Sky Star

Chapter 21: Danger Lurks Everywhere

In the depths of the shadowy valley, the battle between the squad and the demonic beasts grew ever fiercer. The stench of blood filled the air, mingling with the thick mist to form an oppressive gloom that made the already eerie environment even more suffocating. The cries of the squad members and the roars of the demonic beasts intertwined, like a requiem from the depths of hell, echoing through every corner of the valley.

The giant demonic beast that had launched the first attack was clearly the leader of the horde. Once again, it opened its gaping maw and spewed out streams of black flames, akin to the hellfire of the underworld. Wherever the flames reached, the air sizzled and crackled, while the ground was instantly scorched black. The squad members dodged left and right, their movements frantic yet resilient as they desperately avoided the deadly flames.

“Focus fire! Aim for its eyes!” the captain roared, his voice hoarse from tension and exhaustion, sounding like an old bellows. Upon hearing the command, the squad swiftly adjusted their tactics. Several longswords, brimming with sharp sword energy, shot towards the demonic beast’s eyes like meteors chasing the moon. However, the beast was cunning—it swung its head violently, using its hardened horns to block most of the attacks. Only a single sword energy managed to graze the corner of its eye, leaving behind a shallow cut, as though merely scratching an otherwise impenetrable hide—far from enough to be fatal.

Meanwhile, the lesser demonic beasts also launched their assault. Their agile figures darted like phantoms, their sharp claws tearing and their fangs gnashing. In an instant, the squad members found themselves covered in fresh wounds, their blood staining their garments—like crimson plum blossoms blooming upon the winter snow, both tragic and beautiful. Yet, despite their injuries, no one retreated. They gritted their teeth and fought on, forming a defensive circle with their backs against one another. Like an indestructible fortress of steel, they withstood the relentless waves of attacks from the beasts.

Outside the valley, time seemed to slow to a crawl. Every passing second felt unbearably long. At the campsite, Xiao Chen finally halted his pacing, as though reaching a decision. He turned to Ling Xue and Yun Yi, his gaze resolute. “We can’t just sit here and wait. I’m going to help them!” His voice rang like a great bell, breaking the silence of the camp and revealing his unwavering determination.

Ling Xue shot to her feet, her eyes filled with worry, like a mother bird shielding her young. “Xiao Chen, you can’t go! It’s too dangerous! If something happens to you, what will happen to the camp?” Her voice trembled slightly, and she unconsciously grabbed the sleeve of his robe, as if clinging to the last straw of hope.

Yun Yi, too, opened his eyes and stood up, his expression grave as he tried to dissuade him. “Xiao Chen, Ling Xue is right. The camp needs you here. Let’s wait a little longer. Trust the squad—they will find a way.” His tone was calm yet carried an undeniable firmness, urging Xiao Chen to reconsider.

Xiao Chen clenched his jaw tightly, his fists balling up, knuckles turning white from the force, as if trying to suppress the helplessness and anxiety surging within him. How could he bear to watch his brothers-in-arms struggle in the face of death? Yet, he also knew that Yun Yi and Ling Xue had a point. If he left and the camp was ambushed, the consequences would be unimaginable. The internal conflict raging within him felt like an intense tug-of-war, with both sides pulling at him with all their might.

Just as the three of them remained locked in a stalemate, the distant sky suddenly rippled with an eerie disturbance, like a calm lake shattered by a heavy stone. Moments later, a blinding light pierced through the clouds, resembling the first rays of dawn breaking the darkness. The instant the light swept into the valley, the thick mist dissipated like snow meeting the sun. The demonic beasts shrieked in terror, as though overwhelmed by an immense force. Without hesitation, they ceased their assault and retreated into the depths of the fog, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

The squad members collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, their joy at surviving the ordeal like the warmth of spring driving away the gloom in their hearts. Supporting one another, they struggled to their feet, their eyes filled with confusion and reverence as they gazed at the source of the mysterious light. The captain murmured, “What… what just happened? Could it be that some divine force is protecting us?”

Back at the camp, Xiao Chen, Ling Xue, and Yun Yi also witnessed the extraordinary phenomenon. Their eyes met, and in each other’s gaze, they saw the same shock and relief. Shock at the overwhelming power of the mysterious light, relief that the squad had escaped danger—for now.

Yet, doubts lingered in their minds, growing like a snowball rolling down a hill. Where had that light come from? Why did it appear at such a crucial moment? Friend or foe? A storm of questions churned within them, filling the brief moment of peace with an unsettling sense of foreboding…