Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix C.289: Combination

While the rest of the group grew increasingly anxious about the sea folk's unexpected attack, Rain found himself considering their potential intentions. It seemed as though the others were eager to launch an immediate attack, intending to feign a retreat a few hours into the night or perhaps even stage a fake assault to further wear down the human defenders.

However, Rain had a different perspective. He had a hunch about what the sea folk might be planning, and it led him to contemplate an alternative course of action. In any case, the group approached the port and saw the destruction that the attackers had caused.

Buildings lay in ruins, reduced to piles of rubble and debris. Streets, once bustling with life, were now littered with wreckage and remnants of shattered structures. Fires had swept through large sections of the town, leaving behind charred remains and a lingering, acrid odor in the air.

Defensive fortifications and barricades once relied upon for protection, had been breached and partially demolished. The town's defenses had been severely tested and found wanting in the face of the relentless assault.

The distant sounds of destruction reached their ears, accompanied by the unmistakable crash of walls collapsing. With each step they took, these unsettling noises grew louder, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing chaos enveloping the town.

Upon reaching a point where they could finally see beyond the heaps of rubble, a jaw-dropping sight unfolded before them. Two colossal monsters stood before the group, their immense forms casting ominous shadows across the devastated landscape.

Rain, in particular, had anticipated encountering something akin to a dark or gray kraken. However, what lay before them defied his expectations entirely. The creature in view was enveloped in a grotesque, sprawling mass of coral. These coral-covered giant octopuses were a sight to behold in a very creepy way.

The creatures' massive tentacles, adorned with jagged coral spikes, extended in all directions. Its body hosted intricate coral patterns and eerie growths, displaying an array of colors from deep blues and purples to vibrant reds and oranges. Some corals emitted a soft, otherworldly glow, casting an eerie bioluminescent light in the dim surroundings.

As they observed this bizarre spectacle, the creature moved with an uncanny grace, its tentacles undulating like a forest of swaying seaweed. Terry stopped Dana, Kei, and Gila, who had their mouths hanging open when they saw the monsters swinging their arms and hitting the ground, making it tremble.

"We are going to stay here. Good luck," Terra declared.

Rain nodded, and then the group proceeded toward the shore. Soon they saw another giant creature in the ocean that was just swinging around… the creature had a red fin on its back, and it was waiting for someone foolish enough to enter the place. Rain wanted to accept that challenge, but he chose to follow the plan.

"Stay sharp," Rain said.

The group nodded as they moved toward one of the giant monsters.

A considerable number of soldiers ran to the left side, forming a substantial force ready to confront the colossal octopus-like creature on that side. They moved prepared for a showdown with the monstrous foe.

On the other hand, a smaller group of soldiers chose to follow Rain and his companions, heading to the right side. However, amid this division of soldiers, those left behind appeared uneasy and irritated. It was all just an act, but their expressions betrayed their surprise and frustration at this unexpected situation.

The sudden shift and division of forces had disrupted their established plans, or so they tried to look like it was the case.

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As the group drew nearer, they once again split into two teams. Asche and Liss positioned themselves about two hundred meters away from the colossal coral-covered octopus, ready to provide support from a distance. Meanwhile, the others continued their advance, closing the gap with the monstrous creature.

Their progress came to an abrupt halt when the creature swung one of its tentacles with incredible force, resembling a massive whip. This unexpected attack would send Rain, Jori, Reca, and the rest of the group soaring through the air, but they reacted fast.

In response to the imminent danger, Jori and Reca acted swiftly, raising their sword and spear as a makeshift shield against the impending strike. Simultaneously, Rain stepped forward with unwavering determination, delivering a powerful punch aimed directly at the monstrous coral-covered octopus.

Rain's punch landed on the monstrous coral-covered octopus with incredible force, causing a resounding impact that reverberated through the area. This powerful blow dramatically slowed down the creature's attack. However, despite Rain's immense strength, the sheer power of the monster pushed him backward.

Jori and Reca, standing their ground against the approaching tentacle, initially managed to resist its tremendous force. But their resistance could only last for a brief moment, as the relentless tentacle's power overwhelmed them, pushing them back.

Meanwhile, the other soldiers who had advanced with them found themselves in a similarly perilous situation. The monster's tentacles struck their shields with brutal force, sending them sprawling to the ground. The soldiers were thrown about, their shields offering little defense against the overwhelming strength of the coral-covered behemoth.

The coral-covered octopuses, colossal in stature, reached an astounding height of one hundred meters. Their massive tentacles, just as lengthy, stretched out from their central bodies, resembling immense serpentine appendages. With such monstrous proportions, it was no wonder that their attacks carried incredible weight and force.

The dark, malevolent eyes of the monstrous coral-covered octopus locked onto Rain and his companions. It was clear that the creature aimed to eliminate these intruders who dared challenge it amidst the chaos.

However, a sudden and unexpected event unfolded. A fire tornado materialized before the colossal octopus. Its scorching heat created a barrier of flames, shielding Rain and his friends from the creature's assault.

This fiery vortex began to encircle the creature, engulfing its massive body in flames. The coral-coated exterior sizzled and crackled as vibrant colors began to burn a bit. In an attempt to defend itself, the creature opened its enormous maw, preparing to unleash a powerful water-based spell to extinguish the flames. Yet, before it could release its attack, Asche took action.