Chapter 26: Grixx Vs. Thurn

Without hesitation, Grixx vanishes, his massive frame disappearing into the shadows with a speed that defies his size. The silence lasts only a second before he reappears in front of Alix, his clawed hand gripping the struggling form of a smaller Arachne monster.

The creature hisses and writhes, its multiple legs flailing as it tries in vain to free itself from Grixx's iron grip. Its glossy black exoskeleton gleams faintly in the miasma's eerie glow, and its eight crimson eyes dart frantically between Alix and Grixx.

"I found our stealthy friend," Grixx says, holding the Arachne up like a trophy. "It was hiding in the canopy, trying to stay out of sight."

Alix steps closer, his crimson eyes locking onto the creature's frantic gaze.

"You're one of Thurn's scouts, aren't you?"His voice is calm, but there's a dangerous edge to it. "Tell me, what did he send you to do?"

The Arachne freezes for a moment, then hisses defiantly.

"I will not betray my lord!"

Alix sighs, shaking his head.

"Grixx, make it clear we're not playing games."

Grixx smirks and tightens his grip just slightly, the sound of chitin creaking under pressure filling the air. The Arachne lets out a choked screech, its defiance quickly turning to panic.

"I-I was sent to observe!" it stammers. "Lord Thurn ordered me to see who was intruding in his territory! That's all—I swear!"

Alix raises an eyebrow. "And what were you planning to report?"

The Arachne hesitates, then spills its words in a rush. "Two intruders— very powerful! I was going to tell him everything I saw!"

Alix hums thoughtfully, then looks at Grixx. "Good catch."

Grixx grins. "Shall I dispose of it, Your Majesty?"

"No," Alix says.

Alix continues. "Lead us to the lair of Thurn."

The Arachne hesitates, its eyes darting between Alix and Grixx before it nods frantically. "Y-yes, yes! I will take you there!"

"Good," Alix says, gesturing for it to move forward. "Start walking."

The Arachne scuttles ahead, weaving through the dense webbing with practiced ease. Grixx follows closely, his massive blade resting on his shoulder as he keeps a watchful eye on the creature. Alix walks behind them, his steps calm and deliberate, his mind already piecing together the next steps.

After some time, the three arrive at a large clearing dominated by an enormous cocoon-shaped structure. The webbed fortress looms high, its silken walls glistening faintly under the dim, sickly-green glow of the miasma. The entire area is eerily silent, with no sign of movement or life.

Alix stops, his sharp gaze scanning the lair. "Too quiet," he mutters under his breath. Just as he turns to question the Arachne, the creature lets out a shrill screech.

"Poison bomb,"

Grixx growls, tossing the remains of the creature aside as the smoke envelops them. His eyes gleam as he raises his blade, the edge glinting faintly in the dim light.

"Cheap trick."

A shadow moves within the smoke, fast and deliberate. Without warning, Thurn lunges out of the haze, his massive form striking with the speed of a predator. His long, spindly legs aim for Alix in a vicious, stabbing motion.

Before the attack can land, Grixx steps between them, his blade slamming against Thurn's legs with a deafening clang. The force of the clash sends ripples through the smoke, momentarily parting it.

"Not even a hello?" Alix says, his voice calm but dripping with sarcasm as he watches from behind Grixx.

Thurn clicks his mandibles, retreating a few steps as the smoke begins to clear. His eight crimson eyes lock onto Alix, glowing with malice.

"You dare invade my domain and demand courtesy?" he hisses, his voice a deep, resonant snarl.

Grixx bares his teeth, his tail flicking with irritation. "How dare an insect speak so presumptuously to His Majesty," he growls, his grip tightening on his sword.

Before Alix can respond, Grixx swing his massive blade in a wide arc. This time, the swing carries a little more force—fueled by his anger. The sheer power of the strike sends a shockwave rippling through the air, catching Thurn squarely and hurling him backward like a bolt of lightning.

Thurn crashes into the side of his webbed fortress with a sickening crack, the impact sending tremors through the entire structure. He slumps to the ground momentarily, his legs splayed awkwardly, before shakily rising again. His crimson eyes blaze with fury, venom dripping from his mandibles as he hisses in rage.

Grixx scratches the back of his head, his expression suddenly sheepish as he looks back at Alix.

"Uh… sorry, Your Majesty. I lost control of my anger."

Alix sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he steps forward.

"That's alright, he's not dead," Alix says, his tone calm but tinged with amusement. "But you've definitely pissed him off."

Thurn lets out a guttural snarl, his massive form shaking with rage. He slams his front legs into the ground, cracking the earth beneath him.

"You dare strike me with such insolence!" he roars, his voice echoing through the clearing. "I will make you suffer for this!"

Thurn lunges forward again, this time with unrestrained fury, his movements wild and erratic. His long legs stab and slash at the air as he barrels toward Grixx and Alix, the venom on his fangs glinting ominously.

Grixx steps forward with a wide grin, his massive blade rising to meet Thurn's charge. The sound of steel clashing against chitin reverberates through the clearing as Grixx expertly parries the wild strikes.

In the middle of the fray, Alix's voice echoes in Grixx's mind, calm yet firm. "Grixx, I will remind you again—do not kill him. We need him alive."

Grixx responds telepathically, his tone tinged with annoyance but obedient. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll keep it to Tier 2 skills."

Thurn snarls, his legs striking with rapid precision, but Grixx sidesteps each blow effortlessly. With a deliberate move, Grixx counters, his blade glowing faintly as he activates a Tier 2 skill, [Cleave Strike]. The controlled attack sends a precise wave of force slicing through the air, slamming into Thurn's side and forcing him to stumble back, but leaving no fatal wounds.