The False Abomination
Chapter 36 - The False Abomination
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[Sherry Calmwater POV]
Sai Crimsonheart, an enigmatic figure whose aura of mystery seemed to intensify with every passing day, became the subject of numerous rumors circulating among the students from the very onset of the academy.
Whispers of disdain and suspicion clung to him like an invisible cloak, creating an atmosphere of distrust that even I, as an instructor, could not ignore. Of course, as an instructor, it's my duty to look at same perspective as not to create a prejudice. I wouldn't immediately believe such baseless rumors especially for the reason that the origin came from the students, notably because of their behaviors in addition.
Nonetheless, the responsibility still falls into me to eliminate such unpleasing occurrence. Taking it into consideration, I found myself scrutinizing Sai closely, determined to verify the authenticity of these rumors.
However, my preconceived notions were swiftly shattered on the first day of the academy when Sai arrived late. Disappointment seeped through me as I witnessed what seemed to be the validation of the negativity surrounding him. Yet it didn't end there, during a discussion, he was listening before inexplicably dozing off. In frustration, I scolded him, only to be astounded when he effortlessly aced my questions with remarkable clarity. I didn't expect him to be a brilliant guy...
Now what to do. The situation left me with the paradox of his seemingly haphazard demeanor and his profound intellect...
And it didn't end there,
"You still haven't got any research you need to pass on your deadline, right?"
As we embarked on the academy's inaugural event, the Students Exploration, Sai uttered words that sent shockwaves through me. He spoke of my personal circumstances—an information I had never divulged to anyone. Suddenly, my insight of Sai shifted from a villainous character into a mysterious individual, leaving me bewildered by the enigma he presented.
Just who is this guy...? My shambled thoughts played within my head.
Compelled by curiosity, I agreed to accompany him on a journey into the unknown. As we navigate through perilous terrain, Sai demonstrated a wealth of knowledge about the entities and resources in our surroundings. Though lacking concrete evidence, his words were so convincing that I found myself accepting them without question. Slowly, the negative rumors that I know began to lose their grip on my perception of him.
Eventually, the initial rumors I had clung to began to dissipate. Sai revealed himself to be a kind and generous soul, freely offering valuable items to those around him. Nonetheless, If I were to describe a flaw to be found,
It's his tendency to approach challenges with utter recklessness. In short, I don't see any shred of fear within his every action. I know he's capable but there are limits on how reckless one can be!
(Ghost White Tundra - Underground chamber)
Returning to the cavern so soon after our previous visit, I decided to follow Sai Crimsonheart as he embarked on his audacious plan to confront the monstrous heart that reverberated with horrifying screams. Even as an instructor, tasked with guiding and protecting others, I couldn't shake the growing unease that accompanied his reckless scheme.
"As capable as you are, it's my responsible as an instructor to protect my students especially for the reason of your reckless plan," I explained. "Let me help as well."
Despite my attempt to offer assistance, Sai insisted I remain only to observe. I tried to reason with him earnestly but ultimately, reluctant as I am, I yielded. Jeez, what's with this guy?! How was he able to reason so well? I'm an instructor, you know? It's my responsibility to protect and guide everyone to the righteous path!
As the moment approached, Sai Crimsonheart imparted crucial information to the girls before the air thickened as he eventually approached the last orb, a supposed seal containing the slumbering terror within the cavern.
"Everyone, be ready. I'm about to start!" Sai Crimsonheart's resounding shout echoed through the cave.
With a decisive slash, the last orb succumbed, unleashing a scream that reverberated through the cavern, sending shivers down my spine. The giant heart, positioned at the heart of the chamber, quickened its pulsations, signaling the awakening of the ominous entity. It's coming!
[The Tundra's Apparition, 『False Abomination』 has awoken]
"Here it comes, everyone!" Sai Crimsonheart's voice cut through the tension.
Four massive white worms, similarly-looked a lot like Aether Worms, emerges from the ground. The giant heart, besides releasing intimidating pressure, unleashed blood projectiles towards them. The blood that's evaded over, slowly melted the ground. Not only they had to endure the overwhelming pressure but also the onslaught of five menacing worms added with the blood projectiles. It was a very dire situation. If I knew it was going to be this way, I would've reasoned my way no matter what!
Engulfed by anxiety, I tightly closed my eyes, bracing for the worst. Slowly, I mustered the courage to open them, expecting the worst. To my astonishment, the scene before me unfolded differently than anticipated.
Luna skillfully engaged all four Aether Worms alone, while Lily and Seia flawlessly targeted the giant heart. Sai Crimsonheart, displaying unparalleled dexterity, provided support to Luna with his green blade and added his firepower to the assault with the recently acquired 『Musket』. What unfolded before me was not a struggle but a masterful orchestration—where each member skillfully executed their role.
"You're kidding..." I muttered in disbelief.
The once daunting situation had transformed into a meticulously orchestrated dance of destruction, with Sai Crimsonheart orchestrating the symphony of combat, who effortlessly operating everything as he fight both sides. The disparity between expectation and reality left me dumbfounded, making me realize that Sai's capabilities far surpassed any preconceived notions.
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[Sai Crimsonheart POV]
As the intense battle unfolded, my expectations were not merely met but exceeded. I had braced myself for a series of awkward missteps and uncertain decisions from the trio, yet the pressure emanating from the False Abomination doesn't seem to faze them whatsoever. Luna's composure, especially before the fight, seemed to have instilled a sense of relief to everyone.
