READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 8: Beautiful Destruction
I was transfixed, watching Bob dart through the chaos with unbelievable speed. Thank goodness he was on our side. After dispatching five goblins, he erupted in a dark green luminescence that sent shockwaves through the crowd. The goblins, recognizing the danger, screeched in terror and scattered, abandoning their comrades to flee in every direction, consumed by fear of the glowing figure. They disregarded the battle around them, driven solely by the instinct to escape. Then, Bob vibrated, emitting a deep, resonant rumble, and from a spot on the vine, small white petals began to emerge, swirling like a storm of light.
The petals twirled gracefully as the flower unfurled, blossoming into a radiant, multi-petaled marvel that shimmered with an ethereal glow. Bathed in light, the translucent petals sparkled, crafting an enchanting scene that danced with the colors of a rainbow and exuded an almost spectral luminescence. As it swelled to an impressive meter in width, its breathtaking beauty suggested it had emerged from a divine realm. At the heart of this floral wonder lay a delicate cluster of white petals, resembling a pod. Once the petals ceased their magnificent expansion, the pod burst open with a loud pop, releasing a cascade of sparkling dust that soared into the air, showering everyone within twenty feet like a gentle rain of fine glitter.
"That's so pretty," said Misty.
"Keep away from it, remember what Herald told us," said Valen while pulling Misty back.
The goblins, coated in a shimmering dust, let out piercing shrieks as they futilely attempted to rid themselves of the glimmering particles. In an instant, the once enchanting scene morphed into a grotesque tableau of horror. The glitter, like a malevolent curse, burrowed into their flesh, seeping through their skin. Red spots blossomed where the spores invaded, transforming into a fiery rash that they clawed at, drawing blood as their jagged nails tore into their own bodies. From the gaping wounds, delicate green shoots began to emerge, sprouting defiantly. They frantically tried to extract the invasive plants, but their efforts were in vain; some had already grown too large to be removed. A few desperate goblins leaped into the fire pit, seeking the solace of regeneration, while the rest flailed in panic, their fingers racing to pluck out creeping vines.
The goblins, once ensnared in a tangle of vines, collapsed lifelessly, their bodies swiftly enveloped by fresh tendrils. These new vines surged forth with a terrifying speed, writhing and twisting as they grew, emitting a cacophony of screeches that echoed in the stillness. Fifty of them erupted from the ground, a grotesque display of nature's fury. I summoned my aura of influence once more, grasping the new growths in a desperate bid for control. The effort drained me, a sensation akin to being pulled taut as if my very essence was being stretched beyond its limits and my spirit was fraying at the edges. Through the connection, I sensed the vines' insatiable hunger, a primal urge devoid of any intricate thoughts. Yet, with each passing moment, it felt as if their awareness deepened, evolving into something more sinister.
They were easily swayed, all of them, their thoughts as transparent as glass, ripe for manipulation. No need for conversation; a mere suggestion was enough to send them tumbling into compliance. I guided their actions, urging them to round up the last of the goblins. Within the hour, the ground was soaked in the aftermath of chaos, yet I commanded the vines to spare the adventurers, for they were to be my allies in the trials ahead, aiding me in clearing the remaining levels and facing the final challenge. From the core of the first floor, where goblins had been roasting meat, the flames shifted, casting an unsettling yellow light that danced ominously in the shadows.
"It is clear that we have overcome the first stage of the dungeon. Exercise caution and keep your distance from the vines as we endeavor to find the entrance to the second floor. What an odd turn of circumstances," declared Ryder.
I'm eager for them to uncover the entrance to the second level; my head is pounding from the effort of spreading my aura out. I made the vines move over to a corner out of the way that was against the wall and Misty and Valen quickly walked down the tower and helped with the search.
However after I pulled the vines out of the way and it was clear that they weren't going to join the battle anymore, the fire changed colors again, to a light green color and then there was a loud rumbling as the bricks next to the firepit lowered into a stairway leading down into the darkness below them. The adventures quickly grabbed fresh torches and then assembled into formation before slowly descending into the darkness.
I turned my gaze to Bob, fully aware that it couldn't follow me any further. It was strange to feel a hint of sadness at our farewell, considering I had only known it for a short while and it was merely a vine. "You're the new leader of the vines," I said, giving Bob a reassuring pat and it bobbed in agreement. Then, I issued one last command to the vines ensnared by my aura, "Follow Bob closely from now on." I felt their acceptance and released them, just as a pounding pressure threatened to explode my head. Dizziness hit me hard, and I could no longer maintain my grip on the vines. I awkwardly flew occasionally losing height as I navigated toward the stairway.
A flicker of anxiety danced in my chest, the unsettling notion that the vines might turn rogue and strike while I was at my most vulnerable. Yet, they remained docile, as if respecting the fragile truce between us. Biter clung to me, its blossom resting gently on my head, leaves curling protectively around me. We ventured down the winding stone staircase, the dim light fading into an oppressive darkness that seemed to stretch endlessly before us. An air of foreboding enveloped us, the steps of the adventures echoing like a heartbeat in the silence, as if we were willingly walking into the gaping maw of a slumbering beast. The knowledge that the dungeon itself was alive only deepened our collective anxiety, a reminder that we were not merely explorers, but prey in a world that thrived on fear.
Coming Next Time: Second Level