Chereads / Once upon the Void / Chapter 26 - CHapter 26 | Soul of War

Chapter 26 - CHapter 26 | Soul of War

[BANG!] [SPLASH!]

[SPLAT!]

The courtyard echoed with anguished screams, the chilling cries bouncing off the ancient stone walls. The monstrous beast had unleashed its full fury upon Joize, leaving a gruesome scene in its wake. Blood splattered the ground, staining the surrounding surfaces with a testament to the savage assault that had just unfolded.

"Motherfucker!" screamed Brek, his voice echoing through the chaos. "You'll pay for this!"

Brek's expletive reverberated in the air, laden with a potent mix of fury and despair. With unwavering determination, he fired relentlessly at the headless abomination. Each shot carried the weight of his rage, a seething fire that consumed his being. The creature had committed an unspeakable act against his beloved captain, and now, driven by an insatiable thirst for vengeance, Brek sought to make the beast pay for its atrocities.

[BANG!] [BANG!]

[ZAP!]

Joize, Vincent, and their comrades unleashed a relentless torrent of ammunition at the beast. Emotions ran high within the group—a volatile cocktail of rage and guilt coursed through their veins. Some were consumed by an overwhelming fury, their hearts aflame with a burning desire for vengeance. Others were burdened by a profound sense of remorse, haunted by the nagging notion that they should have done more to save Joize from her perilous fate.

"We have to kill this thing!" shouted Morn, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger. "For the Captain!"

"Stay focused, lads!" yelled Brek, his wiry frame bristling with determination as he fired his energy rifle. "We can't let this monster win!"

Nira, her stout frame tense with adrenaline, shouted, "Aim for the weak spots! We have to bring it down!"

[BANG!] [ZAP!] [BOOM!]

In the midst of the relentless barrage of bombs, bullets, and energy lasers, the beast stood tall and unyielding. Its massive form remained steadfast, refusing to flinch even as projectiles rained down upon it. With eerie resilience, it effortlessly regenerated the wounds inflicted by the onslaught, as if the injuries were mere scratches on its impenetrable hide. The scythes on Joize's protective barrier remained firmly lodged, a grim reminder of the beast's tenacity.

"How is it still standing?!" Nira exclaimed in disbelief, her voice tinged with desperation.

[BANG!] [ZAP!]

[E…ne...I…ight!]

Amidst the cacophony of whizzing projectiles and thunderous explosions, a voice pierced through the chaos.

The voice, faint but unmistakable, echoed through the room, commanding the attention of all who were present. Heads turned, eyes widened as Joize's voice cut through the mayhem. "I'm alright!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of relief and determination. Her entire being was enveloped in a pulsating blood barrier, a shield of protection that emanated power and strength. Clutching another precious artifact tightly within her hand, she stood firm.

"Thank the stars!" Nira murmured, her voice a blend of disbelief and relief.

A collective sigh of relief swept through everyone as the news of Joize's survival reached their ears. Gratitude welled up within each individual, their hearts overflowing with thankfulness for the preservation of a life so dear.

"You're a tough one, Captain!" Morn shouted, his voice filled with admiration as he continued firing at the beast.

"Keep pushing! We can't let it get to her again!" Brek yelled, his lanky frame moving with surprising agility as he fired his weapon.

In a mere blink of an eye, Rhox sprang forward with the agility of a predator, her muscles coiled like a tightly wound spring. With lightning speed, she unleashed her EMP strike, a surge of electrifying energy that crackled through the air, aimed directly at the monstrous creature. The impact was immediate, causing the beast to convulse in disorientation, its scythe-like appendage trembling under the strain. In that fleeting moment of weakness, the creature's grip on Joize's blood barrier loosened, creating a precious window of opportunity for escape.

"VINCENT!" exclaimed Rhox, her voice urgent and commanding.

Vincent's name echoed through the air, a sharp command that cut through the chaos. "Get Joize!" Rhox shouted with fierce determination, her eyes ablaze with unwavering resolve. With lightning speed, she unleashed a relentless barrage of EMP strikes, each one hitting its mark with pinpoint accuracy. The beast, caught off guard by the overwhelming assault, convulsed in shock, its massive frame trembling under the force of Rhox's relentless onslaught.

"Already on it!" Vincent's voice rang out with determination as he sprang into action. With lightning speed, he darted towards Joize, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike. In one swift motion, he swept her into his arms, his grip firm and protective. Sensing the imminent danger, he swiftly retreated, his movements fluid and precise, ensuring they were out of the beast's menacing focus.

With a calculated glance, Rhox ensured that Vincent and Joize were safely distanced from the clutches of impending danger. Her mind raced, analyzing every possible move. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins, she propelled herself away from the monstrous entity, executing a strategic retreat, albeit a temporary one. Her movements were swift and precise, every step a testament to her combat prowess and tactical acumen.

"Vincent, keep Joize safe!" Rhox commanded, her voice sharp and resolute. "I'll keep this thing distracted!"

