Chapter 151
Clayton couldn’t help but scrutinize the two groups approaching from a distance.
From what he observed, the once neat and noble-looking individuals now bore no trace of their former elegance. Apparently, they’d been fighting not just the skeletal minions Clayton had left behind—but each other as well.
To Clayton, that was good news. It meant they still hadn’t formed an alliance.
Acting quickly, he positioned himself on the opposite side of the area, putting the monster between himself and the incoming groups. His plan was simple: if anyone was going to walk into that beast’s jaws, it sure wasn’t going to be him. He executed the strategy while staying alert for any sign of the stone-scaled serpent.
After a short while, his preparations were complete—just in time, too. His pursuers were beginning to approach.
But as they charged toward him, their feet suddenly halted mid-stride—as if they’d slammed into an invisible wall. Clayton quickly realized: he was still inside the dome.
A mix of relief and regret washed over him. Relief, because he wouldn’t have to worry about being attacked while dealing with the serpent. Regret, because any hope of outside help—no matter how unlikely—was now completely out of reach.
Left with no other choice, Clayton returned to the fight, still struggling against the monstrous serpent.
Earlier, his strategy had been simple: dodge, evade, and survive. But the monster had adapted. Its attacks were faster now, more precise. His body bore the consequences—fresh wounds and searing pain reminded him that one more direct hit might be his last.
Realizing this, he began launching ranged attacks.
But every time he repositioned, the serpent would release a cloud of poison.
At first, Clayton wasn’t overly concerned. The toxin wasn’t potent enough to pierce his magical defenses. But then he noticed something—his movements were becoming sluggish, like he’d been drugged.