Mavobella: The Angel Of Death

Chapter 35

The ocean swirled around us as we navigated the rocky terrain, the first gem safely tucked away in my satchel. With our adrenaline still pumping from the last encounter, we were more than ready to tackle the next three gems. I pulled out the map, the ink still fresh as we traced our route.

It was quite useful until the rhythmic throb of the gem echoed through the water, pulling us toward it like a drumbeat, just as it had in the first loop. I felt the familiar pulse radiating from the ocean floor, but this time, there was no surprise. I knew what was coming.

“Here we go again,” I muttered, already scanning the water for the sea monsters. Sure enough, they materialized out of the darkness, their green eyes glowing with the same vicious intensity.

“Monsters incoming!” Nicole’s voice echoed through the link, her gun firing before the creatures could even get close. The neon green liquid shot through the water, striking the first beast square in the face. We didn’t have time to get bogged down in another long fight.

“We know the drill—push through, get the gem, and get out!” I sent through the link, moving forward with purpose. Wade was already beside me, his sword flashing through the water, cutting down anything that got in our way.

We pushed forward, cutting through the water with practiced speed. This time, I didn’t waste time engaging with the creatures. I’d seen it all before—their venom, their speed—none of it was new. I headed straight for the gem, knowing the others would cover me.

“Hold them off,” Nicole relayed, firing off another round, keeping the monsters at bay, while Wade expertly slashed through the waves. There was no hesitation, no second-guessing. The first loop had taught me everything we needed to know.

I reached the gem in record time, the throb almost overwhelming now as I stretched my hand toward it. My fingers brushed the glowing surface, and just like before, the rhythm stopped. The sea monsters froze, blinking in confusion before retreating into the dark depths.

“Got it!” I shouted through the link, grabbing the gem and stowing it in my satchel. The whole encounter had lasted only minutes.

“Well, that was easier,” Wade smirked, already turning back toward the surface.

Nicole gave a short laugh, her gun still raised but her shoulders relaxing. “Yeah, no need to relive that fight.”

We didn’t stick around to admire the silence. Instead, we kicked upward, leaving the now still ocean behind us, the second gem secured, and ready for the next.

°*°

“Alright, team,” I said, pointing at the map. “Two gems left.”

“Underwater again?” Wade asked, glancing warily at the ocean.

I nodded. “This time, it’s just sitting in a trench out there. But there are sea monsters.”

“Of course there are,” Wade muttered, gripping his sword.

“We know what we’re dealing with now. Let’s make this quick.” I gestured toward the water. “Stay sharp.”

Without wasting any more time, we dove in. The cool water enveloped us instantly, but we pushed forward. As soon as we got deeper, a rhythmic pulse surged through the sea. The gem was calling them.