Chapter 427: The stone titan

Staggering out, he emerged from the base. He was bruised, bloodied, and visibly worn, yet he stood tall with a triumphant look.

His stone armor lay shattered around him, pieces strewn across the ground, a testament to the fierce battle he had just fought.

He had emerged from his fight with the humanoid Thaid. That could only mean one thing. He had won. He had slain the beast that had been their worst fear for so long. But there was no time to celebrate just yet. The Acidspitter Arthropods were still closing in, their eerie gaze now fixed on Samuel. The fight was far from over.

Amid the chaos, Erik raised his voice, straining it above the din of clashing weapons and monstrous shrieks.

"Samuel!" he called, catching sight of the older man's bruised and battered form limping out of the base.

Relief intermingled with concern for the old farmer's visible injuries, but there was no time to dwell on them; every second was vital.