Chapter 949 |
Chapter 949
The members no longer had luminous bracelets, so instead, they tied glowing threads around their wrists. Although these emitted less light than the bracelets, it was better than having none at all.
Subsequently, Yuder used the power of water to safely guide Steiber's body upwards along the safest route. Even in the darkest visibility, as long as Steiber was within Yuder's power, there was no fear of losing the way.
After a short delay, the other members also began ascending in the same manner as Steiber. It wasn't long before the comrades waiting above started descending in turns, ensuring Yuder was never left alone. This signified that Steiber had successfully rendezvoused with the members above water and had completed his first request.
While counting the number of people, Yuder grabbed the shoulder of the last member of the original team just before he left. Surprised, the member widened his eyes and turned around, clutching his head.
"...Yuder? Why?"
Yuder moved his lips distinctly to ensure his name was clearly understood.
"Dover. When you get up there, deliver one more message."
"Suddenly? What message?"
"Help...?"
Yuder didn't elaborate on his plan to finely cut the tentacles of the monster and push them to land. It was rare to find someone like Kishiar who could understand everything from a single word and even foresee a few steps ahead. There wasn't enough time to explain everything in detail, so he conveyed only the specific task they needed to perform.
"When the big tremor happens, push your power towards the land, all together."
"Does 'all' include those who control the wind?"
"Yes."
"Why are you telling me this now instead of Steiber..."
Muttering his doubts, Dover seemed to reach a conclusion and nodded in understanding.
"Never mind. There must be a reason! I'll do as you said."
"..."
"As long as you're not planning to hit me, I'm good with anything."
Dover was the same member who had accidentally hit Yuder on the back of the head earlier when tossing him a luminous bracelet. No wonder he clutched his head and turned around when Yuder grabbed his shoulder. Dover gave an awkward smile upon seeing Yuder's silent face, then quickly disappeared upwards.
"He might be second to Steiber in ability, staying till the end... I hope he delivers the message well."
Yuder chose not to tell Steiber, knowing he would never agree to head towards the land if he heard this plan. Despite his improved condition, Steiber was still burdened with the responsibility of his first mission, along with the roles of a Deputy Commander and the oldest in the Cavalry. Yuder knew Steiber would never leave him alone if he thought Yuder was attempting something reckless.
‘But Steiber was the only one who could reach the land fastest and whom I trusted to relay exactly what I wanted. It would be even better if he could get his hand treated while there.’
Due to the intense stress of the battle, Steiber's hand had become slightly numb, not noticeable to others but clear to Yuder, who had always closely observed his condition.
"Yuder! What do we do now? I heard the search is over."
The expressions of the members who came in rotation were gravely serious. Unlike the first team, which specialized in search capabilities and the power of protection to endure long periods underwater, the second team, having waited above water until now, had many who were more talented in offensive abilities.
This was precisely the power needed at the moment.
Yuder scrutinized the faces of these members, who unlike the first team, wore their luminous bracelets properly and appeared energized from their rest.
"It might not be visible now, but below us lies the monster and the cracks we must confront," Yuder said, slowly pointing downwards. The members swallowed nervously. Even with the small light of the bracelets, it was impossible to see clearly.
"Don't be nervous. It's just a creature somewhat like a large jellyfish."
"..."
Sometimes, not giving too much information beforehand was more helpful in handling the situation. An enemy, manageable in reality, could feel stronger and larger in the dark, fed by the imagination. In the special environment of the ocean, where one couldn't see even an inch ahead and had to move against the crushing pressure, it was better to focus only on the necessary, rather than instilling unnecessary greater fear.
After all, he couldn't fully reveal the enemy's appearance unless he collected and detonated the bracelets again.
"I'm going to provoke it to attack us soon. I'll assign everyone a position to wait; stay there and attack the spot I signal. Use only water blades, no other attacks," instructed Yuder. He detailed the size and nature of the tentacle-like legs they were to attack and how to counter them, grateful for the information accumulated by the first team who had already faced it several times.
The members, carefully memorizing the information Yuder conveyed through lip movements and hand signals, asked incredulously, "...Is that all we need to do?"
"Yes, that's all. Cut them off and then don't do anything else. I'll handle the rest."
"So, we just need to hold our positions and cut off whatever comes, following your signal? Got it. We'll prepare."
The task might feel too simple, but the members moved as instructed without further doubt. Their faith weighed as heavily on Yuder's shoulders as the faith of the first team who had passed on the glowing bracelets.
Yuder looked over the members and then sent a brief hand signal to all.
"-Let's begin."
The rest of the members raised their hands in response.
Yuder carefully chose positions for them, ensuring that they wouldn't accidentally harm each other in blind attacks. He then descended to the lowest point, tuning all his senses towards the cracks lurking in the darkness.
‘The timing of the monster's tremors is irregular and unpredictable. But, I confirmed earlier that it's possible to provoke the first attack of its tentacles, so that's no problem.’
The ominous vibrations trickling from the cracks turned into currents, resonating against the skin. In other words, the source of the waves indicated the presence of the creatures. Yuder remembered the direction well and gathered all his strength.
Yuder vividly remembered how Steiber had exerted the power of search and how the monster had reacted to it. Although directly killing the monster was difficult, provoking it in a similar manner to draw it out was something he could certainly do.
‘I can do it too, sufficiently.’
The water power Yuder released spread widely downwards into the depths. It was strikingly similar to Steiber's method but honed sharper and more precise.
Unlike others, Yuder's power gradually waned and dissipated as it neared the monster. Nevertheless, it managed to explode near where the tentacles were lurking.
Silence ensued for several minutes as they held their breaths, waiting.
Finally, a response came.
Rumbling... Roaring…
The monster stirred, sending unusual vibrations through the still waters, reminiscent of a stone tossed into a calm lake. It was exactly like the moment the tentacles reacted to Steiber's exerted power.
Yuder counted silently, maintaining calm to avoid any mistakes due to his heightened nerves. Then, at the precise moment when something triggered his senses, stretched to their limits in anticipation of the enemy's emergence.
"Now!"
Yuder sent an invisible signal with the power of water, perceivable to the members. As giant, transparent tentacles, resembling trees of a dense forest, lashed out in the darkness, the members unleashed their powers from their positions, following Yuder's signal.
Hundreds of sharp, solidified water blades were fired simultaneously toward the targeted direction. Yuder too sent hundreds of blades flying. Although his power might not contribute significantly, it was enough to momentarily stagger the monster, allowing the others' attacks to hit their mark.
Roaring!
This time, unlike the first team's defensive struggle, the attack was different. Numerous tentacles, twisted like ropes, were swiftly sliced apart. Even as they writhed and tried to attack the members, the number and speed of the water blades fired by the members and Yuder were much more numerous, faster, and systematic.
Amidst the frenzied attack, Yuder saw hundreds, thousands of severed pieces beginning to surround them.
Though appearing as one mass, each piece was individually alive.
The severed and separated parts still moving confirmed Yuder's suspicions.
Now it was time for him to move all these pieces to the surface.
Yuder closed his eyes.
As his comrades continued their assault, the water enveloping him began to tremble in unison.