Ethereal jade chains materialized from the water, wrapping around the creature's eight legs.
The chains tightened with each note, pulling the beast down until its bloated belly scraped against the cave floor.
The creature thrashed violently, its segmented jaws snapping at the magical restraints. Rui recognized her chance immediately.
Rui darted forward, splashing through knee-deep water toward the glowing fang nestled in the creature's abandoned nest.
Her fingers stretched out, brushing against the smooth surface of the enchanted tooth.
"I've got it!" she called to Ran, grasping the fang firmly.
But the moment her hand closed around it, the beast's magical restraints shattered.
The creature let out a deafening roar that shook loose stones from the ceiling.
It whirled with terrifying speed, eight legs scrabbling across the cave floor as it lunged toward Rui.
"Behind you!" Ran shouted, his flute notes turning frantic.
