Several hours into the intense battle, the strain of the relentless fighting began to show. Nana, her forehead beaded with sweat, fought alongside the younger soldiers who were supporting each other with admirable courage and teamwork.
Amidst the chaos, she pondered a strategic question. "I wonder why they only spawn in this direct path, though.
Wouldn't it be more beneficial to them if they just spawned in the capital?" she mused aloud, her mind analyzing the tactics of their mysterious enemy even as she fought.
As she raised her wand toward the oncoming wave of mindless creatures, each one a mirror image of the others, Nana's focus was razor-sharp.
The creatures, brandishing sharp blades, dove towards her in a frenzied assault. With precise movements, she directed her wand, unleashing a torrent of water bullets.
The projectiles shot forth with lethal accuracy, piercing the skin of the creatures. The sixth bullet hit its mark, and one of the creatures collapsed with a resounding thud, its body and blood beginning to evaporate as it hit the ground.
Tyrod, demonstrating his combat prowess and alertness, slid behind Nana and delivered a crushing punch to a creature that had attempted to sneak up on her. His intervention was timely, showcasing not just his strength but also his tactical awareness.
Responding to Nana's earlier query, he said, "The higher-ups think it's because of where the oldest creature, the Dragoon, was sealed away at. While there's no concrete evidence, there are three creatures in total sealed since the dawn of existence, and they all contribute to these monsters that spawn.
But when one somehow finds a way to get close to releasing itself, it can summon monsters closer to where it had its final stand before being sealed."
As he shared this insight, Tyrod grabbed the creature he had just incapacitated by its head. His hand, surrounded by a white glow and armor, delivered high-voltage electricity through the creature. The energy surged, efficiently neutralizing the monster.
Tyrod's explanation about the theory behind the monster attacks and the ancient creatures provided a broader context for the conflict, suggesting that the cave they were heading towards might hold crucial answers. His anticipation about uncovering these mysteries was evident in his voice.
Nana, still processing this new information, looked at Tyrod with a mix of curiosity and confusion. "And who are you exactly? Can't say I've seen you around before," she asked, genuinely intrigued.
Tyrod's response revealed his ambition and drive. "Oh, I'm a high-ranking member in the first house. I am aiming to become the next head of the house, but for that, I need to get stronger. This is one of the best chances I will get to test my abilities and push my limits," he said, his fist clenched and his eyes gleaming with a mixture of hope and determination.
Caught off guard, Ty could only muster a late reaction. "Oh, no!" he exclaimed, placing his skeletal hands above him in a mock gesture of defense. "Help!" he called out, his voice tinged with a hint of playfulness, unbeknownst to the boy.
In that critical moment, the boy's eyes shimmered with a hint of gold, a striking change from their usual appearance. With a swift and decisive motion, he slid between Ty and the creature, his sword cutting through the air with a deep stream of wind emanating from his mouth.
He slashed the creature in half effortlessly, a new emotion painting over his face – a blend of determination and newfound confidence.
Ty, observing the scene unfold, nodded in understanding. "I see, that makes a bit more sense," he remarked, his tone analytical. "You just seem to need to have the right emotional state to slash anything, or at least for now it does. Did you like my acting skills?" Ty asked, his skeletal laugh echoing in the space.
The boy, still processing the recent events, looked at Ty with a mix of shock and confusion. "Huh, I suppose that might make sense, but why does it have to be so extra like that?" he questioned, trying to make sense of his newfound ability.
Ty, a bit puzzled by the boy's line of questioning, responded, "I don't think I understand what you mean?"
The boy elaborated, his voice tinged with frustration. "Like, an ability to slash anything but only in the right emotional state? That just seems so convoluted, don't you think?"
Ty pondered for a moment before replying. "Hmm, no. Emotions are what make us who we are and what separate us from monsters like this and even the creatures that have long since been sealed away," he explained, emphasizing the importance of emotions in defining their humanity.
Shifting focus to their immediate task, the boy continued, "But anyways, let's keep pushing forward. Todd's team is coming up behind us, and he can handle any stragglers that form. We need to make good time to get to the Cave's entrance and set up a defensive camp."
Ty listened attentively as the boy introduced himself. "Oh, my name is Pegasus Verman of House 5, though I'm trying to get strong enough to move to House 1," the boy said with a mix of determination and aspiration in his voice.
Ty, intrigued, asked, "Why would you want to do something like that? Not that I know too much about the house structures."
Pegasus's response carried the weight of his ambitions. "I want to be king one day and provide a better future, but only those from the 1st and 2nd houses have ever gone on to be kings," he explained, revealing his lofty goal and the societal hurdles he faced.
Ty nodded, understanding the boy's drive. "That's a noble goal, Pegasus. It's good to have aspirations that push you forward. Just remember, the path to such a goal is never easy, but it's the challenging journey that shapes a true leader," Ty imparted some of his wisdom, his skeletal laugh softening the seriousness of his words.