Eli's breath hitched as he watched Kairo wade forward through the trembling water, each step slow but deliberate, the crimson glow of his aura burning faintly through the mist.
The octopus's body loomed before him—massive, twitching, its eyes glowing like molten rubies trapped in ink. The air reeked of blood and ozone, every breath thick with the weight of mana.
Vines and threads still held the creature bound, but barely. Each movement made the restraints creak and shudder as if they were seconds away from snapping.
"Go, Captain!" Mel shouted, his voice strained. Green veins pulsed down his arms, the light from his Thornveil ability illuminating the murky water. More vines erupted around the monster's limbs, coiling tighter with a whip-like crack.
"Get it, Ka!" Mio added, silver threads snapping taut around the beast's thrashing tentacles. His fingers danced in the air, controlling every filament with precision. "We've got you covered!"
Eli didn't move. He could only watch.
