CHAPTER 15 The Mission Part 2
The echoes of battle faded, leaving behind the metallic tang of blood and the scent of ozone. Da took a moment to assess the situation. The Blood Ghouls were repelled, but more, undoubtedly, were coming.@@novelbin@@
"Status report," he commanded.
"Structural integrity nominal," Fireboy responded, its voice calm amidst the carnage. "Energy levels at 87%. Multiple life forms detected. Threat assessment: escalating."
The data was grim. Da couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the appetizer.
"System, analyze the environment," Da ordered. "Provide a comprehensive assessment."
The Fireboy's sensors scanned the area, its internal processors working at full capacity. After a tense moment, the information was relayed:
"Analysis complete. Blood Valley located in the Crimson Peak Realm within the Dark Blood Universe. Tear power level: Limited early Silver ranking. Please be advised: Signs of otherworldly corruption have been spotted."
The information sent a chill down Da's spine. The Dark Blood Universe. The name alone evoked a sense of dread. Limited Silver ranking meant the tear was stable enough to sustain life, but it also implied more powerful entities lurking within. And "otherworldly corruption" was a red flag. A major one.
"Silver-ranking..." Da muttered. "We are outmatched."
He shared the information with the team. The Grimheart soldiers exchanged worried glances. Kai, ever stoic, simply nodded.
"We proceed with caution," Da said, his voice firm. "We will prioritize the resources and avoid unnecessary conflicts."
The team moved onward, navigating the treacherous landscape. They encountered more Blood Ghouls, but Fireboy and Kai were able to handle the attacks. They continued forward, toward what the information said would be the main resource deposit.
As they pressed deeper into Blood Valley, the signs of corruption became more apparent. The landscape itself seemed to twist and writhe, the rock formations morphing into grotesque shapes that seemed to watch their every move. The air grew heavier, charged with a malevolent energy.
They eventually came upon a large cavern, the heart of the resource deposit. The cavern walls pulsed with a sickly crimson glow, and a pool of viscous, bubbling blood dominated the center. Clusters of metallic-looking crystals sprouted from the floor.
"These are the resources," Da said. "Blood Crystals. They are our priority. Kai, secure the area. Soldiers, start gathering."
The team worked quickly and efficiently. The soldiers began to collect the Blood Crystals, carefully placing them in specialized containment units. Kai stood guard, scanning for any sign of danger. Fireboy remained vigilant, its sensors constantly monitoring the environment.
Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the cavern. A new threat had arrived.
Emerging from the shadows were the Butcher Golems, towering constructs of bone and flesh, their movements clumsy, but their strength terrifying. Two of them.
"Butcher Golems, incoming!" a soldier shouted, firing a burst of pulse rifle fire. The shots barely seemed to affect the constructs.
"Fireboy, engage!" Da commanded. "Kai, assist!"
The battle began once more. The Butcher Golems were slow, but their attacks were devastating. One swung a massive fist, smashing through a section of the cavern wall. The soldiers scrambled to avoid the debris.
Fireboy unleashed its energy blade, aiming to sever the golems' limbs. The blade cut through the flesh and bone, but the golems, were resilient. They didn't slow down, they kept coming, their attacks becoming more brutal.
Kai engaged the other golem, using his incredible strength and his ability to heal. His metallic arm lashed out, trying to tear the golem apart, but it was a difficult task.
One of the Golems grabbed one of the soldiers, crushing the soldier in its grasp.
Da knew they had to end this quickly. He used the energy pistol, hoping to create an opening. But the Butcher Golems were too resistant.
"System, analyze weak points!" Da shouted, desperation creeping into his voice. He had to find a way to defeat these behemoths.
As Fireboy attacked one of the Golems, the creature's movements became erratic. It was like it was being driven by another force. Da could sense something was off.
"Corruption... it's affecting them," Da realized. The "otherworldly corruption" was not just a visual phenomenon; it was influencing the creatures themselves, amplifying their strength and resilience.
The situation had become critical.
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