Lucy, fueled by a mix of fear and fury, pushed herself to keep moving despite the pain pulsing through her body. The earthquake's tremors continued to shake the building, but she couldn't afford to stop.
Every step sent waves of agony up her leg where the poison burned like fire. The decision to sever her own leg had been lurking in the recesses of her mind, a desperate gamble to escape Kallous's relentless pursuit. Now, with one leg and a makeshift crutch, she cursed under her breath, her vision blurred with tears of pain and determination.
As she leaned against the crumbling wall of the alley, her mind raced. The poisoned wound throbbed relentlessly, threatening to incapacitate her at any moment. Lucy knew she had to make a choice—wait to be killed or take matters into her own hands.
With trembling fingers, she retrieved a rusted blade from her belt, its edge glinting faintly in the dim light. The thought of severing her own leg was unthinkable, monstrous even. But with each passing moment, the pain intensified, driving her to the brink of desperation.
"I have to... I have to..." Lucy's voice cracked, a whisper torn from her parched throat. The image of Kallous closing in spurred her into action. She pressed the blade against her thigh, hesitating for a fleeting second before gritting her teeth and pressing down.
The initial cut was like a white-hot iron searing through her flesh. Lucy's scream echoed through the alleyway, a raw symphony of pain and determination. Blood gushed from the wound, splattering the ground in a grisly testament to her resolve.
Tears mingled with sweat as she continued to saw through muscle and sinew, her breath ragged and uneven. Doubt and agony warred within her, but the thought of Kallous's sadistic grin spurred her on. She couldn't let him win, not after everything he had done.
With a final, desperate stroke, the blade severed her leg just above the knee. Lucy collapsed beside the mutilated remains of her own flesh, gasping for breath as shock and pain threatened to overwhelm her. She tore a strip of fabric from her torn clothing, hastily fashioning a crude tourniquet to stem the torrent of blood.
The alleyway spun around her, shadows dancing in the flickering light. Lucy's body trembled with exhaustion and shock, but through the haze of pain, one thought burned bright—escape.
Using the makeshift crutch, Lucy pushed herself upright. Each movement sent fresh waves of pain through her ravaged body, but she forced herself forward. The world outside was a chaotic blur of dilapidated buildings and empty streets. She hobbled onward, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her heart pounding in her ears.
Minutes turned into an eternity as she stumbled through the desolate landscape. Her vision wavered, and she could feel the strength draining from her with each step. The ground beneath her seemed to shift and sway, but she pressed on, driven by sheer willpower and the burning need to survive.
Just as her legs threatened to give out, Lucy's eyes caught sight of something strange ahead. A shimmering distortion in the air, like the surface of a pond disturbed by a stone. Her heart leaped with a mix of hope and desperation. A portal. Could this portal offer her sanctuary, a chance to evade Kallous's cruel grasp once and for all?
In this world, portals and gates were not uncommon. They appeared unpredictably, leading to realms filled with monsters and treasures. Adventurers and knights sought these gates to grow their strength, gather rare materials, and prevent the monstrous inhabitants from overflowing into the land. To Lucy, this portal represented a potential refuge, a slim chance at survival.
"Please... let this be a way out," she muttered through clenched teeth, her voice barely more than a whisper.
With a final, agonizing effort, Lucy limped toward the portal. On the other side, the world shifted. The air was stale and tinged with an unfamiliar scent, a stark contrast to the chaos she had left behind. Lucy stumbled into a dimly lit alleyway, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she leaned against the cold, cracked wall for support.
She glanced up at the sky, expecting to see familiar stars, but instead beheld a sight that took her breath away. The heavens above were a swirling canvas of colors, shaped like a galaxy in constant motion. Ribbons of purple and blue intertwined with clusters of shimmering stars, painting a celestial tapestry unlike anything she had ever seen.
The beauty of it was both mesmerizing and unsettling. Lucy felt a sense of awe and insignificance wash over her, as if she had stepped into a realm where the rules of her world no longer applied. The galaxy-shaped sky stretched endlessly overhead, a silent witness to the unknown wonders and dangers that awaited her in this strange new world.
Lucy was always a greedy person. Even amidst the pain and chaos, her mind clung to the thought of wealth and survival. As she ventured further into this strange new land, her stomach growled with hunger. The adrenaline that had fueled her escape was now replaced by a gnawing emptiness.
The landscape was alien and vibrant, filled with plants and trees she had never seen before. Among the foliage, a strange fruit caught her eye. It was an iridescent green, glowing faintly in the dim light. Driven by hunger and desperation, she didn't hesitate. She reached out, plucked the fruit, and took a cautious bite.
