Adventures Beyond The Void [Season 1]

Chapter 36: Blood and Gold (part 2)

3RD POV

   Scorlu: - Well, well, what do we have here?

Nicholas gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. He barely managed to lift his spear into a defensive stance, his arms trembling. Scorlu's steps were casual, like a predator enjoying the fear of its cornered prey.

   Scorlu: - You're not one of the criminals...

He glanced toward the sealed treasury doors.

   Scorlu: - Lost, are we?

Another tremor shook the dungeon, causing small pebbles and dust to full from the ceiling.

   Scorlu: - Are you a magic warrior? No, that can't be the case, you look so weak and... breakable.

He chuckled lowly. 

   Scorlu: - You know, if it were any other time, I'd play with you, but I'm in a hurry, so I'll just kill you. How about that?

Nicholas tightened his grip and began stepping back, angling toward the piles of treasure that might provide cover. Scorlu's grin widened.

   Scorlu: - Run, then.

Nicholas barely ducked as the stinger sliced through the air, crashing into the gold behind. Another strike immediately followed, the wind alone nearly knocking him off balance. Then the barrage came. Slashes. Jabs. Tail strikes. All relentless and blindingly fast. Nicholas ducked, parried, scrambled, barely keeping up. Every dodge was tighter than the last. Selin's brutal training was the only thing keeping him alive.

But this was a battle of stamina and he had none left. He dove behind a statue, but Scorlu smashed through it with one hand, marble exploding outward. The tail struck him in the chest, sending him skidding back.

   Scorlu: - Sorry, kid. This is the end of the road for you.

From the earth beneath Nicholas, a torrent of acidic green and brown smoke erupted, swallowing him whole. The room shook violently, a shockwave blasting coins and treasure away. Smoke and ash curled through the chamber. Scorlu lowered his hand, exhaling with satisfaction.

   Scorlu: - Pity. You might've been fun to torment a little more.

He turned around, grabbing his magical device to keep looking for the item. But then...

BOOM!!

Thick roots exploded from the ground behind him, smashing into the earth. When the smoke parted, the Tree-trooper was wrapped around Nicholas like living armor, its back split open to reveal glistening tendrils, half-root, half-spine. Some anchored into the floor, others hovered like spears ready to strike. Roots coiled tightly around his legs, arms, waist, and chest. Behind him, four massive roots extended like tentacles. Scorlu froze.

   Scorlu: - What the...-?! A Tree-trooper?! But how?!

Nicholas was staring wide-eyed at his body. The small creature still remained firmly on his back, supporting his host. It had saved him. Again. He let out a breath, his gaze hardening as he stared back at Scorlu. He gripped the spear as he got into position.

   Nicholas: - I'm not done yet!

Scorlu stared at the boy, before his malicious grin returned.

   Scorlu: - Good. Very good.

He lifted his hands, which were covered in magic. And to the protagonist's horror, they transformed into scorpion pincers.

   Scorlu: - Let's play then!!