The beast's segmented tail curled ominously, dripping venom that sizzled against the ground.
Cruzer didn't hesitate. Channeling Void Surge into the Abyssal Shardblade, he lunged forward. The dark energy crackled around the weapon, distorting the air as he slashed downward.
The blade carved through the creature's armored hide, releasing a burst of noxious fumes.
The scorpion screeched, its tail lashing out, but Cruzer had already teleported to its blind spot. A second strike ended the encounter, the beast collapsing into a lifeless heap.
He didn't linger. The commotion was bound to attract other participants—or worse, more predators.
Harvesting a small vial of the scorpion's venom as a potential resource, he moved on, his senses heightened for any signs of pursuit.
As the sun began its descent, the valley transformed. The oppressive heat gave way to an eerie chill, the wind carrying faint, ghostly howls that sent shivers down his spine.
