The Roar of the Stitched Behemoths
The forms of these three bio-organic weapons (B.O.W.) perfectly embodied the ultimate blasphemy against life:
B.O.W. No.1 – Boulder Crusher: Nearly four meters tall, its main body was built from the bulky frame of some mutated troll, its skin a deep gray stone-like texture riddled with cracks through which crimson magma-like light flowed. Its arms had been replaced by two massive siege rams over a meter in diameter, forged from vines entwined around alloy and glowing with high-temperature red light at the tips. Its head resembled a crude, oversized stone sphere embedded with multiple sensors, emitting a dull, ominous hum. Every step it took caused the ground to tremble.
B.O.W. No.2 – Meat Grinder Stitcher: Relatively "slender" at just over three meters tall, yet grotesquely assembled from the mutilated remains of at least four different creatures (beastkin, giant lizard, machinery, and even some insectoid species)! Exposed joints revealed thick bolts and sparking cables. A barbed, venom-dripping giant lizard tail lashed behind it. Its left arm was a massive alloy rotary chainsaw; its right arm a particle cutter cannon constantly charging with a piercing whine. Numerous compound eyes spun madly on its distorted head, locking onto targets.
B.O.W. No.3 – Shadow Reaper: The smallest at about two and a half meters, yet the fastest! It possessed a sleek, leopard-like streamlined body covered in deep-purple light-absorbing keratin scales. Its limbs bent backward at unnatural angles, ending in alloy claws that gleamed with eerie blue cold light. Most unsettling was its head—no facial features, only a constantly rotating silver-blue crystal core radiating waves of mental interference. Its form flickered in and out among the vine shadows, like a true phantom.
The moment the three monstrosities appeared, their gazes locked onto the intruders! No.2 casually snatched up a half torso of an experimental subject embedded with metal components from the floor and stuffed it into the grinder-like maw region (located in its chest cavity) lined with spinning teeth. Amid sickening crunching bone sounds, the remains were instantly pulverized!
"Kayla! TISK! Hold No.1! Celestia, pin down No.3! Arya, Zhamisi, Yuyuer—focus fire on No.2! Lin Ya, control the vines! Salsa, hawks harass! Rex, find weak points! I'll provide free support!" Fa's commands cut through the roars with razor precision; her starry eyes instantly fixed on all three B.O.W.s!
The battle erupted in an instant!
Boulder Fury vs. Ice-Fire Storm: No.1 let out a deep bellow and swung its crimson vine-wrapped siege rams like meteors toward Kayla! "Bring it!" Kayla's Beast Soul Titan roared back. Thunder claws wreathed in violent lightning and bone-chilling frost met the charge head-on without flinching! BOOM——!!! The thunder claws collided with the siege rams in a deafening metallic explosion and energy shockwave! Kayla was forced back a step, the ground cracking beneath her! TISK followed immediately—his lava hammer, infused with ice-fire burst power, smashed brutally into the relatively vulnerable side of No.1's knee joint! Crack! The stone-like skin shattered; ice-fire energy invaded, drawing a pained roar from No.1 as its siege ram swings faltered!
Stitched Nightmare vs. Light-Poison Storm: No.2's particle cutter cannon locked onto Yuyuer and unleashed a blinding stream of particle beams! "Water Mirror Shield!" Yuyuer swung her staff urgently; a flowing, rainbow-refracting giant water shield materialized instantly. The particle stream slammed into it with violent annihilation sounds—the shield shuddered violently but held! Arya's rain of light arrows poured down like a storm, holy light scorching the stitched flesh with sizzling burns and acrid smoke. Zhamisi ghosted to the flank—"Ten Thousand Poisons Heart Devour · Bone-Eroding Rain!" Countless fine, ghostly-green venom needles rained from above, precisely piercing exposed joint gaps and cable ports! The venom rapidly corroded metal and numbed nerves, stiffening No.2's movements and throwing its chainsaw swings off target.
Phantom Hunt vs. Wind-Thunder Judgment: No.3 vanished from its spot in an instant, leaving only a faint purple afterimage! "Above!" Celestia's wind-thunder senses caught the fluctuation; her six wings thundered as she shot skyward in a silver-blue lightning streak! "Spear of Delusion Break!" An invisible spiritual spike forged from wind-thunder will tore through the air, striking precisely where No.3 reappeared! Its crystal core flashed violently, deflecting part of the mental impact, but its form still stuttered! Alloy claws shrieked through space toward Celestia's throat—only to be deftly parried by her wind-thunder-wreathed wing blades in a shower of blinding sparks!
