Captain Edmund stood at the fork in the road, his eyes like torches, sweeping across the two waterways. The water on the left was turbulent, roaring, splashing, and hitting the cave wall, making a deafening sound. The water on the right was gentle, and the water surface was calm, like a sleeping giant, quiet and a little weird. He raised his hand and touched the wet beard on his chin, and the rough beard made his hand itch slightly. "Go to the left!" Captain Edmund ordered decisively, with a firm tone and no room for doubt. He raised the torch and swam towards the left passage first, signaling the other soldiers to follow. Two soldiers stayed at the fork in the road to guard, with their backs against the cave wall, holding spears, and watching the surrounding movements vigilantly to prevent Toby from attacking from other directions. The air in the cave was humid and stuffy, and the water vapor was filled, making people feel a little difficult to breathe. The light of the torch danced on the water, reflecting the nervous faces of the soldiers and illuminating the unknown road ahead.
The water flow fluctuated more violently, and Toby felt that the pursuers were getting closer and closer. He was extremely anxious, and he knew that he had to find a place to hide as soon as possible. Lily moved slightly on his back and groaned faintly. Toby looked down at Lily. Her little face was as pale as paper, her lips were chapped, and her breathing was weak. She had obviously fallen into a coma.
The light in the cave was dim, and the cave wall was uneven. Toby could only rely on his perception of the water flow and his memory of the terrain to grope forward.
Finally, he found a relatively flat stone platform, which was located at the edge of the water flow and was blocked by a huge rock, forming a natural hiding place. Toby carefully placed Lily on the stone platform, turned around and jumped into the water again, swimming towards the depths of the cave, trying to lead the pursuers away. The water flow hit his body, making a gurgling sound, as if cheering him on.
Captain Edmund led the soldiers to pursue along the left passage. The water was turbulent and the resistance was great. The soldiers had to paddle hard to keep moving forward. The light of the torch swayed on the water, illuminating a small area ahead. Suddenly, Captain Edmund noticed a few traces of blood floating in the water ahead. The blood slowly spread in the water, like a blooming red flower, which was particularly eye-catching in the dim light. He was startled and immediately realized that Toby was nearby. "Speed up! He is in front!" He ordered loudly, his tone was rapid and excited, like a hound that found its prey. After hearing the order, the soldiers speeded up and swam forward.
Toby swam to a wider area of water, where the water became gentle and the water surface was sparkling, as if it was covered with broken silver. He took a deep breath, floated to the surface, and looked around. Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure standing on a rock not far away, it was Gru. Gru was wearing a black robe, with a cold smile on his face, like a ghost in the dark night, exuding a chilling breath.
"You are finally here." Gru's voice was low and hoarse, like a call from hell.
"Lord Gru." Toby saluted respectfully, with a hint of fatigue and helplessness in his tone.
Gru jumped down from the rock and walked to Toby. "Thank you for your hard work, Toby." He patted Toby on the shoulder with a hint of appreciation in his tone, "Next, leave it to me."
"Yes, Lord Gru." Toby nodded and stepped aside.
In the narrow cave, Captain Edmund and his soldiers were like black eels, shuttling through the turbulent water. Their torches cast swaying light and shadows on the water, illuminating their firm and nervous faces. Captain Edmund's eyes were sharp, he could feel that the prey was not far away, and his heartbeat accelerated with the beat of the water.
"Speed up!" Captain Edmund's voice echoed in the cave, revealing an irrepressible excitement in his voice. The soldiers followed closely behind, their eyes flashing with the desire for battle.
Toby felt the change in the water flow, and his heartbeat pounded violently in his chest. He knew that the pursuers were approaching, and every breath he took was filled with urgency. He turned around, ready to face the upcoming battle, his body tensed, ready for the impact.
Captain Edmund was the first to rush out of the narrow passage, and his eyes quickly searched for Toby's figure in the wide water. He saw Toby and Gru standing on the rock. His eyes narrowed into a slit, and his hand tightly grasped the hilt of the sword.
"Toby! You finally have no way to escape!" Captain Edmund's voice was full of the joy of victory, and he waved his long sword and pointed at Toby.
