Chapter 20 - The Howls Underground

I gathered a group of four to venture into the caves. With such a small circle, deciding who would join us was no easy task.

I asked Barry to stay behind and wait for his flight. While I have full confidence in his skills, battles are unpredictable, and we couldn't afford to lose any chance to save Michelle.

At first, he resisted, but eventually, he understood. Plans can change, and adaptability is key.

I chose Fae, Zild, and Raymond. Raymond was thrilled to join, though I worried Tiara might object.

"Just come back alive - and bring treats, or I'll replace you," Tiara said, handing him a backpack stuffed with supplies. Raymond feigned hurt, clutching his chest dramatically.

Rohda, on the other hand, was furious she couldn't come. I managed to dissuade her by mentioning the maggots, roaches, and other pests lurking in the caves. She reluctantly handed me a bag filled with snacks, her frustration still simmering.

"Since we're going underground, there'll be no way to contact you. If you don't hear from us in a week, don't follow us. Just wait..." I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. "We might take longer, but I've prepared for the worst."

Vien asked to join, but I reminded her the kids needed her. My mom couldn't handle them alone. Her eyes fell, and she murmured about wanting to contribute more.

I reassured her, "Your job is to raise those kids right. That's more than enough." I then assigned her to care for Max, the bunny, which she accepted with a smile.

"I know you meant to give her to the Soybean heiress, but could I keep Max instead?" Her face lit up with adoration for the fluffy creature.

"Only if you can tame her. You'll know when she appears on your scroll." After all, animals in the inner realm choose their humans, not the other way around.

Vien beamed, hugging me tightly and wishing for my safety. She wanted to give me something before we left but admitted she was out of ideas. Instead, she handed me a paper bag.

"What's this? A barf bag?" I teased, though I could feel something solid inside.

She rolled her eyes and pulled out a paint canister. "Glow paint. So you won't get lost. Monsters can't remove it, either."

I was genuinely impressed. "Thank you, Vien. How'd you get these?"

She pressed a finger to her lips, signaling secrecy. I joked that she wouldn't get any presents if she didn't spill, but she just laughed it off.

Before we left, she cast an invisibility spell on us. I blew air into her ear, signaling our departure. She shivered, swatting at me, but I dodged her with a grin.

••••••••••••••••••••••

We returned to the area where the old mall complex once stood. Like the other cave, it was barricaded with caution tape and flimsy wooden panels.

On the way, we encountered a few deranged dogs. Raymond dispatched them effortlessly. Zild wanted to test his skills on one, but when I noticed the Chasm's poison clouding his mind, I intervened and killed it.

"That was insane," Zild muttered, shaking his head as he regained control. "All I saw was this dark, swirling mass, and a voice calling me closer."

I'd heard of such things before but never experienced it firsthand. It had to be the work of a monster. Some had the chance to approach it more closely, inside it was a single eye, encased in a pyramid like structure.

We descended into the crevice, relieved it wasn't as steep as the rodents' lair. Pairs of red, glowing eyes stared at us from the shadows. "Masks on," I ordered. "The air's toxic here, and oxygen levels are low." They nodded, and we pressed on.

Ahead, a dimly lit path emerged, lined with torches on the walls. We turned off our flashlights and spotted a group of humanoid dogs feasting on human remains.

They devoured their victims to the bone, leaving nothing behind. The sounds of snapping bones, snarling jaws, and grinding teeth filled the air.

These people might have wandered in carelessly - or been dragged into the depths when they got too close to the entrance.

Raymond unleashed his chains, binding the creatures. But their size and strength worked against him, and they dragged him closer, their snouts snapping as they fought over who would take the first bite.

"Help!" he screamed, nearly landing in their midst. I materialized my spear, its blade adorned with clear stones. It made a loud 'swoosh' sound as I hurled it towards the enemies.

"Ho-ow..." Fae whispered, her eyes wide with awe. Zild looked equally stunned but excited. The spear impaled three of the beasts, bursting through their backs as blood and entrails spilled onto the rough ground.

Raymond gagged as some of the blood splattered onto him. Fae and Zild helped him to stand up, thankfully he isn't injured.

The remaining monsters whimpered at the sight of their fallen packmates, but their fear was short-lived. They lunged at me with their drooling maws and tongues with vicious intent.

The spear quivered in the place where it landed and got plucked out and flew as I summoned the spear back to my hand.

My hands burned hot as I infused the weapon with fire. With a powerful throw, I sent the blazing weapon hurling toward them.

They froze mid-charge, unable to dodge as the spear struck, engulfing them in flames. They cried as they died and get burned to crisps.

Others tried to rear end us, but Raymond and Zild protected Fae with all their might. Zild, though his power his control, disabled the opponents movements with mere touch.

While Raymond shredded the others using his bladed chains. Fae ducked and covered her head, letting them put down the creatures one by one.

But more emerged from the shadows, their numbers overwhelming. Just as we braced for the onslaught, a towering figure appeared - a massive creature wielding a wooden club. Its deafening roar echoed through the cave, paralyzing us with fear.

More and more of them rushed towards us with increased aggressiveness. It must be a berserker call. This will cause them to do greater damage with swifter movements in the absence of fear.

"Brother, watch out!" Fae screamed as the giant raised its club, aiming to crush me.