Chapter 16: Dire Situation

The mantis stood in the clearing, its dark green carapace glistening under the faint, eerie glow that seemed to emanate from the magical auras surrounding the fighters. Purple outlines traced along the contours of its body, giving it an almost otherworldly aura as it swayed its thin, three-meter-tall frame. Its body was sleek and glossy, like polished obsidian, but beneath the beauty lurked danger: small, sharp thorns jutted from its limbs, each razor-sharp, waiting to slice into flesh. The blade-like arms in front of its torso gleamed with a murderous intent, poised to strike like a deadly scythe.

The air around them was thick with tension, weighed down by the scent of damp earth and sweat from the fighters preparing for battle. The stench of fear clung to them, mixing with the coppery tang of blood that lingered in the back of their throats from the previous skirmishes.

Marcos’s voice cut through the dread like a whip. "Now!" he screamed, his voice sharp and commanding, snapping everyone out of their paralyzing fear. The fighters blinked, shaking off their momentary shock, their bodies reacting instinctively as they prepared to activate their skills.

"[Crown of Strength]!" Marcos bellowed, his body glowing as a translucent white crown materialized above his head. A soft pink aura wrapped around him, enhancing his already formidable presence. Around him, other skills flared to life. White lights blinked into existence, shimmering like protective barriers, while blue auras of speed and strength enveloped the fighters. The magical energy that coursed through the air added a layer of surrealness to the scene, but with the mounting confidence from their activated skills, there was a shift in the atmosphere.

The fighters were ready. Or so they hoped.

"All close combat fighters, follow me!" Marcos shouted as he led a small group of brave souls toward the towering insect. "Wait for an opening—attack when it’s distracted, then retreat! If you’re unsure, stay back!"

Niko watched, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the weight of the moment, as if the entire world hung in the balance. The air was charged with anticipation, every breath labored with fear and adrenaline. His hands were trembling, but not from fear—rather, from the sheer effort it took to control his spirits. His Steampunk Bee floated around him like a loyal guardian, while the other weaker spirits buzzed toward the mantis, orbiting its grotesque head in an attempt to confuse it.

The mantis remained still, like a statue, unperturbed by the humans approaching. Its glossy, alien eyes reflected the tiny figures moving toward it, completely devoid of emotion.

The fighters moved with hesitation, their footsteps crunching the dirt and grass beneath them. The smell of fear was evident now, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest. Their breaths came in short gasps, a cold sweat running down their spines as they approached the predator. It was too still, too quiet—like a storm waiting to unleash its fury.

"Create space! Spread out! Get ready!" Marcos commanded again, his voice a beacon in the chaos of uncertainty.

Niko’s headache intensified as he guided his spirits toward the mantis’s face. He winced from the strain, but pushed forward. His spirits flitted around the mantis’s glossy eyes, glowing faintly, trying to divert its attention. For a brief moment, the mantis hesitated, its body twitching in confusion.

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Now was the moment.

With a swift, precise motion, Marcos darted forward and slashed at one of the creature’s legs. His sword met resistance, but with a hard push, he managed to leave a small gash. Green blood oozed from the wound, dripping onto the forest floor like poisonous sap.

The mantis screeched—a high-pitched, ear-piercing noise that cut through the tension, sending shivers down the spines of the fighters. The ground beneath them vibrated from the force of the cry. Its head snapped toward the source of the attack, cold eyes locking onto Marcos and his men.

"Get back!" Marcos shouted, retreating as he raised his sword defensively.

Others lunged in to attack, but their weapons barely scratched the insect's exoskeleton. The mantis, angered now, raised its blade-like arms high above its head. In one fluid motion, the blades came down with terrifying speed.

"Hahaha! Daddy will kill you, dumb green thing!!" the crazy man with the mohawk cackled. His glowing tongue lashed out like a whip, wrapping around the mantis’s arm.

The insect barely flinched. With a powerful yank, it pulled the man toward it and in one merciless swipe, its other blade sliced him in half. The man’s body fell to the ground in a grotesque heap, blood and organs spilling out across the grass like spilled paint. His insane laughter was replaced by the sickening sound of his entrails splattering against the earth.

The crowd stood frozen, horror etched across their faces. But the mantis wasn’t done. In a flash, its other blade struck out again, beheading another man with glowing hands before anyone could react. His head rolled across the dirt, leaving a bloody trail behind.

"Monster!" someone screamed.

"Can we even win this?!" another voice cried out in despair.

Niko’s heart raced. His chest felt tight, the panic rising in him. "Why isn’t Marcos using his real power?" he thought, frustration and fear gnawing at his insides. "Is this thing really that strong?"

Amid the chaos, a man with a hatchet for an arm charged the mantis. His attack barely grazed the creature’s tough exoskeleton before the mantis retaliated, its arm moving so fast it was a blur. The next second, the man’s head flew from his shoulders, his body crumpling lifelessly to the ground.

The mantis moved too quickly for most of the fighters to even register its attacks. Only Marcos could keep up, his eyes darting from limb to limb as the mantis lashed out. Still, despite the terror, none of them backed down. They had grown used to the brutality of this world. Death was inevitable, but they were determined to fight until the end.

Niko gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face as he directed his spirits toward the mantis’s head. His aura flared brighter as he pushed his limits, green tendrils of energy swirling above him like eerie, ghostly tentacles.

Louis, noticing Niko’s transformation, stepped back in alarm. "Niko… What’s happening to you?" he stammered, eyes wide with fear.

Others nearby sensed the growing chill in the air, their bodies trembling as an unnatural dread washed over them. For a brief moment, the fear they felt for the mantis was replaced by the terrifying aura radiating from Niko.

"Is this another skill?!" Simon asked, his voice filled with awe.

But Niko barely heard them. His eyes were locked on the mantis, his mind consumed by the battle. "Maria!" he shouted, "Aim for its head, use your skill!"

Without hesitation, Maria nodded, summoning her power. "[Silver Trapping Net]!" she cried out, flinging a glistening silver net toward the mantis.

The net expanded as it flew through the air, enveloping the creature’s head and limbs, binding them together in a web of shining threads.

"Screeeeech!!" the mantis thrashed in fury, trying to break free from the trap.

"Everyone, move away from the mantis now!!!" Marcos shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Gripping his sword tightly with both hands, his eyes blazed with determination.

The blade in his hands began to glow a deep orange, flames licking at its surface. The heat radiating from the weapon intensified, swirling around it like a living entity. Soon, the sword was engulfed in fire, burning with a ferocity that made the very air around it crackle.

"Aghhhh!!" Marcos roared, charging toward the struggling mantis, his blazing sword raised high.

"Die!!"