"You believe victory is within your grasp just because your team located my heart?" Raon's sneer dripped with contempt as he launched himself forward, his katana slicing through the air with deadly precision aimed at Ethan's neck.
With a swift and determined motion, Ethan managed to deflect the blow with his sword, the impact reverberating through his arm. Though pain throbbed beneath his stoic facade, he refused to let it weaken his resolve. Strength was his shield, endurance his armor.
"Your arrogance blinds you," Ethan retorted, his voice steady despite the strain of their clash. Raon's kick sent him staggering backward, but he stood firm, his gaze unwavering. "And your overconfidence will be your downfall."
Raon charged once more, his eyes ablaze with hatred and madness as he closed the distance between them. "You and your team are nothing but mere insects in this world," he spat, venom lacing his words. "You're fools to think you can stand against me."
As Raon's advance faltered, Ethan's senses sharpened with alertness. He observed with a mix of apprehension and curiosity as Raon clutched his chest, his once formidable demeanor crumbling in the face of an unseen torment.
"It has begun," Raon muttered through labored breaths, his voice strained with agony as he sank to his knees.
Ethan stood rooted in place, his gaze fixed upon the fallen form of his adversary. Despite the sudden turn of events, a sense of foreboding lingered in the air, whispering of unseen dangers yet to unfold.
Realizing that the battle was far from over, Ethan wasted no time. With a determined resolve, he turned his focus to locating his teammates, knowing that their combined strength would be needed to face whatever new challenge awaited them.
----
As the creature ate the heart, a surge of agony and empowerment coursed through its veins as it absorbed the heart's essence. Without a moment's hesitation, it let out a thunderous roar, its body pulsating with an otherworldly glow as it underwent a radical transformation.
In a breathtaking display of metamorphosis, the creature grew larger and more formidable, its once menacing form now augmented with additional teeth and claws. It radiated an aura of pure malevolence, its newfound power fueling its insatiable hunger for destruction.
"Leo, fall back!" Emily's voice rang out with urgency and authority as she witnessed the creature charging towards her teammate.
As the creature unleashed its powerful strike upon Leo, he braced himself against the impact, his shield bearing the brunt of the blow. Though he staggered from the force, his resolve remained unshaken, his gaze fixed upon his adversary with unwavering determination.
"You're strong for your stature," the creature jeered, its voice twisted with malice as it delivered another punishing blow, sending Leo hurtling through the air. "But in the face of true power, you are but a mere insect."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Mia's voice quivered with shock and fear as she witnessed the creature's unexpected ability to speak. "It... it can talk?" she gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief and trepidation.
Before she could fully process the creature's words, it turned its attention towards her, its sinister grin sending a shiver down her spine. "You should watch your tongue, little girl," it sneered, its voice dripping with menace. "Show some respect to your elders, or perhaps you wish to meet your end first?"
"So, this is the true form of the Beast Guildmaster," Emily remarked, her voice devoid of emotion as she observed the creature before her. She had recognized its identity, though the sight filled her with a mix of disdain and sorrow.
"You could say that," the creature replied casually, its demeanor nonchalant despite the gravity of the situation.
"Have you discarded your humanity entirely?" Emily's tone dripped with both contempt and pity as she addressed the creature, her words carrying a weight of disappointment and disbelief.
"No. You're mistaken. I haven't forsaken humanity; rather, I've embraced its true essence," Raon retorted, his voice tinged with a hint of arrogance. "In fact, I've transcended the limitations of mere mortal form."
Before he could continue, Raon's words were abruptly interrupted by the sudden surge of heat on his face. He turned to see Mike preparing another spell, his intentions clear.
"You all seem to have a knack for rudely interrupting conversations," Raon remarked, his tone a blend of annoyance and amusement. With a swift dodge, he narrowly evaded Mike's spell, feeling its searing heat graze his cheek. In response, he unleashed his own aura, a dark and chaotic force that pulsed with ominous energy.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves," Emily commanded, her voice resolute and unwavering.
"Mike, intensify your spellcasting. Leo, Dagger, maintain your offensive. Mia, provide support as planned."
As the confrontation escalated into a whirlwind of chaos, Raon, empowered by the malevolent energy surrounding him, charged toward Emily with deadly purpose. Yet Leo, standing firm as the bulwark of their defense, intercepted Raon's onslaught, employing his shield impact skill to momentarily halt the beast guildmaster's advance. This created a fleeting opportunity for Mike to unleash a relentless barrage of ice spells, aimed to slow and immobilize their formidable adversary.
Emily and Mike unleashed a relentless barrage of ice attacks at Raon, their spells crackling through the air with chilling intensity.
"You insects!!" Raon roared in defiance as he deftly dodged and deflected the majority of the ice projectiles, his dark aura pulsating with malevolent energy.
However, Raon's resilience proved formidable. With a swift motion, he seized Leo and flung him towards Mike, disrupting his spellcasting mid-cast. The ice ball shattered prematurely, failing to fully immobilize Raon as intended.
Groaning in pain, Leo staggered to his feet, his shield bearing the marks of the impact and his arm bleeding from the force of the throw. Concern etched across his features, he turned to Mia.
"Mia, quickly, heal Mike," Leo urged, his voice urgent as he gestured to his wounded teammate.
"I'm coming!" Mia shouted, rushing towards her wounded comrade.
As Mia hastened to tend to the injured, Raon redirected his aggression towards her, lunging with predatory speed. However, before Raon could reach Mia, Dagger intercepted, leaping into the fray with a ferocious battle cry. Engaging Raon in a frenzied melee, Dagger's dual blades clashed against the beast guildmaster's claws, each combatant vying for dominance amidst the swirling chaos.
Meanwhile, Emily, undeterred by the setback, maintained her distance and continued to rain arrows upon Raon, exploiting fleeting moments of vulnerability. But Raon, recognizing the threat she posed, surged forward with relentless determination, his monstrous strength shattering her bow with a single savage blow.
"It's the end," Raon declared, raising his claws menacingly. But his confidence wavered as he witnessed Emily's serene smile.
"You are correct. It's the end," Emily confirmed, her voice carrying an air of finality.
Confusion flickered across Raon's features as he felt a sudden pang in his chest. He turned, only to find Dagger standing behind him.
Dagger had seized a critical opportunity, maneuvering swiftly behind Raon and driving his blade deep into the creature's heart, delivering the decisive blow that would end the battle.
"You shouldn't underestimate insects too much!" Emily exclaimed, her voice resolute as she unleashed a volley of arrows at the same weakened spot.
As Raon's form convulsed in agony, the dark energy dissipating into the air, victory was secured, albeit at a heavy cost.
"Vice leader! Mike isn't regaining consciousness," Leo shouted, his voice cracking with fear.
Emily and Dagger rushed towards them, their concern palpable.
"What's happening to him?" Dagger asked urgently.
"He's alive, but he's still unconscious," Mia replied, her voice trembling with worry.
"Let's get out of here. We need to take him to the hospital quickly," Emily ordered, her voice conveying urgency and determination.
Dagger nodded solemnly and gently lifted Mike into his arms, mindful of his injuries. With determined strides, they all moved towards the door, their hearts heavy with concern for their fallen comrade.