Vincent nodded, his face set in grim determination. "Understood, Rhox. Just be careful!"

As the beast shook off its disorientation, a surge of primal fury coursed through its veins. With a thunderous roar that reverberated through the courtyard, it unleashed its wrath upon the surroundings. Its massive scythe sliced through the air with deadly precision, the blade whistling ominously. Yet, blinded by its own rage, it plunged recklessly, crashing into the walls with bone-shaking force. Stone and debris scattered, the courtyard transforming into a war zone of chaos and destruction.

[KREEEEE!!]

"Brek, Nira, we need to keep our distance and cover Rhox!" Morn shouted, his voice filled with urgency.

[BANG!] [BANG!] [THUD!]

[SLICE!]

"Watch out, it's going berserk!" Nira yelled, her voice tinged with both fear and defiance as she fired her weapon at the beast.

After a relentless spree of destruction, the monstrous creature's head commenced its miraculous process of regeneration. The grotesque sight of sinew and bone knitting together was both fascinating and horrifying. The once-severed head gradually pieced itself back together until, at long last, its eyes flickered open, granting it the ability of sight once more. The air seemed to hum with a malevolent energy, as if reality itself had been twisted to allow this abomination to defy death.

The formidable beast, its head severed by the fearless Rhox, seemed to mock the laws of nature. It was as if the very act of decapitation had been erased from existence. The beast stood tall and defiant, its eyes glowing with a renewed, feral intensity. The group watched in a mix of awe and horror.

"This thing just doesn't stay down!" Morn exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"We need a new strategy," Brek muttered, his mind racing for a solution. "It's like it's invincible."

In the midst of the chaos, a familiar voice echoed through Rhox's consciousness, reverberating with wisdom and the weight of ages. It was unmistakable, the voice of Andressto, the god who had chosen her. "Your companion has proved herself in this battle…such fortitude, such unselfishness and care for her comrades are rare in this universe…a formidable comrade indeed." He paused, the gravity of his words settling upon her. "Now, dear Rhox, the weight of the task falls upon your shoulders. It is your solemn responsibility to propel them forward, to urge them beyond their limits...Not only Joize but all of your comrades. In a grand display of benevolence, I shall bestow upon you a power beyond mortal comprehension."

As the voice faded, a surge of potent energy coursed through Rhox, affecting the very core of her being. The heat enveloped her, searing her very soul with an intensity that defied comprehension. Flames danced and flickered, casting an ethereal glow upon her existence. It was as if the inferno had taken residence within her, consuming everything in its path. The sensation, both agonizing and exhilarating, left an indelible mark upon her spirit. She became one with the fire, her essence ablaze with an otherworldly fervor.

The flames of untapped power surged forth, engulfing every inch of her being, infusing her soul with indomitable strength, her mind with newfound clarity, and her essence with an overwhelming sense of empowerment. She could feel the electric surge coursing through her veins, a potent force that emanated from the depths of her being. It was the power of authority, an indomitable strength that commanded respect and obedience. With each passing moment, she became more aware of the immense dominion she held.

With unwavering determination, Rhox advanced towards the formidable beast, a creature that struck fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors. Her grip tightened around the handle of her trusty autocannon, its barrel poised and ready to unleash a torrent of deadly projectiles. The beast, its monstrous visage twisted with fury, lunged towards her with its wicked scythe poised to strike. But just as it was about to unleash its deadly assault, the creature abruptly halted, its attention inexplicably drawn to the depths of Rhox's piercing gaze.

A palpable sense of trepidation, or perhaps an innate awareness of imminent peril, surged through the creature's sinewy frame, compelling it to retreat from Rhox's formidable presence. With remarkable agility and unwavering bravery, Rhox propelled herself forward, her heart pounding with determination. In her hands, she wielded an anti-material cannon, its power resonating through her being. Without hesitation, she unleashed a barrage of shots upon the formidable beast, each blast striking with precision.

[BANG!] [BANG!] [BANG!]

As the creature recoiled from the onslaught, Rhox swiftly transformed her weapon, its form shifting into a gleaming energy blade. With fluid motion, she lunged forward, her blade slicing through the air with deadly grace. In a single, decisive strike, she severed one of the beast's mighty legs, causing it to falter and stumble. The scene unfolded in a flurry of action and intensity, as Rhox's unwavering resolve and skillful maneuvers left an indelible mark upon the battlefield.

[SLASH!] [SCREECH!]

In a cacophony of sound, the monstrous creature retaliated, its scythe-like limbs descending upon Rhox with menacing force. However, in a display of remarkable precision, Vincent unleashed a barrage of explosive projectiles from his launchers, obliterating the creature's arms in a fiery spectacle. Temporarily disarmed, the beast stood defenseless before them.

"Nice shot, Vincent!" shouted Morn, his voice filled with a mix of awe and urgency.

Joize, a woman of unwavering determination, seized the moment with a resolute air. With a commanding gesture, she issued orders to her loyal men, urging them to unleash a volley of projectiles upon the formidable creature. "Brek, Nira, aim for the joints!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.

