The Tropiruth snarled as it lunged towards KiAera and Saptal, claws bared. It swung its wooden hunk for an arm at KiAera, narrowly missing her tiny form.

With a swift movement of her spear, KiAera slashed through one of its wooden legs with ease. She then darted around the Tropiruth, dodging its wild swings as she left trails of fire in her wake.

The Tropiruth stumbled backwards from the attack with a cry of pain. It turned towards KiAera and Saptal, snarling in rage. "𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚t 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 w𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬!" It hissed as it raised its arms.

It howled as strange dark crystals began to sprout from its bark, rippling and parting in a harrowing formation. Its form enlarging as it grew in size. The energy surging from it gushed through the air like a hot mirage, buffeting her and Saptal. This wasn't normal. Not from her understanding. But she was familiar with this radical transformation. Evolution. The Tropiruth's appearance took on a drastic and grotesque shift, taking on a fractured, jagged, unnatural blackened hue. The Tropiruth's wooden arms split and twisted into elongated claws tipped with razor-sharp crystal shards. Its snarls deepened as its eyes burned with a malevolent, feral glow.

KiAera gritted her teeth, her fur bristling as she steadied her spear. This wasn't the same creature she'd fought moments ago. It was as if something had hijacked its essence, forcing it into this nightmarish form. She knew something was off about the Tropiruth with its unusual arrival, but this confirmation unsettled her. "Saptal, back me up! This thing's evolving, but not in a natural way!" she shouted over the howling wind of dark energy emanating from the monster.

Saptal could barely muster a word as he watched, his massive form trembling. "I feel it too… it's... vile."

The Tropiruth roared, the sound reverberating through the forest and shaking the nearby trees. Shards of crystal broke off its body, embedding themselves into the ground like jagged knives. The bark of its body cracked and peeled away, revealing a network of dark, gleaming crystals spreading like veins across its torso and limbs. "𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥... 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧," it bellowed, its form towering over KiAera and Saptal. The ground beneath it cracked, blackened tendrils erupting outward and clawing at the earth as if the very forest recoiled from its presence.

KiAera's [Insight] flared to life, glowing faintly in her vision as it attempted to read the Tropiruth's altered state. The information was fragmented, as though the creature’s new form defied proper classification.

She confirmed that the creature had evolved—from a Tropiruth to a Terrotruth.

[Terrotruth: Corrupted Variant - "Dark Evolution"]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

— Creature: Terrotruth

— Variant Grade: [Emergent]

— APeX: [5283 Units] > [6868 Units]

— Attributes: [Plant] [Doom] [Corrupt]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

— Threat Level: HIGH

— Boost: Emergent vs Fledgling bonus

— Condition: Stable under external influence

— Altered Abilities:

- [Dark Tendrils]

- [Crystal Amplification]

- [Enraged State]

— Warning: Host integrity compromised. Entity exhibits controlled aggression linked to an external force.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

The words froze her for half a second. Controlled aggression. Linked to an external force. Someone was doing this.

The Terrotruth roared again, the sound echoing with a resonance that vibrated through her very bones. It lunged, faster this time, swinging one of its massive crystal-encrusted limbs directly at her. KiAera dodged, the impact sending shards of rock and bark flying into the air. She retaliated with a blazing arc of her spear, igniting the corrupted tendrils trying to snake toward her.

"We need to end this now!" she shouted to Saptal. The Terrotruth's sheer power was overwhelming, and the longer it remained under whatever influence controlled it, the more destruction it would wreak—not just here but on the forest and beyond.

Saptal responded with a surge of vines, each glowing faintly with his own energy. They coiled and lashed out, grappling with the Terrotruth's limbs to slow it down. "Hurry, KiAera!" he growled, straining to hold the monstrosity in place.

She didn't need to be told twice. Her chimera's mark ignited immediately as she honed her focus on it. She evolved from her [Fledgling] state to her [Emergent] state in that instant, becoming a Mearcritt.