Before the fight
In the moments leading up to the confrontation, I had briefed them on the creature's weaknesses.
"Is everyone clear on the plan?" I inquired, laying out the strategy.
"Yes, Master. It seems weak, especially if you ignore its second phase," Luna responded with a hint of nonchalance.
"Indeed. If I were to gauge its strength, it's comparable to the boss we fought in the Crimsonheart Mansion," I disclosed. Well, True Abomination was the counterpart of False Abomination after all.
"Really? Just that strong?" Luna expressed genuine surprise.
The collective astonishment of Lily and Seia mirrored my own. Their shared sighs of relief resonated through the air.
"Well, yes, but the key difference lies in this monster's ability to unleash simultaneous attacks," I clarified.
"I see..."
At present
As the battle unfolded, my encouragement echoed through the cavern. "You're doing great, Luna! Keep at it!" I shouted, watching in awe as Luna adeptly handled the four Aether Worms on her own.
Simultaneously, Lily and Seia showcased great execution, skillfully shooting the False Abomination while evading the blood projectiles. Seia's prowess, especially, captivated my attention. She can keep up with us without the help of 『Mana Essence』. No wonder she became a formidable boss in the early stage of the game.
Driven by curiosity, I utilized the ⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ability on Seia, eager to glean insights into her current status amid the chaotic battleground. Hm, let's see...
『Seia』
『HP: 140/140』
『MP: 20』
『DEF: 4』
『AGI: 30』
『DEX: 25』
『Endurance: 60』
Huh? Seia's natural stats is greater than us? I wonder if her being a Demi-human has anything to do with it.
While immersed in my analysis of Seia's stats, a blood-curdling scream resonated through the cavern, causing an involuntary groan from all of us. The center of the grotesque heart opened, revealing a ghastly eye, all while the ground trembled beneath us. Here it comes!
"Everyone, it's the boss' second phase. Be careful!" I urgently warned.
Simultaneously, a colossal Aether Worm, four times larger than the other four, burst forth from the cavern wall, wreaking havoc with its indiscriminate charge. Swiftly, I distanced myself from the girls,
⟨⟨Bloodlust⟩⟩
Fiercely, my mana intensely expanded, creating an overwhelming pressure that stiffened everyone, eventually drawing the colossal worm's attention.
"I Leave the heart to you three! Be cautious of its laser!" I commanded. "Come, you ugly worm!"
Responding to the ⟨⟨Bloodlust⟩⟩ I emitted, the Aether Worm charged towards me. Though swift, it's not enough to make me falter. Just like from the previous encounter with the Green Mushroom Hare, I sidestepped its approach within hair width and shoved the blade towards its charging body.
"Guhhh!!!" I groaned, leaving the sword embedded in its body, allowing the creature's movements to slash and maim it further. The injured Aether Worm retreated, digging into the cavern walls. Nice, I should've done quite the damage for that.
Satisfied with the damage inflicted, I seized the moment to consume a Healing Potion.
"Amazing," whispered Seia in disbelief.
"Seriously..." echoed Lily.
Impressed by the spectacle, I earned a momentary stupefied gaze from the onlookers. Even Miss Sherry shared in the collective astonishment.
"I'm starting to believe this guy can beat the monster by himself," Lily marveled.
"Yeah..." Seia replied.
"Focus on the enemy, everyone. The worm is not our only foe," I reminded.
Having regained their composure, the trio redirected their attention to the giant heart emanating a luminous glow.
"Here it comes!" I shouted, alerting them to the impending danger.
The giant heart unleashed a continuous laser beam vertically, melting the ground beneath it. While dangerous, it wasn't as unavoidably fast, allowing everyone to evade the lasers with ease. Just in case, I use my ⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ to the False Abomination to assess our progress.
『False Abomination: 1190/2500』
I guess we're almost done, huh? It was easier than I thought.
Seia and Lily relentlessly targeted the eyes, exploiting the guaranteed critical damage during the second phase. Starting its second phase, the False Abomination began releasing lasers and blood projectiles more frequently. It's getting faster than before.
"Just keep going! You're all doing great!" I encouraged, observing their coordinated efforts.
Lily, in the midst of dodging projectiles, voiced her frustration, "There's too much to worry about, damn it!"
Seia remained silent; her focus unwavering as she continued her barrage on the massive heart. Luna having completed her task with the Aether Worms, wielded the 『Amethyst Gemstaff』 and joined the relentless assault.
By the way, the staff that Luna used was borrowed to none other than Miss Sherry. It sported a gold shaft and is empowered with an amethyst as a catalyst. The weapons sucks but it's still better than not doing anything at all.
『False Abomination: 790/2500』
"It's about to die. Only a few more, and we're done here," I announced, providing a glimmer of hope, creating relief between their faces.
In the climactic moments when the False Abomination teetered on the brink of defeat, the giant Aether Worm reappeared, emerging from who-knows-where. In a cruel twist of fate, it set its sights on the defenseless Miss Sherry, who was watching the battle unfold from the sidelines.
The trio, now focused on the returning threat, displayed panicked expressions as the worm closed in on Miss Sherry, threatening her with imminent peril.
"Wha-"
"Oh no!"
"!!"
"...Eh?" Miss Sherry expressed surprise, unaware of the impending danger.
Am I going to die here?