Chapter 90: The Third Rotten Bone

The void seemed even darker as I retraced my steps toward the location of the third Rotten Bone. The memories of my last encounter with the Void Hounds weighed heavily on me. I had barely escaped them before, their sheer power overwhelming my void body at the time. But now, with Void Step at my disposal and my strength steadily increasing, I felt ready to face them again.

The blue orb above provided faint light, casting eerie shadows over the jagged terrain. My heartbeat quickened as the sound of claws scraping against the ground reached my ears. I crouched low, my eyes scanning the darkness ahead. The familiar growls sent a chill down my spine, but this time, I was prepared.

Two Void Hounds emerged from the shadows, their massive forms rippling with unnatural energy. Their glowing crimson eyes locked onto me, and I could feel their hunger—this wasn't just a fight for survival; it was a hunt, and I was their prey.

The first Hound lunged, its jaws snapping with deadly precision. I activated Void Step, disappearing just before its claws could reach me and reappearing behind it. With a swift strike, I drove my fist into its side, feeling the satisfying crunch of its ribs breaking.

The second Hound didn't wait, leaping at me with terrifying speed. I ducked under its attack, rolling to the side and using Void Step again to create distance. The first Hound recovered quickly, circling me as the second joined in.

They attacked in tandem, their movements coordinated and relentless. One came from the front, the other from behind, leaving me no room to escape. But I had learned from my battles in the void—timing was everything.

As the first Hound swiped at me, I used Void Step to appear above it, twisting mid-air and landing a powerful kick to its head. It stumbled, disoriented, and I turned my attention to the second.

I dodged its claws, grabbing its foreleg and twisting with all my strength. The Hound let out a guttural roar as its leg snapped, but it didn't retreat. Instead, it lunged forward, its jaws closing around my arm.

Pain shot through me as its teeth sank into my void body, but I refused to let it overpower me. I clenched my free hand into a fist, channeling every ounce of strength into a single punch to its skull. The Hound released me, collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into dark mist.

The first Hound snarled, its body shimmering with energy as it prepared for a final attack. I steadied my breathing, blood dripping from my wounded arm, and waited for the perfect moment.

As it charged, I used Void Step to appear directly in its path, meeting its attack head-on. With a shout, I drove my knee into its chest, followed by a flurry of punches that shattered its ribs and skull. The Hound let out a final whimper before collapsing at my feet.

I stood amidst the fading mist, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. The pain in my arm was intense, but the rush of victory was stronger. I knelt beside the remnants of the Hounds, consuming their essence and feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through me.

My void body strengthened, the wounds on my arm beginning to heal as the energy settled within me. I could feel the difference—the Void Hounds had been formidable opponents, but defeating them had pushed me closer to unlocking my full potential.

Ahead, on a pedestal of jagged rocks, rested the third Rotten Bone. Its eerie glow illuminated the surrounding area, casting long shadows across the ground. I approached cautiously, my senses alert for any remaining threats.

As I reached out and picked up the bone, a strange warmth spread through my hand. The weight of it felt significant, as if it carried the burden of countless battles fought within the void.

With the third Rotten Bone secured, I sat on the edge of the pedestal, staring up at the blue orb in the sky. The light it cast seemed softer now, almost comforting, as if acknowledging my progress.

I thought of Pyre and the lessons he had drilled into me. His gruff voice echoed in my mind: *"Strength isn't just power, Ash. It's endurance. It's pushing forward when every part of you wants to stop."*

A small smile tugged at my lips. "I'm getting there, Master," I murmured, clenching the Rotten Bone in my hand.

But the journey wasn't over yet. The final Rotten Bone awaited, and I knew it would be the most difficult challenge yet. I stood, tucking the bone into my void body's storage space, and began walking toward the unknown.

The landscape grew darker as I ventured deeper into the void, the air growing heavier with each step. The whispers that had once been faint now seemed louder, more insistent, as if warning me of the dangers ahead.

I tightened my fists, determination burning in my chest. No matter what lay ahead, I wouldn't back down. The final Rotten Bone was within reach, and I was ready to claim it.