Tenshi had already made up her mind. She broke into a sprint, charging toward Darius just as the Spider Queen prepared to deliver another lethal bite. Without hesitation, Tenshi threw herself between them. Her hands glowed a faint white, but it was clear she was out of mana—no skill activated. Still, she stretched out her arms in a desperate attempt to shield him.
Time seemed to slow down as I tried to rush in after her. My heart pounded, and I could see Viri glancing at Eli. Eli shook her head solemnly, then looked at me with an unreadable expression.
"No!" I screamed, my voice panicked.
"Earth_Wall!" I heard Viri shout.
A thick wall of earth erupted from the ground, wedging itself between the Spider Queen and Tenshi, stopping the deadly bite just in time. I glanced back, but Viri had already disappeared, moving too fast for me to follow.
The Spider Queen, momentarily caught off guard, was suddenly kicked back against the wall by Viri, who had reappeared in front of Tenshi.
"Eli, you're as useless as ever," Viri muttered, her voice filled with irritation.
"Tenshi, go heal the others!" Reyna urged, handing over her mana potions.
After drinking the potions Tenshi clasped her hands together. A glowing rune formed beneath her, and she screamed, "Full_Heal!"
A soft, white aura enveloped everyone in the cavern, washing away the pain and exhaustion. I felt the effects immediately, my body rejuvenated, stronger than even before I'd arrived. Without hesitation, I rushed into the cavern, with Eli and Reyna close behind me.
The Spider Queen, furious from being interrupted, let out a thunderous roar that echoed through the cavern. The scream sent a chill down my spine.
Viri's confident expression faltered, sweat beading on her brow.
Suddenly, the Spider Queen's voice, sharp and shrill, pierced the air. "I can smell your fear. It feeds me more than you ever will."
The members of the Order seized their chance to escape, running past us without a second glance at Tenshi, who had healed them. Darius, like the others, seemed shocked and cowardly fled, letting out a scream as he did.
TUMBLE!
The sound of the cavern walls collapsing blocked the exits leaving Darius trapped with us. We were now trapped with the boss, who appeared delighted by this turn of events, a sly smile stretching across its face.
I glanced at the others—Tenshi looked worried; Reyna and Viri, preparing for the attack; and Eli, looked uncertain yet determined. Darius was frantically trying to move the rubble out of the way with his hands.