Ashura's eyes fluttered open, heavy with the weight of darkness that pressed in from all sides. For a moment, he simply lay still, letting the oppressive void surround him. The air was cold, almost suffocating, and it felt as though the shadows themselves were watching him.
Drawing a steady breath, he began to chant softly, his voice a low murmur that seemed to ripple through the darkness:
"By the gaze of Nyx and shadows' grace,
Grant my sight in this forsaken place.
Let darkened veil to light unbind,
Reveal the truths that night confined."
"Oculi Noctis," Ashura whispered, his words barely a breath.
As the incantation took hold, the darkness around him seemed to shiver, peeling away like a veil. The world slowly came into focus, the blackness replaced by an eerie, grey-tinted vision. His pupils adjusted, widening to drink in the details of his surroundings that had been hidden just moments before.
He scanned the landscape, the shadows morphing into discernible shapes under his enchanted sight. Trees loomed like twisted skeletons, their branches like gnarled fingers clawing at the sky. The ground was a treacherous mess of muck and tangled roots, and the stench of decay was almost unbearable.
"Today's target is Serpenthrax," Ashura muttered to himself, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "I need its acid... potent enough to create a rare poison."
Without wasting another second, he began to move, his footsteps barely making a sound against the damp earth. For the next thirty minutes, he ran through the forest, his movements fluid and silent, a shadow among shadows. The terrain grew wetter and more treacherous with each step, the ground giving way to swampy, thick mud that clung to his boots, making each stride feel like he was wading through molasses.
Finally, he arrived at the swampland—a grotesque expanse of stagnant water, thick with algae and a sickly green hue. The air was heavy with humidity, and the buzzing of unseen insects filled his ears. His feet sank into the viscous sludge, the sticky green liquid almost reaching his calves, threatening to pull him under with each step.
"Lovely," he muttered, his lips curling into a grimace as he trudged forward, each step more laborious than the last. The scent of rot and mildew assaulted his senses, but he pressed on, determined.
After what felt like an eternity of struggle, Ashura finally reached the heart of the swamp. The area opened up into a wide, murky clearing. In the center stood a jagged rock formation, slick with moisture and the remnants of some ancient moss.
Reaching into his pouch, Ashura retrieved a peculiar flower, Abyssal Siren. its petals a vivid crimson that seemed to glow even in the dim light. It is used to draw out the monster who loves to hide. , Carefully placed the flower on the rock's surface, his movements deliberate and precise.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the ground beneath him trembled, a deep rumble that sent ripples through the murky water. The once-still swamp began to churn, the liquid undulating like the surface of a boiling cauldron.
A slow smile spread across Ashura's face. "Come on out, Serpenthrax," he murmured, his voice tinged with anticipation.
The waves grew more violent, the earth shaking with a ferocity that suggested something massive stirring beneath. Ashura stood his ground, his eyes narrowed as he watched the water's surface. The hunt had only just begun, and he was ready.
Ashura's POV
The murky waters churn violently as ripples cascade one after another, each wave swelling higher than the last. My gaze narrows, focusing on the disturbance in the swamp. Suddenly, a massive tail erupts from the depths, spraying a shower of foul-smelling muck into the air. The sheer size of it leaves me momentarily awestruck—easily as large as a whale.
A grim smile tugs at my lips. "So, you were hiding this whole time, Serpenthrax? Sorry, but that won't work on me."
Without hesitation, I sprint toward where the tail emerged, feeling the weight of the swamp trying to drag me down. I grit my teeth, pushing forward, and begin my incantation:
"By mire and mist, grant me flight,
Swamp's embrace, lend me might.
In shadow's wake, I move unseen,
Strike with speed, swift and keen! Serpent Stride!"
A surge of energy courses through my legs, and suddenly, the thick swamp no longer hinders me. Instead, it feels as though the mire is propelling me forward, each step light and effortless. My speed amplifies, turning the swamp's resistance into an advantage.
I close the distance in mere seconds, the wind whistling past my ears. As I near the beast's tail, I leap into the air, my fist drawn back, gathering the dark energy swirling around me.
"Nyx, lend me strength of shadows deep,
In silent force, let power seep.
Upon this fist, thy might bestow,
One strike to fell my mortal foe! Strike of the Night!"
I release the gathered energy in a single, explosive punch. The impact reverberates through Serpenthrax's colossal tail, forcing a guttural roar from the depths of the swamp. The creature thrashes, sending waves crashing against the surrounding trees. I land gracefully atop the tail, the slick surface barely challenging my balance.
