Unexpectedly, Zac's resonant voice echoed within Clarisse's thoughts, a unique advantage granted by their connection through the Death Scripture. "Do you possess any artifact capable of concealing your aura?" he inquired.
Caught off guard by the telepathic communication, Clarisse was puzzled. Mental transmission was a skill typically reserved for those at elevated stages of power. "Yes, but it's only sufficient for one person," she responded, curiosity piqued as to Zac's strategic intentions.
"Pay close attention to my instructions. I intend to create a diversion imminently, obscuring his field of vision. Seize that moment to advance toward the battlefield. Ensure Elise's presence remains concealed by utilizing the aforementioned artifact," Zac directed with seriousness.
"Absolutely not, we refuse to leave you isolated," Clarisse asserted resolutely.
"Clarisse, you're not forsaking us. We're dispersing in different directions. I have my means of survival," Zac reassured.
Persisting in her concern, Clarisse remained unconvinced. However, Zac, invoking his authority through the Death Scripture, declared, "Clarisse, that's an order." In an instant, the symbol on her forehead radiated briefly, and she acquiesced with a nod.
Observing Craig poised to take action, Bella cautioned Zac through their mental connection, "Zac, the timing is ideal."
Without awaiting a reply, Zac employed his mental prowess to inspect his space bracelet. Abruptly, four smoke canisters materialized in his hands. Pulling the pins, he launched them in Craig's direction.
Craig, positioned opposite Zac, witnessed the cylindrical canisters make contact with the ground. Unperturbed, he sensed no imminent threat but opted for caution, maintaining a safe distance from the devices.
Upon impact with the ground, the canisters initiated the release of a dense white smoke, shrouding the entire vicinity.
"Run," commanded a voice resonating in Clarisse's mind. Having already employed the concealed aura treasure on Elise per Zac's directive, Clarisse swiftly hoisted her charge and sprinted purposefully toward the battlefield.
Seizing the opportunity, Zac exploited the cover of the billowing smoke to dart into the depths of the jungle, strategically evading the impending beast tide.
As the billowing smoke obscured Craig's vision, he derisively remarked, "Do you believe you can elude me with some mere paltry tricks?" Dismissing Zac's tactics, he prepared to pursue, only to confront an unexpected puzzle—three figures maneuvering in two divergent paths. Despite his heightened senses detecting three entities, he found himself unable to discern Zac among them. Two figures veered toward the depths of the forest, leaving him perplexed.
Amidst the confusion, Craig reflected on the circumstances. Aware of Clarisse's protective instincts toward the child, he reasoned that she wouldn't willingly permit Zac to escape into the forest alone. Additionally, it seemed improbable for the sisters to separate. Thus, deducing that the two figures heading into the forest must be the sisters, Craig smirked with malevolence.
An evil laugh escaped him as he fixated on the direction of the battlefield. His decision made, Craig propelled himself towards the battleground with unwavering determination, underestimating the intricacies of Zac's strategic misdirection.
Craig's assumption regarding Clarisse's reluctance to allow Zac's escape towards the depths of the forest proved accurate. However, Craig remained oblivious to the intricacies of the Death Scripture and Zac's formidable control over Clarisse.
Meanwhile, Zac executed a swift sprint through the dense foliage of the forest, with Bella in tow, who had returned to her normal size. Zac's strategic decision to have Clarisse conceal Elise's aura using a valuable treasure underscored his tactical acumen. In light of their exposed identities and the predictable tendency of the sisters to stay together, Zac exploited the situation to gain a numerical advantage, relying on the obstruction of his adversary's vision.
The success of Zac's ploy became evident as Craig, falling victim to the ruse, shared the misguided belief that the two figures escaping into the forest's depths must be the sisters.
Zac acknowledged, heeding her caution about the impending encounter with the beast tide.
"I'm aware, Bells. Scan the beast tide and identify a creature of considerable size and strength comparable to ours. Ensure it's situated at the border of the beast tide and is safely reachable for us," Zac requested with a sense of urgency.
Taking swift action, Zac ascended a tree, skillfully navigating its branches to gain elevation. Meanwhile, Bella harnessed the power of the wind to elevate herself, asserting, "Remaining stagnant here won't alter our circumstances. I've detected several beasts maneuvering through the trees in this direction."
Acknowledging Bella's observation, Zac inquired, "Have you identified a suitable candidate as per my request?"
"I've narrowed down a few options. Currently analyzing various factors to make a final decision," Bella reported.
In the distance, the trees began to tremble, signaling the approach of an imminent force. Zac, recognizing the urgency of the situation, urged, "Bells, time is of the essence. Expedite the process; our window is closing."
"I'm aware, Zac. Working on it. Calculating the safest route to approach the chosen beast," Bella assured, maintaining focus amidst the unfolding urgency.
