Book 5: Chapter 12 — Underhalls
They advanced together, and the swarm shifted, thousands of pale centipedes rippling across its surface as it turned to face them. Individual insects detached from the main body, scuttling across the walls and ceiling, probing the air with too many legs and lamprey-mouths that pulsed with hunger.
The swarm attacked without warning or posturing, just sudden explosive movement as the humanoid form dissolved into a wave of insects that surged toward them from every direction.
Aurelia's response was immediate. Fire erupted from her outstretched hands, a sweeping arc of purifying heat that turned the tunnel into an inferno. Centipedes died by the hundreds, their bodies popping and crackling as they burned, the stench of char filling the air.
But there were thousands more.
The swarm split, portions of the mass retreating from the flames while others circled wide, climbing the walls to flank them. Noah felt individual insects land on his armor, tiny mouths seeking gaps in his protection.
[Dragon Scales] has resisted [Numbing Venom]
Resistance: 94%
Their bites were nothing, pinpricks that his Dragon Scales shrugged off, but he understood the strategy. Overwhelm through attrition.
"Back to back!" he shouted.