Chapter 64 : Escape from the Depths

The cavern ceiling groaned and cracked, large chunks of rock plummeting towards the altar. The Deep Ones scattered in panic, their guttural chants replaced by panicked shrieks. Corvus, taking advantage of the chaos, swiftly cut the bonds holding the villagers.

Drake, amidst the confusion, used his enhanced Dexterity and *Street Fighting* to create openings. He wasn't trying to defeat the Deep Ones, merely to distract and disorient them. He kicked loose rocks, creating tripping hazards, and used swift strikes to disrupt their movements, drawing their attention away from Corvus and the villagers.

The falling debris created a thick cloud of dust and debris, further obscuring the scene. Corvus, having freed the villagers, quickly ushered them towards the cavern entrance. They were weak and disoriented, but they were alive.

As Corvus and the villagers made their escape, Drake found himself surrounded by enraged Deep Ones. They hissed and snarled, their glowing eyes fixed on him with predatory fury. He activated Void Embrace, feeling the familiar surge of dark energy, knowing he would need it to escape this situation.

*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Embrace (Level 2). Health Drain per turn: 3."*

He used Void Tendrils, summoning several shadowy appendages that lashed out at the Deep Ones, creating a momentary opening.

*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Tendrils (Level 2). Cost: 60 Mana. Damage Dealt: 40 (each tendril)."*

*Notification: "Health Drain: 3. Drake Health: 41/100"*

He then used Void Step, teleporting towards the cavern entrance, where Corvus and the villagers were waiting. Several Deep Ones pursued him, their webbed feet splashing through the murky water.

As Drake reached the entrance, a large Deep One Priest, adorned with strange markings and carrying a ceremonial dagger, blocked his path. The Priest chanted in a guttural language, and the water around Drake began to swirl and churn.

*Notification: "Enemy Using Magic: Water Manipulation. Effect: Creates whirlpools and currents."*

Drake felt himself being pulled under the water, the swirling currents disorienting him. He struggled to stay afloat, his lungs burning for air. He knew he had to act quickly.

He focused his mind, channeling his connection to the Void. He unleashed a powerful Void Shatter, aiming it at the water around him.

*Notification: "Skill Activated: Void Shatter (Level 1). Cost: 70 Mana. Damage Dealt: 80."*

*Notification: "Health Drain: 3. Drake Health: 38/100"*

The chaotic energy disrupted the water manipulation, creating a powerful shockwave that sent the Deep One Priest stumbling back. Drake used this opportunity to escape the swirling water and sprint towards the cavern entrance.

He reached Corvus and the villagers just as the remaining Deep Ones caught up. Corvus quickly erected a magical barrier, holding back the creatures for a few precious seconds.

"Run!" Corvus yelled, urging the villagers forward.

Drake and Corvus followed the villagers, fleeing through the winding tunnels of the swamp. They didn't stop running until they reached the edge of the Shadowfen, collapsing onto the dry ground, exhausted and breathless.

Once they were a safe distance from the swamp, Corvus healed the villagers as best he could with his magic. They were shaken and weak, but otherwise unharmed.

"Thank you," one of the villagers said, his voice trembling. "You saved us."

Drake nodded, still catching his breath. "Just glad we could help," he said.

He checked his Codex, adding the experience he had earned from the encounter.

*Experience: 12700 + 3000 = 15700/8000*

*Notification: "Level Up! Drake has reached Level 9!"*

*Notification: "Stat Points Available: 9"*

*Notification: "Skill Points Available: 2"*

He allocated his stat points putting 5 into dexterity and 4 into constitution.

*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Dexterity +5. Current Dexterity: 33."*

*Notification: "Stat Points Allocated: Constitution +4. Current Constitution: 38."*

He allocated his skill points, putting one into Void Tendrils and one into Void Embrace.

*Notification: "Skill Point Allocated: Void Tendrils (Level 3). Effect: Increased range, damage, and can now temporarily ensnare multiple enemies."*

*Notification: "Skill Point Allocated: Void Embrace (Level 3). Effect: Increased enhancement to darkness and void skills and further reduced health drain per turn to 2."*