"Frostpike Lance!"
Suddenly, an impressive formation of ice in the shape of a spear pierced both wings of the beast, pinning them together and ripping the creature away before crashing into a nearby column. Simultaneously, Trevor's broadsword was engulfed in flames.
"Ignite!"
Siarra and Lysandra both cast their magic to support the front line, while Curt focused on channeling his aura and gathering as much air mana as possible from the room.
"DRAGONS, LEND ME THY STRENGTH!"
Trevor's booming battle shout resonated through the scene, adding more violent ripples of brown and gold throughout his aura. His power was further enhanced with Siarra's flames. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he slashed through the beast's leg while it remained pinned by Lysandra's ice.
Niss wasn't slacking either. He jumped back into the fray, aiming for the beast's neck, wary of its massive and dangerous fangs. He leaped forward, continuing to channel his aura.
"Emberflick!"
Niss launched a bolt of flames from the tip of his dagger, using his forward motion to propel it even faster. The flames collided with the beast's neck, searing off flesh and leaving a tender spot. Still hurtling toward the monster's neck, Niss prepared himself to land a devastating blow.
"Aero Launch!"
Curt finally managed to cast his spell and focused it on Niss, creating a magical burst of air that propelled him even faster.
THUNNKK!
EEEEEEEEEEEE!
Niss landed blade-first, sinking his dagger deep into the bat's neck. He followed up by slashing relentlessly with his kama, aiming to cause as much damage as possible.
With the beast stunned and overwhelmed by the sheer number of attacks raining down on it, the group did not relent. Trevor hacked off the other leg, his broadsword slicing through sinew and bone with a satisfying crunch. Lysandra encased the remaining parts of the wings and the beast's back in ice, creating a frozen prison that pinned it in place. Siarra, her eyes blazing with determination, hurled bouts of flame at the body of the beast, the fire dancing and licking at its fur, scorching it black. Curt unleashed wind blades, sharp and cutting, aimed at the bat's eyes, causing it to try and thrash wildly although it was held down by the ice.
Meanwhile, Niss, soaked in a spray of fresh blood, never stopped slashing at the beast's neck, his movements precise and relentless, each stroke aimed to be more and more lethal.
Together, they all fought, the room was filled with magic of fire, ice, wind, and infused steel. The air seemed charged with magic, each move bringing the beast closer and closer to death. The once formidable beast now wriggled and roared in torment as it try to survive the relentless barrage. The group fought with determination, their efforts driven by surges of adrenaline and an urgent need for survival.
EEEEEEeeeee....
The beast finally ceased all movement.
"Die, die, die!"
SLASH!
SHING!
"BURNN!!!!"
The others observed in silence as Niss continued his brutal onslaught on the now lifeless beast. Concern painted on their faces as he relentlessly hacked through the remains, severing the bat's head with a final, powerful slash.
His aura billowed around him, extending several feet and casting a dark and ominous obsidian shadow over the surroundings. The body of the bat and anything it touched turned pitch black, nothing would be left in the aftermath of the intense battle if Niss had his way.
'HAHAHA ERASE IT ALL!'
'Hmm...'
'Do not be driven mad by just a little of my power'
'I need you. weak boy.'
"AHHHGGG!"
Niss slumped to the floor his aura diming and coming under control. The others rushed over to his side, Curt infused his aura into him, beginning his healing magic. His eyes widened with shock, but he swiftly shifted into a focused state as his magic swept over Niss, locating and tending to any injuries.
"What happened to him?" Siarra's voice wavered with concern as she knelt down beside Niss.
"Aura backlash?" Trevor questioned Curt, seeking an explanation.
"Seems like it. He might be out cold for a while," Curt replied, his tone grave and concerned.
Lysandra paused for a moment, her sharp eyes scanning their situation.
"Doesn't this mean we cleared the dungeon? Why hasn't the door opened?"
A look of fear and panic washed over her face as she grasped the implications, her voice trembling slightly.
.....
Niss found himself back in that dreaded room, the one from his nightmares. Heavy, dark chains hung from the walls, restraining his arms, and he felt the familiar, excruciating strain on his body as the stone floor beneath him seemed to endlessly devour his mana.
The room, massive and shrouded in darkness, was silent except for the faint sound of chain links shifting when Niss attempted to move. This time in the room though he could see more, he noticed the outline of a door on the far side of the room. Its edges were illuminated by a bright white light, and he heard footsteps drawing near, echoing in the emptiness.
'Wake up, this is not for you too see.'
....
"Niss?"
"Huh? Owww, my head," Niss groaned, barely regaining consciousness. He felt something warm and soft supporting him and looked up to see Siarra smiling down at him, her eyes filled with worry, as she cradled his head in her lap.
"Oh! I was so worried! Your aura really has changed! It's such a deep, dark color, it's really beautiful, but are you okay?" Siarra's warm, fire eyes met his, and he felt a comforting sense of reassurance.
"I'm okay...."
SLAM!!
The door behind them was blasted open, cutting Niss off mid-sentence. A multitude of similarly dressed men, fitted with expensive armor and swords, rushed into the room and surrounded the group.
"Lady Frost! Your pendant signaled you were in grave danger!" one of the guards exclaimed, his tone urgent.
Several of the guards approached Lysandra, their gazes sharp and accusatory as they inspected the others in the group.
Another booming voice filled the room with incredible speed and power. "LYS!? LYS!? My beloved daughter! Are you okay!?" It was Erik Frost, Niss recognized him immediately, an S-Rank and the Duke of North Landia. His voice echoed with a mixture of relief and concern as he rushed to his daughter's side.
Sweeping her up in his arms, she didn't even get the chance to protest. He held her tightly and showered her with kisses on her head.
"I would have teleported here directly, but the dungeon interfered," he said, gently placing Lysandra down next to him. "Now, what could have caused your artifact to react with such urgency?" He looked over at the beheaded bat creature on the floor, a puzzled expression on his face. "This is a C-Rank creature, although tough, I wouldn't have imagined it triggering your artifact."
Lysandra was still dumbstruck as she observed the situation. She had no idea the pendant her father gave her was some kind of safety measure. She simply thought it was a gift as she set out on her dream of becoming a strong adventurer like he was.
"Intruders tread within my sanctum," A voice murmured, a spectral whisper in the air. "Your life forces will enrich my power, a boon bestowed by the gods' favor this day."
Every soul in the room turned in unison, their eyes fixating on the same place, the massive throne at the end of the great hall. From it, a looming figure began to rise, shrouded in fantastical and ancient armor that appeared more formidable than anything Niss had ever seen. The armor emanated with the magic of the undead, casting a terrifying shadow, while a deep sapphire glow pulsed from its core, radiating pure frost mana.
Atop the figure's helm was not the face of a man or woman or even a creature, but an endless void of blackness, a void that seemed to swallow all light and hope.