The taste was unlike anything she had ever experienced—sweet, tangy, and overwhelmingly delicious. As she chewed, a warmth spread through her body, and the pain in her leg began to subside. The fruit seemed to have some kind of healing property, but it was too late to save her severed limb. Nevertheless, the relief from pain was a blessing, and she devoured the rest of the fruit greedily.
After resting for a while, Lucy felt a surge of energy. Her mind, now clear of the haze of pain, was sharp and focused. She decided to explore this new world, driven by a mix of curiosity and her inherent greed. Who knew what treasures or resources she might find here?
As she wandered, the landscape revealed more of its strange beauty. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scents of unknown flowers. The ground beneath her crutch was soft and springy, covered in a thick carpet of moss that cushioned her steps. Trees with shimmering leaves reached up towards the galaxy-shaped sky, their branches swaying gently in an unseen breeze.
It wasn't long before Lucy stumbled upon something extraordinary. In a clearing surrounded by towering crystal formations, she found what appeared to be a nest. But this was no ordinary nest. It was an opulent display of wealth and wonder, a hoard fit for a dragon. Piles of gold coins glittered in the soft light, and precious gems of every color imaginable were scattered among them. The sheer volume and brilliance of the treasure took her breath away.
Ornate artifacts, some bearing intricate carvings and others adorned with jewels, lay haphazardly among the riches. Chalices, crowns, and necklaces—each piece seemed more magnificent than the last. The sight was almost overwhelming, a feast for the eyes that made Lucy's heart race with excitement.
Her gaze was drawn to the center of the nest, where something even more captivating lay. Amidst the gold and gems rested a large, midnight blue gem-like egg. It seemed to pulse with an inner light, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the surrounding treasure. The surface of the egg was smooth and flawless, like a perfect piece of polished obsidian, but with an almost liquid quality to its sheen, as if the darkness within were alive and swirling.
Lucy approached the egg cautiously, her eyes wide with awe. She had never seen anything like it. The egg radiated a sense of power and mystery, and she felt an inexplicable urge to touch it, to claim it as her own. The allure of such a unique treasure was irresistible.
She reached out, her fingers trembling slightly as they hovered over the egg's surface. The coolness of the gem-like shell sent a shiver up her spine, and she felt a strange connection to it, as if it were calling out to her, whispering secrets of immense power and untold riches.
Unable to resist the temptation, she carefully picked up the midnight blue egg. The moment it was in her hands, she marveled at its weight and the cool, smooth texture against her skin. It felt almost alive, a subtle warmth emanating from its core. Her mind raced with thoughts of the fortune she could amass by selling such a rare and unique item. The amount of gold, the extravagant luxuries, the power she could wield—all danced vividly in her imagination, tantalizing her with their promises.
As she fantasized about her future wealth, a sudden, monstrous roar shattered her thoughts. The sound was so powerful and primal that it seemed to shake the very ground beneath her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a cold wave of fear washed over her. Instinctively, she clutched the egg tighter, her eyes darting around the nest for the source of the terrifying noise.
Realizing the danger, Lucy acted quickly. She began grabbing as many gems and pieces of gold as she could carry, stuffing them into her pockets and the folds of her clothing. The roar echoed again, closer this time, and she knew she had to leave immediately.
Despite her fear, Lucy's greed drove her to gather as much treasure as possible. With one leg and a makeshift crutch, she awkwardly but determinedly hobbled away from the nest, her arms laden with riches. Each step was a struggle, the weight of the gold and gems threatening to topple her, but she pressed on, driven by the tantalizing promises of wealth and power.
The roars grew louder and more menacing, the ground trembling beneath her as the unseen creature drew nearer. Lucy's heart raced with a mix of fear and exhilaration, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and plans. She had to escape, to survive, to keep her newfound treasures safe from whatever monstrosity pursued her.
With every agonizing step, she felt the weight of her greed, but also the intoxicating thrill of her daring. Lucy's determination burned bright, a beacon guiding her through the chaos and danger, her eyes fixed on the distant portal that promised refuge and a new beginning.
The monstrous roars echoed through the dense, alien foliage as Lucy pushed forward, her crutch sinking into the soft, mossy ground with each hurried step. Her breath came in ragged gasps, the weight of the treasures she carried dragging her down. Yet, she couldn't afford to stop, not with the fearsome creature closing in.
