Chapter 41: The Dungeon Boss (2)
The ground shook violently beneath their feet, cracks spidering across the terrain as the dungeon gate glowed with ominous energy.
Rooaarrr!
A deafening roar escaped from within, sending a wave of pure, unrelenting dread washing over everyone. The roar was so powerful it seemed to reverberate through the very air, silencing the forest as every creature cowered in fear.
Kenji’s eyes turned cold, as his bear claws returned and glimmered in the sunlight. He stared intently at the dungeon entrance, as it slowly crumbled to the ground like dried bread being broken down. He could feel the raw, pulsating aura of the being within—a force so immense it seemed to suffocate his very soul. His instincts screamed at him to flee, but he shoved the thought aside, glancing back at the children. There was no way he could run away when they were around, what would happen to them if that happens?
BOOM!
The dungeon gate exploded with a thunderous crack, pieces of stone and magical energy flying everywhere. From the swirling vortex of black and red energy, a towering figure emerged.
It’s body coated in the very essence of darkness, as more crimson that blood itself. The sheer size of this beast was equivalent to three regular shadow beasts stacked upon each other. And unlike regular shadown beasts with no form, this one had a particularly ensnaring and vicious form.
The Shadow Beast was larger than anything Kenji had ever encountered. Its monstrous form resembled a horrifying blend of a dragon and a wolf, with massive, jagged wings and a tail that whipped violently, leaving destruction in its wake. Its glowing crimson eyes locked onto Kenji, and the air around them grew impossibly heavy.
Kenji positioned himself in front of the children, as he readied himself for the inevitable battle. "Haruka," he said in a low, steady voice. "Take the kids away. Right now!"
Haruka’s eyes widened in shock. "But mas- Kenji, you can’t face that thing alone—"
"Now!" Kenji’s voice boomed with an authority that silenced all protest. His gaze softened briefly as he turned to look at the children. "Haruka, get them to safety. I’ll hold it off as long as I can. You kids be good, I’ll be back soon," he said softly, and they replied with a slight nod.