Seeing the Desert Abyssals paralyzed by Xisrith's attack, Kaizen seized the opportunity and advanced once more. His thrust created a vortex of fire that seemed to envelop his sword. His spear glowed with intensity as he slashed between the creatures. Each strike was aimed at at least one vital point of each of his opponents, trying to inflict as much damage as possible.
Meanwhile, Xisrith was obviously recovering from the powerful incantation he had just used.
The Abyssals, though paralyzed, could not hide the fear in their eyes as they fell. One by one, the Psyker's blows found their targets at the creatures' vital points, inflicting devastating damage. With each precise strike, the dark blood of the Abyssals gushed out, staining the sandy ground even more.
Xisrith caught her breath from the powerful incantation she had cast earlier, and her eyes widened as she watched her ally's movements. Her body still pulsed with the magical energy emanating from her as she watched, stunned, at Kaizen's action, which seemed like a masterfully executed symphony of destruction.
As Kaizen continued to annihilate the remaining Abyssals, Xisrith felt a new wave of power coursing through her veins. His eyes glowed with an intense light.
"Kaizen!" shouted Xisrith, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "I'm ready to fight again! You don't get all the XP!" She said with an encouraging smile.
Kaizen nodded with a confident smile and said:
"Then you'll have to outrun me."
The scorching desert sun illuminated the scene, highlighting the two players against the golden horizon. In less than two minutes, they destroyed every Desert Abyssal that appeared, leaving only their remains on the ground.
Panting, they looked at each other, smiled, and fell backwards onto the sand, laughing. They were once again drenched in creature blood.
"That was..." Xisrith started to say. "...really good! It's been a while since I've been able to extravasate like that."
"It was really exciting," Kaizen agreed, catching his breath. "Our synchronicity in battle is impressive, Xisrith."
As they rested on the hot sand, a light breeze blew across the desert, bringing momentary relief from the sweltering heat. Kaizen looked up at the sky, where the sun shone mercilessly, and then turned her gaze to Xisrith, but just as she was about to speak, a large shadow shaded their faces.
As Kaizen and Xisrith prepared to face the new wave of Desert Abyssals, they knew that the danger in the desert was unpredictable and that other threats could arise at any time. The desert was vast and full of mysteries, and the heroes were ready to face whatever challenge fate had in store for them. On the horizon above a dune, a lone figure appeared. He was a human, wrapped in robes and turbans that protected him from the relentless heat. Then he walked slowly toward Kaizen and Xisrith, carrying an enigmatic walking stick.
Soon, the nomad stopped in front of the players, his piercing eyes examining them with curiosity.
"Who are you and what do you want with us?" inquired Kaizen, keeping his spear ready for any eventuality.
The nomad smiled serenely, revealing deep wrinkles on his face from his life in the desert. His voice echoed like a soft whisper in the dry wind.
"I am known as Al-Zahir, the Guide of the Lost," he replied with a curtsy. "I have seen the greatness of your skills in battle and felt the need to introduce myself for having enjoyed such grace at close quarters without proper permission."
Xisrith watched the nomad with interest, intrigued by his presence in such an inhospitable place.
"Why have you come to us, Al-Zahir? Is there something we should know about this desert?" she asked, eager for information that might help them on their journey. She could see the name above his head and his title, indicating that he was a Quest NPC.
The desert guide nodded, his piercing gaze fixed on the players.
"This desert holds ancient secrets and unforeseen dangers. The creatures you have just encountered are only a taste of the dangers that exist here. But there is also power and knowledge waiting to be discovered," he explained, pointing to the ancient ruins that now stretched beyond the horizon between several dunes, something they had not yet noticed. "To walk these lands, however, requires much more than a map or a good sense of direction, it also requires custom, for the wind constantly changes the shape of the desert, and no day is the same as any other."
Kaizen and Xisrith exchanged glances, aware that their journey was beginning to get interesting and that they would need guidance to navigate the treacherous desert.
"Very well, Al-Zahir, we will hear you out," Kaizen said, recognizing the wisdom the leader of the lost seemed to possess. "But know that we are here only for our own interest, and facing any threat that comes our way is part of that, but not protecting you."
The nomad smiled again, seemingly pleased with the players' response.
"Your brave hearts, your determination and your skills will be your reward, I need only that," Al-Zahir praised. "Therefore, I will be your guide in this unforgiving desert, leading you through the dangers and helping you to unlock the secrets it hides.
With a gesture of his stick, the nomad pointed the way ahead. The wind lifted the sand around them, creating a temporary veil that quickly dissipated.
"Follow me, fearless ones, and discover the true power that awaits in the far reaches of this desert.
Kaizen and Xisrith exchanged a last look before following Al-Zahir to the ancient ruins, shaking their shoulders as if to say, "He has nothing better for you.
…
Edited by: DrHitsuji
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