Vine Frenzy vs. Nature's Tenacity: The entire chamber's Corrosive Earth Vines went berserk after the B.O.W.s appeared, surging like countless tentacles from every direction! "Forest of Thorns · Briar Bastion!" Lin Ya pressed both palms to the ground; emerald spiritual power surged! Countless metallic-glinting thick thorns erupted from the earth, growing and weaving madly into a spiked briar wall encircling the group! The raging vines crashed against it, blocked and entangled by razor barbs, producing teeth-grinding friction and snapping sounds! Salsa's hawk swarm dove like a swarm of death, freezing vine tips with icy breaths and tearing them apart with shadow claws!
Nano Storm & Fatal Frost Fang: Rex's electronic eyes locked onto a pulsing red-glowing core on No.2's back—suspected primary energy source. "Nano Swarm · Ice Burst Erosion! Target: B.O.W. No.2 energy core!" Hundreds of micro-drones formed a silver storm, ignoring chainsaw and particle fire (some shot down), fearlessly diving toward the target! Ice-core bombs detonated in dense clusters! Extreme cold instantly enveloped the core area; ultra-low temperatures embrittled conduits and cracked armor plating! The instant No.2 stiffened from unstable power, Fa's figure appeared like a phantom above its head! "Eternal Frost Fang · Piercing Execution!" A supremely condensed deep-blue ice crystal blade, carrying soul-freezing chill, stabbed with absolute precision into the cracked energy core! Schlick! The ice blade penetrated; terrifying cold erupted, completely freezing and shattering the core along with surrounding machinery! No.2 emitted a final shrill synthesized screech before its massive body collapsed in billowing black smoke and frost vapor!
Giant God Rage & Lava Finale: Seeing No.2 fall, No.1 flew into a rage—its siege rams blazed to maximum heat. Ignoring Kayla's thunder claws, it charged the briar wall to open a path for No.3! "Stay down, you bastard!" Kayla's Beast Soul Titan roared thunderously; thunder claws abandoned offense to clamp the siege ram in a death grip! Violent current and frost poured out, clashing fiercely with the high-heat energy in ear-splitting explosions! TISK seized the golden opportunity—his stocky frame exploded with astonishing speed; the lava hammer trailed red-blue light as it smashed like a cannonball into the already-damaged knee! "Magma Core Detonation!" BOOM——!!! Ice-fire interwoven apocalyptic energy erupted inside No.1's knee joint! Amid sickening bone-shattering and metal-twisting sounds, the stone-pillar leg was blown clean off! The colossal body lost balance and crashed sideways like an avalanche! Kayla leaped upward; thunder claws delivered a mountain-crushing blow to its stone-sphere head! Bang! Rock shards flew; sensors exploded—No.1's roar cut off as it went completely limp!
Wind-Thunder Prison & Soul Rend: Seeing its companions fall, No.3's crystal core emitted a piercing screech; its speed surged, turning into countless purple afterimages flickering madly around Celestia! "Wind-Thunder Domain · Soul Bind!" Celestia's six wings spread to their limit! A violent black hurricane laced with leaping silver-blue lightning instantly formed a massive wind-thunder domain, trapping No.3 inside! Countless tiny wind blades sliced its scales; lightning hammered its crystal core relentlessly! Speed advantage within the domain was drastically reduced! At the same moment, Salsa's soul body erupted with intense shadow fluctuations—"Soul Devour · Soul-Rending Claw!" Several larger shadow hawks shrieked into the domain; their claws wreathed in solid, soul-origin-tearing energy raked viciously toward the fluctuating crystal core! Dual mental and soul strikes drew an inhumanly shrill scream from No.3; its movements completely broke down! Celestia seized the opening—"Spear of Delusion Break · Twin Star Pierce!" Two wind-thunder spiritual spears coalesced instantly, like judgment lances, piercing straight through No.3's crystal core and chest cavity! BOOM! The core shattered; purple-black energy and broken machinery sprayed everywhere! No.3's remains twitched and collapsed, torn to pieces by the raging wind-thunder!
The battle ended. The three terrifying B.O.W.s became smoking wrecks. The once-frenzied vines in the chamber slowed and wilted, seemingly deprived of their driving force. Everyone breathed heavily, bearing wounds and exhaustion to varying degrees. Victory had come at enormous cost.
"Rest here for thirty minutes! Treat injuries, replenish energy! Rex—analysis status?" Fa wiped sweat from her brow; her starry eyes warily scanned the now-silent vine forest and countless empty cultivation pods.
