Author's Note: Do Not Unlock Yet. Chapter Is Still Under Construction.
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Victor's eyes widened as he recognized the voice. "Tarkos?"
The blade stopped. Then slowly lowered.
"…Victor?"
Tarkos pulled back the hood, and the lines of battle fatigue on his face softened in surprise.
"No way…" Tarkos murmured.
Victor chuckled, panting slightly. "Took you long enough."
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**Elsewhere — The Cavern**
Xuan Qing clung to the back of her Shadow-Eyed Moon Serpent, her sword flashing with moonlight as she slashed through the last of the strange humanoid guards. The serpent reared, fangs gleaming, hurling dozens of the grotesque beings into the rocky walls with its tail.
She skidded down one of its coils and ran toward the cages.
"Hang on!" she yelled, slicing through bindings. One by one, the three captured players staggered out.
"You…you came back?" one of them asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"You think I'd let you be eaten?" she replied breathlessly.
