Chapter 13 - 10: Hollow Disaster
The Victoria Housekeeping team arrived at the edge of a Hollow teaming with danger, its warped Etheric energy distorting the very air around it. Their mission was straightforward: rescue a group of Hollow Investigators who had gone silent days ago. The tension in the air was palpable as the team crossed the boundary, their weapons, and Bangboos at the ready.
Von Lycaon's sharp voice cut through the oppressive atmosphere. "Stay focused. No mistakes. If the investigators are alive, they'll be deeper inside. Ellen, take point."
Ellen Joe nodded, her giant scissors resting against her shoulder as she led the way, her shark-like tail swishing with wary precision. "Got it. Let's just hope this isn't another wild goose chase."
Rina's Bangboo companions, Anastella and Drusilla, floated beside her, analyzing the twisted terrain. Corin Wickes followed closely, her chainsaw-broom at the ready, her skittish movements betraying her unease.
The team pushed through the Hollow's warped corridors, the air thick with Etheric corruption. Faint signs of a struggle—shredded equipment, bloodstains, and shattered Ether crystals—guided them toward their target. But as they entered the core of the Hollow, the unfortunate happened.
"Oh no," Corin whispered, her voice trembling.
Before them stood the Hollow Investigators, or what was left of them. Their bodies were grotesquely mutated, their features barely recognizable under the jagged black crystals that sprouted from their flesh. The Ether cores in their chests pulsed with a sickening light, signaling their complete transformation into Ethereals.
Von Lycaon's voice was firm but heavy with regret. "They're gone. Prepare to engage."
The battle was swift but brutal. The corrupted investigators moved with unnatural speed and ferocity, their attacks, a twisted mockery of the skills they once used to protect New Eridu.
Ellen's scissors clashed with crystalline claws, her icy powers freezing her foes mid-strike.
Rina's electricity surged through the battlefield, disrupting their movements. Corin's chainsaw roared as she cut through the chaos, her fear replaced by grim determination.