As Amukelo and Eliss navigated the treacherous corridors of the dungeon, the monotonous cycle of slow progress interspersed with necessary rest and healing continued. Each day blended into the next, marked by the persistent ache of Amukelo's wound and the quiet focus of Eliss's spells. Yet, their routine was abruptly interrupted when they stumbled upon an alarming sight—a demon's corpse sprawled across their path, its presence an anomaly in the dungeon's usual order.
The body was unlike any creature they had previously encountered in the dungeon. More disturbing was the fact that it remained corporeal; where typically the bodies of defeated monsters vanished, this one lingered, the blood still fresh and seeping onto the stone floor. Eliss, with a mixture of curiosity and concern, approached the corpse for a closer examination.
"It must be Oxius," she concluded with a firm tone, her eyes scanning the demonic form. "I'm not sure how it's possible, but he might be using the artifact to summon these demons. Considering the blood is still flowing, they can't be far."
This revelation injected a new urgency into their movements. With the possibility of closing the distance to Oxius now tangible, they quickened their pace. Amukelo, bolstered by Eliss's frequent healing spells—which she was able to cast with greater frequency given her lack of need for personal healing—found his strength returning more rapidly than anticipated. Although the injury still caused discomfort, it was becoming more manageable, more a nuisance than a hindrance.
As they pressed on, their strides became more purposeful, each step driven by the knowledge that their quarry was within reach. Amukelo's resilience in the face of discomfort showcased his determination, and Eliss, ever attentive, matched his pace while keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.
Their progress, though faster, was still inherently limited by their small number. They were acutely aware that even if Oxius's team moved more slowly due to their larger size or potential injuries, the advantage of numbers diminished their own disadvantage.
Then, after another long day of navigating through an especially lengthy corridor, a distant clamor broke the dungeon's oppressive silence. The sound of battle—metal clashing, shouts, and the unmistakable roar of combat—reached their ears, emanating from not far ahead. Amukelo and Eliss exchanged a quick glance, mutual understanding passing between them without a word.
As Amukelo and Eliss charged into the fray, they were met with the chaotic scene of Oxius's followers holding back, directing their summoned demons to engage with the dungeon's native monsters. The clash was fierce and brutal, the air filled with the sounds of combat and the dark energy of the summoned beings tearing through their adversaries.
A follower of Oxius, noticing the approach of Amukelo and Eliss, quickly alerted their master. "Master, they are coming!" he called out urgently. Oxius, his hand reflexively moving to massage the scar over his eye growled in frustration. "These cockroaches again!" His voice was tinged with annoyance and a cold determination. "Everyone, slow them for some time. I will summon more creatures," he commanded, before beginning to weave an intricate series of incantations that summoned a horde of demons and undead warriors to intercept the intruders.
As Amukelo surged forward, his target set on Oxius, he was abruptly intercepted by Oltax, the lizardman whose regrown arms were a testament to his species' regenerative abilities. With a forceful shove, Oltax managed to thwart Amukelo's initial attack, sending him reeling back momentarily. Amukelo's gaze fixed on Oltax with a mixture of anger and hatred. "You piece of shit, you shouldn't have your arms. If cutting your arms is not enough, I will cut your head," he declared with a menacing intensity.
Amukelo lunged forward, his twin swords flashing as he aimed a decisive strike at Oltax's neck. However, just as his blade was about to make contact, a demon stepped in, its arm sheathed in what appeared to be armored scales, blocking the attack. Initially, it seemed the demon had successfully parried Amukelo's strike, but Amukelo, fueled by a surge of rage, shouted, "Get out of my way!" He exerted more force into his swing, the blades of his swords humming with deadly mana as they began to slice through the demon's armored arm. With a gruesome efficiency, the sword cut through the demon's hand and continued its arc, severing the limb completely.
Meanwhile, Eliss was engaged with the mages from Oltax's team, her staff moving in fluid, commanding arcs as she cast barrier spells and offensive magic with precision. Her spells prevent any mage, or other creature from interrupting Amukelo's attack. Her actions not only shield Amukelo but also harry the enemy mages, keeping them off balance and unable to fully support their melee fighters.
With the path momentarily clear, Amukelo took advantage of the distraction Eliss provided. His next movement was a blur, a swift, graceful motion that brought his sword in a lethal arc toward the demon's neck. As the blade connected, it cleaved through with unstoppable force, decapitating the demon in a single, clean strike.
Then Amukelo turned his attention back to the Lizardman who was now standing in disbelief. Amukelo prepared to lung at him again. The tension grew heavier, as Eliss began to overwhelm mages she engaged with in combat. They wanted to finish this madness right here. Oxius wasn't protected by Leviathan and was still within their reach so this was their best chance to finally finish him once and for all.