...

A crease appeared between Moulin's brows. A blend of confusion and nervousness shaped his face. Within his chest was the frightening pounding of his heart.

Does Hadrian get the message?

The core of the devil worm was located between the beast's eyes. From what Seryu's father had told him, even one shot through the eyes could cause a small crack on the core and immediately kills the massive creature. However, it needs utmost concentration to be able I hit the eyes of the writhing worm. Moulin frowned. He was worried.

Pocketing the pebble, the faint smile on Lord Hadrian's face vanished the moment he returned his gaze to the coiling form of the massive adult devil worm. Dust fell on his form as the rocky wall beside them trembled against the impact of the worm's body. There were palm-sized rocks that had almost fall on their heads, however, he and Ordan were able to evade it. Gnashing his teeth, Ordan frowned as he felt the piercing pain on his leg. It was painful and bearable but he could not risk standing up and doing difficult actions of his bones would instantly snap.

"Moulin a telling us that the core of this irksome creature resides between its eyes." Hadrian briefly spoke without glancing at Ordan.

"How does he- How are we able to even pierce through its skin? Even my sword would likely snap if it tolerates one more hit against this monster's scales."

"The eyes..." Hadrian responded. His gaze followed the worm's head, disappearing and appearing through the gaps of its long scaly body.

Ordan followed his gaze and the indication instantly forms in his head. "Through the eyes, My lord?"

"Through the eyes. One hit is all we need..." Hadrian concluded. He adjusted his grip around his sword. Calloused fingers curling around the solid hilt. Flicking off the green residue on the black blade of his long sword he began to silently think of a plan to subdue the worm's destructive body. They would not be able to obtain the perfect shot if the worm would keep itself within its impenetrable coiling body. Shielding himself along with the thought of destroying the chasm.

Moulin furrows his brows as he leaned his back against the trembling walls of the hideout he was occupying. We need a clear shot...

There was resistance as silver eyes narrows. He breathes. Finally making a decision. It would not be something foolish, he had promised himself. He shifted his gaze on Snow and the little wolf who was behaving obediently. "Snow, come..."

As the rumbling sound of rocks became more dangerous as every second passed, Hadrian clenched his jaw as his eyes stare up at the cracking walls of the cliff. The darkness could not conceal it from his eyes. He knew the area was on the verge of collapsing. The worm would not be affected if the chasm would collapse and the rocks would bury it. It can just dig its way through the rocks and escape. On the other hand, Hadrian and the rest would die. Buried under the endless depth of the chasm. At the thought, Hadrian only found it laughable. But he could not deny the resentment inside him. No matter what, he would never let Moulin be caught by the hands of death.

"Hey!"

Hadrian froze. Fear and shock filled his expression. He whipped his head behind him and saw Moulin revealing himself. The Opallian Mystic beast growled behind him threateningly.

Moulin felt guilty as he witnessed Hadrian's expression but be turned away. One's the coiling motions of the worm stopped, it screeched and rose above it's the ring that its body had formed. Green blood streamed down from its wounded eyes and the rotation of its rings of teeth grew dangerously fast. It screeched loudly, enough for the earth to tremble beneath Moulin's feet. Moulin felt terrified but if he doesn't do this, none of them would make it out here alive. With fierce eyes, he signaled Snow to charge at the worm. Hopefully, the brat would give them enough time to escape and lead the worm away from the collapsing area of the chasm.

Snow roared as he charged swiftly. He jumped on the walls and then powerfully turn his body for his tails to slice off enormous chunks of rocks off the walls. His movements were quick and careful as large boulders were hurled towards the worm's body. The boulders smash the worm's body and the creature screeched loudly as its body was forced back. Although the impact wasn't strong enough to break the worm's body, the beast was forced backward at every hit.

Snow continued his fierce movements with vicious eyes. More massive and deep slashes filled the walls the more Snow continued his attacks.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Hadrian helped the injured GuildLord Ordan to the place where Moulin stood. Hadrian's golden eyes flashed.

"You dare-"

"Oh shut it, Any moment and I would've had to watch you get buried alive." Moulin's tone was defensive as he spoke. He held the black wolf in his arms. "Snow won't be able to hold one much longer so we must run. If we're lucky we may be able to encounter the nagas."

"You brought them here?" Ordan questioned.

"Yes, I did." Moulin turned to Hadrian. "Go carry him. We need to hurry."

"What?! You cannot let his excellency-" Ordan's words were interrupted as Hadrian hauled him like a sack of potatoes on his shoulder. His expression was impassive as he did the deed. Being stuck in such an embarrassing situation Ordan was speechless. His eyes were wide and confused as he tried to process the situation.

"Let's go..." Lord Hadrian turned to Moulin and the both of them dashed through the slightly wide pathway of the cliff walls. Their feet were light and quick as they moved. The air within the chasm was wasn't sufficient for hard erratic breathings so they tried to calmly steady their breathing as they ran. Determined to get as far away as possible. As the screeches of the worm were gradually softening, its sound was still clear and ferocious. Moulin thought they were already far enough.