★ KiAera's APeX: [2522 Units] > [5044 Units]

The Terrotruth thrashed against Saptal's ensnaring vines, black tendrils of its own twisting out to sever them. Its voice boomed, "𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐞? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥!"

A horrific mass—a cluster of roots, erupted from its back like legs of a spider. Tendrils sprouted outward, shooting toward KiAera and Saptal with frightening speed.

Saptal stood paralyzed before the approaching mass, but KiAera positioned herself to retaliate. Her body felt weightless yet powerful as her [Spectral Flame] blazed around her, burning brighter and hotter than before. The dark tendrils of the Terrotruth clashed violently with her fire, creating a chaotic storm of black and blue energies spiraling through the clearing. She was barely keeping it under control as it swept across Saptal, Sapshorla, Amber, and Pi Osseod.

If she lost control, they'd burn. Her [Emergent] form still felt raw to her. Maintain focus, KiAera. You can handle this. She thought to herself.

"Keep it busy, Saptal!" she commanded, her voice ringing with an edge that even she wasn't accustomed to. "I'll finish this."

Saptal growled in affirmation, his tree-like body crackling as he redoubled his efforts. He plunged thick roots into the ground, which erupted beneath the Terrotruth, binding its legs and forcing it off balance. "It's not going to hold for long!" he warned, his glowing green tendrils trembling under the strain. They snapped as the Terrotruth thrashed.

KiAera surged forward, spear in her ear's grasp. She leapt into the air with feline agility, her fiery aura trailing behind her like a comet. Her spear blazed mid-flight, the fire along the blade elongating and arcing like a flaming scythe.

The Terrotruth roared in defiance, swinging its crystal-encrusted arms wildly to free itself. Its claws caught the edge of KiAera’s arc, forcing her to twist mid-air and land behind it. Without hesitation, she spun on her heel and delivered a sweeping slash, her scythe slicing cleanly through one of its corrupted limbs.

A deafening crack echoed as the severed arm shattered into shards of bark and crystal. The Terrotruth howled, its movements becoming erratic. Black energy poured from the wound, hissing and writhing as though alive.

The Terrotruth turned to face her, its corrupted eyes narrowing with hatred. "𝐘𝐨𝐮... 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐞…"

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"This thing's about to blow!" Saptal warned, retreating several paces as the corrupted energy surged to dangerous levels. "KiAera, we have to fall back!"

"No. We have to push." With a defiant roar, KiAera leapt high into the air, her spear descending in a blazing arc.

The Terrotruth's remaining crystals began to pulse violently, its form growing unstable. Dark tendrils erupted from its body, writhing and lashing in every direction. KiAera barely managed to leap clear of one as it gouged a deep trench into the earth.

KiAera gasped in surprise as she tried to dodge everything but was caught off guard by one root smashing into her. The moment it connected with her, there was a blinding explosion of light and fire, engulfing the battlefield in an inferno that consumed them both. She cried out as she was sent flying, landing hard on her back. Her body ached from the blow, as wood splintered through her fur. They sizzled and crumbled as her flames caught on them. I was hit too hard…

The Terrotruth cackled maniacally as it loomed above KiAera, its green eye glowing with malice. "𝐍𝐨𝐰 y𝐨𝐮'r𝐞 𝐟in𝐢𝐬h𝐞𝐝!" It hissed, raising a thorn covered fist.

"No, you. Asshole." She used her mighty ears to hurl her spear into the Terrotruth's eye, and instantaneously, it ignited with a glorious blaze of white-blue flames.

"𝐆𝐡aaaaaaagh!!!!!!" The Terrotruth shrieked as it stumbled back from the attack with a cry of pain. Its roots twitched erratically as it writhed in agony. "𝐌y eyeeee!!!!!!!!" It screamed as it clutched at its face, desperately trying to put the flames out.

KiAera smirked as she watched the Terrotruth burn. She stood up slowly, wincing slightly from the pain of her injuries. "It's over now," she said, glaring at the Terrotruth.

KiAera took a deep breath, her paws clenched into tight fists as she prepared the incantation.

