LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 7: Into the Maw
Chapter 7: Into the Maw
The hum grew into a tremor, a low vibration that resonated through the ground. The human stood poised, their blade glowing faintly in their grip, while the creature lowered itself to the ground, every muscle coiled and ready.
From the horizon, the source of the sound emerged—a massive, writhing beast that seemed to blur the line between shadow and flesh. Its form was chaotic, constantly shifting. One moment it was serpentine, its body covered in jagged scales that reflected the violet sky; the next, it was an amalgamation of limbs, mouths, and eyes.
The creature growled low, shadows pooling around its claws. The human took a step forward, their jaw tightening. "We're not running from that, are we?"
The pull within their chests made that answer clear: this was another test. Another piece of the puzzle that stood between them and the truth.
"No running, then," the human muttered, setting their stance.
The beast roared, a sound that shook the very air, and then it charged.
—
The creature darted forward first, a blur of motion as it met the monstrosity head-on. Its claws slashed through one of the beast's limbs, severing it cleanly. But the severed piece didn't fall; it twisted and reformed, sprouting spines that lashed out like whips.
The creature dodged effortlessly, twisting through the air like liquid shadow. It landed on the beast's back, sinking its talons deep into its hide. The shadows around it sharpened into blades, driving into the monster's flesh and sending ripples of black ichor spraying into the air.
The human wasn't far behind. They moved with precision, their blade cutting through the tendrils that lunged toward them. The weapon seemed to hum louder with each strike, the dark metal absorbing the energy of the beast's attacks.
But the monster was relentless.
It lashed out with a tail-like appendage, striking the human and sending them skidding across the ground. They rolled to a stop, coughing as they struggled to regain their footing. "Damn it!" they hissed, gripping their blade tighter.
The creature glanced back, its golden eyes narrowing. It leapt from the beast's back, landing between it and the human. Shadows coiled protectively around its form, and it let out a guttural snarl that echoed across the battlefield.
The human smirked despite the pain. "Didn't think you cared."
The beast roared again, its form shifting once more. Its torso split open, revealing a gaping maw lined with rows of jagged teeth. From within the maw, a dark energy began to gather, pulsing with an ominous glow.
The human's expression darkened. "That can't be good."
The creature moved first, darting forward to close the distance. It struck at the maw, but the beast's energy swirled outward, forming a barrier that repelled the attack. The creature was thrown back, landing hard on the pulsing ground.
The human stepped forward, gripping their blade with both hands. "We need to hit it together."
The creature growled softly, then rose to its feet. It understood the meaning, even if the words were alien.
The two of them moved in unison, the human rushing to the left while the creature circled to the right. The beast's energy flared, tendrils of shadow lashing out in every direction, but they weaved through the attacks with practiced precision.
When they reached the maw, they struck simultaneously.
The creature's claws and the human's blade pierced the energy barrier in tandem, their combined force shattering it like glass. The beast let out a deafening roar as its core was exposed—a pulsing orb of black and violet light.
The human didn't hesitate. They drove their blade into the core, twisting it with a savage motion. At the same time, the creature's shadows converged on the orb, wrapping around it like chains.
The beast's roar became a howl of agony as its form began to collapse, folding in on itself until nothing remained but the pulsing orb.
The human and the creature stood side by side, staring at the orb as it floated in the air, glowing faintly.
"What now?" the human asked, their voice low.
The orb pulsed once, and then a wave of energy surged outward, enveloping them both.
—
When the light faded, they found themselves in a new space—a vast, empty void filled with stars. The ground beneath them was smooth and black, reflecting the starlight like glass.
The orb floated before them, its light dim but steady. From within it came a voice, deep and resonant.
"You have passed the first trial."
The human frowned. "First? How many are there?"
"Three," the voice replied. "Each will test the bond between you. Only by forging a true connection can you uncover the truth of your existence."
The creature tilted its head, golden eyes narrowing.
The human sighed. "Figures. Nothing's ever simple."
The orb pulsed again. "Proceed forward. The next trial awaits."
Ahead, a path of light began to form, stretching into the void. The human glanced at the creature, their expression uncertain.
"Well," they said, sheathing their blade. "Guess we're not done yet."
The creature growled softly, a sound that carried both resolve and warning.
Together, they stepped onto the path, the stars above shifting as they moved. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it as one.