Chapter 44: Desperate Measures and a Hasty Escape

The Swamp Rot burned in Drake's veins, sapping his strength and hindering his healing. Each breath was a struggle, each movement a painful reminder of his cracked ribs and the spreading poison. The hag cackled, her eyes gleaming with malevolent glee as she watched him weaken.

"Give up, little whelp," she rasped, her voice like nails on a chalkboard. "Your struggles are futile. This swamp is my domain, and you are nothing but a trespasser."

Drake gritted his teeth, refusing to give in. He knew he was in a dire situation, but he wasn't ready to surrender. He had faced worse odds before, and he wasn't about to let some swamp witch be the end of him.

He focused his mind, trying to ignore the burning sensation in his skin and the throbbing pain in his side. He needed to find a way to turn the tide, to gain an advantage against this powerful foe.

He noticed that the hag relied heavily on her staff, using it to channel her magic and control the environment. If he could disarm her, he might have a chance.

He waited for the hag to cast another spell, summoning more vines from the murky water. As she raised her staff, Drake used Void Step, teleporting directly behind her. He then used Shadow Strike, channeling all of his remaining mana into one final, desperate attack.

*Notification: "Skill Activated: Shadow Strike (Level 3). Cost: 40 Mana. Damage Dealt: 70. Critical Hit! Target Stunned."*

The hag shrieked as the enhanced Shadow Strike connected, the dark energy tearing through her robes and striking her back. The force of the blow sent her stumbling forward, and her staff slipped from her grasp, falling into the murky water below.

*Notification: "Mana Depleted."*

Drake gasped, his body trembling with exhaustion. He had used all of his remaining mana, leaving him completely drained. But he had disarmed the hag.

The hag turned to face him, her eyes wide with rage. She lunged at him, her long, clawed fingers reaching for his throat.

Drake, weakened by the poison and the exertion of his attack, barely managed to dodge her grasp. He stumbled back, falling to the ground.

The hag stood over him, her face contorted with fury. She raised her hand, her long, sharp nails poised to strike.

Drake closed his eyes, bracing for the impact. He knew this was it. He had pushed himself too far, and now he was going to pay the price.

But then, something unexpected happened.

Just as the hag was about to strike, a loud croaking sound echoed through the swamp. A large, green frog, almost the size of a dog, hopped out of the water and landed on the hag's head.

The hag shrieked in surprise, stumbling back. The frog, startled by the hag's reaction, leaped off her head and landed on Drake's chest.

Drake opened his eyes, staring at the large frog that was now sitting on him. He blinked, then looked back at the hag, who was now frantically trying to brush off the remnants of… frog slime from her robes.

He couldn't help it. He started to laugh.

"Well," he chuckled, his voice weak but amused, "that's one way to make an entrance. Talk about a… ribbiting… turn of events."

The hag glared at him, her face flushed with rage. But before she could react, Drake seized the opportunity. He scrambled to his feet, ignoring the pain in his side, and used Void Step to teleport away from the hag.

He reappeared a short distance away, near the edge of the swamp. He didn't stop to look back. He ran as fast as he could, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the enraged hag.

He didn't stop running until he reached the edge of the swamp, where Clunky was waiting. He quickly mounted her and urged her into a gallop, leaving the Shadowfen behind.

He didn't stop until he was far from the swamp, finding a safe place to rest for the night. He had barely escaped with his life, but he had survived. And he had learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, even a well-timed frog can save your life.