Far ahead, the water parts as a monstrous head slowly rises, serpentine eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. The creature's scales glisten with a sickly sheen, its maw filled with rows of jagged teeth.
"So, you finally show your face," I taunt, smirking. "Prepare yourself. "
I dash forward, the swamp beneath me parting like a dark curtain, every step filled with purpose. But before I can get too close, Serpenthrax's mouth opens wide, a searing blast of flames erupting toward me.
*Damn! *I propel myself to the side, barely evading the inferno, only to be met with another threat. A hiss fills the air as the creature spits a torrent of acidic bile, the deadly fluid sizzling as it cuts through the air toward me.
"Cursed beast!" I growl, realizing I can't dodge in mid-air. I grit my teeth, my mind racing for a solution.
"Shadows weave and starlight bind,
Guard me now, with force confined.
By Nyx's veil, a shield take form,
Warding all from harm and storm! Nyx's Aegis!"
A shimmering barrier materializes around me just in time, the acid splashing against it with a violent hiss. The force of the impact throws me off balance, sending me hurtling backward. I hit the swamp's surface with a grunt, the murky water swallowing me up to my knees.
I push myself up, panting. "Damn... This thing's faster than I expected. I knew it could spit fire and acid, but not at this speed."
I glance at my flickering shield, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface before it shatters into wisps of shadow. *The Aegis isn't strong enough to handle repeated hits... It only absorbs a set amount of damage. Any more than that, and it'll shatter.*
Serpenthrax looms above me, its eyes glowing with an almost mocking glint as if it knows I'm struggling.
"Alright," I mutter, wiping the muck from my face. "I expected no less from a Level 13 Abyss monster. If I get too close, it'll just push me back with its flames and acid. And right now, my defensive spells aren't enough to withstand a full barrage."
But I'm not out of options yet.* Think, Ashura... if it has the advantage in brute force, I'll need to outmaneuver it.*
I take a deep breath, feeling the shadows coiling around my limbs, ready to be unleashed. "Fine. You want to play hardball? Let's see if you can keep up."
I gather my energy, readying myself for the next onslaught. The swamp may be Serpenthrax's domain, but tonight, under Nyx's watchful eyes, I will turn this forsaken place into its grave.
I can't afford to waste a second. As soon as my feet hit the swampy ground, I'm off again, moving in a rapid, zigzag pattern. The erratic motion throws Serpenthrax off, its deadly acid and fire spit missing me by mere inches. I can feel the heat of the flames licking at my heels and the acrid stench of the acid singeing the air, but none of it touches me.
"Let's try the second plan, then," I mutter under my breath, my eyes gleaming with determination.
I dart in close, aiming for the beast's long, coiling body. My fists move in a blur, delivering a series of rapid strikes along its scaly surface. Each punch is infused with dark energy, aimed not to kill, but to irritate. The blows land with satisfying thuds, rippling across the monster's flesh. I hit its tail first, then swiftly work my way up to its midsection, each impact sending tremors through its enormous frame.
Serpenthrax lets out a deep, guttural roar, the sound resonating through the swamp like thunder. Its tail lashes out in fury, but I'm already gone, weaving through the muck with an agility that leaves it snapping at empty air.
"That's right, you overgrown snake," I taunt, my voice dripping with mockery. "Is that the best you've got?"
The creature's eyes blaze with rage, its pupils narrowing to slits. I can see the fury building, the frustration of a predator unable to catch its prey. Good. That's exactly what I need. If I can push it a little further...
With a swift pivot, I leap back, putting some distance between us. Serpenthrax takes the bait, lunging forward with a furious hiss, its colossal jaws snapping shut where I stood just moments ago. I twist my body, evading the strike, and start running in the opposite direction.
"Come on, you ugly bastard!" I shout over my shoulder, the thrill of the hunt pumping through my veins. "Follow me! I've got a special surprise waiting just for you!"
The swamp trembles as Serpenthrax gives chase, its massive body slithering through the murky water with surprising speed. Trees crack and splinter as it barrels through, its focus solely on me. I can hear the hiss of acid boiling in its throat, ready for another spit attack, but I'm not going to give it the chance.
My heart pounds, the adrenaline coursing through me as I race ahead, leading the enraged monster deeper into the swamp. I dart between twisted trees and leap over fallen logs, the shadows bending to my will to propel me forward. Every second counts; I need to draw it far enough for the next part of my plan.
"Just a bit more... come on... take the bait," I whisper, a wild grin spreading across my face.
The ground beneath my feet shifts, signaling that I'm nearing the place I had see earlier. I can feel the subtle difference in the air and the way the shadows flicker around this area. *Perfect.!!*