In Skar-Zhul, Eros was deep in thought, trying to plan a strategy against the Krukins.
"Man, it's so hard to think about…" thought Eros while staring at the map of the caves.
He was considering where the portals might appear, but the most important part was choosing the teams. Everyone had different powers, and the Shakurn had never worked alongside the Alterids from Therya.
Eros had locked himself in a room to think, while the others were all busy elsewhere"Darian! You have to hit harder!" shouted Tauren.
Darian created another ice shard and hurled it at Tauren's body. Tauren had strengthened his body with his spell, allowing him to tank the hit without trouble. The shard shattered into countless pieces.
Darian breathed heavily. Both he and Tauren had been training for hours, while Liro and Allen stood nearby watching.
"I think Darian might have reached his limit," said Allen. Tauren, on the other hand, was nowhere near tired.
"I think so too…" said Liro, observing carefully.
"Well, Darian, we can switch. Rest a bit," said Allen as he walked closer.
"Yeah, alright," Darian said, staggering before sitting down next to Liro.
"You did a great job, Darian!" said Liro with a smile.
"Well, but it still wasn't enough… I couldn't even create a scratch on his body," Darian muttered, looking down.
"Yeah, but you saw Tauren's body, right? That man was able to resist multiple hits from Vane," said Liro, remembering the last time they trained. Vane had sparred with Tauren, but because he could barely deal any damage, he left frustrated.
Darian chuckled softly.
"Mhm, yeah…" He lifted his eyes again, smiling, as both he and Liro watched the mini-fight between Allen and Tauren.
Allen had reshaped part of his body into a blade and swung at Tauren. Tauren caught the strike between his hands.
"All you can do, Allen?" Tauren smirked, clearly enjoying himself.
"I've got more than that," Allen replied. His body liquefied further, slipping beneath Tauren's stance. Tauren had no time to turn before Allen reformed behind him, blade ready. Allen managed to cut Tauren's skin, leaving a small scratch before Tauren blocked again.
Both Darian and Liro were surprised, Allen had actually managed to wound Tauren, even if only slightly. The two of them were clearly on another level of strength.
"Great job, Allen!" said Tauren before rushing forward and grabbing part of Allen's body.
Allen quickly split his form into three smaller parts, each independently controlled. Though smaller, they could still strike with force. Tauren hardened his body further, blood seeping slightly from the strain of his magic, and tanked the hits until Allen finally reformed. Exhausted, Allen collapsed on his back.
"Well—" he panted heavily.
"Let's call it a day!" said Tauren with a broad smile. He was genuinely happy to have fought someone so strong. Allen, returning to it's normal slime form, accepted Tauren's hand as he was pulled back up.
"Woah… they're all so strong… hey, Liro," said Darian.
Liro turned to him.
"Do you think we can actually win this war?" Darian asked.
"We can only hope… these Alterids are incredibly strong. I just hope everything will turn out alright," Liro answered, when suddenly footsteps echoed behind them.
"We always train hard. We won't fall," said Eros, stepping into the room.
Allen and Tauren noticed him and waved. Eros smiled and waved back.
"We don't know how much time we have left. I've created the teams, we have to start now," Eros said. Everyone got up and gathered around him.
"I was able to form different groups that should work well together. I'll now explain where each of you must go," Eros continued.
The plan was simple. The massive cave was already heavily guarded, but if things turned bad, they needed order. Eros would remain in the middle of the cave as backup, ready to defend the last line if someone broke through.
At the largest of the three entrances, Nysira and Jaune had been stationed.
"They work well together, and with all the guards supporting them, they should hold strong," explained Eros.
As he spoke, Vane arrived and slipped quietly into the group.
"Hey, Vane," whispered Liro.
"Eros is explaining everything. Stay quiet," he added. Vane nodded.
"Nysira and Jaune are already guarding the first entrance," Eros continued. "The second team will hold the smaller room. They're all good in close combat, so it will be Tauren, Allen, and Vane."
The three grouped together immediately.
"Liro and Darian, you two will guard the third entrance. I'll stay near you in case things turn bad," said Eros.
"Well boss, we'll head out now!" said Tauren, walking off with his group.
Eros nodded, then turned his gaze back to Liro and Darian.
"You two come with me. We'll get ready soon," he instructed. Both nodded.
Elsewhere on Earth, Garwhole was flying high above, searching for Mantblast.
As he neared a mountain, he spotted many Krukblades and understood Mantblast had to be close. Circling around, he finally found him. Mantblast was standing tall on two legs, sword and shield in hand. A white coat, seemingly made from animal skin, hung from his shoulders.
He was one of the few Krukins who bore something different from the others. Two long antennae with wires attached helped him predict his enemy's moves. He sat calmly on a rock with his eyes closed.
"Garwhole…" said Mantblast, noticing the creature.
"Mantblast, you need to come. The next expedition is ready," said Garwhole as he landed beside him.
"Let me call the Blakyush (Bladekruk), and I'll be ready," Mantblast replied, slinging his sword over his shoulder while still gripping his shield.
Garwhole nodded and flew back to the black planet.
A little later, Mantblast arrived with the Bladekruk. Everything was ready. At the altar, he found Anacreon, Sappho, Garwhole, and Liztawul already waiting. Soon after, Rhihamr joined them.
"Are you going now, guys?" asked Rhihamr, a bit worried.
"Yes, but don't worry, Rhihamr. It will be alright," said Liztawul. With the body of a lizard, standing tall on two feet, he was easily one of the strongest.
Garwhole perched on Rhihamr's shoulder.
"Well, good luck guys… the portal will stay open, right Anacreon?" asked Garwhole.
"Yes. Opening three portals will take some strength from me, but I'll endure," said Anacreon as he stepped onto the altar, beginning to concentrate. His spell required immense focus.
"But if the city is about to fall, I will remove two portals and I'll enjoy the view of the destruction" Added Anacreon, he was clearly excited at the idea of the city falling.
Rhihamr watched him shocked, the other krukins and Sappho smirked.
"Then if you need help, I'll try to come too," added Garwhole. "For now, I'll stay with Rhihamr to defend this place in case they enter." Rhihamr nodded.
"By the way, I don't see Phocylides. Did he already leave?" Rhihamr asked.
"He told us everything we need to know. He walked away a few minutes ago," said Sappho, approaching the portal that was beginning to open.
"Well, guys, the portals are opening. Everyone, get ready!" said Anacreon.
The leaders stood before their respective portals. Behind them, countless Krukins gathered, some the defenders already knew, but many were entirely new and unfamiliar.
In Skar-Zhul, the guards suddenly saw three portals opening. Nysira and Jaune were already in position. Vane, Tauren, and Allen had just arrived at the second entrance, rushing inside.
Liro, Darian, and Eros were on their way, but preparations delayed them. At the third portal, only the guards stood, nervous and afraid.
The fight was about to begin. The Krukins emerged from the portals at terrifying speed.