Chapter 30: The Guardian's Challenge
The creature lunged, its massive claws slicing through the air with alarming speed. Adam barely dodged, the force of the swipe stirring a gust of wind that knocked him off balance.
"Great start!" Henry yelled, throwing himself sideways to avoid the beast's snapping jaws.
The dim light from Adam's smartphone illuminated the cavern just enough to reveal the creature's scaly hide, shimmering like polished armor.
"Good to know," Adam muttered, tightening his grip on the knife. "Henry, go for the weak spots!"
Henry barked a laugh. "Easier said than done!"
The Scalehound roared again, its voice reverberating through the cavern like thunder. It lunged at Henry, forcing him to roll away into the jagged wall. Adam seized the opening and darted forward, slashing at one of its hind legs. The blade met resistance, but he felt it sink into softer tissue just below the joint.
The creature howled in pain, its massive body twisting around to face Adam.
"Uh-oh," he breathed, backpedaling quickly.
"You don't say?" Adam dodged another swipe, barely keeping his footing on the slippery ground.
Henry scrambled to his feet, his face set in determination. "We need to coordinate! You distract it, and I'll take the other leg!"
"On it!" Adam replied, waving his arms and shouting to draw the creature's attention.
The Scalehound snarled, its glowing eyes locking onto Adam. It charged again, claws skidding on the wet floor. Adam sidestepped at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a crushing blow.
While the beast was distracted, Henry darted in from the side, plunging his knife into the joint of the other hind leg. The creature let out a guttural scream, its body collapsing slightly as both legs gave out.
"Now's our chance!" Adam yelled.
With the Scalehound struggling to rise, Adam and Henry advanced together, slashing at its exposed neck. Dark liquid sprayed from the wound as the creature thrashed violently. Adam ducked, narrowly avoiding a swipe that would have taken his head off.
"Keep going!" he shouted.
Henry landed another blow, his knife slicing deep into the creature's throat. With a final, mournful howl, the Scalehound slumped to the ground, its glowing eyes dimming.
Adam dropped to his knees, breathing heavily. "That... was too close."
Henry leaned against the wall, wiping sweat from his brow. "Tell me about it. Next time, let's avoid anything with scales and claws."
The cavern grew eerily quiet, the only sound their labored breathing. Adam retrieved his smartphone and held it up, the light illuminating the creature's fallen body.
"Good call," Adam said, standing shakily.
At the far end of the cavern, a faint golden glow caught his eye. He motioned to Henry, and they cautiously approached the light. Nestled in a small alcove was the artifact—a golden sphere covered in intricate engravings, pulsating with a soft, rhythmic glow.
"This has to be it," Henry said, reaching out.
"Wait!" Adam grabbed his arm. "It might be booby-trapped."
"Of course it will," Adam muttered.
They debated briefly before Adam carefully lifted the sphere. The moment it left its resting place, the cavern trembled violently.
"Secondary defenses!" Henry shouted, grabbing onto the wall for balance.
The rumbling intensified, and cracks began to spiderweb across the floor. From the shadows, faint growls echoed—a sound far too familiar.
"We've got company!" Adam said, clutching the artifact tightly.
"No kidding!"
They sprinted toward the entrance, the cavern collapsing around them. The growls grew louder, accompanied by the sound of claws scraping against stone. Adam glanced back and saw multiple sets of glowing eyes closing in.
"Faster!" he shouted.
Henry pushed himself harder, the exit just ahead. They burst out of the cave as the ground gave way behind them, swallowing the pursuing creatures in a cloud of dust and rubble.
They collapsed on the ground outside, gasping for air. The golden sphere lay between them, its glow undiminished.
"Well," Henry said after a long pause, "I hope those knives are worth it."
Adam chuckled weakly. "They better be."
"Let's go," Adam said, hauling himself to his feet. "The sooner we get those upgrades, the better."
Henry nodded, and they began the trek back, the golden sphere a reminder of the dangers they'd faced—and the ones still to come.
End of Chapter 30