Sometime ago. Death zone ek.
The party steadied their heart, trying to cage all their fears, but it was futile. They stepped into the cursed space, maintaining little distance with the wall pressing against them. Their whole body was drenched in sweat as they trembled with terror.
Dorian, the leader of the squad, had the tip of his spear burning with magic, illuminating the darkness that pressured them. Nevertheless, the light from the blazing fire and their own keen eyesight they developed through their adventures brought something into their view- something utterly horrifying.
At the centre of the cavern, intestine like cords hanged from the ceiling. The other end of those cables were attached to what remained of what looked like a corpse. The humanoid figure did not have any arms, nor legs or even an abdomen. All that remained was a hanging chest without any cover at the bottom, exposing the beating heart and pumping lungs.
And on top of the dismembered shoulders lied a bald head with a scarred face. The skin was tanned and looked like it was that of a corpse- all shrivelled up and damp. And what was the most terrifying thing among that ghastly sight was the smile that lingered on the 'man's' face.
"Welcome." That grim voice sounded again in everyone's minds, sending shivers down their spines. The mouth of the being did not move at all, still showing that ominous smile consisting those corroded teeth. "It has been years since 'fellow' humans came to visit me. It fills my heart with endless joy." The being's dark eyeballs darted through all the members of the party.
"Who are you?!" The brave leader shouted. He knew that death was close, but curiosity still won.
"Me?" The being chuckled. "I don't know. I don't even remember by name. All that is etched in my mind is that I had a family- a great one. They called me the ancestor. And at the end of my life, when I came here on a search to find eternal life, I met an accident.
"That's what I remember from my past. The next moment I know, I find myself in this stage- not dead, not alive... not human. I stayed like this for days, months, and years. And then one fateful day, I discovered something wonderful- the rewards to my accidental sacrifice." The smile on his face widened.
*Aaawooooooo!*
The cavern began to rumble as what seemed like wolves howled with all their might. Two wolves appeared out of thin air and flanked the hanging corpse. The fur of the wolves were black and purple- as if they were the incarnation of darkness themselves. Their bloody red eyes were fixed on the party, ready to devour them. It has been years since they found proper feasts in the hell hole. And no way they were letting them go.
But what stood out the most for the wolves were the single horns that erected from the centre of their heads.
"Uniwolves!" Everyone shouted in wisdom as they subconsciously took a step back and gulped.
"Nice. You recognised it." The hanging corpse said. "Theses little beasts are mythical creatures known to walk between the world of the living and the world of the dead. If any beast in the world could represent the mighty element of darkness, these sweeties would come into mind. But nobody has ever seen this creatures before in this continent. Those who have had already sent to the world of the dead."
Both of the wolves took a step forward. Terrifying pressure pressed onto the members of the party, locking them in their place, inhibiting them from even taking a step backwards.
"Yes, this was my reward- the ability to tame these wolves- beasts on par with legendary dragons, the ruler of the shadows. Now, my fellow humans- I have been bored beyond words in this state, where I am neither dead nor a living. Please entertain me. Give me the nutrition to survive until the next batch of food appears."
The pressure on the party disappeared, freeing them from the paralysis. "As if we will falter here!" Dorian shouted and took a defensive position. He had a flicker of hope in him. His opponents were wolves- beasts he had hunted dozens of times before.
Even if they were level 9 beings, along with his team, he was confident that he would be able to defeat them.
He was not the only one who had this thought. All the veterans in the team brandished their weapons. Bron, the wood magic caster summoned a gigantic green circle above his head.
The two novices stood behind the experts, cowering in fear. Their faces were pale and blank. Just the ghastly sight of the living corpse was enough to scare the shit out of them. Adding Uniwolves- supreme beasts that only existed in legends- was an overkill.
"Sweeties, take care of our guests. I know such weak foods might bore you. But don't make it quick. I need some entertainment." The hanged being cackled.
The two wolves howled with all their strength, causing the catacombs to quake. After they were done, both of them began to walk forwards- slowly but surely.
"We will go with the usual plan." The bearded leader ordered.
The others nodded. This was the best plan to go with. They were well versed in such tactics and it was also the most effective strategy to use against such creatures.
Cracks formed on the ground as hardened roots drilled out from it. They spiralled on the feet of the wolves, trying to tie them out. But alas, it was futile.
The roots passed through the legs of the Uniwolves. The beasts kept walking with the same pace, paying no heed to the weak roots on the ground.
"What?!" Everyone shouted in unison. They had never witnessed anything like this before.
The hanged being laughed out loud.
"Why do you think such small creatures are compared to mighty dragons and phoenixes?"
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