Chapter 16
Nike looked at me with a serious expression, leaving no room for banter.
"If I fall, Azazel, can you promise me you won't panic? I can still be brought back after the fight is over—assuming whatever is charging in doesn't move to smash your core."
I tried to respond, but my mind wouldn't let me process what he had just said. My focus was split—I could feel her moving into Room Two while the monster was still in Room One, rapidly gaining on her.
"Do you have a plan, Nike? Because one right now would be amazing."
He nodded and pointed to the opening that connected Room Three to the dungeon core room.
"I took the class Hunter, and I get bonuses when fighting alongside animals, monsters, and your mobs. I'm going to wear down the monster and deal as much damage as I can. You need to lay down support where you can." His tail flicked, showing he was already mentally preparing for the fight. "We haven't talked about spells yet, but I remember Witch Doctors having a Fear spell. If you think it will work, use it when I'm out of options."I was suddenly sent a panel from Nike: "Form War Party."
Hurriedly, I pressed the button, and in an instant, my senses expanded. I could feel the emotions of my mobs—those included in the party. Their collective presence washed over me, and among them, I recognized four distinct signatures.
Naga and Hydra—I remember them. But there were two new names. Noodle and Stinky? Looks like Nike had taken it upon himself to name some of the mice.
The strangest presence, however, was that of the drones. I had expected them to be included in the party, but their emotions—or lack thereof—stood out. They didn't feel like the other creatures. Instead, their presence reminded me of a machine, like an AI awaiting instructions. Well, they'd be getting one soon.
"Nike, can you take control of the mobs? I'll try to summon more if any fall. I want to make sure you have heals and as much support as I can give."
He nodded without hesitation and moved to join the creatures gathering in Room Three.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I've never been in a real fight before. Every bit of combat experience I had was from games, and this was far from the same thing. Doubt crept in, and my nerves threatened to take over.
Slowly, I stepped into Room Three, forcing myself to focus. My eyes skimmed over the list of spells available to me, searching for something—anything—that would help.
Calm down. Breathe. You can do this.
POV CHANGE ORC WOMEN
Run. Just keep running.
My lungs burned, my legs screamed, but I couldn't stop. The thing behind me was relentless. I could hear its heavy, ragged breathing, feel the vibrations of its pounding footsteps against the cavern floor.
I had no idea where I was going. I'd stumbled into some kind of dungeon—an unnatural, twisting network of tunnels lined with shimmering crystals. I barely noticed the glowing mushrooms or the strange, skittering creatures scurrying into the shadows. All I cared about was putting as much distance between me and the beast behind me as possible.
Then, a voice echoed through the tunnels. Not aloud, but inside my head.
"Run! I will protect you. Follow the tunnels—you'll see three rooms. The last one has monsters, but they won't attack you. Avoid the mushrooms along the way!"
I almost tripped in shock. Who—what—was that?
I had no time to question it. My instincts screamed at me to obey. Trust it or die.
I pushed forward, nearly collapsing as I rounded a corner into the second room. My muscles ached, and my vision blurred. The mushrooms lining the walls pulsed with eerie light, casting long shadows that played tricks on my tired mind.
Behind me, the beast roared. Close—too close.
Just a little farther!
I burst into the third room, my eyes widening. The space was larger, and instead of feeling empty and desolate, it felt... alive.
Creatures were waiting for me. Towering, dark-scaled serpents coiled along the edges, their golden eyes locked onto me. Small, nimble rodents covered in faintly glowing crystal fur stood at the ready. Strange, insect-like drones, their black granite bodies gleaming, hovered in place, waiting for something.
At the center of them all stood a figure.
A demon.
Slender yet eerily beautiful, his dark skin shimmered in the dim light. Twin horns curled from his head, and piercing golden eyes locked onto mine. He wore practically nothing—just some barely-there silks and a confidence I didn't understand.
Beside him, another figure. Smaller, but just as striking. White-haired, with mischievous red eyes and a smirk that sent a chill down my spine. His body language screamed excitement, like he was ready to tear into whatever was chasing me.
I barely had time to process any of it before a new voice cut through the tension.
"Stay behind us."
It wasn't a request.
I swallowed hard, my body frozen between two choices—keep running, or trust the monsters before me.
Then the beast behind me crashed into the room, and I realized I had no choice at all.