Chapter 15: Escaping the Crystadon

Sorry for the small absence, some things happened, but I'm here again!

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The rumble from the canyon's depths grew louder, shaking the ground beneath my feet. I steadied myself, gripping the alloy hammer tighter as I scanned the area. I wasn't alone. A massive shadow shifted in the distance, moving with a slow, deliberate pace.

[Adrian, I'm detecting extreme energy fluctuations ahead. This creature is far more powerful than anything we've encountered. Proceed with caution.]

"Noted," I muttered, backing up slowly. But before I could retreat fully, the ground trembled again, and then it emerged.

The creature was colossal, towering over the crystal-laden terrain like a living fortress. Its body was covered in thick, jagged crystalline armor, glowing with a deep blue hue that pulsed in sync with the surrounding Azura. The energy emanating from it was suffocating, far beyond the level of the Azura Wolves or Etherjaw.

"Argos, what the hell is that thing?"

[Analyzing... This creature's energy levels surpass those of the Etherjaw. Classification is difficult, but it appears to be at least 100 times stronger than a Level 10 creature. We may be facing something we have yet to fully understand.]

The creature, now fully visible, let out a deafening roar that reverberated through the canyon. I could see its powerful legs, each step sinking into the ground, and crystalline spikes jutting from its back like massive shards of glass. This wasn't just another beast. This was something far deadlier.

I barely had time to think as the creature charged forward, its massive form barreling toward me with terrifying speed. Instinctively, I dodged to the side, my reaction time kicking in. The creature's claw slammed into the ground where I had stood, sending shards of crystal and earth flying.

"That was close," I muttered, my heart racing.

The creature roared again, its glowing blue eyes locking onto me with murderous intent. It was fast for something so massive, and as it reared up, preparing to strike again, I knew I couldn't take it head-on. My hammer, powerful as it was, wouldn't be enough to break through its crystalline armor.

[Adrian, I suggest retreat. The creature's power is overwhelming. Engaging it now would be highly dangerous.]

"I don't need to be told twice," I gritted my teeth, already calculating my escape route.

I sprinted toward the ridge, weaving between crystal formations as the creature gave chase. Each step it took shook the ground beneath me, sending tremors through the air. The ridge was steep, and climbing it would slow me down, but I had no other choice. If I stayed in the open, I wouldn't last long.

The creature lunged again, its massive claws gouging deep trenches into the earth as it missed me by inches. I stumbled, barely avoiding the deadly swipe, and threw myself behind a large crystal boulder. The beast slammed into it, shattering the rock into pieces.

"Dammit, it's too fast!" I hissed, scrambling back to my feet.

The ridge was within reach, but so was the creature. I could feel the vibrations in the ground as it closed in, its roars shaking the very air around me. I glanced up at the steep incline, realizing that my only chance was to outmaneuver it in the tighter spaces of the ridge.

I bolted up the slope, using my enhanced reflexes to navigate the treacherous terrain. The Crystadon, as I had quickly dubbed it in my head, roared in frustration but followed nonetheless, its enormous form making the climb difficult. It couldn't move as quickly in the narrow passages, and that gave me a slim chance to escape.

[Adrian, there is a cave system just ahead. It may provide temporary shelter.]

"Got it," I panted, pushing myself harder. My legs burned with the effort, and every breath felt heavier with the thickening Azura in the air. But the cave was my only hope.

I reached the cave entrance, a narrow opening wedged between two towering cliffs. Without hesitation, I threw myself inside, squeezing through the tight space just as the Crystadon's claws swiped at the entrance, narrowly missing me. I could hear its enraged roar echoing through the canyon, but it was too large to fit inside the cave.

I collapsed against the cool rock wall, gasping for breath. My heart was pounding in my chest, my muscles aching from the desperate sprint. For now, I was safe. But I knew this wasn't over.

[Adrian, the Crystadon has retreated. Its energy signature is still nearby, but it seems unable to reach you in the cave.]

"Good," I muttered between breaths.

I sat up, wiping the sweat from my brow as I gathered my thoughts. The Crystadon was far stronger than anything I'd faced before. If I had been just a fraction slower, it would have torn me apart. I wasn't prepared for something like this, not yet.

"Argos, any idea what rank that thing was?"

[Based on its energy output and strength, it is well beyond the level 10 threshold. It would be classified as something much higher, but we do not have a ranking system in place to accurately measure it yet.]

I nodded. "We'll need to work on that."

I glanced around the cave, the cool darkness providing a brief respite from the chaos outside. I wasn't out of danger yet, but for now, I had a moment to recover. And that was enough.

"I need to get stronger," I muttered, clenching my fists. "If I'm going to survive in this place, I need to be ready for anything."

The Crystadon had shown me just how dangerous the pocket universe could be. This wasn't just a playground for exploration; it was a world filled with powerful beings that I couldn't afford to underestimate.

[Adrian, we should prioritize further research into Azura manipulation. The creatures here are using it to enhance their physical abilities. If we can learn to do the same, it will greatly improve your chances of survival.]

I stood, shaking off the exhaustion. "You're right. We need to figure out how they're doing it. If they can harness Azura like that, so can I."

With renewed determination, I headed deeper into the cave, knowing that my path was only getting more dangerous. The pocket universe was far from being fully explored, but I was ready to push my limits.

One thing was clear: the next time I faced a creature like the Crystadon, I wouldn't be running.