"On it, Captain!" Brek responded, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him.

"Let's burn this bastard!" Nira added, her tone fierce as she fired at the beast.

Simultaneously, Joize brandished her flame artifact, a potent weapon of incendiary power. Directing its scorching flames towards the monstrous adversary, she watched as the searing heat bore down upon the creature, causing a portion of its formidable armor and flesh to liquefy and disintegrate under the relentless assault.

"Take that, you abomination!" Joize yelled, her eyes blazing with determination.

The crewmen, inspired by their captain's bravery, poured their energy into the fight. "We can't let it get back up!" shouted Brek, his voice a rallying cry amidst the chaos.

"We're with you, Captain!" Nira's voice rang out, filled with fierce loyalty and courage.

The courtyard was filled with an inferno of determination as the group continued their audacious charge against the formidable creature. An ethereal fire coursed through their beings, igniting their spirits and sharpening their minds. In the presence of Rhox, their gazes elevated to a higher plane, where courage and resolve intertwined in a mesmerizing dance.

[BANG!] [BANG!] [ZAP!] [THUD!] [SLICE!]

Rhox's keen eyes scanned the battlefield, locking onto the monstrous creature's formidable form. Amidst the chaos and carnage, a mere flicker of light emanated from the beast's abdomen, barely visible to the naked eye. With unwavering focus and razor-sharp instincts, Rhox caught that faint glint, like a predator sensing its prey. Her fingers gripped her synthetic arm with determination. With a steady hand, she unleashed a torrent of energy towards the beast, the force of her shot tearing through the thick layer of flesh concealing the mysterious glint.

[BANG!] [SPLAT!] [SCREECH!]

As the beast recoiled in pain, a dazzling sight was revealed - a radiant crystal pulsating with an intense crimson glow. Rhox lunged forward, her instincts guiding her every move. She slashed through the air, her blade aimed directly at the crystal, determined to strike before the beast had a chance to regenerate.

[SLASH!] [CRACK!] [THUD!] [SCREEEEEECH!!] [FSHHH!]

The resounding crack echoed through the ancient courtyard, reaching every corner of the desolate space. In that moment, the beast, a creature of unimaginable power, unleashed a gut-wrenching wail that pierced the air. Writhing in agony, its massive frame contorted in a futile attempt to escape the searing pain consuming it from within.

[SCREEEEEEEEECH!!] [THUD!] [THUD!] [KREEEEEE!!] [SQUEAL!!] [THUD!] [CRASH!]

Then, as if reality itself had been torn asunder, the beast exploded in a cataclysmic burst of darkness. A swirling mist, as black as the deepest abyss, billowed forth from its shattered form, rising into the air with an eerie grace. Like a vanishing specter, the dark mist dissipated into nothingness, leaving no trace of the once formidable beast that had terrorized the group.

Silence descended upon the courtyard, broken only by the soft rustling of the wind whispering through the ancient stones. The battle had been won, but the scars of the encounter would forever remain etched in the memories of those who had witnessed the beast's demise.

[swoosh] [swoosh]

With their formidable adversary finally defeated, the triumphant group stood amidst the aftermath of the fierce battle. The air was heavy with the scent of victory, mingling with the acrid smoke. Their arduous struggle momentarily vanquished, the weary collective succumbed to exhaustion, their bodies collapsing upon the earth's embrace.

"It's finally done…?" Joize asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and relief as she collapsed to the ground.

Rhox's heart raced within her chest, each breath coming in ragged gasps. With trembling lips, she managed a response, her voice barely a whisper, "I-I think so..." But before another word could escape her, her strength waned, and darkness enveloped her senses. Her body, no longer able to bear the weight of her consciousness, succumbed to overwhelming fatigue. With a resounding thud, Rhox collapsed to the ground, her world fading into oblivion.

"RHOX!" Vincent exclaimed as he rushed to her side.

Rhox lay in Vincent's arms, her body seemingly in a state of slumber, her consciousness temporarily suspended. The fierce battle in which she had valiantly engaged had taken its toll, her energy expended and her strength depleted. Yet, the power she had summoned still lingered in the air, a testament to her formidable presence on the battlefield.

The weary group, battered and bruised from their grueling battle, finally found solace in the shelter of their makeshift camp. What was once a blood-soaked battlefield transformed into a sanctuary of respite and recovery. They settled into a temporary respite, their senses heightened and their instincts on high alert. Except for Rhox, who was sound asleep, each member of the group remained ever vigilant, acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the shadows. They knew all too well that even in moments of respite, danger could strike without warning. With bated breath and eyes darting from one shadowy corner to the next, they allowed themselves a brief respite but never let their guard down.

"Phew, what a fight" Brek murmured, his voice tinged with relief as he looked at Rhox resting.

"No shit," Nira added, her eyes still scanning their surroundings for any threats.

"She'll be fine," Vincent said softly, his gaze fixed on Rhox.