"Sample analysis complete." Rex's cold voice rang out. "Corrosive Earth Vine (tri-color variant) composition breakdown:
1. Base biological tissue: 70% unknown high-toughness plant fibers (mutated lignin/cellulose variants), strength far exceeding known species.
2. Energy conduction network: 15% specialized crystallized conduits carrying high-purity ley-line energy (Crimson - thermal energy, dark blue - icy energy, dark green - biological/corrosive energy).
3. Metallic reinforcement: 10% high-density bio-alloy, primarily on main trunk epidermis, tips, and joints—providing physical defense and attack enhancement.
4. Neuroactive substances: 5% complex neurotoxin + spiritual pollution factor mixture—highly corrosive, hallucinogenic, with rudimentary swarm-intelligence guidance capability."
"Conclusion: These vines are a highly gene-engineered fusion of magic/technology (codename: Corrosive Earth Vine), possessing extreme environmental adaptability, destructive power, energy absorption/conversion, and controlled aggression. The core control nexus and energy source must lie deeper within."
The report confirmed their suspicions. The rest period passed in oppressive silence, the air thick with blood and charred stench assaulting their nerves.
Star Guardian and Misunderstanding
Half an hour later, the team advanced again, passing through the nauseating Tomb of Ten Thousand Vines. Beyond the central area appeared a relatively clean alloy corridor lit by glowing fungi; at its end stood a massive sealed metal door engraved with defensive runes.
Lin Ya once more used roots to corrode the lock. Beyond lay a spacious, futuristic circular hall. At its center hovered a giant holographic star map projector; advanced experiment terminals and data storage units lay scattered around. But what drew every eye was the far end of the hall—
A woman in practical deep-brown leather armor, athletic build, fiery red ponytail casually tied back, sat with her back to the group on an overturned alloy crate. One hand held a huge roasted rock lizard leg still sizzling and fragrant; the other gripped a bottle of strong liquor. She ate with greasy lips and drank with hearty gulps. Empty bottles and food wrappers littered the floor at her feet.
Between bites she grumbled to the air: "Stuck here guarding these damn fragments every day, not a soul to talk to, dumped in this shithole… bored out of my mind! Not even a decent punching bag… and this lizard meat is way too dry…"
That bold, unrestrained eating style, that familiar voice, and even seated that explosive, powerful silhouette…
"Rhea Medusa?!" Fa's pupils shrank; she cried out in shock! Arya, TISK, and the others instantly recognized the mysterious woman they had once encountered on the deserted island!
Medusa froze mid-chew at the sound. She slowly turned; upon seeing Fa and the group at the door, her amber eyes widened in genuine surprise—grease still shining on her lips, forgotten.
"Whoa!" She swallowed, letting out an exaggerated exclamation, a smile of astonishment mixed with… a hint of amusement spreading across her face. "Star-Eyed Girl? And you barbecue buddies? How the hell did you get in here? This place isn't exactly open to tourists." She casually tossed the half-eaten lizard leg aside, clapped her hands, and stood, her gaze sweeping the group with interest—lingering especially on Fa's starry eyes. "Tsk tsk, been a while—you kids got a lot stronger, huh. But…" Her brow lifted slightly in puzzlement, "those vines and watchdogs outside didn't chew you to pieces?"
A surge of humiliated fury instantly flooded Fa's chest! She stepped forward, starry eyes locking onto Medusa like ice. "So it was you! One of the masterminds behind these destructive vines, slaughtering cities, causing countless tragedies! We should have seen through your true face back on the island!"
"Control the vines? Slaughter cities?" Medusa's smile froze—then, as if hearing the greatest joke in the world, she clutched her stomach and burst into even louder laughter. "Hahahaha! Star-Eyed Girl, your logic jumps faster than my sword! Hahahaha!"
She laughed so hard she doubled over, tears nearly forming, pointing at Fa: "Those limp, sluggish, dirt-burrowing wrecking-weeds? Please—that guy's flower-and-plant tricks aren't even sharp enough to peel an apple for my 'Ten Thousand Peaks'!" Her smile suddenly vanished; a flash of displeasure at being underestimated and the absolute arrogance of the strong gleamed in her amber eyes. "The vine-puppeteer you're looking for is called Mandras! A coward who wraps himself like a mummy, looks neither human nor ghost, and just hides in his vine pile barking orders! Me?" She sneered disdainfully. "Not even in the same universe!"
"Evidence!" Fa snapped, gesturing to Rex. "Display the vine analysis data!"
Rex immediately projected the Corrosive Earth Vine composition and energy report in holographic form.
