A green, misty cloud enveloped Noah before absorbing into him. The stranded man and his two loyal, undead helpers had just slain a large arachnid monster, seemingly of the same species as the horrendous creature that had driven him to seek refuge in the river while leaving Steve short one skeletal arm.

Steve withdrew his ancient blade out of the fallen monster's head, while Claws was atop the creature, still shredding at its innards for some reason, using its... claws.

"Cut it out already!"

Claws stopped and glared at Noah with its empty, glowing eye sockets.

'That's one crazy lizard.'

Noah initially presumed that Steve's reserved demeanor stemmed from his undead nature. However, it became evident that Steve must have been some sort of cool, stoic warrior type, unlike Claws, who was a hot headed, battle obsessed, maniac.

It did make sense, though, considering Noah's encounter with Claws. The reptilian monster refused to back down and withdraw, opting to stand its ground and fight against both Noah and Steve, rather than retreating in order to live to fight another day.

'At least its listening to me...'

Claws was a game changer, though. The trio eradicated several groups of monsters today and covered significantly more ground than usual on their journey up the source of the river. The skeletal reptile proved swift and agile, taking Noah's role in luring monsters into ambushes. Moreover, Claws exhibited a degree of stealth, unlike the more tanky Steve, whose ancient plate armor clanked on his bones.

With Noah jumping in when needed, they were able to take on monsters that they would circle around when it was just him and Steve.

In the process, Noah grew progressively more powerful, although you wouldn't know it by looking at him. He appeared ragged, more filth and blood than man, with torn clothing, shaggy hair, and a heavy stubble on his face.

'I need a shower.'

Noah did not dare to try and wash up at the river again, after the tentacle tried to pull him under, last time. In addition, there was something else in the water hunting monsters while they quenched their thirst.

As the trio pressed onward up along the river, a noticeable change swept through the cavern. The once-stifling air gradually gave way to a fresher, more invigorating breeze. The once lush and vibrant luminescent flora gradually diminished, leading Noah to use his omni device's flashlight more often.

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"Finally! I can't believe it..."

Perched atop a boulder, Noah scouted ahead, where daylight filtered into the cavern, offering a glimpse of the outside world. Yet, two obstacles stood in his path. Firstly, the river surged directly towards the opening, barring any easy passage on land. Secondly, a pack of monsters camped at the riverbank.

'First thing's first, I need to deal with the monsters.'

The creatures resembled massive blue serpents, each with ten stubby legs and two sets of arms with razor-sharp claws. Their long necks arched upwards and their jaws were lined with menacing, jagged teeth. Evidently having just feasted on another unfortunate monster, the area was drenched with bloody remains.

Now that Noah had realized that he could control his minions with his mind, it was easier for him to orchestrate attack plans. Claws had circled around where it laid in wait for Noah to get as close as he could, without the monsters seeing him, or catching his scent. Steve stayed farther behind, due to the amount of noise his movements made.

'Right, I'm about to fight horrific monsters with my bare hands. Again.'

It was different to go into battle without the rage he felt after his dreadful encounter with the abomination. On the other hand, he was fighting right now in order to get as far away as possible from said abomination.

'Here we go...' Noah gave claws a mental command.

The reptilian skeleton leaped from cover, swiftly slashing the throat of one serpent with its claws, sending blue blood gushing out of the wound. Immediately after, it lunged at another monster, sinking its sharp teeth into the creature's neck in a relentless assault, as they both rolled on the ground.

As this unfolded, Noah charged forward towards the distracted monsters, who were focused on Claws. He targeted the nearest serpent, catching it off guard as it turned towards the sound of his footsteps. With a powerful punch, Noah struck the creature's face, leaving a bloody dent on its skull as it staggered backward. Of course, as this was happening, Steve was also sprinting towards the ensuing battle.

Noah found himself encircled by three serpents, though one seemed disoriented from the blow it took to the head. Utilizing his newfound speed and strength, Noah managed to dodge their attacks, fighting a delaying battle. Amidst a furious hiss, the head of one of the monsters was sent flying into the air, spewing blue blood. Steve had arrived and was already swinging his Greatsword at the next monster.

Rushing towards the serpent he had first engaged, Noah unleashed a flurry of punches at its head, until he witnessed the familiar green mist departing the monster's body and absorbing into his own. The creature slumped lifelessly to the ground, a pool of blood oozing from its shattered skull.

Afterward, Noah left the task of dealing with the remaining few monsters to Steve and Claws. A couple of minutes later, Steve swung his Greatsword, sending the last serpent flying into the churning waters of the river. To Noah's horror, a colossal monster emerged from the depths, and devoured the corpse. It was a gargantuan, scaly fish, with massive, slithery tentacles. Noah could have sworn that the monstrous entity had fixed its gaze upon him before submerging once more beneath the water's surface.

'How the heck am I swimming back to the surface through this?!'

***

Noah sat down at what appeared to be a safe distance from the river. It was agonizing to be so near to freedom yet unable to cross it.

'There must be other paths to... Huh?!' While thinking about his next step, Noah saw a man walking towards him from within the darkness of the cave.