Chapter 8: The Ambush in the Misty Mire

The fog grew thicker as Kai, Arthur, and Elara delved deeper into the Lizard Mire. Elara led the way, her footsteps light, her keen archer's eyes constantly sweeping through the trees and murky puddles. Arthur followed, cautiously covering her, while Kai glided, almost invisible in the shallow water, occasionally just a faint shadow.

"First patrol ahead," Elara whispered, signaling them to stop. "Two of them. They usually stand by those big mangrove roots."

Kai activated "Mist Camouflage." His jade-green scales seemed to dissolve completely into the opaque white of the fog; even his own "Keen Senses" could barely perceive himself. He glided invisibly, circling behind the mercenaries' position.

Two bounty hunters, clad in dark leather armor with weapons already drawn, leaned against a tree trunk, their eyes scanning the mist. They were seasoned veterans, not easily fooled.

ROAR!

A fierce growl suddenly tore through the air. A massive Mire Cobra Level 8 burst from the bushes behind Arthur and Elara, its huge head raised high, red eyes fixed on them.

"Monster!" Arthur roared, quickly turning, his warhammer raised.

At the same moment, the two bounty hunters, startled by the roar, spun around. One spotted Arthur and sneered. "Well, well. Just the juicy prey we were looking for. Earlier than expected, Knight!"

It's a trap! Kai realized instantly. The Bounty Hunters Guild had set an ambush, using a monster to lure them in.

The Mire Cobra lunged at Arthur, its mouth wide open, revealing a pair of fangs dripping with venom. Arthur parried the attack with his shield, but the snake's raw power pushed him back.

"Elara, take care of those two!" Arthur yelled, holding his ground.

Elara didn't hesitate. She drew her bow, two arrows simultaneously flying, embedding themselves in the shoulder and thigh of the nearest bounty hunter. He groaned in pain.

Meanwhile, the second hunter quickly drew a large dagger, rushing towards Elara. He was an assassin, moving like a blur.

He can't reach Elara! Kai acted. Invisible in the fog, he glided forward, suddenly unleashing a powerful "Aqua Shot" at the assassin's legs. He yelped in surprise, losing his balance.

"What the hell was that?!" He stumbled, looking around frantically.

That moment of confusion was enough for Elara to gain precious time. She fired another arrow, embedding it in his non-dagger hand.

The first hunter, overwhelmed by Arthur, couldn't counterattack. Arthur swung his hammer relentlessly, forcing him into a passive defense.

The Mire Cobra relentlessly attacked Arthur. Kai knew that if Arthur had to deal with it alone, he'd quickly be exhausted. He activated "Mist Camouflage" again, gliding beneath the snake's body, looking for an opening.

You have activated 'Stealth Attack'! Damage increased by 50% for the first attack!

Kai lunged, his "Rending Bite" teeth sinking into the snake's softer underbelly. Though tougher than the Primordial Green Crocodile, it was still a weak point.

[-10 HP! Afflicted with 'Bleeding'.]

The snake roared in pain, thrashing its tail wildly. Arthur seized the opportunity, delivering a powerful "Crushing Hammer" blow to its head.

[-25 HP! Critical Hit!]

The Mire Cobra whimpered, its massive body collapsing, crushing the surrounding bushes.

You have defeated Mire Cobra Level 8!

Received 80 experience points!

Experience Points: 375/100 (Level 19).

Congratulations! You have reached Level 20! All attributes slightly increased.

You have absorbed skill 'Venom Breath' (Level 1) from Mire Cobra!

You have absorbed skill 'Bush Hide' (Level 1) from Mire Cobra!

A surge of new power filled Kai. "Venom Breath" would enhance his ranged attacks, and "Bush Hide" would complement his "Mist Camouflage"!

The two bounty hunters were utterly terrified. They hadn't expected to face a cloaked dragon and such a powerful knight. The assassin, severely wounded by Elara's arrows, realized the situation was hopeless and tried to flee.

"Don't let him escape!" Elara shouted, but she was out of arrows.

Kai said nothing. He darted forward, using "Leap" on land combined with "Bush Hide." A green blur moved through the foliage. "CHOMP!" Kai bit down on the hunter's leg. He tumbled, screaming in pain.

Arthur rushed over, his hammer raised. "You're from the Mire Bounty Hunters Guild, aren't you? You've been hunting Zane?"

The hunter trembled, his eyes filled with terror as he looked at Kai. "Y-yes! He has something valuable... an... Ancient Soul Emblem!"

"Ancient Soul Emblem?" Arthur frowned.

"That thing... it's the key," the hunter mumbled. "The key to... the Ancient Hall."

Just then, the first hunter, who had been overwhelmed by Arthur, also attempted to flee. But Elara didn't give him the chance. She drew a small dagger, throwing it directly into the back of his neck. He fell lifelessly.

Arthur turned back to the surviving hunter. "What is the Ancient Hall?"

"It... it's where ancient powers are kept... and also... our leader's hideout," the hunter stammered. "Zane is trying to get in there. We have to stop him!"

Arthur clenched his fist. "So, Zane is looking for something... more important than I thought." He looked at Kai and Elara. "The Ancient Hall and the Ancient Soul Emblem... it seems this isn't just a simple hunt anymore."

The three stood amidst the thick fog, the hunter's words echoing. Clearly, their journey wouldn't just stop at finding Zane; it had become entangled in a larger conspiracy involving ancient powers and a dangerous organization trying to control them.