The Cosmic Vessel

chapter 4: The Beastly Wave

Eira took out her wand. It was sleek and slender, symbolizing grace and refinement. Made from shimmering white and silver crystalline material, it had a frosty, almost ethereal look. As she prepared for battle, she thought to herself, I don't know what's out there, but I can sense too many spiritual beasts rampaging through the dark forest! I should warn them.

Ash said to Thorin, "Yes, there are thousands of spiritual beasts coming toward us. The beasts only run wild when there's a natural disaster or when a Sovereign-level threat arrives, causing all the beasts to go out of control."

Thorin said, "It feels more like a Mythical-level presence. The aura is different from the Sovereign-level threats we've faced on our adventure quests." Ash made a tutting sound and replied, "This night is going to be a mess for us. Tell the team members to stay on high alert."

As Thorin walked toward the camp to report to the team, he said, "Aye aye, captain! I'm too excited for this fight with a Mythical-level threat. I don't know where it's hiding, but I hope I run into it first, not you, Ash!" He laughed as he spoke.

Ash responded, "Don't get your hopes too high. If we fail, it's the end for us. We need the whole team to fight together. Remember, you're a tank, not a fighter."

Thorin laughed again, "Ah, it's been so long since our last team battle, I nearly forgot I'm the tank!" His laughter faded as he walked away.

Thorin raised his voice, calling out to the party, "Alright, everyone, it's time! Prepare yourselves—steel your hearts, charge your magical swords, and ready your spells. We stand at the edge of chaos, and only together can we hold the line! This is no ordinary threat, but we'll stand strong and face it together as one! No challenge can break us when we fight as a team!"

He turned to the merchant group, his tone serious, "Merchants, stay sharp and stay alert! A wave of spiritual beasts is coming, and when it hits, there's no time for second chances. Guard your lives and brace for the storm!"

The carriage door swung open as Eira stepped out, her eyes scanning the chaos unfolding around her. Merchants were in a panic, rushing to prepare for the incoming threat. As she descended, she saw Thorin and asked, "Did you sense the aura?"

"Yes," he replied. "I've already alerted everyone here."

"Where's Ash? Is he ready?" she inquired.

Thorin nodded, "He's preparing everything. We're set for the wave."

"How many spiritual beasts are headed our way?" she asked, her concern growing.

"Looks like 100 to 200," Thorin said grimly. "And there's one Mythical-level beast among them. But we don't know if it's a human summoning it or if the spiritual beasts are under its command."

Eira's brow furrowed in worry. "Why is this happening near our camp? We set up the defence array specifically so no one could sense our aura."

Thorin sighed, "We did. And it's a high-level array, even a Level 6 scroll. But who would've thought we'd face a Mythical-level threat?"

Thorin, with a worried expression, said, "The array can only hold against Sovereign-level threats. If that Mythical beast breaks through, we won't stand a chance."

Eira frowned. "What should we do? If there's a chance it could break, isn't it better to retreat?"

Thorin sighed, "Our party could retreat, sure. But what about those damn fool merchants? They're mere mortals, low-level at best. Even if we had the chance to escape, they wouldn't leave because of the goods they're hauling."

He tutted, shaking his head. "They paid a hefty price for us to protect their cargo. I wonder what's so precious that they'd spend that kind of money. Yet, even with all that fortune, they've refused to let us question what goods they're carrying."

Eira's eyes narrowed. "Do you think the beasts are attacking because of what they have?"

Thorin nodded. "It's possible. Have we ever been paid this much during any of our past adventures?"

"You're right," Eira admitted, "I had my doubts, but the merchants' company is well-known in Eldoria. Even our empire uses them. That's why I trusted them."

Thorin grunted in agreement. "I get it. But let's go find Ash and figure out our battle formation before it's too late."

Thorin and Eira reached Ash, who was busy strategizing with a focused look on his face. Without missing a beat, Ash began outlining the plan.

"Thorin," Ash said, "you're at the front, tanking. Your job is to lure the beasts—every single one should be focused on you. Eira, if any of them manage to slip past him, you cover the rear. Thorin, you'll get one supporter with you."

Ash glanced at Eira, then continued, "I'll fight alone. I don't need a supporter. While Thorin keeps them distracted, I can easily take them down. The rest of you—Eira, you'll command the remaining five members. Your priority is to protect the merchants. Remember, the goods don't matter. No matter how valuable they are, lives are more precious."

He turned to the last party member, a scout. "As for you, run as fast as you can and bring reinforcements. We're close to the border, and there should be a Marshal stationed there. Tell him our group needs urgent help, and show him this tag." Ash handed the scout a small, engraved token. "He'll understand. Now, go!"