The Corrupted Syndicate

Like Mavislin, Zenos targeted the spider's limbs, but they regenerated almost instantly, a frustrating reminder of their enemy's formidable power.

As another green orb hurtled toward him, Zenos leaped high into the air, aiming to slash at Arakaali's torso. But mid-flight, the goddess opened her jaws wide, preparing to unleash a devastating spell point-blank.

Despite being a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, even the Viceroy knew that facing an otherworldly goddess required more than brute strength.

The dragoness glanced over to check on the blonde, her heart pulsing with worry. She could feel the dissonance between them; they weren't in sync, and that left them vulnerable. Both needed to work as one if they were to take down the Mother of Spinning Webs.

Arakaali's presence loomed large, her massive limbs twitching with lethal intent, weaving webs of danger around the battlefield. Mavislin knew they had to adapt, to find that rhythm in battle before the goddess could exploit their disarray.

Her grip tightened on her weapon as her mind raced, searching for a way to bridge the gap between them before it was too late.

And right at the nick of time, the dragoness spotted the impending doom just in time. Focusing her energy, she charged her legs, bright purple cracks forming along her black scales as she leaped toward the blonde.

With a surge of speed, she grabbed him just moments before the beam of dark green poison could reach him, her blade utterly decimating the flesh of Arakaali's arm in her wake.

The battle was far from over, but at least Mavislin's partner had avoided incapacitation from such a minor spell. Yet, she had underestimated her own strength and speed.

The force of their collision sent them crashing into the arena's wall, her spine impacting harshly against the cold stone column.

Dazed but determined, Mavislin pushed through the pain, her focus shifting back to Arakaali, who was now enraged and more dangerous than ever. The goddess's eyes blazed with fury, and her multiple limbs twitched with anticipation.

The dragoness knew that every moment counted as she slowly rose from the ground. It was then that she realized that her tail was broken, wincing when she tried to move it. She cursed as she regretted not learning healing spells.

Zenos, recovering from the close call, glanced over at Mavislin with a slight flash of guilt seeing her pained state. The Viceroy then shook those emotions away before redirecting his focus to the looming threat of the giant spider goddess.

Arakaali's cackling laughter echoed through the cavern as she raised one of her massive legs, preparing to strike the vulnerable dragoness. Tapping into his Guardian abilities, Zenos prepared to intervene, ready to save Mavislin with his characteristic elegance and speed.

"Nine Nights, Striking Streams!" bellowed the Viceroy as his scythe glowed blue and black.

Mavislin watched in awe as Zenos transformed into a blindingly quick orb of azure and ebony. He moved with an effortless grace, weaving around the spider goddess while delivering precise strikes.

Each time he cut down a leg, his fluidity was mesmerizing—nine times in the span of just two heartbeats. However, the dragoness noticed that though he was quick, Zenos wasn't quick enough to cut off all Arakaali's limbs at one time.

As he glided back towards Mavislin, the blonde maintained his battle stance, his presence radiating confidence and power.

The energy around him crackled with intensity, a stark contrast to the looming threat of Arakaali, who now staggered slightly from the relentless onslaught.

"Lady Shadow, I trust you have a trick or two hidden away. We cannot afford to squander another moment against this vile enemy."

"Whatever plan you devise, I stand ready to heed your command, for you have been my salvation," offered the Viceroy as he deflected a poison orb.

"Consider that debt paid after you've performed that feat of otherworldly attack... But you're right; I do have a trick hidden away. But both of us need to be in sync while we sever all her limbs in one go, don't give her the slightest chance to regenerate!" answered the dragoness.

"I don't see how that will kill the fallen goddess..."

"Didn't you say that you will heed my command? Trust me on this," smirked Mavislin as her body glowed with black energy while purple ribbons danced around her figure.

The Viceroy sighed and stood in front of her.

"Very well. Tell me, what is it that you require of me?"

"After we've severed her legs, I need you to come up with a way to make her suffer. Anything you have that can be as cruel as your wildest dreams could fathom. Prepare the spell when I have her bound and unleash it quickly before my spell wears off."