"Finish it!" Caria yelled.
Puddle floated higher and cast Gleaming Halo. Healing light wrapped around Rhys.
Rhys activated Water Blade, his sword glowing blue, and charged straight under the behemoth.
He slashed upward, hitting the exposed belly again—this time deeper.
The behemoth's roar cracked the air.
Golden light burst from its body.
Then the monster fell, collapsing into dust and glowing particles.
A system chime echoed.
[ Mid-Trial Boss Defeated ]
[ Trial Progress: 6 / 10 ]
Aria dropped down, sitting in the sand.
"I… need a break."
Aqua nodded weakly.
"Me too… that one was scary."
Caria stretched her arms, still hyped.
"Mid-boss or not, that was fun."
Lyra raised an eyebrow.
"You have a strange definition of fun."
Sophia looked ahead toward the plains.
"We're doing well. But the last four trials… they'll be the hardest."
Rhys wiped sweat from his forehead.
"We'll handle them. One at a time."
Puddle pumped her tiny fist.
"Next fight! Puddle ready!"