Suddenly, the ground trembled violently. His hopes were crushed when the sound of the worm's cries gradually grow louder. His heart pounded. Worry filled his face. Was Snow alright?

Abruptly, a blurry white flashed by his side and Moulin gasped as he felt an arm wrap around his waist and pulled him upwards. Hadrian had him seated in front of his body. The feel of the familiar softness of the fur made Moulin recognized the mount he was currently riding.

"Snow?"

The Opallian beast huffed in acknowledgment as he continued to race through the pathway. Moulin could only see a flicker of the glowing plants as Snow sped up. Ordan could feel nausea rise in his gut.

SSSCCRRRREEEECCCCHHHH!!!

The noise pierced through the hopes in Moulin's heart as he unconsciously glanced behind him. The wide circular mouth of the worm was right behind them. The spine-chilling sounds of the rotating teeth would make one freeze in fear.

Rough fingers carefully turned Moulin's gaze away and Hadrian's deep voice spoke to him, "Don't look..."

Moulin calmed himself and determination surged in his eyes. He ignored the piercing noises of the devil worm chasing them and focused his gaze on the dark path before him. For a moment, he wondered if they could even escape the beast chasing them. Eventually, Snow would gradually slow down in exhaustion and they would reach the end of the cliff. There would be no escape even if they keep on moving forward. The beats would be able to catch them no matter what. Moulin sharply inhaled as desperation filled him.

"Moulin..." Hadrian's voice made the youth flinch. Hadrian continued as the arm around Moulin's slender waist tightened. "Stop worrying..."

SCREEEECCHHHH!

A painful screech suddenly sounded.

Moulin winces as he felt his eardrums ring. He felt Snow gradually slow down and the rugged walls trembled violently. Snow's steps abruptly came to a stop. His claws scraped on the ground.

Moulin lifted his gaze and his eyes widened. He witnessed a glowing net enveloping the whole body of the Devil worm. The beast was jerking violently. Its head kept strongly whipping to the sides as the vibrant green nets- infused with rich mana- secured the beast to its place. Numerous nagas were keeping themselves steady on the narrow flat surfaces on the stone walls. In their hands, they hold curved shells where orbs of mana had weaved the green ropes of the nets.

"Hey!" Seryu's voice echoed throughout the area. It easily caught Moulin's attention. The young naga was hiding behind a hollow cave behind his father. He raised a green glowing spear hurled it towards them. The spear was fast. Moulin unconsciously raided his hands to catch it. However, a hand caught the spear before he could.

The green glowing mana engulfing the spar instantly transformed into perilous cracking lightning. The powerful golden sparks were reflected in round silver eyes.

Moulin watched as Hadrian caught the spear in front of him. The man then glanced at Moulin, "Go somewhere safe with Ordan."

Moulin furrowed his brows. However, in his heart, he was conceding. He looked at the man and clenched his fists. "Give me him..."

Moulin received Ordan and helped the man down Snow's back. Moulin dismounted along with Ordan. As the loud noise from the devil worm became even louder and desperate, the youth nervously looked up. Hadrian met his gaze calmly.

"Be careful..." He leaned forward, speaking in a low voice. Hadrian's gaze softened.

Moulin them turned to Snow. "Take care of him and I will let you off tonight..."

"Woof!" The black wolf barked at his friend as Snow began to push himself off the ground and jump to one of the cost surfaces on the walls.

Afterwards, Moulin retreated to where Seryu and his father were. He made Ordan lean on a wall before walking beside Seryu and his father. They witness as a man with magnetic golden-eyes positioned himself to hurl a spear infused with ferocious electric energy towards the contained writhing monster. Concentration and brutality filled the man's eyes.

Moulin ceased his own breath as he watched.

When the monster finally lowered its head, revealing its white small manic eyes, explosive strength was expelled In Hadrian's arm.

With one powerful swing, he strongly hurled the spear.

The blade sharply pierced through the air creating a sharp whooshing sound. Cutting through the breeze, through the net of pure energy, and then it STABBED into the wounded eyes of the beast.

CRACK!

Electric energy spreads throughout the creature's body. Excruciating electric shocks engulfed the Devil worm making it release an agonizing cry. The scales cracked finally it shattered under the strong surge of lethal energy. Even the nagas had to let go of the shells to avoid being electrocuted.

Moulin watched with squinted eyes as the blinding light filled the chasm.

When the beast's sharp cries reached their highest, the sound of shattering could be heard.

Silence...

The light gradually faded.

A freezing breeze then spreads out. It brushed on one's skin ominously.

Moulin pupils shook when the Devil worm's form became clear to the one's eye.

It was enclosed in a freezing white crystal of frigid Ice. A black structure rested within the ice. Its mouth wide open as if it was still screaming. Dead.

___________________

Please support the author in webnovel