The hooded figure, Jasper, and the Lynx killed the swampy aberration with a goal. To cut out a path that would lead straight to the core. It wasn't an easy task when the closer they went, the stronger the swampy aberrations appeared. Jasper used many different fighting styles and managed to kill more than 20 aberrations giving some free time to the hooded figure.
The hooded figure wasted no time, rushing forward using her strength and techniques to hurt them. The Lynx killed smaller enemies while protecting Jasper in his weakened state. As the three of them battled together their coordination increased, making them attack and defend each other at the right time.
The hope of coming out of this battle alive began to take root, but their hopes were buried underground.
A massive poisonous snake 20 feet tall with red skin as thick as a pipe sat patiently, waiting for intruders to pass and become his food. The hooded figure's expression changed into one of sorrow looking at the snake, " Blood Sucking Naga", after a considerable pause where she killed a lot of beasts to quell her annoyance, " Why? How can we be so unlucky??!"
The Naga's aura was too strong, giving Jasper chills, " Is your plan not feasible with the appearance of Blood Sucking Naga? "
" Well, it will only work if the item is released at the core of this swampy region. But now, that's impossible with the Blood Sucking Naga acting as the guardian. The three of our combined strength is never going to be enough to kill it."
" Don't quit. We have made a lot of progress and the core is quite close to us. Killing it will not be a dream after reaching its core, right?"
" I wouldn't quit even in my dreams. Also, don't forget I am the one who decided to save you so it's going to be you who quits before me. But surviving just became a lot harder after the presence of Blood Sucking Naga. They are the most vicious, poisonous, and deceptive beasts to battle. Known to be impossible to kill, they must be avoided at all costs. This is one of the most important rules for surviving in Beast Land. "
" Well, we are left with no other option other than killing it to survive what's there to think about? Let's kill it and move on. "
" By the grace of old gods, how could you not understand what I just said? We do not have enough power to deal with it. Confronting it now means certain death. "
" Ohh, that's bad. What are the other options we have?"
" None, I used my skills while fighting the battle, none would be able to deal with a beast that strong." Her voice broke as she spoke with uncertainty, " I don't know what to do, I didn't expect to actually die. "
Jasper experiences a multitude of emotions before his eyes widen with resolve, ' I have stalled death for as long as I could. I can't let someone die because of me when they even tried to save me. It hurts to leave so early, to not look again at Jennifer and the beautiful Arcane World filled with wonder and Magic. Still, I wouldn't die without putting up a terrifying fight. Who knows I might not die if I last long enough. "
" Hodded figure, give me the item with the power to destroy the swampy monster."
This seemed to get her out of her dazed state, " Why are you asking for it?"
"It's because of me that you are in danger, so I have decided to distract it while you escape from here. My only request is for you to take the Lynx with you. Our time may have been very short but it become very special to me, and I don't want anything bad to happen to it. "
" Have you gone mad? I won't leave and anyways even if I escape leaving the battle to you, I would still be dead. You alone can never be enough to stall him for that long. "
" Haaaa, you are underestimating me too much. I can stall it for some time, enough for you to escape. "
" You would end up losing your life in the process?"
" Maybe but I would be saving yours. So get going, the earlier you began the farther you will be able to go. "
" I can't escape if there is a chance of your death."
" Why?"
" You are my only lead to the place that lies outside this trapped world I was born in." The Blood Sucking Naga released a big hiss making Jasper and Rhea look at it with various eyes. They feared the moment it sensed them and choose to pounce. If that happened without any countermeasures to face the attack then both of them would surely die horribly.
Jasper then processed Rhea's words, completely surprised, " What? You have never been to Arcane World."
" So, the place outside is called Arcane World. I like the way it sounds, this just makes me want to go there even more."
" Well, that's an easy request. Find another way to pass through this swampy region and then keep going in the forward direction. On the way, call for an old geezer ' Julian '. He might not know you but he will respond if you keep shouting his name. Right now, I am taking his help to find the way out of here, so he is the one who knows the way out. Find him and get to the Arcane World. Just like you want to. "
Blood Sucking Naga had been fidgety for some time now as if it had caught the scent of someone when it looked directly at both of them. It had sensed their presence. Jasper had been closely noticing it so he immediately pushed Rhea to the side as he occupied all the Naga's attention.
" Come at me, I don't even have an ounce of fear for you, do your worst." Jasper's hands were fixed behind his hands out shaking continuously as he pointed the way to Rhea. The Naga was now very close, just in his visible range. The moment Jasper made the decision to battle Blood Sucking Naga with full heartiness, a different form of energy entered into him. The origins of which were unknown.
Rhea hurriedly followed his direction disappearing from his sight. He then looked around to see the cute little Lynx readying itself for the battle.
" No, I will be battling this fight on my own. I want you to follow after Rhea and make sure she is safe. "
The Lynx showed no sign of budging shaking its head vigorously as the Naga closed the distance, just 3 foot away from Jasper, " Do not disobey my order. I saved your life by risking mine and the condition I stated was to obey every single one of my orders. This is also an order you must follow, you don't have a choice. "
Living with Jasper for some time, it had started to understand his words quite clearly. Its race was known to be very smart. Understand its master words and intentions within a few days was proof of this. It was duty-bound and as a pet, couldn't disobey its Master's order. Although at the moment, all it wanted was to stay by his Master's side fighting alongside him, not following his order would make him even more upset. It couldn't let that happen. Its Master's wises came before its own.
The Lynx tucked its tail in sadness going in the direction Rhea went to. The Naga reached Jasper as it pounced at Jasper. He did not try to dodge its lunge as he removed something.