The journey out of the Grotto of Echoes felt heavier than the way in. Daniel's fins ached, his thoughts spiraled, and the faint glow of the cavern walls now seemed to cast long, brooding shadows. Beside him, Mira swam in contemplative silence, her gaze occasionally darting back toward the central pool where Orivath had vanished.
Daniel broke the quiet, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Do you think Orivath was right? That… I'll attract something worse?"
Mira sighed, her tail flicking idly. "I think Orivath doesn't waste words. If he warned you, it's because he knows what's out there. And trust me, this world isn't short on horrors."
Daniel frowned. The battle with Orivath had shown him how fragile he still was, even with his system. Yet, it also planted a seed of confidence. He'd survived. He'd proven himself. But at what cost?
As they approached the coral archway marking the grotto's exit, Mira suddenly halted. Her fins flared, and her eyes narrowed.
"Something's wrong," she murmured.
Daniel tensed. "What do you mean?"
"The currents… they're off. Too erratic. It's like…" Mira trailed off, her voice turning cold. "Like something's waiting."
Daniel activated Shadow Veil, instinctively blending into the dim light of the cavern. Mira followed suit, slinking into the shadows of a jagged rock.
The water ahead shimmered unnaturally, rippling in patterns that defied logic. From the darkness emerged a group of creatures—sleek, predatory shapes with eyes that glowed a menacing crimson.
[New Entities Detected: Abyssal Stalkers.]
[Threat Level: High.]
Daniel's system sprang to life, outlining the creatures' stats and movements.
[Abyssal Stalker - Tier 3 Predator]
Strength: High
Speed: Extreme
Special Ability: Phase Shift – Temporarily becomes incorporeal, evading physical attacks.]
Mira hissed under her breath. "Stalkers. Perfect."
Daniel whispered back, "What are they?"
"Ambush predators," she replied. "They hunt in packs, strike from the shadows, and phase through most attacks. If we're not careful, we're dead."
The largest of the Stalkers—a creature nearly twice the size of Daniel—emerged from the group, its crimson eyes locking onto him as if sensing the presence of his system. With a guttural growl, it signaled the others, and they began to circle.
[Warning: Combat Scenario Detected.]
[Recommended Strategy: Disrupt Pack Formation and Neutralize Leader.]
"Disrupt the pack, huh?" Daniel muttered. "Easier said than done."
The first Stalker lunged, its sleek body cutting through the water like a blade. Daniel barely dodged, activating Hydro Dash to propel himself upward. The creature's claws scraped against the rock where he had been moments before, leaving deep gashes.
Mira darted in from the side, striking another Stalker with a burst of speed. Her tail flicked sharply, slashing across its flank. The creature hissed but quickly phased out, disappearing into a swirl of distorted water.
"They're testing us," Mira shouted. "Stay sharp!"
Daniel focused on the leader, its glowing eyes unwavering as it coordinated the pack's movements. If he could take it out, the others might scatter.
He activated Piercing Surge, aiming straight for the leader's exposed flank. But just as he closed the distance, the creature shimmered, its body becoming incorporeal. Daniel's attack passed through harmlessly, and he barely had time to react as another Stalker lunged from his blind spot.
The impact sent him tumbling, his system flashing warnings.
[Vitality Reduced to 70%.]
"Damn it!" Daniel growled, regaining his balance.
"Don't rush in like that!" Mira scolded, taking out another Stalker with a precise strike to its tail. "You need to anticipate their shifts!"
"How am I supposed to do that?" Daniel retorted.
"Think!" Mira snapped. "They're not invincible. They're timing their shifts. Watch their movements!"
Gritting his teeth, Daniel forced himself to focus. He observed the Stalkers, noting how their shimmering forms always preceded an attack or an evasion.
When the next one lunged, Daniel didn't dodge. Instead, he activated Abyssal Resilience, bracing himself for the impact. The Stalker collided with him, its claws raking across his side, but the damage was minimal.
As the creature phased back into its corporeal form, Daniel struck with Piercing Surge, driving into its side with pinpoint accuracy.
The Stalker let out a guttural screech before collapsing, its body going limp.
[Target Neutralized. Abyssal Stalker Leader Vitality Reduced by 10%. Pack Cohesion Weakening.]
The leader snarled, its eyes glowing brighter as it watched one of its packmates fall. It turned its attention fully to Daniel, its body tensing for a decisive strike.
Mira shouted from the side, "Now's your chance! Break its focus!"
Daniel activated Shadow Veil, disappearing from the leader's sight. The creature hesitated, its crimson eyes darting around in confusion. Using the distraction, Daniel moved into position behind it.
With a burst of speed, he struck with everything he had, aiming for the base of the leader's tail. The attack landed with a satisfying crack, and the leader roared in pain.
[Critical Hit Delivered. Abyssal Stalker Leader Vitality Reduced by 50%. Pack Disbanding.]
The remaining Stalkers hesitated, their movements growing erratic. One by one, they began to retreat, their forms disappearing into the shadows.
The leader, now weakened and bleeding, glared at Daniel with a mix of fury and respect. It let out a low growl before turning and vanishing into the depths.
[Combat Completed. Experience Gained: Moderate.]
Daniel floated in place, his body trembling from the exertion. Mira swam over, her expression both relieved and impressed.
"You're not half-bad, guppy," she said with a smirk.
Daniel managed a weak laugh. "Thanks, I guess."
As they exited the grotto, the water became calmer, the eerie glow fading into the natural light of the open ocean.
"What now?" Daniel asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion.
Mira's gaze turned distant. "Now, we keep moving. The answers Orivath spoke of won't come to us. We have to find them."
Daniel nodded, a newfound determination settling in his chest. He didn't know what awaited them, but one thing was clear—he was no longer just a human or a fish. He was something more, and his journey had only just begun.