Chapter 9: THE MISSION
The intense battle with the Hexars continued as the fire erupted periodically, turning the dry, cracked field into a chaotic war zone. Suddenly, a chime rang in Ye Qiu's game interface, and a notification popped up.
"Uh... guys," Everstay said, his tone steady but alert, "I just received a mission from the guild."
"What?! Right now?!" Grayworm complained, driving his spear through a Hixar while sparing a glance at his captain.
"What does it say?" Omega asked, slicing through two Hexars with his sword and swiftly shielding himself from another fire eruption.
Everstay super-punched a Hexar and shielded himself as the ground rumbled again. Once the fire subsided, he straightened up, noting that the number of Hexars had significantly reduced.
"The mission is to retrieve a Star Tear," he said, his voice calm but firm. "down the crack the ground."
"What?!" Somi exclaimed, ducking under a Hexar's claw before countering with her dagger. "How are we supposed to do that?"
"Chill, Pinky Hair," Grayworm teased, smirking as he jabbed his spear into another Hexar. "We'll figure it out."
"Oh, you've got a plan, Smarty Head?" she shot back with a sarcastic tone.
"Well..." Grayworm started, but before he could finish, Everstay's gunshot echoed across the field, taking down a Hexar lunging toward Somi.
"Don't worry, Somi," Everstay reassured her with a small nod before addressing the group. "For now, let's focus on reaching that cave ahead. Stick together."
The team agreed and began moving cautiously toward the cave, fending off the remaining Hexars.
"Guys, watch out!!" Omega shouted suddenly, his voice tinged with urgency.
From the shadowy depths of the cave, a monstrous figure emerged, accompanied by a thunderous roar. The crowd in the stadium gasped audibly as a grotesque, towering creature stomped into view. Its name popped up on the large screen in bold letters: "Torrak, the Abyssal Ravager."
Torrak was enormous, its hulking form blotting out the light from the cave entrance. Its dark, leathery skin was covered in glowing crimson runes that pulsed ominously with each step. The creature had six muscular limbs—four massive arms with sharp claws and two thick legs that cracked the earth beneath them. Its head was serpentine, with six glowing red eyes and a gaping mouth filled with rows of jagged teeth. Around its neck coiled a mane of spiked tendrils that hissed and writhed like living snakes.
As if Torrak wasn't terrifying enough, a Level 9 troll stomped out behind it, its immense club dragging along the ground, leaving deep grooves in the cracked earth.
The Dragon Team stopped in their tracks, momentarily assessing the new threat. Despite the overwhelming odds, their demeanor remained calm and professional.
"Well, looks like we've got our work cut out for us," Grayworm said with a smirk, spinning his spear confidently.
"Nothing new for us," Sparrow added, his bow drawn and ready.
"We'll handle this like we always do—together," Everstay said, his voice steady as he reloaded his gun.
From the stadium, the commentator's voice boomed through the speakers, his tone both incredulous and excited.
"Unbelievable! The Dragon Team is now face-to-face with Torrak, the Abyssal Ravager! This legendary creature is known for wiping out even the strongest teams. In fact, Torrak was responsible for the downfall of the former champions during their final match three years ago! No one has ever survived this monster and lived to tell the tale. And as if that wasn't enough, they've got a Level 9 troll to deal with as well!
"This is the ultimate test of strategy, skill, and teamwork. Will the Dragon Team rise to the occasion, or will they become just another cautionary tale in the annals of Avatar Epic Quest history?
"Look at their composure—Everstay is already issuing commands like the seasoned leader he is. Grayworm, as usual, seems unfazed, and Sparrow is maintaining his signature focus. Omega's got his sword ready, and Somi—well, she's got that determined look in her eyes. Folks, this team didn't earn their reputation for nothing!"
The crowd roared in a mix of excitement and tension as the Dragon Team began to prepare for their toughest battle yet.
"Shield up!" Everstay ordered as the ground began to quake again, and flames erupted from another fissure.
The team moved into position, weapons at the ready. Torrak let out another deafening roar, shaking the very air around them, as the audience leaned forward in anticipation, breath held, waiting to see how the Dragon Team would take on the impossible.