Outerlayer

The hound's howl failed to evoke any dreamlike sensations, let alone paralyze him as he thrust the gilded edge of the [Bane of the Calamity] into its head. Black tar-like blood, or rather a liquid essence, oozed from the inflicted wound.

Warden narrowed his eyes; this creature's existence seemed more unnatural than those found in dungeons. It was brimming with essence, perhaps more than it could handle. Killing it could potentially yield higher rewards than anything Warden had encountered before.

"Don't engage in direct combat!" Agnes shouted, flying with her dark wings spread on her back, obstructing its advance. "You cannot kill it..."