Seren and Robert take calculated steps back, each repositioning with precision. Their eyes never leave the centipede as its own glowing green eyes lock onto them, the eerie light cutting through the swirling chaos of the Essence Storm.
The storm's relentless winds howl around them, carrying debris and fine dust that stings their eyes.
"We have to aim for the joints!" Seren yells, her voice barely audible through the chaos of the storm. Her sharp eyes dart to the vulnerable spots between the centipede's armored segments.
The centipede coils its segmented body, preparing another strike, its movements unnervingly smooth.
Ahri, standing in the backline, is visibly struggling. Sweat glistens on her brow, and her chest heaves as she fights to maintain focus. Her hands tremble as the strain of slowing the creature takes its toll.
"You have to slow it down a little longer" Finn says, urgency in his tone. His hands emit a calming blue light, forming a healing barrier that envelops Ahri. A wave of energy floods through her, steadying her breath and restoring her resolve.
The centipede senses the shift in its opponents. Its green eyes flick toward the backline, locking onto Nico, who is still preparing his next attack.
"Be careful!" Robert shouts.
Nico, standing in the backline with bloodied hands, doesn't falter. His voice, calm yet laced with confidence, cuts through the noise. "There's no need."
The centipede surges forward, ignoring Seren, Robert, and Kiaran at the frontline. It slithers with unbelievable speed, closing the gap between it and Nico rapidly fast, driven by the primal instinct to eliminate the apparent threat.
The air around Nico changes. Blood begins to flow from the red bags strapped to his backpack, forming tiny droplets that seem to float unnaturally. They shimmer in the dim storm light, resembling crimson rain.
It's as if the heavens themselves are bleeding.
Nico pulls out a knife and instead of taking a defensive stance, he slices his own wrist in a deliberate motion. The blood doesn't spill randomly, instead, it joins the floating droplets, merging into the attack he's building. His focus is unwavering as he glares at the incoming creature.
Seren and Robert move in tandem, following the centipede's trajectory, their weapons ready. Kiaran begins to circle wide, positioning himself for a flanking strike.
The bloody rain above the centipede grows heavier, droplets swelling to the size of small stones. Just as the creature lunges forward, the crimson rain forms into long, sharp rods of blood.
In a split second, over a dozen of these bloody spears come crashing down toward the beast. The impact is deafening.
Some spears miss as the centipede, 's lightning-quick reflexes allow it to dodge. Its body twists and contorts with unnatural agility, evading the brunt of the attack. But others strike true.
Some of the rods slam into its armored carapace with brutal force, leaving deep dents and shattering several segments. Green liquid oozes from the broken plates, pooling on the ground like toxic ichor.
The creature lets out a primal screech, its body writhing in pain. Nico's lips curl into a wry smile as his attack leaves its mark.
But the battle isn't over. Despite its injuries, the centipede's resolve remains unbroken, thus Ahri still has no control. It charges at Nico with renewed ferocity, its fangs getting dangerously close, green slime dripping from their jagged edges.
Nico, still holding his bloody knife, realizes the beast is too close for his own comfort. So instead of blocking like Seren, he hurls the blade directly into its gaping maw.
The centipede recoils slightly, its movements momentarily stuttering, giving Nico the chance to roll backward, creating precious distance and forming a blade out of his own blood.
Kiaran seizes the opening before Nico has to do anything else. With a battle cry, he swings his massive axe overhead, aiming for the exposed, bleeding segment of the centipede's armor.
The axe cleaves through with brutal precision, splitting the monster cleanly in two. A sickening crunch noise echoes through the air as the creature's body collapses to the ground, its movements ceasing entirely.
The team stands in silence for a moment, the storm's howling winds the only sound around them.
"I'm glad it's over" Ahri says, her voice weary but relieved. She leans on Finn for support, the strain of the battle evident in her trembling legs. "I was about to run dry on essence."
Finn nods, though a hint of frustration crosses his face. "Yeah... I guess I helped a little" he mutters, feeling like his role was minor compared to the others.
Seren wipes the sweat from her brow, her eyes still scanning the battlefield for any signs of movement.
"You gave Ahri the energy she needed. That's more than enough, and someday your time to shine will" she says, her tone reassuring.
Robert sheathes his daggers, his gaze fixed on the Rift, which continues to pulse ominously. "Good work, everyone. But don't relax yet."
The fight took no more than a couple of minutes, meaning reinforcements may still take a while. The team knows this and remains careful around the gate.
"To be honest, the situation doesn't seem good. The storm makes no effort to calm down, and all that excess essence gathering here will attract even more fearsome creatures. In my opinion, we should enter the Void Breach and try to clear it ourselves as fast as possible." Robert cautiously suggests.
He doesn't like the idea of getting the general's daughter in unnecessary danger, but just waiting and hoping for the best, that the clear team comes in time can also lead to a deadly situation.
"So, if we decide to do that, how would we proceed?" Seren asks in return.
"Upon entering we will land somewhere in the Abyss. We have to find the monster, which is anchored to this Void Breach. Since it's a Category 2 Essence Storm, it should also be a Tier 2 monster, so a Dreadling." Robert responds.
"Since the centipede was a Wretched, a monster of the lowest tier, how much stronger would a Dreadling be?" Finn asks nervously.
"Hmmh, it is always different, but to be on the safe side assume it's at least twice as strong. We also have to consider other enemies in the Abyss, lurking near the rift."
A quick vote shows, that everyone is in favor of entering the Void Breach. They carve a note for the military on a nearby wooden sign, since communication in an Essence Storm is almost impossible.
Robert steps forward, placing his hand on the distorted surface. It ripples like water but offers no resistance. He glances back, offering a faint smile. "See you on the other side."
And then he steps through, vanishing into the swirling void.
Seren follows without hesitation, her sword ready at her side, her expression a mask of steely determination. Nico goes next, muttering something under his breath about regretting this decision already.
Finn hesitates for the briefest moment, the portal's chaotic hum resonating in his chest like a second heartbeat. He grips his bow tightly, takes a deep breath, and steps forward.
The rest of the team quickly follows.