Unholy Player

"Lord Adyr, we’ve run out of munitions. A total of 114 water slimes eliminated and 115 energy crystals collected. We await your next orders," Siris reported, standing at attention with a newfound confidence and reverence in her expression.

"Good," Adyr said, nodding once. He reached out, and the satchel carried by two soldiers vanished into the Dawn Land with a flicker of light.

Every explosive had claimed a target. Not a single one had been wasted, and each crystal had been retrieved with care. Even the one he had lost track of after the initial demonstration had been recovered.

A few stray slimes still slithered through the field. Adyr chose to deal with them himself.

With clean, efficient movements, he drew his twin blades and sliced them down one by one. Once finished, he turned his attention inward. The crystals now resting atop the cushion in his sanctuary shimmered faintly.

"153 crystals, huh. Not bad," he muttered, counting them at a glance.

He had more than enough energy to subdue a Spark. But not yet. He had other priorities. For now, the crystals would remain untouched.

"Still planning to lie there and play dead?" Adyr asked, his gaze fixed on the massive creature. He was expecting a reaction this time.

The Spark didn’t move.

Its dark blue hide looked thick as stone, like a rhino’s armor. Its stubby limbs looked too small to support the bulk of its enormous body. Its head was round and smooth, almost featureless, save for two small eyes and a wide, unbroken mouth.

Adyr approached cautiously, step by step, prepared to react to any movement. As the seconds passed and the beast didn’t stir, he started to believe it really was asleep.