Chapter 28: Chapter 25: The Creature’s Death
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The creature roared in a final act of fury, its massive body wavering as black blood oozed from its multiple wounds. Its claws scraped against the rocky ground, struggling to stay upright, but the strength of its opponents had been overwhelming. Its chest heaved in painful gasps, each breath accompanied by a gurgling sound, as if the very air fought to escape its mutilated body.
Edmund, breathing heavily, tasted the metallic tang of blood in his mouth as he tightened his grip on the sword's hilt. His muscles burned, and the weight of battle made every movement an exhausting effort. He knew this was the decisive moment. With a determined glance at Voss and Kieza, he nodded before rushing toward the monster, his blade reflecting the flickering torchlight around them.
The beast, even in agony, tried to raise one of its claws for another strike, its curved and filthy nails glinting in the firelight. But its strength was fading. Edmund saw the opening and, with an agile leap, drove his sword deep into the creature's throat. The sound of flesh tearing echoed through the dark night, followed by a jet of dark blood that stained his clothes and the ground around him.
The monster shuddered, letting out a gurgling shriek as its body slowly collapsed. Its glowing eyes, once filled with fury and malevolence, began to dim, turning dull and lifeless. A final spasm coursed through its frame before stillness took over completely.
Voss and the soldiers instinctively stepped back as the beast crashed onto the ground with a deafening thud, kicking up dust and debris. The putrid stench of its flesh grew stronger, mixing with the scent of blood and damp earth. For a brief moment, the only sound was Edmund's ragged breathing, until Kieza stepped closer, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
— Is it over? — she asked, her voice low and tense.
Edmund wiped the sweat and blood from his forehead, staring at the colossal corpse before him. His chest rose and fell as he struggled to catch his breath, his heart still pounding in the frantic rhythm of battle.
— Yes. — His voice was firm, but his exhausted body told a different story. — It's over.
The soldiers cautiously approached, making sure the creature was truly dead. Some prodded the corpse with spears, while others scanned the sky, fearing more of those things might be lurking in the forest's darkness. Nervous whispers spread through the group, mingling with sighs of relief and brief prayers to the gods.
Voss crouched beside the beast's body, examining its wounds. His eyes were wide, his face marked by a grim expression.
— I've never seen anything like this — he murmured. — If there are more of them around, we're in trouble.
Edmund nodded, still feeling the weight of battle on his shoulders. He knew this was only a prelude to even greater challenges. But for now, the monster was dead, and they had survived.
Kieza crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on the fallen creature. — We need to study this monster. If we understand where it came from, maybe we can prepare for what's coming next.
Edmund agreed, looking into the darkness around them. The unsettling silence of the forest brought no comfort. Something inside him told him this fight would not be the last. And that the real danger was still to come.