A monstrous creature, about 10 feet tall with dark green skin that appeared to be tearing from its flesh, burst from the ground. It lunged at Zaraki, aiming a swipe at his neck. With expert agility, Zaraki sidestepped the attack and delivered a swift, powerful punch. The force of his blow was so intense that it obliterated half of the creature, causing it to collapse lifelessly to the ground.
Zaraki quickly turned his attention back to the group. "The other two teams have already gone in due to the monsters still spawning this far out. Let's hurry up and meet them inside. The last thing we want is to get split up," he urged, highlighting the importance of staying together.
As they made their way toward the cave's entrance, Zaraki offered additional information about the green pills. "I forgot to mention, those pills you gave King Griswald, Nana," he said, "the King divided the remaining ones among us.
I'm surprised at how well they worked, so in case of any emergency, I'll keep them stored in my right gauntlet." His tone was appreciative, acknowledging the significance of Nana's contribution.
Nana nodded in response. "Sounds good to me," she said, pulling out her wand. "I've been meaning to get more use out of this. Perhaps if I master it, I'll grow stronger." Her determination was evident as she spoke of her desire to improve her skills.
As they hurried into the cave, Todd chimed in with encouragement. "Well, no time like the present to start learning it," he said. He then glanced at his own staff, a thoughtful expression on his face. "My staff is surprisingly light, even with the metal tips on it. I think I'm close to cracking it and possibly unlocking some abilities with it."
Nana, intrigued by Todd's mention of abilities, expressed her curiosity. "Abilities?" she asked, her interest piqued.
Todd's revelation about the potential hidden within their weapons sparked a sense of wonder and excitement. "Yeah, I had some time to read after the whole prison and trial ordeal. Fighters with weapons like mine and Pegasus's can unlock abilities the closer we bond with our weapons. I'm sure you've started having that feeling as well, Pegasus," he said, his smile radiating a cheerful optimism.
General Mattison, sensing it was time to move forward, interjected with a sense of urgency, "Let's get going!" His voice echoed through the cave, a reminder of the task at hand.
Lyra and Celeste, responding to the call to action, simultaneously turned around and said, "Yes, Sir!" Their synchronization reflected their readiness and discipline.
As the group started moving together down the cave's main tunnel, they noticed the path gradually becoming narrower and shorter. The walls, rough and rock-laden, added to the cave's ominous feel. Todd, sensing the changing environment, voiced his observation. "My head is almost hitting the ceiling. Also, I don't recall the cave being this long. How are we still going straight?"
King Griswald, his expression stern and contemplative, shared his knowledge about the cave's mysterious nature. "Rumors are that these caves can stretch longer than hundreds of miles. Thousands of years ago, caves like this were everywhere, or so the rumors go," he explained. "I'm not exactly sure how it all works," he added, his voice trailing off as the darkness of the cave seemed to envelop them.
As the group encountered an impenetrable wall of darkness, General Mattison took initiative. He opened his palm, and flames ignited, casting a warm, flickering light that pushed back the shadows. The sudden illumination revealed an unexpected obstacle: an empty wall blocking their path.
King Griswald, undeterred, placed his hand against the wall. As he did so, the ground beneath them started to shake violently. The wall in front of the group suddenly gave way, crumbling to reveal a path unlike any other.
The newly revealed corridor was striking in its appearance. It featured pearl white flooring lined with tiles and perfectly white walls that seemed to extend endlessly. The dramatic transformation from the rough, natural cave to this almost otherworldly passage was startling.
At the far end of this pristine corridor sat a single figure in a red armored suit. He sat with his hand thoughtfully resting on his chin, exuding an aura of power and mystery. As he noticed the group, he spoke with an authoritative tone, "Who dares try to wake the Dragoon now?"