The abomination continued striding towards Noah, laughing the entire time. The sound was somehow both delightful and horrific. As it drew nearer, Noah felt a sense of disorientation wash over him, as if the world around him was melting into a nightmarish haze. Though his instincts urged him to flee, to command Steve, or to devise a means of resistance, he found himself rooted to the spot by sheer terror, unable to do anything but stare helplessly at the advancing monstrosity.

The abomination spoke, yet its words were incomprehensible to Noah. Its voice echoed within Noah's mind, a confusing blend of a joyous child and a malevolent demon from the darkest abyss.

As the dark entity halted beside Noah, it extended its gaunt arm, directing its bony finger towards the head of the petrified man. Noah's mind was awash with terror, rendering him incapable of even uttering a scream.

So transfixed by terror that he could only stare in horror at the shadowy entity, Noah remained oblivious to Steve's movements, as the undead warrior swung his Greatsword at the abomination who appeared surprised.

Noah collapsed to his knees, feeling the sensation of invisible restraints relinquishing their hold, freeing him to think once more. As he observed the abomination, now at a distance, its presence seemed somehow diminished, no longer towering over him as before.

Steve lunged at the shadowy being, but the abomination showed no inclination to confront the skeletal warrior. With rapid, indistinct motions, it withdrew once more behind the boulder where Noah had initially noticed it crouching.

"Don't chase it, Steve..." Noah was able to speak once again.

'It must have attacked my mind, somehow. But I guess you can't attack the mind of someone who's already dead?'

Despite being unable to discern the abomination's eyes, Noah sensed its anger directed at him. The dark entity retreated further with hazy, indistinct movements until it vanished from Noah's sight, though he still felt its gaze upon him.

Sometime later, the sensation of being watched had subsided. Only then did Noah realize that he was trembling. Never before in his life had he been so terrified.

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'Can't wait to see what lovely nightmares I'll have about this...'

Looking around, Noah noticed how eerily quiet the area around him was. Not a single monster was in sight.

'They could have warned me.'

Noah attempted to collect himself, casting a grateful glance at Steve. He was surprised and immensely grateful for his undead guardian's initiative in protecting him without command.

"...Thanks, Steve." Noah's voice was shaky.

As they continued their climb along the river, Noah struggled to keep his thoughts in order. He mulled over Steve's independent actions and his own urgent need to become stronger and return to The Arc. Yet, the haunting image of the abomination persisted in his mind, causing Noah to shiver involuntarily.

In his shaken state, Noah remained oblivious to the approaching danger until Steve sprang into action. Suddenly, five grotesque bipedal creatures, with slimy hides and reptilian features, each standing as tall as a man, had launched their surprise attack.

As the ambush unfolded, Steve swiftly engaged the monstrous assailants, his battered armor clattering against his skeletal frame with each movement. The undead warrior quickly dispatched two of the creatures, his ancient Greatsword cleaving through their slimy hides. However, the largest and most formidable member of the group of monsters proved to be a powerful opponent, with Steve unable to hold it back, along with the remaining, smaller monsters at the same time.

Noah was still shaken from his encounter with the abomination, his eyes locked in fear as the battle unfolded before him. Yet, as he absorbed the strength of the two slain monsters in the form of green mist, something snapped within him.

Rage. Noah was sick and tired of being preyed upon, be it by the abomination, Voidstrider, or the countless monsters he had encountered.

"ARRRRRGGHHHH!"

Noah charged into the midst of the battle, letting out a fierce howl as he tackled one of the monsters engaged with Steve. He felt no surprise as he managed to bring the creature down, instead, he continued to unleash his fury, pounding the reptilian monster's face with his fists.

By now, Noah had absorbed the strength of quite a few monsters, including the powerful, hulking tunneling creature that slashed his face. Noah possessed superhuman strength. He had no idea how he compared to other Touched and at that moment, he didn't care. Noah let out all of his frustrations on the monster underneath him, as he pummeled its face, continuing to smash it even after absorbing its strength, as well. It was only when his fists were bloody and the reptilian monster's head resembled a flattened mush that he finally ceased.

Breathing heavily, Noah turned to check on Steve's progress. The skeleton warrior had all but bisected the smaller, remaining monster, its essence surging toward Noah. Yet, the largest and final adversary had dealt a vicious blow to Steve, mauling him and rending his already worn plate armor further.

Still full of rage and fury, Noah rose to his feet, determined to join the fray.