Chapter 3:The Test of the Abyss
The monstrous insects scuttled forward with unnatural speed, their pincers snapping as they neared the group. The dim light from the glowing crystals reflected off their glossy, chitinous bodies, making them seem even more terrifying.
Akane's heart pounded in his chest, but his eyes were sharp. He wasn't about to let fear take over again—not after what had just happened.
"Stay close," Adewan ordered, his voice steady, his hand never leaving his sword. His gaze was fixed on the largest of the creatures, which towered over the rest. "We're taking them down, one at a time."
Kane stepped forward, his staff crackling with energy as he muttered a few words under his breath. A bolt of lightning shot from the end of his staff, striking one of the smaller insects and sending it twitching to the ground.
"Nice shot," Akane said with a grin, but Kane didn't react. His focus was razor-sharp, his eyes scanning the field for their next target.
Akane couldn't help himself. He charged forward, eager for action, his daggers glinting in the dark. As one of the insects lunged toward him, he twisted, dodging its pincer by a hair's breadth, before slashing across its abdomen. The creature screeched, collapsing into a pile of twitching limbs.
But more were coming.
"Watch your backs!" Adewan called as he moved in, his blade cutting through the air with fluid precision. He dropped another insect with a single strike, his movements flawless as always.
Akane's grin widened, his adrenaline spiking. "Let's make it a race, then!" He dashed toward the next target, his daggers flashing as he moved with deadly grace.
The sounds of battle echoed through the cavern clashing metal, shrill screams of the creatures, and the crackle of Kane's magic. The brothers were in sync, moving together like well-oiled gears in a machine, each strike complementing the other.
But just as they began to gain the upper hand, the ground trembled again. A deafening roar echoed from the depths of the cavern, shaking the very walls around them.
"A boss monster?" Kane whispered, his eyes narrowing.
"Not yet," Adewan said, his expression grim. "We're not done here."
As if to confirm his words, the shadows near the far wall seemed to shift. From the darkness, a massive creature emerged—its body was a grotesque mixture of insect and reptile, covered in scales that glowed faintly under the crystal light. Its eyes, dark and soulless, locked onto the brothers.
"Everyone, fall back!" Adewan ordered. But it was too late. The monster surged forward, its massive jaws snapping shut with a bone-rattling crack.
Akane didn't hesitate. "Time to test this out," he muttered under his breath, reaching into the depths of his abilities. The world seemed to slow as he tapped into his newfound power—Unlimited Mana.
His body surged with energy, every muscle screaming with newfound strength as magic enveloped him. The air crackled around him, and his daggers glowed with a fierce light.
Without warning, he leaped forward, faster than he had ever moved before, his daggers aimed directly at the monster's throat.
But just as he neared his target, the creature's massive tail swung out, sending Akane crashing into the stone wall.
"Akane!" Adewan yelled, rushing toward him.
Kane was already moving, his staff glowing with a deadly aura. He raised it, summoning a bolt of concentrated lightning that struck the monster square in the chest. The beast howled in pain but didn't falter.
"Damn it," Kane muttered, looking at the creature's thick armor. "We're gonna need something stronger."
"Then let's give it to them," Adewan said, determination in his eyes. He turned to Akane, who had already pushed himself back to his feet, shaking off the effects of the blow. "Akane, don't hold back. We need everything you've got."
Akane wiped blood from his lip, his grin returning. "You got it." He focused his energy again, pushing his limits. With a burst of power, he rushed in once more, his daggers cutting through the air with lightning speed.
The battle was far from over, but the brothers had only one goal in mind: survive, and keep moving forward.