As the Gravewalker's persistence weighed heavily on Finn's mind, he couldn't help but feel a growing unease. The relentless hunter might just dive down once more to the cave, putting not only his own life in danger but the entire sanctuary.
The cave had only one entrance, accessible through a long tunnel leading to an air pocket that formed the heart of the merman's dwelling.
With this fear gnawing at him, Finn decided that his only option was to leave the cave entirely. He couldn't risk leading the hunter into arthur.
Beneath the tranquil surface of the river, the Gravewalker once again dove into the depths, his relentless pursuit of Arthur driving him further into the unknown. His eyes scanned the underwater world, searching for any trace of the elusive thief.
As he approached the cave entrance, his heart sank when he saw Finn emerging from the tunnel. The merman had been trying to escape, and the Gravewalker was determined not to let him slip through his fingers.
"He's trying to escape! I can't let him!" the Gravewalker thought, his resolve deepening. He charged towards the merman with determination, knowing that capturing him might be the key to finding Arthur.
"I won't let you get away," Gravewalker's thoughts were as relentless as his pursuit.
In a split second, he recognized Finn's intention to flee. With a sense of urgency, he charged towards the merman, knowing that capturing him might be the key to finding Arthur.
Despite the Gravewalker's immense strength, Finn's home ground advantage in the water allowed him to outmaneuver his pursuer. The merman swiftly dodged the Gravewalker's clawed attacks, his sleek, agile form slipping through the water with grace and speed.
In a sudden counterattack, Finn's hand found its target—striking the Gravewalker square in the solar plexus. The blow expelled every ounce of oxygen from the hunter's lungs, leaving him gasping for breath, disoriented and vulnerable.
Seizing this precious moment, Finn didn't hesitate. He swam away from his adversary, determined to escape the relentless grasp of the Gravewalker.
Watching the ongoing struggle from the muddy surface, Cedric's eyes locked onto the scene below. The river, while not particularly deep, was clear enough to allow him a decent view of the underwater confrontation.
Realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. He had a weapon that could make all the difference in this chase—an old but reliable plasma pistol. In this new era, such weapons were not uncommon, and while there were far more destructive armaments available, the plasma pistol would be enough to tip the scales in his favor.
Without a moment's hesitation, Cedric reached for the plasma pistol and took careful aim. His fingers trembled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as he focused on the water below. He knew he had only one shot to change the course of the relentless pursuit.
As he squeezed the trigger, the pistol emitted a brilliant burst of energy, sending a sizzling beam of plasma downward. The shot pierced the water's surface and raced towards the underwater struggle.
Despite the Finn's speed and determination, Finn was still no match for the energy projectile. The plasma bolt struck Finn's abdomen with deadly precision, forcing him to stop in his tracks, wracked with pain and shock.
The sudden impact had taken Finn by surprise, and for a moment, he was paralyzed by the searing pain. This pause allowed the Gravewalker to close the distance rapidly. With his fast healing and incredible constitution, he needed only seconds to recover from the blow.
Finn's vision cleared just in time to see the Gravewalker approaching, and he realized that escape was no longer an option. The relentless hunter was closing in, and the odds were stacked against him.
Desperation surged through Finn, and he knew that he was about to face the most critical moment of his life. The river, once a source of tranquility and serenity, had become a battleground where destinies would be decided, and the fate of Arthur and his own hung in the balance.
Finn's strength wavered as he struggled to swim, his abdomen searing with pain from the plasma pistol's blast. The underwater world, once his sanctuary, now felt like a treacherous abyss. His injured body protested every movement, but he couldn't give up.
Desperation washed over him as he saw the Gravewalker closing in. Finn knew he was nearing the end of his fight. He tried to swim frantically, but it was a futile effort, his movements sluggish and pained. Gravewalker swiftly closed the distance, reaching Finn with a powerful stroke. With a firm grip, he secured the injured merman and began to swim back towards the surface.
Finn's body felt heavy in his arms, but he was determined to bring him to Cedric.
Gasping for air, Finn was dragged to the surface, where Cedric stood, holding the plasma pistol with a mix of pride and relief. The drenched merman could only cast a weary, appreciative glance in Cedric's direction before being presented to his captor.
Cedric couldn't help but express his admiration codly, "Impressive work"
Gravewalker, typically a solitary and formidable presence, remained humble in his victory. He acknowledged Cedric's compliment with a nod of gratitude before explaining, "I couldn't have done it without your help, Lord Cedric."