Chapter 19: Shadows of the Singularity

The aftermath of the Fuyuki anchor's destruction lingered in Maki's mind as they returned to Orario. The air still carried the acrid scent of fire and corruption, a reminder of the singularity's unresolved threat. Maki walked silently beside Scathach and Archer, her spear tapping against her shoulder with each step. Though the guardian was defeated, the figure they'd encountered loomed large in her thoughts.

"Harbinger, huh?" Maki muttered. "They've got to work on their ominous branding."

"You're taking this lightly," Archer quipped, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "Whoever that was, they're dangerous. And I doubt we've seen the last of them."

Scathach, ever composed, didn't respond immediately. Her crimson gaze flickered to Maki. "Danger is a constant, but we must focus. This harbinger is a piece of a greater puzzle."

Maki smirked. "You've got a talent for understatement."

The trio reappeared in Orario through a dimensional gate conjured by Scathach's rune magic. The bustling city was as vibrant as ever, a stark contrast to the desolation of Fuyuki. Adventurers filled the streets, their chatter mingling with the sounds of merchants advertising their wares.

Maki inhaled deeply, savouring the liveliness. "Never thought I'd miss this chaos."

Archer glanced around, his expression skeptical. "So this is Orario? You weren't kidding about its energy."

"You'll get used to it," Maki said, her lips quirking into a grin. "Or not. Either way, welcome to the Dungeon City."

As they walked toward the Babel Tower, Scathach spoke softly. "Maki, you must prepare. The next anchor will likely be more fortified. The harbinger's presence confirms that we're being watched."

Maki nodded. "I figured. If they're smart, they'll bring the fight to us next time."

Their conversation was interrupted as a loud rumble echoed through the city. Adventurers froze, their gazes turning toward the Dungeon. A shockwave rippled outward, and a moment later, a massive roar shook the air.

"What the hell is that?" Maki asked, her grip tightening on her spear.

"Trouble," Scathach replied. "And it seems the Dungeon itself is reacting to the singularity."

Archer frowned. "You mean this giant labyrinth has... a will?"

"Yes," Scathach said. "And it's capable of spawning more dangerous monsters when its balance is disrupted."

Maki cracked her knuckles. "Then we'd better deal with it before it gets worse."

The trio made their way into the Dungeon, passing waves of adventurers retreating toward the surface. Whispers of a massive floor boss spreading beyond its domain filled the air, and the tension was palpable.

"It's on the 19th floor," said one adventurer, his face pale. "Something's broken loose."

"Then that's where we're going," Maki declared, her determination unwavering.

As they descended, the environment shifted. The usual stone walls gave way to twisted, pulsating growths, a clear sign of the singularity's corruption. The air grew heavier, and the faint sound of whispers echoed in the distance.

"This place feels worse than before," Maki muttered.

"It's being influenced," Scathach said. "The Dungeon's will is intertwined with the singularity's corruption."

When they reached the 19th floor, they were met with a nightmarish sight. The floor boss, an enormous Goliath, stood in the center of the chamber. Its usual rocky form was distorted, with black veins coursing through its body and glowing crimson eyes that pulsed with malevolent energy.

The creature roared, sending a shockwave that cracked the ground beneath them. Several adventurers were already engaged in battle, but their attacks barely seemed to faze the corrupted boss.

"We're going to need a plan," Archer said, nocking an arrow.

"Plan's simple," Maki replied, spinning her spear. "Hit it hard, hit it fast."

"Always so direct," Scathach remarked, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Very well."

Maki charged first, her spear flashing as she struck at the Goliath's legs. Her blows landed with precision, forcing the creature to stagger. Scathach followed, her crimson spear glowing with runic magic as she targeted its core.

Archer stayed at a distance, firing arrows that disrupted the Goliath's movements. "Its weak point is its chest," he called out. "Aim there!"

Easier said than done. The Goliath retaliated with a sweeping blow, its massive fist narrowly missing Maki as she rolled out of the way. She countered with a thrust that pierced its knee, causing it to kneel.

Scathach seized the opportunity, leaping high and driving her spear into the Goliath's chest. The runes on her weapon flared, and the creature howled in pain.

Before they could land a finishing blow, the corruption surged. Black tendrils erupted from the Goliath's body, lashing out at anything in range. One tendril struck Maki, sending her flying into a wall. She coughed, blood trickling from her lips, but forced herself to stand.

"This thing doesn't know when to quit," she growled.

Scathach's expression darkened. "The corruption is trying to preserve its anchor. We must destroy it now."

Maki nodded, determination flaring in her eyes. She gripped her spear tightly, her cursed energy surging as she charged forward. "Then let's end this!"

With a final, coordinated strike, Maki and Scathach pierced the Goliath's chest, their combined energy overwhelming the corruption. The creature let out a deafening roar before collapsing, its body dissolving into ash.

As the floor boss disintegrated, the oppressive atmosphere lifted. The other adventurers cheered, but Maki felt no relief. Her gaze turned to Scathach, who was studying the remnants of the corruption.

"This isn't over, is it?" Maki asked.

Scathach shook her head. "No. The singularity's influence remains. This was merely a symptom."

Archer approached, his expression grim. "Then we'd better move fast. Whoever's behind this won't stop until everything falls apart."

Maki tightened her grip on her spear. "Good. Let them come. I'm ready."