Gru sneered, and his figure looked particularly tall in the firelight. He didn't speak, but just waved his hand gently. The water flow suddenly changed direction, forming a huge whirlpool, which engulfed Edmund's team. The soldiers were caught off guard and were swallowed by the whirlpool one after another, shouting in fear.
Captain Edmund struggled hard, trying to get rid of the whirlpool. He swung his sword and hacked at the rocks around him, but it was all in vain. The whirlpool was getting stronger and stronger, dragging him deeper and deeper, and finally disappearing under the water.
However, Captain Edmund was not an easy opponent. He struggled in the water and swam to the edge of the whirlpool with all his strength. His sword drew a splash in the water, and his strength and determination were fully demonstrated at this moment. There was an unyielding light in his eyes, and he knew he couldn't fall here.
Gru sneered, and his figure suddenly disappeared from the spot. The next moment, he appeared in front of Captain Edmund. He didn't know when a slender sword appeared in his hand, and the sword body flashed a faint blue light in the firelight.
"Do you think you can still escape?" Gru's voice was low and powerful, and his eyes revealed a hint of murderous intent.
Captain Edmund did not answer, he just held the sword tightly in his hand, ready for the upcoming battle. He knew that this was a life-and-death battle, and he had to go all out.
The swords of the two men collided on the water, making a crisp metal collision sound. Captain Edmund's swordsmanship was open and closed, and each sword was full of power and speed. Gru's swordsmanship was even more bizarre. His sword was like a poisonous snake, always biting Captain Edmund's vitals inadvertently.
Sweat beads oozed from Captain Edmund's forehead, and he felt the pressure. Gru's swordsmanship was too advanced, and each of his swords made him unpredictable. He began to adjust his fighting rhythm, trying to find Gru's flaws.
Suddenly, Captain Edmund found an opportunity, and his long sword stabbed Gru's chest fiercely. However, Gru's figure suddenly disappeared, and the next moment, he appeared behind Captain Edmund. The tip of his sword gently scratched Captain Edmund's back, leaving a deep wound.
Captain Edmund felt a sharp pain, and his body lost balance in the water. He knew that he had been seriously injured and his strength was rapidly draining. But there was still an unyielding light in his eyes, and he would not give up just like that.
"Do you think you won?" Captain Edmund's voice revealed a hint of sarcasm, his body suddenly rolled in the water, and the long sword stabbed Gru's abdomen fiercely.
Gru's eyes flashed with surprise, and his body quickly retreated, but Captain Edmund's sword tip still scratched his arm, leaving a bloody mark.
"You are really good." Gru's voice revealed a hint of admiration, but his eyes were more murderous. His figure disappeared again, and the next moment, the tip of his sword was against Captain Edmund's throat.
Captain Edmund's eyes flashed with despair, and he knew that he could not escape. But a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and he knew that he had tried his best.
However, Gru did not act immediately, and the tip of his sword stayed on Captain Edmund's throat for a moment. Then, he slowly retracted the sword and stretched out his other hand. A ball of black energy gathered in his palm. The energy was like a living thing, constantly wriggling and emitting a disgusting breath.
"No, not only your body, but your soul will also belong to me." Gru's voice was low and evil, and his voice was full of dark power.
Captain Edmund felt a cold force trying to invade his body, and his soul seemed to be pulled by countless hands, dragging him into endless darkness. His body began to tremble, his consciousness began to blur, but deep in his heart, there was an unyielding flame burning.
At this critical moment, Captain Edmund suddenly remembered what the high priest said to him on the eve of his expedition: "Deep in your heart, there is a power that will be your last line of defense against darkness." Captain Edmund closed his eyes and concentrated his mind. He began to recite the secret method taught to him by the high priest in his heart.
As he recited the secret method, a warm power surged in Captain Edmund's body, like a beam of light, rushing straight into the sky from the depths of his heart. This power collided with Gru's dark energy and emitted a dazzling light. Captain Edmund felt that his soul was surrounded by a warmth, and the power that tried to erode him was forced back little by little.
A hint of surprise flashed in Gru's eyes. He did not expect Captain Edmund to have such strength. His body quickly retreated to avoid the dazzling light. Captain Edmund opened his eyes, and his eyes flashed with determination. He knew that he could not fall here. He still had an unfinished mission. He used all his strength, swung the long sword, and launched a final attack on Gru.