The reflection of the great, round moon shimmered perfectly atop the lake's rippling surface. Once so serene, the water was now churned and chaotic, echoing with the furious roars of the Supreme Mantis Shrimp.
Finn and Ashe watched in tense silence as the massive beast thrashed about, unleashing shrill, earsplitting cries.
Unlike most Vicious Beasts, the Supreme Mantis Shrimp was known for spending long stretches buried in the depths, slumbering undisturbed. They only emerged when gripped by extreme hunger, and even then, they were cautious—rarely attacking unprovoked.
As Finn studied the creature, realization dawned.
'No wonder no other Vicious Beast dared approach this lake.'
All the others knew this was the Supreme Mantis Shrimp's territory—and none of them were foolish enough to wake it.
It was clear this one had been roused from deep sleep, likely by the commotion he and Ashe had caused. Perhaps it had also sensed Ashe's 5th Level Scarlet Gold Rank aura and come up to deal with the intruders.
It was furious—its rage a seething force in the air.
While Finn's gaze remained locked on the creature, Ashe shot him a sharp glare—then, without hesitation, she lunged forward in a burst of speed.
Finn blinked and turned to her, curious despite himself.
'So this is how she fights…'
During the Seven Great Faction Games, he'd never witnessed Ashe in combat. Now, he had a chance to see her true strength firsthand.
Of course, it would be nothing for Finn to subdue or even slay the Supreme Mantis Shrimp. One flare of his Profound Rank aura, and the beast would scuttle away in terror.
But Ashe clearly wanted this battle. Perhaps, he thought, it would be a good lesson—a chance for her to face a stronger foe head-on.
As Ashe closed the distance, her entire body flared with a fierce heat. Crimson energy erupted around her, swirling like fire and lending her an explosive momentum.
ROAR!!
The Supreme Mantis Shrimp shrieked again, its massive scythe-like claw swinging down in a blinding arc.
Despite its size, the creature's speed matched Ashe's perfectly. It was natural—its rank was far above hers.
Ashe's eyes narrowed. She dodged the strike by the breadth of a hair, then leaped high, leveling herself with the monster's head. Her red sword gleamed as she raised it overhead.
The shrimp lifted another scythe to counter, and sword met claw in a deafening clash that sent waves spraying in every direction.
A violent explosion of force cracked the air—
BANG!!
Sparks danced around the locked weapons. For a moment, Ashe held her ground. But as the shrimp's strength poured into her blade, she felt herself being hurled backward.
Her vision spun—and then she was crashing into the water with a tremendous splash, sinking deep into the darkness below.
Finn remained seated atop the surface, watching quietly. Though his senses were partly dulled, he could still feel her faint aura beneath the water.
Moments later, he smiled faintly and nodded.
BOOM!
A fiery shape burst from the lake. Ashe shot back into the moonlit air, her eyes locked on the beast. Her crimson hair clung wetly to her shoulders as she hefted her sword in a steady grip.
Her expression was calm. And in her gaze—fierce determination burned.
The flames coating her body gathered onto her blade, intensifying until the air shimmered. She launched herself forward, her every step across the lake sending rippling waves out in her wake.
With blinding speed, she reached the creature's side and swung her sword in a perfect arc.
CREAK!
The blade bit deep into one of the shrimp's armored legs. Thick black ichor sprayed across the lake, hissing where it struck the water.
ROAR!!
The Supreme Mantis Shrimp shrieked in pain, its pitch-black eyes narrowing with murderous hatred.
Its jaws opened wide, and a dark, churning energy began to coalesce within.
Ashe felt a cold dread coil in her chest. She backstepped rapidly to create distance, her breathing ragged.
Gathering the last of her strength, she summoned her power into the blade. Flames raged along the edge, bright enough to cast her face in searing light.
Her heart pounded, but she refused to look away.
'This is why I'm here—to test the limits of my strength.'
Clenching her teeth, she raised her sword.
Vermillion Slash!
A blazing bird-shaped wave burst forth, screeching as it tore through the night.
The lake glowed red as her attack hurtled to meet the swelling darkness gathering in the shrimp's maw.
For a heartbeat, everything was silent.
Then—
BANG!!
Light and shadow collided in an explosion that swallowed the lake's surface.
Bolts of energy crackled through the air. The clash raged on, but it was clear—the beast's dark power was overwhelming her flames.
Sweat beaded on Ashe's brow. Her arms trembled as she struggled to hold her ground.
BOOM!!
A final surge of force erupted outward, blowing her back like a ragdoll.
She struck the water, skidded across it, and finally crashed into the muddy bank.
Her aura flickered and faded. Her uniform was torn in several places, smeared with dirt and blood. She drew shallow, ragged breaths, her chest heaving.
Her limbs refused to move. No matter how she struggled, she couldn't even sit up.
Her eyes lifted, dazed, to the moon overhead.
And for the first time in her life, she felt real, soul-deep fear.
She'd always had someone to shield her—the Elders of her clan, the mentors of the Cloud Soaring Sect. They were always there, ready to pull her back from danger.
And so she'd grown arrogant, convinced she could face any challenge.
But here, alone, she was nothing more than a foolish girl who had overreached her limits.
She wasn't a pampered princess anymore.
She was just another Adventurer about to die.
Tears stung her eyes, but none fell. She felt empty—utterly alone.
A colossal shadow loomed, blotting out the moon.
'This is it… Is this where it ends for me…?'
Her lips trembled.
She had so much left undone.
She had never even…
'I couldn't even take my revenge…'
WHOOSH!
A thunderous impact shook the earth.
BANG!!!
Strangely, she felt no pain.
Was it because her body had finally gone numb?
But then—
A familiar voice, calm and exasperated, reached her ears.
"Hey… Didn't you say you'd come back to settle things with me?"
Her eyes fluttered open.
Above her, framed against the brilliant moonlight, stood Finn—smiling faintly as he extended a hand toward her.
Her vision blurred. Tears spilled down her cheeks at last.
He watched her, his expression softening.
"Why are you lying there…? You're going to beat me to a pulp, aren't you?"