The Boss

Three large pillars loomed over the land, their tips touching the sky. The crystalline surface contains glowing ancient carvings, hidden under the veil of black fog that covered the entire sky.

These three pillars were systematically arranged in a triangle formation each pillars embodying a corner,

The area inside this triangle was filled with glowing blue light, resembling a field of spirituality. The concentration was mostly in the center, vibrant with scorching navy blue light, where a square-shaped altar was placed.

A yellow spherical object floated above this altar; the source of spirituality in the field.

Meters away from this object, a shocking sight revealed itself—the boss took aid from one of the pillars, his sleeping form absorbing spirituality to recover from injuries.

He had an octopus head, three times the size of a human skull. Instead of hair, he had small octopus arms-like hair floating around, covered in minuscule pores. From time to time, these pores opened and closed almost as if they were absorbing spirituality within.

He had four eyes scattered across his entire face, currently closed, indicating he was sleeping peacefully or hibernating.

His chest was severely injured shredded apart allowing his internal structure of body to be visible. Corner of Two hearts peeked from them, pulsating vibrant blue fluid.

Protruding ribs could be seen as a protective cage around those hearts with the bluish spread of meat lingering on thoracic bones.

The boss's lower limbs bore a striking resemblance to that of a human leg, albeit covered with a gleaming crystalline scale that acted like a protective shell. Not a single spark of spirituality passed by; it immediately seemed to run away.

Some broken fragments were scattered around, made with the same scale on his leg, embodying his intense battles against Seth.

Four octopus-like arms with ocean texture and transparent composition rested on the ground. The octopus-headed boss looked like a large aquatic creature who was wearing broken crystalline armor, as if he had just straight out escaped from the battle of the Atlantic Sea.

The sight reminded Alex about the flashes he had in the moment of enlightenment: a large aquatic creature, two white bullets, and a small fish.

"Rin at least fired two rounds at both of his hearts."

Maybe the two bullets signify two rounds or maybe two chances?

There was a salty taste in Alex's mouth, accompanied by the smell of the ocean. He wondered why he was able to sense it when he wore a battle suit and a glassy helmet covered his head.

Alex's eyes were still covered with a black blindfold that didn't block his sight; instead, it enhanced it, aiding him in perceiving Octopose's physical manifestation. He was able to sense and feel the boss's spiritual characteristics, like the suffocating air projected around him. It showed the boss's temperament.

"Again, be careful. Don't use your ability until I say; …"

"Don't use guns." After that, Rin gestured for both of them to take positions and said...

"Now follow me."

Rin commanded her tactics and her intention was to silently close the distance between them and the boss as much as possible. When the appropriate distance was reached, everyone would take their positions and fulfill their assigned roles.

Rin's goal was to confront the boss, and if possible, kill him. In the chance of failure, the goal would be to injure the boss to a critical condition. That's another reason she wanted to get as near as she could. She was aware that the closer the gun is to the target, the higher the damage inflicted.

In the meantime, Alex stood beside Rin, accumulating spirituality in his hand as much as he could to utilize the dev technique.

Steve, positioned at the rear, had the role of covering the back. His job is all about analyzing and observing for any suspicious activity. If there were any, he had to immediately inform Rin.

Each step they cover increases the tension; every second becomes a countdown to the impending confrontation with the ever-nearing Boss.

With unwavering focus, Rin firmly grasps the cold metal of her assault rifle, its weight a reassuring presence in her hands. Her keen eyes lock onto the boss's heart, the very target of her impending assault.

A subtle blue glow casting on her figure illuminates her half of her body that was bent with precision and purpose, balancing every fiber of her being akin to a seasoned warrior embarking on a critical mission.

Every muscle of her being exudes the disciplined aura of a professional soldier.

The moment Octopose shows any sign of action, she is ready to fire at least a dozen rounds.

They reach the spirituality field inside the three pillars; on one corner, the three of them were about to step into the blue domain, while ten steps away from them, the boss sleeps.

One corner - one pillars was for them, while the opposite corner was for the boss.

And then the moment Rin was waiting for happens, accompanied by their first step into the field of spirituality.

Step,×3

Suddenly, there was movement in the boss's face; his previously closed eyelids trembled in response. His shut eyes, heavy with the weight of slumber and fatigue, made a violent attempt to open up, air cracked in response as if a slumbering beast has awakened ready to tear apart his prey.

"Charge," Rin yelled while pulling the trigger of her rifle..