In an abrupt disruption, a thunderous roar seized Zac's attention, echoing through the quivering foliage. His gaze was drawn to the emergence of an ape-like creature, distinguished by its striking golden fur, a sinewy and well-defined physique, and penetrating pitch-black eyes. The creature, upon locking eyes with Zac, emitted a resounding roar, setting off a chain reaction. Subsequent to its proclamation, a cohort of additional ape-like beings materialized from the concealed depths of the trees, collectively advancing with purpose, their swings directed toward Zac.
'Bells!' Zac urgently called out.
'Understood,' came Bella's prompt response, accompanied by the swift transmission of the beast's location and the optimal route for approach. Without awaiting acknowledgment, she transformed into a diminutive figure, taking refuge in Zac's pocket. Shadows materialized beneath his feet as Zac seamlessly employed the Shadow Step ability, causing his form to vanish from sight with an air of enigmatic flair.
The simian contingent, having lost their intended target, responded with resounding roars, signaling their frustration. Meanwhile, Zac, employing the covert technique of Shadow Veil for concealment, adeptly approached the creature that Bella had designated. This unique specimen bore the resemblance of a rhinoceros, yet its fiery-horned visage and colossal fourfold size set it apart. Intricately adorned with dark gray scales and a tail embedded with menacing spikes, the creature emanated an aura of formidable power. Zac, having conveyed his strategy telepathically to Bella, prepared to execute their plan.
'Bells, initiate an ice attack on the creature to divert its attention,' Zac instructed.
Complying with precision, Bella launched a small ice spear at the creature, which, upon impact, shattered against its formidable scales. Unfazed, the creature glanced around briefly before resuming its course.
'Bells, intensify the attack. I can't maintain this concealment indefinitely,' Zac urged.
"I'm doing my best. I'm cautious not to draw the attention of the other beasts," Bella reassured.
In response to Zac's plea, additional ice spears materialized in the air and struck the creature. Although the beast remained unscathed, an audible cry escaped its formidable form. Disturbed by the source of the ice onslaught, it deviated from the tide, redirecting its course toward the point of origin of the magical projectiles.
"Bells, it's time. Let's make it quick," Zac declared, and in a synchronized move, they manifested in front of the rhino. Bella harnessed her earth magic to ensnare the creature's foot while Zac seized the opportunity to employ the dagger in his possession, aiming precisely for the rhino's eyes. The creature bellowed in agony; its cries encapsulated within an elemental barrier skillfully erected by Bella.
Zac pressed on, driving the dagger deeper into the creature's eyes until it reached the crucial point, prompting the rhino's spasmodic writhing. Unfazed, Zac continued until the creature succumbed to stillness. Without hesitation, Zac, his hands now stained with the creature's blood, swiftly carved a substantial opening in its belly, creating ample space for him to enter. Harnessing his powers, Zac initiated a mystical resurrection, coaxing the rhino back from the brink of death.
As dark energy enshrouded the once-lifeless creature, it now stood resurrected under Zac's control.
Zac, accompanied by Bella who had discreetly retreated into his pocket, ventured into the interior of the undead rhino's stomach. Delegating control to Bella, who relied on real-time footage from miniature drones to guide their progression with calculated precision. The unconventional sight of the undead rhino navigating the forest in the opposite direction drew intermittent attention from other creatures. Momentarily puzzled by the peculiar spectacle, some beasts would turn around, only to dismiss the unusual occurrence and resume their course.
In this surreal procession, the duo skillfully manipulated the undead rhino to traverse the forest depths undetected.
In a twist of events, Craig successfully closed the distance to his perceived targets, only to discover the deceptive ploy when he realized the figures were the two sisters, not Zac. Frustration etched across his face, he harbored the desire to retaliate, but prudently restrained himself, cognizant of the potential consequences. With a begrudging acknowledgment of the stratagem employed against him, Craig opted to abandon pursuit of the sisters and redirected his efforts toward the forest's depths, determined to locate the elusive Zac.
A considerable span of time elapsed since the undead rhino, bearing Zac and the concealed Bella, distanced itself from the tumultuous beast tide. Remarkably, they navigated the forest's perils without encountering any threats, attributing their safe passage to the protective guise of the undead beast's body. The duo speculated that the concealment provided by their peculiar transport rendered them undetectable to other entities within the mystical woods. Even the notorious Bloodthorn trees, renowned for their aggression, remained inert as the unconventional procession passed unharmed.
Venturing beyond the ominous canopy of Bloodthorn trees, Bella meticulously surveyed the surroundings for signs of life. To their surprise, her scans revealed an absence of any discernible life forms in the vicinity.
With a decisive signal from Bella, Zac cautiously emerged from the confines of the undead rhino's body, stretching his fatigued limbs. The respite was short-lived as Bella, concealed in his pocket, swiftly reminded him of the imperative need to continue their quest for escape.
Before Zac could formulate a response, an unprecedented pressure seized him, arresting his movements. A tense silence hung in the air, shattered by an irate voice that resonated with authority, declaring, "Did you believe you could elude me after making a mockery of my pursuit?"