Medusa glanced casually at the display; her mockery deepened: "Oh, pretty detailed breakdown. But you're convicting me based on this?" She crossed her arms; her red ponytail swayed as she shook her head. "Star-Eyed Girl, has that eye of yours rotted your brain? Or did the vines outside scare you shitless? My power, Rhea Medusa's power…" A wild, dangerous curve tugged at her lips as her gaze swept the group like a physical blade, "…is pure 'force'! The edge that severs everything! The weight that splits mountains! Definitely not this… disgusting plant nonsense!"
Watching Medusa's detached, almost mocking attitude—then recalling the devastation along their path, mountains of corpses, vine-devoured cities, and displaced refugees—a uncontrollable rage shattered Kayla's reason!
"Shut up! Whether it's you or not—you Doomsday Rebirth bastards all deserve to die!" Kayla unleashed a beastly roar that could shatter eardrums; her Fifth Stage Transformation·Beast Soul Titan manifested instantly! The thunder-soul giant surged with world-rending momentum; thunder claws wreathed in blue-white lightning capable of tearing space hurtled toward Medusa like an out-of-control meteor—she would rip this woman who treated lives like grass and still laughed into shreds!
Facing a strike that could have obliterated the earlier B.O.W.s, Medusa's smile vanished completely, replaced by a cold flicker of anger. She didn't dodge or block—she simply raised her right hand casually.
Hum——!
A low, heavy sword hum that seemed to shake the soul itself rang out!
The unassuming dark-gold "mini sword" pendant hanging from her neck suddenly erupted with a visible ring of dark-gold ripples!
Kayla's mountain-crushing thunder claw, carrying billions of volts and apocalyptic kinetic force, slammed into that seemingly fragile dark-gold ripple!
BOOM——!!!
An unimaginable terrifying explosion detonated in the hall! The violent energy shockwave expanded in a ring, instantly hurling and crushing surrounding metal instruments and overturned crates!
Kayla's colossal Beast Soul Titan body crashed into an invisible wall! The force that could shred B.O.W.s was stopped dead—then rebounded! Lightning on the claws flashed wildly but couldn't budge the ripple in the slightest! The massive recoil sent her towering soul body staggering backward uncontrollably; heavy footsteps cratered the alloy floor! Her soul body fluctuated violently, showing signs of instability! Her face was filled with utter disbelief!
Medusa stood unmoved—not even her clothes fluttered. She slowly lowered her hand; the dark-gold ripple dissipated. The last trace of playfulness vanished from her amber eyes, replaced by mountain-like heavy pressure and razor-sharp battle intent.
She looked at Kayla—who had steadied herself, eyes burning with unyielding fire yet unable to hide shock—then swept across Fa, Celestia, TISK, and the others now on full combat alert, finally settling on Fa's profound starry eyes.
"Good." Medusa's voice calmed, yet carried the weight of judgment and unquestionable authority, echoing clearly in the dead-silent hall.
"Since you've chosen to raise your hands, I no longer need to explain anything." She lifted her hand and gently touched the mini sword pendant at her neck; pure, blazing battle intent ignited in her eyes.
"Let me reintroduce myself." Medusa straightened her back; a terrifying aura—mountain-heavy and blade-sharp—exploded from her unassuming frame, instantly filling the entire space! Behind her, in the shadows, five irregularly shaped crystal fragments floated up, each swirling with different stellar hues and radiating vast, ancient presence—like stars guarding their sovereign!
"I am Rhea Medusa. One of the ten leaders of Doomsday Rebirth."
"And the guardian of these five 'Star Fragment' pieces."
Medusa slowly raised her right hand toward the group in an inviting battle gesture. Her amber eyes locked on them like a tiger on prey; a wild, dangerous smile curved her lips.
"Star-Eyed Girl, and you interesting little ones…"
Her arrogant gaze swept over each of them—then, as if remembering something, the wild smile softened slightly, revealing a subtle pride. "But… no need to be too nervous. Me alone against all of you—wouldn't that just be bullying?"
She raised a single finger and wagged it lightly; a cat-toying-with-mouse confidence flashed in her eyes. "So here's the deal—I'll give you a chance. I'll only use ten percent of my power to play with you."
The words hit like a thunderclap; everyone's expressions changed drastically. Ten percent? She had casually blocked Kayla's full-power strike with just ten percent? How terrifyingly strong was this woman?
Medusa seemed pleased with their reactions; her smile turned playful again. "Don't worry—I'll control myself. I won't let you die too easily… after all, punching bags as entertaining as you are hard to come by."
She paused, then pointed behind her. The five star fragments chimed crisply; their energy fluctuations intensified, as if answering her provocation.
"Win, and the five fragments behind me are yours."
"Lose—and trade your lives for them!"