The phoenix hovered overhead as the approaching bangs grew louder. The hairs on my arms stood on end. I grabbed my sword, grimacing at the exhaustion clawing through me. Clover shot me a look laden with concern and steely resolve.
“You shouldn’t be fighting,” she said, firmly. “That sounds like one of those scorpions, and you’re in no condition for battle.”
“I know,” I admitted, wobbling slightly as I stood and ignoring the gaping hole in my armor. “But you’re going to need backup.”
Her worry deepened, and I squeezed her hand, recalling our earlier conversation. “I’ve got fire resistance this time. It shouldn’t be as bad.”
Her lips pressed into a displeased line, but she sighed in reluctant agreement. “Fine. But you’re resting after this, even if I have to strap you to a bed to make sure of it.”
I raised an eyebrow, her teasing rubbing off on me. “I should’ve known you’d be into that. Go ahead, I won’t complain.”
Interest flickered behind her eyes before she shook herself and turned toward the door. The sounds were nearly upon us now. “I’ll revisit that later, but focus. We’ve got a beast to kill.”
The phoenix flapped closer to the doorway, keeping its eggs in sight. “I despise these pests. They do not belong in my dungeon. Lately, they have been forcing their way here from the Inbetween.”
It is rare for such creatures to invade Nexus without provocation. My patron’s words echoed back to me, dread coiling in my gut.
What could possibly be driving them into Nexus?
I shoved the thought aside to consider later. For now, we had a more immediate problem.
The scorpion came into view, its deep red shell gleaming menacingly. This one was blessedly smaller than the last, but the crystals along its body glowed with heat. I analyzed it.
Combustion Crystal Scorpion
Level 1
Hit Points: 20/20
Mana: 0/0
Status: Healthy
Thank the spirits, it was only level one.
Clover pulled a slingshot from her pack. “Same strategy as before?” she asked, her gaze lingering on the damage to my armor. “Because I wouldn’t recommend it until we get you a new chestplate.”
The phoenix answered before I could. “I will help distract the beast. I assume you will handle the crystals?”
“That’s the plan,” Clover replied, though she didn’t relax. “Frederick–”
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“I know, be careful and stay out of range,” I finished for her, rolling my stiff shoulders.
She sighed. “I was going to say sit this one out, but I doubt you’ll do that.”
I grinned. “You know me so well.” My smile fell and I turned serious. “Let’s just handle this quickly so we can move onto the next dungeon.”
We still had an herb to find, after all.
The scorpion’s glowing eyes flicked between us and the phoenix, its tail swaying in warning. It lunged, and I braced, stepping in front of Clover with my sword raised–
Only for a figure to burst from the shadows.
Moving in a blur of white, they struck at the crystals faster than I could track. Two shattered instantly, their orange glow snuffed out. Magic coiled ominously around the scorpion’s tail and it tensed. The figure didn’t stop, instead darting to the other side, targeting more crystals.
Alarm surged and I grit my teeth. That thing’s attack was going to be devastating, even at level one!
“Watch its tail!” I shouted. “Destroying the crystals powers it up, and it releases that energy in an explosion!”
The figure hesitated for a heartbeat but pressed on, shattering another crystal.
“Are you fucking stupid?!” Clover yelled, abandoning her slingshot for her mace. She shot me a glare hot enough to blister. “Don’t even think about helping. I am not losing you because some reckless idiot decided to play hero. I’ll heal them if they need it, but they are handling the blast.”
Her glare promised fire and fury. I swallowed hard, lowering my sword. “Yes, ma’am.”
She nodded in approval, turning to watch as the figure dipped sideways, the stinger sailing past their shoulder.
The scorpion hissed, striking with its tail in a flurry. The figure dodged each attack, rolling and weaving with precision.
“Get its tail stuck in the wall!” I called.
This time, they listened. Luring the scorpion toward a nearby wall, they ducked at the last second. The stinger slammed into the stone and lodged itself, glowing dangerously.
I caught a brief glimpse of the figure–white hair, broad shoulders–before the tail exploded in a ball of fire. Smoke and heat filled the air, and I choked back a hiss.
Clover crossed her arms, unimpressed. “We told him it would explode, and he still stood there like an idiot. I hope you know I’m only healing him enough to save his life. He can live with the burns as a reminder of his stupidity.”
“Fair enough,” I muttered, watching the smoke clear.
To my surprise, the figure emerged unscathed. Short white hair framed two blood-red horns arching out from his head. Dirt smudged his tan skin, and he clutched a short staff in one hand. Lightweight robes hung loosely on his frame. He looked at us and crossed his arms.
“I’m immune to fire,” he said casually, his voice tinged with amusement. “The explosion’s hardly a threat, though I appreciate the warning about its tail Immunity or no, that attack would have killed me.” He faced Clover, unimpressed. “You’ll find that I’m not stupid.”
Clover rolled her eyes. “You charged in without a plan, made it unsafe for anyone to help, and destroyed the crystals without considering what they’d do. Stupid is the nicest word I’ve got for you right now.”
“Enough,” I cut in, stepping between them as the scorpion stirred. “Argue once it's dead, you two. Focus now.”
They both scowled but obeyed. The man stepped forward, raising his staff, and brought it down with a sickening crunch. Two more blows, and the scorpion collapsed.
No explosion followed–the crystals all destroyed from his earlier barrage–and I relaxed, analyzing it just to be sure.
Combustion Crystal Scorpion
Level 1
Hit Points: 0/20
Mana: 0/0
Status: Deceased
I exhaled, relief washing over me. “Alright, you can continue now.”