"Gathered strength, a potent mass,

A weapon forged from creature's grasp.

In the beast's maw, it finds its aim,

To strike with force, to quench the flame.

A sphere of pure destruction,

Borne of a monster's ire toward obstruction."

"I call upon the power of the Abyss, to help me vanquish my foes."

"[MereSphere]..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.

"[MereSphere]!" KiAera yelled, her voice echoing through the forest as she released the energy that had been building up within her. Releasing from her gaped mouth came forth a massive orb made entirely of flames, its size comparable to that of KiAera's entire body. The orb flew hastily toward the Terrotruth with incredible speed, crashing into its chest with an explosive impact.

The Terrotruth unleashed an agonizing cry before collapsing onto the ground, followed by a loud thud and an explosion of flames. Its remains burned fiercely, sending embers scattering into the dawning sky.

★ KiAera's APeX: [5044 Units] > [5572 Units]

When the light faded, KiAera stood in the center of a scorched clearing, her flames dissolving back into her spear as her form reverted to its normal state. The Terrotruth was gone, reduced to ash and fragments of crystal that shimmered faintly in the smoky air.

KiAera panted heavily as she stared at the remains of the Terrotruth, bidding the beast farewell. Her [Insight] flickered one last time, displaying a chilling message:

[External Influence Disconnected - Entity Terminated. Observation Ceased.]

She remained silent for several moments before turning away from it. Her heart raced within her chest as she struggled to process what had been disclosed. She walked toward where Saptal and Sapshorla stood together. They were both staring at her in awe.

KiAera slumped forward as exhaustion washed over her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

Pi Osseod scampered toward her, whimpering as it nudged her shoulder gently with its crystalline snout.

She saw Amber limp toward her as well, then strode, before limping again to reach her. Amber hugged KiAera tightly. Amber buried her feathery face into KiAera's furry neck and sniffled. "LeeLee! KiAera's safe! Big mean Tropiruth gone!" She murmured gratefully; her voice muffled against KiAera's skin.

૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა

★ Amber the LeapLeap's Bond:

— Bond Increased!

— Companion > Friend!

૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა

KiAera opened her eyes and smiled weakly at Pi Osseod before glancing over at Amber. She returned the hug, wrapping her fluffy ears around Amber.

"Yes... I'm okay. Don't worry yourself about little old me," she whispered quietly, running her ears's hands through Amber's feathers.

She only had a moment to comfort her before glancing at Saptal and Sapshorla, who watched them silently. They appeared dazed in a trance.

"Are you two alright?" KiAera spoke up, her tone concerned.

Saptal nodded slowly while Sapshorla gave a thumbs up. Sapshorla winced immediately after doing so, though, causing KiAera to frown worriedly.

KiAera frowned as she studied Sapshorla carefully. She noticed that the tree-girl had several nasty cuts and bruises along her body. Saptal also appeared injured, although he was far less battered compared to Sapshorla.

KiAera sighed softly before turning towards Pi Osseod. "Pi Osseod... Can you heal Sapshorla? She got injured pretty badly during our fight against the Tropiruth."

Pi Osseod chirped happily as it bounced towards Sapshorla. It began licking her wounds gently with its tongue, causing the looming tree behemoth to laugh at the sensation.

KiAera grinned at the sight before looking around curiously.

She noticed that Amber was still clinging tightly onto her body, refusing to release her grip, despite KiAera telling her multiple times that she was fine.

"Amber... Please let go of me now," KiAera breathed as she tried to pry Amber off herself.

Amber shook her head stubbornly, as she tightened her hold even further. "NO! LeeLee must rest! LeeLee fought big scary Tropiruth!" She protested loudly, while glaring at KiAera angrily.

KiAera groaned internally as she realized that there was no way she could convince Amber otherwise. She reluctantly stopped her struggle against Amber and allowed the LeapLeap to continue cuddling against her. She had to admit; the warmth emanating from Amber's feathers was rather comforting.