As she neared the portal, its swirling energy flickering like a beacon, Lucy's mind raced. She had risked everything for these treasures, and now she had to survive to enjoy them. Her grip tightened around the midnight blue egg, its strange warmth a comforting contrast to the cold fear that gripped her heart.
Suddenly, a massive shape burst through the trees behind her, sending a shockwave of fear coursing through her veins. She dared a glance over her shoulder and saw a hulking beast, like a colossal owl. Its feathers were a shimmering silver, glinting under the strange galaxy-like sky, each one reflecting the light like polished metal. The creature's eyes glowed an eerie, luminescent blue, filled with a malevolent intelligence. Its beak was sharp and curved, and its talons dug into the ground, leaving deep gouges in the earth.
It let out another earth-shaking roar, its wings spreading wide, revealing a wingspan that blotted out the sky. The powerful legs propelled it forward with terrifying speed, the ground trembling under its weight. Lucy stumbled, nearly losing her balance, but sheer determination kept her upright. The portal was so close now, just a few more steps. She could feel the creature's hot breath on her back, smell the acrid scent of its rage. Desperation fueled her final burst of energy, and with a cry of defiance, she lunged through the portal.
The world around her shifted violently as she crossed the threshold, the creature's roar fading into the distance. She landed hard on the cold, concrete floor of the old warehouse district, the portal snapping shut behind her with a flash of light. For a moment, Lucy lay there, gasping for breath, her body trembling with exhaustion and relief.
As the adrenaline ebbed, she forced herself to sit up, clutching the midnight blue egg tightly to her chest. The gems and gold she had managed to grab spilled around her in a glittering cascade. Despite the pain and fatigue, a triumphant smile spread across her face. She had done it. She had survived and escaped with a treasure beyond her wildest dreams.
Lucy had forgotten the original reason she hid in the portal in the first place, blinded by the gold and especially the egg. The thrill of discovery and the weight of the treasures she now carried clouded her mind. She moved with a newfound determination, but her thoughts were consumed by visions of wealth and power.
She could barely contain her excitement as she imagined the riches that awaited her. The egg alone, with its midnight blue hue and mysterious aura, could fetch an unimaginable price. The gems and gold she had gathered were just the beginning; the egg was the true prize. Her heart raced with greedy anticipation, each step bringing her closer to her dream of untold riches.
Her thoughts were abruptly shattered by a cold, familiar voice. "Back so soon, Lucy?"
The words sliced through her euphoria like a blade, and she froze. Her heart skipped a beat as the realization of her predicament crashed down on her. She had been so consumed by greed that she had forgotten the danger that awaited her.
Slowly, she turned, clutching the egg tightly to her chest. Her eyes widened in terror as she saw Kallous standing there, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous mix of amusement and rage. The smile that played on his young lips was devoid of any warmth, a stark contrast to his cherubic appearance. It was the smile of a predator toying with its prey.
"Did you think you could just crawl away?" Kallous continued, stepping closer, his gaze fixed on the egg. "That you could steal and leave without consequences?"
Lucy's breath came in ragged gasps, the makeshift crutch barely supporting her weight. The treasures she had gathered felt like a heavy burden now, and the realization of her perilous situation dawned on her. She had been so consumed by greed that she had momentarily forgotten the danger Kallous posed.
"Stay back!" she shouted, trying to sound more confident than she felt. Her grip on the egg tightened, her mind racing for a way out. But Kallous was relentless, his steps measured and purposeful.
"Lucy," he sighed, shaking his head with feigned disappointment. "You've always been such a disappointment. Always running, always hiding. But there's no escape this time."
She backed away, stumbling slightly as she tried to maintain her balance. The pain in her severed leg was a constant reminder of her desperate situation, but the fear of Kallous was even more overpowering. Her eyes darted around, searching for an escape, but there was none.
Kal's smile widened, a cruel, mocking grin. "Oh, Lucy," he said softly, his voice filled with dark amusement. "You never change. Your greed will always be your doom."
The smile faded from his face, replaced by a cold, determined expression. With deliberate calm, he drew his weapon from his cloak and aimed it directly at Lucy's head. Her eyes filled with horror as she realized the gravity of her situation. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a deafening drum of impending doom.
"The game ends now," Kallous declared, his voice eerily sweet. He gave her one final, mocking smile and prepared to pull the trigger, savoring the terror in her eyes.
Just as he was about to end her, a voice rang out, filled with urgency and desperation. "WATCH OUT!"
In an instant, the scene was thrown into chaos.