Chapter Six

As I turned to Astoria, I inquired, “Are you prepared, Astoria?”

Astoria glanced back at me and affirmed with a nod, “Yes, I am.”

“Excellent.” I shifted my focus back to our adversary. “Prepare for combat.”

“Understood!”

The monster conjured a red and black sphere in its hands, letting out a menacing laugh as it gazed at us once more. A swirling wind enveloped Astoria and me. Once the sphere reached a considerable size, it redirected its attention towards us and hurled the projectile.

“Watch out!” Astoria cautioned.

“I don’t need a second warning!” I replied as we leaped away from each other.

Sliding sideways on the ground, we turned to face the sphere, which crashed against the glassy floor without leaving a mark. Although we were relieved to have avoided the attack, it unleashed a stormy wave, sending down bolts of lightning that did not strike us.

I scooted back slightly before rising to my feet. However, by the time I stood, the monster was perilously close, poised to slash its claws at my face. I swung my blade at its claws, letting out a cry of pain. Redirecting my focus to the wave and the monster, I smirked and evaded its attack until it vanished.

Phew, that was close.

I turned to check on Astoria, who faced me and waved cheerfully. Her gesture brought a smile to my face, reassuring me that she was relatively unharmed.

When I redirected my gaze to our foe, I observed it thrashing about in agony, jumping and stomping on the floor. Remarkably, there were no cracks from its actions. Raising an eyebrow, I pondered whether this was the extent of its capabilities. If so, it would certainly be a straightforward task for Astoria and me to escape this place swiftly.

I advanced toward my adversary to initiate negotiations. Astoria remained motionless, observing the unfolding events with keen interest. Upon my arrival, I directed my weapon at him and asserted, “It is time to surrender, little one, and allow us to return home.”

“Are you certain of that?” the monster answered, maintaining a strategic distance from coordinate eye contact.

“What?” I reacted, progressively befuddled, my eyes broadening in disbelief. Was he feigning injury?

The creature then twisted its head in an unsettling manner and extended its claws, which had regenerated to their original form, while it laughed menacingly at me. What on hell?! I impulses ventured back, but the creature overseen to slice my midriff with its claws. “Ah!” I shouted as I fell to the ground.

Hearing Astoria call my name, I pressed my uninjured hand against my wound to staunch the flow of blood. Glancing down, I noticed several lacerations that had torn through my now bloodied shirt. As Astoria's footsteps drew nearer, I turned to see her rushing toward me.

Astoria inquired, "Eldric, are you okay?"

"I am well, Astoria," I responded.

As I watched Astoria face the monster, a sense of relief washed over me. The monster menacingly grinned at her and attempted to strike with its bloody claws. Luckily, Astoria remained unscathed, but her weapon was shattered in two.

Astoria stared in disbelief at her broken weapon, dropping the piece without a blade. I observed as the monster unleashed a barrage of lightning serpent-like dragons towards her. My eyes widened as I turned to Astoria, cautioning her to be careful.

Astoria, taken aback, faced her opponent and defended against the attack with her bladed weapon. She fought valiantly, though it was clear she was struggling. "Fear not, Eldric. I will heal once I defeat them.”

I frowned, feeling the need to assist her. It was clear that she couldn't face those threats alone. I rose from the ground and swiftly hurled my dagger at one of the dragons, separating it from Astoria. The dragon let out a painful scream before disintegrating into dust.

The second dragon turned its attention towards me, roaring and attempting to attack me. Astoria intervened, striking the dragon with her weapon. The creature howled in agony as it was thrown against the wall and vanished into dust.

As Astoria turned back to me, the monster king raised its claws and knocked her to the ground. I called out her name, wanting to rush to her side to ensure her safety. Despite seeing her slowly getting up with blood on the ground, I knew she was injured and needed protection while she recovered.

As I prepared to chase after her, the monstrous King appeared before me, flashing a menacing smile. "Heh-heh-heh, I taken note that you and the other girl are simply harmed," it said. It leaped and somersaulted, conjuring an ice crystal that hovered in the air, its pointed peak aimed at me. "It's time for your treatment.”

As the moment arrived when it launched that crystal in my direction, I instinctively glanced to the side and pivoted away, taking a few steps before leaping forward, despite the pain radiating from my injury. I preferred to act rather than remain stationary and face certain death.

I could never allow myself to succumb to such a fate. In my struggle against that creature, my sole focus was on safeguarding Astoria, allowing her the opportunity to recover from the onslaught of the monster. I endeavored to devise a swift strategy to vanquish it, but my efforts proved futile. Nevertheless, I continued to sustain injuries, coming perilously close to death in my quest to protect Astoria.

I was filled with an overwhelming desire to survive and combat the creature until Astoria was ultimately healed. In those final moments, as I struggled to draw breath, she valiantly fought off the fiend and saved me from the brink of death. After expressing my gratitude for her timely intervention, Astoria and I devised a strategy to incapacitate the enemy, allowing her the necessary time to restore my health. She managed to heal me just before the monster regained its senses. With our strength renewed, we confronted the creature one final time, with Astoria weakening it while I launched my attack. This was our last opportunity for liberation.

Upon its defeat, the kingdom returned to its former state, and the storm dissipated permanently. As Astoria kissed me, I reciprocated her embrace, and together we departed from that cursed kingdom to pursue the bandits who had abducted the belly dancers, despite the formidable challenge that lay ahead for us. It was a risk I was prepared to undertake.

Once we accomplished this task, we would seek a new settlement to establish our home and raise a family. Although this marked the conclusion of our adventure, it undoubtedly signified the commencement of my new life.