Dispelling the thought, KiAera glanced away, surveying the scorched remains of the Tropiruth once more before turning back towards Saptal and Sapshorla. They both stared at her expectantly as if they waited patiently for her next command.

Goosebumps ran through KiAera's skin as she wondered why the two Zeozons trusted her so much, when she was clearly just some random stranger who randomly dropped here from another world, altogether.

KiAera cleared her throat awkwardly before speaking up hesitantly. "So... What do you guys want to do now?" She asked, meeting Saptal's gaze.

Saptal shrugged nonchalantly, as he glanced around curiously. "Well... There's nothing left of that awful Tropiruth anymore thanks to ya, but we probably shouldn't stay here too long, considering that there may be others nearby. We should probably head somewhere safer." He suggested as he scratched his chin in thought.

KiAera carefully processed Saptal's words.

She realized that he was right. It would definitely be dangerous staying here for too long since there could be more monsters lurking nearby, waiting to ambush them unexpectedly. However... Where exactly would they, as in Saptal and Sapshorla, go instead?

She, Amber, and Pi Osseod had the means to return their Crystal Shelter; whereas the two massive Sapkins before her, lacked such means of the concept of a home except for the forest itself. The Sapkins would not fit into her home due to their sheer size alone.

KiAera pursed her lips, pondering deeply about how best to address Saptal's question without offending him or Sapshorla. Finally, she decided to speak honestly instead of attempting to sugarcoat things too much. After all, there was no point in hiding things when everyone present seemed trustworthy enough.

"Well... You two could come with us if," KiAera offered tentatively as she gazed intently at Saptal. This would be the first time she disclosed the Crystal Shelter to either Saptal or Sapshorla.

Saptal raised an eyebrow questioningly as he stared back at KiAera blankly. "With ya? You mean you got somewhere safe ta go?" He asked curiously while scratching his chin thoughtfully. His gaze shifted towards Amber briefly before returning to KiAera. "Where exactly are ya planning ta take us then?" He inquired curiously, clearly intrigued by her offer.

KiAera hesitated slightly before responding, "Well... We do have a place where we stay at whenever we need rest from our travels... However... It's kinda small... So it might be difficult for you two to fit inside..." She explained slowly while averting her gaze awkwardly.

Saptal frowned slightly as he pondered over KiAera's words carefully. After several moments of silence, he finally spoke up again. "Hmmm... I see..." He murmured thoughtfully before glancing at Sapshorla. "Whatcha think about this idea? Should we go along with them or not?" He asked as he turned towards his partner expectantly.

Sapshorla grinned widely as she nodded. "Yup! Sounds like fun!" She held Pi Osseod in her gigantic, barked palm, which made the Osseod look like a small gemstone in comparison. It squealed happily in response.

KiAera blinked rapidly in surprise before glancing towards Amber. However... She was glad that they both seemed willing to accept her offer regardless.

The LeapLeap merely shrugged before nodding slowly. "LeeLee trusts Saptal and Sapshorla! Leelee thinks that Saptal and Sapshorla good Zeozons!"

"Okay then... Let's go," KiAera announced as she began walking towards where she had left her satchel earlier before fighting the Tropiruth. As she reached for the bag, she paused briefly as something caught her attention, out of the corner of her eye...

She turned towards it curiously and noticed that there was a strange cluster of pink petals fading several meters away from her location. The petals were floating gently in the air without any apparent source of support whatsoever.

KiAera frowned slightly as she stared intently at the petals. She couldn't help but wonder why they appeared so odd. Familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time…somehow...

She shook her head dismissively before picking up her satchel and slinging it over her shoulder.

"Perhaps we should take upon our Sapling Forms to not draw anymore attention." KiAera's ears perked as she overheard Saptal and Sapshorla's conversation.

"Oh?" Sapshorla exclaimed. "Brightness, Sapkin! It'll make us smaller! Otherwise, we might not fit into wherever KiAera is taking us."

"That's what I was thinking! C'mon! Let's get started!" Saptal exclaimed.