The growls grew louder, a guttural chorus that sent a chill down William's spine. From the shadows emerged a hulking creature, its form twisted and misshapen. It resembled a bear, but its fur was matted and patchy, and its eyes glowed with the same sickly green as the corrupted crystals. It moved with an unnatural lurch, as though some dark force animated its limbs.
"Elara, stay back!" Garret barked as he moved between her and the creature, raising his shield. The beast roared, a deafening sound that echoed through the cave, shaking loose dust and small stones from the ceiling. Without hesitation, it lunged forward, swiping a massive claw at the knight.
Garret braced himself, his shield absorbing the impact with a loud clang. The force of the blow sent him skidding back, his boots scraping against the stone floor. William darted to the side, flanking the beast as he aimed a strike at its exposed side. His dagger connected, but instead of biting into flesh, it met a hard, almost metallic resistance. Sparks flew as the blade scraped against the creature's hide.
"It's like armor!" William shouted, pulling back just as the bear swung its massive paw at him. He dodged the blow, feeling the rush of air as it passed inches from his face. The creature's movements were unnaturally fast for something so large.
Elara summoned a burst of magic, sending a blast of force toward the beast's head. The spell hit with a resounding crack, snapping the creature's head to the side. It staggered, but quickly regained its balance, its glowing eyes locking onto Elara with renewed fury.
"It's feeding off the corrupted XP!" she realized, her eyes widening. "My spells are only making it stronger."
William's mind raced. If conventional attacks weren't enough, they needed another way to weaken it. His gaze fell on the corrupted crystals scattered around the cave. An idea formed, desperate and half-baked, but it was the only chance they had. "Garret, drive it toward the crystals!" he shouted. "Elara, be ready to detonate them."
The knight didn't hesitate. He raised his shield and charged, slamming into the beast's side with all his weight. The creature stumbled backward, toward the nearest cluster of crystals. William joined the fray, feinting left to draw its attention before darting back to keep it on the path Garret was forcing it down.
As the bear drew closer to the crystals, Elara began to channel her magic. The air crackled with energy, and the light from the crystals intensified. "Now!" she cried, releasing the spell.
A shockwave rippled through the cave as the corrupted crystals exploded in a burst of green flame. The bear roared in agony, its body convulsing as the corrupted energy within it was purged. Its glowing eyes dimmed, and it collapsed to the ground, motionless.
The silence that followed was palpable, broken only by the sound of their labored breathing. William lowered his dagger, his hand trembling from the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
"That… was too close," Garret muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "If there are more creatures like this, then we're in for a world of trouble."
William nodded, his gaze shifting to the smoldering remnants of the crystals. "Whatever is causing these disturbances, it's getting stronger. We need to find out who—or what—is behind it, and soon."
Elara's expression was grim as she looked into the dark depths of the cave. "Then we must press on. The answers lie further within."
System Stats Update:
Name: William
Level: 6
Stats:
Strength: 10
Agility: 9
Endurance: 9
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 8
Bloodline: Unknown
Last Name: Unknown
Skills:
Basic Combat
Dagger Mastery III
Items:
Enchanted Iron Dagger