Chapter 38: Shadows of the Unknown

The air in the depths of Babel's labyrinth shifted from oppressive to suffocating. The portal before Maki and Scathach roared with unstable energy, its edges crackling with threads of darkness and light interwoven. Both warriors paused, sensing the magnitude of what lay beyond.

"This distortion feels different," Scathach murmured, her voice calm but tinged with caution. "It's not like the singularities we've encountered before. Something—"

A sudden wave of energy burst from the portal, interrupting her words. It sent jagged ripples through the ground, forcing Maki to brace herself as cracks spider-webbed underfoot. A figure began to emerge from the vortex, its form obscured by shadow and flickering flames.

"Finally, someone comes to greet us," Maki muttered, gripping her spear tighter. "I was starting to think this portal was all bark and no bite."

As the figure stepped fully into view, Maki's cocky demeanor faltered for a moment. The entity stood nearly seven feet tall, its body wrapped in a cloak of swirling darkness that seemed to devour the surrounding light. In one hand, it held a jagged sword that pulsed with a blood-red aura; in the other, a blazing orb of fire-like energy.

Its voice echoed unnaturally, layered as though several beings spoke at once. "You dare trespass into this distortion? You mortals, who claim the strength to defy gods and distort history. Your hubris knows no bounds."

Scathach narrowed her eyes. "This creature... it's a fragment of a lost god. The Singularity has fused remnants of divine essence with corrupted memories."

"Great," Maki said, rolling her shoulders. "Just another overpowered mess we have to clean up."

The being raised its sword, pointing it toward them. "Come, then. Let me show you the price of defiance."

The Battle Begins

The entity moved faster than its size suggested, crossing the distance between them in an instant. Its sword came crashing down, meeting Scathach's spear in a shower of sparks. The force of the blow pushed Scathach back several feet, her boots skidding against the stone.

Maki didn't waste the opening. She darted in from the side, her spear striking at the creature's exposed flank. The weapon connected, but the impact felt like hitting solid iron. The creature barely flinched, countering with a swing of its orb that released a wave of fiery energy.

"Watch out!" Scathach called, her spear glowing as she intercepted the wave with a rune-inscribed barrier.

Maki leapt back, her eyes narrowing. "Okay, so brute force isn't gonna cut it."

Scathach landed beside her, her expression grim but focused. "Its body is reinforced by divine energy. We'll need to disrupt its core to stand a chance."

"Got it," Maki said, gripping her spear tighter. "You keep it busy, and I'll find a way to crack it open."

Scathach moved first, her spear a blur of crimson light as she unleashed a flurry of precise strikes. The creature met each attack with its jagged sword, the two locked in a dazzling exchange of power. Maki circled around, her cursed energy gathering at the tip of her spear.

"Hey, ugly!" Maki shouted, hurling her spear like a missile. The weapon tore through the air, aimed directly at the creature's back.

The entity turned at the last second, raising its orb to block. The collision created a shockwave that rippled through the cavern, momentarily obscuring the battlefield in dust and smoke.

Maki rushed forward, reclaiming her spear in a seamless motion. She aimed for the creature's legs this time, her attacks swift and relentless. The combined assault from both sides forced the entity to split its focus, its movements growing less fluid.

"Now!" Scathach called, her spear glowing with a violet hue as she invoked a powerful rune.

Maki responded instantly, pouring her cursed energy into a single strike aimed at the creature's midsection. Her spear pierced through the dark aura, eliciting a guttural roar from the entity.

As the creature staggered back, its chest began to crack, revealing a pulsating orb of golden light within. Scathach's eyes locked onto the core.

"That's its anchor to the distortion. If we destroy it, the Singularity will destabilize."

Maki grinned, her adrenaline surging. "Then let's finish this!"

The creature, realizing its vulnerability, unleashed a wave of chaotic energy, its dark aura flaring wildly. The cavern walls began to crumble as the surge of power destabilized the surroundings.

Scathach and Maki exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Without a word, Scathach began to chant an incantation, her spear glowing brighter with each word.

Maki charged forward, using Scathach's magic as cover. She dodged and weaved through the chaotic energy, her eyes locked on the exposed core. With a primal roar, she thrust her spear forward, pouring every ounce of her cursed energy into the attack.

The spear struck true, piercing the core. The golden orb shattered, releasing a blinding light that consumed the creature entirely.

As the light faded, the battlefield fell silent. The portal ahead flickered weakly, its energy stabilizing but not yet fully dissipated. Maki knelt on one knee, her chest heaving as she caught her breath.

Scathach approached her, resting a hand on her shoulder. "You were reckless," she said, though her tone carried a note of approval. "But effective."

Maki grinned up at her. "Reckless is kind of my thing, remember?"

Scathach chuckled softly. "Indeed. Let us hope it continues to serve you well."

The two stood together, their gazes fixed on the weakened portal. Though the battle was over, they knew their journey through the distortion was far from complete.