The corrupted land continued to tremble as the battle raged on. The nightmare-like scenery stretched endlessly around them, and despite their strength, everyone could feel the weight of the ruin pressing down on their bodies and minds.
---
First Terrain
Lila's blade burned with both fire and water, steam rising every time she swung. She moved swiftly between the Great Scorvex and Sand Serpents, her body glowing faintly with magic. Her movements were sharp and controlled, each swing cutting through several beasts at once. Near her, Darius used his shovel like a weapon forged for war, smashing the ground to create shockwaves that pushed the creatures back. The heat from Lila's flames combined with Darius's strength created a dangerous zone that kept the monsters away.
Anya's broadsword shimmered with ice energy as she fought off the Needlestrikes that came at them from all directions. Each slash froze the enemies midair before they shattered into pieces. Deigo swung his Synth Axe, releasing waves of glowing energy that tore through multiple beasts, while Iria healed their minor wounds with quick bursts of light between her attacks.
Lila's focus deepened. She dashed through the battlefield, her sword moving in wide arcs, flames and water swirling together in a spiral. "Darius, now!" she called.
Darius slammed his shovel into the ground, launching a molten chunk of earth upward. Lila swung her blade, slicing it midair, the molten rock exploded, showering fire and steam across the beasts, clearing a large area.
Just when they caught a breath, the ground cracked again. From beneath the soil, a new creature emerged. It was long and scaled, its body covered in patches of dark green crystals that pulsed like veins of light. Its eyes glowed a deep red, and its tail was sharp like a blade. It hissed, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
"Another one?" Anya muttered, tightening her grip on her sword.
The creature was called Graviscale, a lizard-like beast known to move swiftly underground. It lunged forward, disappearing into the ground and reappearing behind Darius. But before it could strike, Deigo's Synth Axe unleashed a blast of energy that intercepted it, sending the creature crashing into a broken pillar.
"Keep it pinned!" Iria shouted as Lila charged forward. She struck its side with a fiery slash while Darius leaped up and brought his shovel down on its head, cracking its scales.
The others joined in, coordinating attacks perfectly, ice freezing its legs, energy bursts cutting its tail, and radiant beams keeping them covered. The teamwork between them became smoother, each knowing what the other would do before saying a word.
After a few intense moments, Graviscale let out a final shriek before collapsing, its body crumbling into ash. The group stood surrounded by the remains of the monsters, breathing heavily but ready for whatever would come next.
---
Second Terrain
The battle near the field of bones continued fiercely. Caelus stood at the center, his sword Dreams of the Fallen Leaf glowing faintly with blue light. Around him, beasts of sand and stone surrounded the group endlessly. Hugo's arrows whistled through the air one after another, never missing their target, while Rosa's dual hook swords danced in circles, slicing through enemies with deadly precision.
Elric's wind magic whirled around him, his rod pulsing with magic as he sent gusts strong enough to knock entire waves of beasts off their feet.
"Caelus, opening to your left!" Elric shouted.
Caelus moved instantly. He slashed through the opening, his sword creating a wave of blue light that cut down a dozen beasts in one swing. Hugo immediately followed up, shooting three arrows in the same line Caelus cleared. Each arrow exploded on contact, finishing off the remaining creatures.
Then Rosa took the lead. "My turn!" she called out, swinging her dual hook swords. She used her magic to extend the blades' reach, catching several beasts at once. She pulled them together, creating a cluster.
"Elric, now!" she shouted.
Elric raised his rod, the air twisting violently as a tornado formed. The beasts Rosa had trapped were lifted into the air and crushed by the raging wind.
The group continued this rhythm, one opening an attack, another following with a massive strike. It was a dance of coordination and precision.
But then, the ground trembled again. The bone field cracked open, and from the dust rose another beast. It was tall and thin, its body covered with rough sand-colored skin. A long neck stretched upward, and two humps on its back glowed faintly. Its eyes burned with orange fire, and every step it took made the sand ripple like water.
It was known as Dunereach, a camel-like beast that could control mirage and heat. The air around it shimmered, making it difficult to tell its true position.
"Be careful," Hugo warned, already nocking another arrow. "It's distorting the light."
Caelus nodded, focusing his senses. "Elric, disrupt the air flow. Rosa, aim low."
Elric raised his staff again, sending waves of wind that clashed against the mirage. The distorted air flickered, revealing the real Dunereach for a moment. Caelus dashed forward, slashing its leg before it could react. The beast roared, spewing a hot gust of sand that nearly blinded them.
Rosa rolled under the wave of heat, her swords glowing as she slashed through its underbelly. Hugo's arrow followed right after, piercing its throat with explosive precision. The beast staggered back, but Caelus didn't stop , he leapt into the air and drove his sword down, splitting the creature in two.
When the dust cleared, only silence remained. The group took deep breaths, surrounded by the remains of their enemies.
Elric leaned on his rod. "They're getting stronger," he said quietly.
Caelus wiped the sweat from his forehead. "And more unnatural. These ruins are changing faster than they should."
---
Somewhere deeper within the ruins, beyond the chaos of battle, two figures stood in the shadows. Their voices echoed softly in the dim light.
"Have you found what we came here for?"
"We are still looking for it."
"What is taking so much time?"
"Well… we have corrupted the ruin's core, but it still holds some power for itself. It may take time before we gain full control."
"Tch… and what about those who came for it as well?"
"The beasts are taking care of them."
"And? Would they be sufficient for them?"
"Their numbers are high, they can hold them off. By then, we'll find it."
"That's not enough, is it? I don't want ifs and buts."
"…"
"Make sure they are unable to leave the ruin… alive."
The second figure nodded silently. The air grew colder as a faint red light pulsed through the walls of the ruin, the corrupted core beating like a heart. The true nightmare was only beginning.