Bab 8: Ripples of Rebellion
The aftermath of the fight lingered like a fog in Daniel's mind. His body throbbed with pain, his scales bearing the raw marks of the Warden's claws. Each beat of his heart sent a dull ache radiating through his body, but the system's reassuring presence reminded him of the progress he'd made.
[Status Update: Shadow Veil Skill Acquired.]
[Skill Description: Shadow Veil allows temporary concealment in murky or low-light waters. Duration: 15 seconds. Cooldown: 5 minutes.]
"Shadow Veil," Daniel muttered, testing the words aloud. "Not bad."
Mira hovered nearby, her sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. The Warden's body was gone, likely dragged away by the natural currents, but the blood trail remained, a stark reminder of the battle.
"We need to move," Mira said, her tone clipped. "The Serpent's minions will come looking for their Warden soon. They'll smell the blood."
Daniel nodded, though his muscles protested every movement. "Where to?"
"There's a place," Mira said, her voice softer now. "A hidden grotto beyond the kelp forests. It's dangerous to get there, but it's safer than staying here. Garath's followers patrol those waters, and they don't take kindly to strays."
Daniel hesitated, the memory of Garath's offer still fresh. "What happens if we run into them?"
Mira's fins twitched. "That depends. If you've decided to join him, they'll welcome you. If not…" Her voice trailed off ominously.
"Great," Daniel muttered. "I'm still deciding, by the way."
"You don't have much time," Mira warned. "The lake isn't patient, and neither is Garath."
They swam in silence for a time, the water around them growing darker and colder as they left the thermal vents behind. The currents shifted unpredictably, pulling at Daniel's battered body and testing his endurance.
The kelp forest loomed ahead, a dense, swaying maze of green and gold tendrils. It seemed alive, the long strands twisting and writhing as if sensing their approach.
"Stay close," Mira said, her voice low. "The forest has its own dangers."
"What kind of dangers?" Daniel asked, already regretting the question.
Mira didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gestured toward the shadows that danced within the kelp. "Predators. And worse."
Daniel swallowed hard. "Worse?"
As if on cue, a low, guttural growl echoed through the water. The kelp shifted violently, parting to reveal a massive, eel-like creature. Its body was sleek and sinuous, covered in dark, mottled scales that blended perfectly with the surrounding plants. Rows of sharp, needle-like teeth lined its maw, and its glowing yellow eyes fixed hungrily on Daniel and Mira.
[New Entity Detected: Kelp Stalker. Threat Level: Moderate-High.]
"Run," Mira hissed, her body already darting into the maze of kelp.
Daniel didn't need to be told twice. He kicked his fins hard, following Mira as the Stalker lunged, its massive jaws snapping shut just behind him.
The kelp forest was a disorienting labyrinth. The thick strands tangled around Daniel's fins, slowing his movements and forcing him to weave and twist to avoid getting trapped. The Stalker pursued them relentlessly, its sinuous body moving effortlessly through the narrow spaces.
"Over here!" Mira called, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Daniel spotted her ahead, slipping through a narrow gap between two thick clusters of kelp. He followed, his heart pounding as the Stalker's growls grew louder behind him.
As he squeezed through the gap, the Stalker struck, its jaws snapping inches from his tail. Daniel twisted instinctively, slamming his body into the kelp strands above him. The motion dislodged a cloud of silt and debris, momentarily blinding the predator.
"Keep moving!" Mira shouted, her voice urgent.
They swam deeper into the forest, the water growing colder and darker with each passing moment. Daniel's stamina was nearly depleted, and his injured side throbbed with every stroke of his fins.
Finally, they emerged into a small clearing surrounded by dense walls of kelp. Mira stopped, her body tense and her eyes scanning their surroundings.
"Did we lose it?" Daniel panted, his voice hoarse.
Mira didn't answer. Her gaze was fixed on a patch of shadows just beyond the clearing.
The Stalker reappeared, its yellow eyes gleaming with predatory intent. This time, it moved more cautiously, its body weaving through the kelp with deliberate precision.
"There's no way out," Daniel said, his voice laced with panic.
Mira glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Then we fight."
[Combat Initiated: Kelp Stalker.]
[Tip: The Stalker relies on its agility and camouflage. Use the environment to your advantage.]
The Stalker lunged, its jaws snapping at Mira. She dodged gracefully, darting to the side and striking at its flank with her sharp teeth. The creature let out a guttural snarl, twisting its body to pursue her.
Daniel watched, his mind racing. Mira was fast, but the Stalker was faster. They couldn't outswim it, and the clearing offered little room to maneuver.
Then an idea struck him. The kelp.
"Mira!" he shouted. "Lure it into the kelp!"
She glanced at him, her eyes narrowing in understanding. Without hesitation, she darted toward a dense cluster of strands, the Stalker following close behind.
Daniel positioned himself near the base of the kelp, his fins ready. As the Stalker plunged into the tangled mess, its movements slowed, the thick strands wrapping around its sleek body.
Now!
Daniel surged forward, his teeth sinking into the base of the kelp strands. With a powerful jerk, he tore them free, the loose plants wrapping around the Stalker like a net.
The predator thrashed violently, its jaws snapping and its tail whipping in a desperate attempt to free itself. Mira joined the attack, her sharp teeth targeting the creature's vulnerable underbelly.
The Stalker let out a final, pained roar before going still, its body tangled in the kelp and blood clouding the water around it.
[Combat Complete! Kelp Stalker Defeated.]
[Rewards: +15 Experience, +5 Stamina Restored.]
Daniel floated in place, his body trembling from the effort.
"That was close," he said, his voice shaky.
Mira nodded, her expression grim. "It's only going to get harder from here."
"Great," Daniel muttered, his exhaustion evident.
Mira swam closer, her eyes locking onto his. "You handled yourself well. But don't get cocky. The Serpent's forces are far worse than anything we've faced so far."
Daniel sighed, the weight of her words settling over him like a shroud. The battles were growing more dangerous, the stakes higher with every step he took.
But despite the fear gnawing at him, he felt something else—a spark of determination.
He wasn't just surviving anymore. He was fighting back.
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
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