the tactical finesse that Kai had once possessed. Travis met the initial charge, intercepting the creature's strike with his enhanced strength. The impact sent tremors through his body, but he held his ground, pushing back against the relentless assault.
Captain Orion joined the fray, his sword a blur as he launched a series of precise strikes but the creature contorted and flowed like a shadow, rendering their attacks largely ineffective.
Amid the chaotic dance of shadow and steel, Captain Robert did not stand idly by. With a powerful lunge, he joined the offensive, his blade striking true and finding purchase within the shadowy creature's core.
Bennet watched from the periphery, analyzing the situation and searching for a way to contribute. He knew his physical abilities were limited compared to the others, but he had a keen mind and resourcefulness.
"I sense your desire to aid in this battle," Lamia's voice resonated. "I have unlocked the Omnivamp Aura, a formidable ability that grants you the power to harness the life force of those you face."
Bennet's eyes widened as he tried to understand the new ability. Lamia's guidance continued, providing clarity to his bewildered thoughts.
"Omnivamp is the ability to draw vitality from various sources. In this realm, it allows you to siphon energy from both the living and the cursed, making it a versatile and potent tool in our fight against the seed of Erebus."
Bennet nodded in understanding, realizing the significance of this power. The Omnivamp Aura would enable him to sustain himself in battle, not only through physical abilities but by drawing sustenance from the very essence of his opponent.
"The Erebus seed is nothing but an energy," Lamia's voice echoed in his mind, "Every time it gets damaged, energies are being wasted. The sooner it expires, the sooner your friend will be freed."
Bennet absorbed Lamia's words, realizing the strategic importance of diminishing the Erebus seed's energy. He turned his attention back to the battlefield, where the intense struggle between Captain Orion, Travis, and Captain Robert continued.
"Thank you, Lamia. I owe you!" Bennet exclaimed silently within his thoughts.