115 Core and Core (1/2)

Not long after they went in the tunnel, the two spotted light at the end of it. Both, however, did not speed up, but instead slowed down; they knew what would come after they reach that light. A beast awaits.

As they exited the passageway; they walked up a metal platform directly connected to the exit. From its edge, what greeted them were the raging torrential waves of the core.

”Those waves can easily lacerate a normal person apart.” Dorothy gazed down from above.

Based from the definition of this exact chamber on map of the underground canal, the core was shaped like a sphere, however, that wasn't the case now as the chamber looked like more of a cylindrical one.

Allen looked around him, the platform they were standing on was elevated compared to the tunnel from where they have come from.

Additionally, the water coming from the core was being drained from the four symmetrically distanced tunnels, one of which was where the two of them came from.

To his left and right, there were more metal stairs and pathways leading higher, capable of allowing at least three people walk at the same time.

Those set of pathways were also connected to other set of pathways towards the also elevated large middle-most platform in the core.

”All of the water is being pumped from the floor of this chamber.” Dorothy looked towards while leaning on the metal bars, ”This is so huge. Those old people really like these ancient structures. Normal people can't even accomplish these.”

”It's possible to construct this with the right tools.” Allen said as he also looked down towards water bashing all-over the place due to the strong current.

”I don't know any kind of city in our kingdom that has this kind of complex infrastructure, nor even to other nations.” Dorothy then gazed at Allen, ”I'm interested to hear your reasoning about this.”

”It's likely technological stagnation.” Allen replied, making Dorothy raise her eyebrows.

”Maybe, the world we know became too deeply focused with magic, leaving behind other things.” He clarified.

-pump-

Both Allen and Dorothy heard a loud pump that resonated throughout the chamber. The two of them looked up to the ceiling and sighted an inflated pulsating organ.

”So the Visergoroth Eater is actually the whole underground canal system, who knew?” Dorothy casually shrugged and emotionlessly eyed the organ.

”It probably integrated itself into the whole system of the canal.” Allen answered back and took out a few red pills from the strapped jar and pointed to the central platform, ”Let's go to that largest platform.”

Suddenly along with several splooshes and splashes, three green-violet vines shot up from the water and pierced forward to the location of the two!

Without any warning, Dorothy was carried up by one of Allen's hands and he threw her towards the central platform!

In an instant, the platform where Allen was standing on was destroyed and he fell down to the raging waters!

Meanwhile, Dorothy didn't bother about Allen and didn't waste any time and was about to throw an explosive pill to the pulsating organ several tens of meters above her when the platform where she was now standing on shook violently.

Nearly getting off-balance, she stabilized her footing and glanced over to the pathways connected to the central platform.

From the veins originating from the giant organ, hordes of the same five-legged monsters landed down from above, blocking every path from the platform!

As it was darker earlier and there was an ongoing battle, neither Allen nor Dorothy were able to see clearly the whole characteristics of the said monster, however, now, she was able to recognize them.

They had darkish-green color skin with nearly a similar physique of a human being, albeit they seemed to be like made of leaves.

Four of the five-legged monstrosities' hands had seven fingers with sharp, pointy ends; meanwhile, the fifth limb didn't have any fingers but has a long protruding lance-like structure, making it look like an in-built weapon for the beasts!

”Good entrance.” Placing back the red pills into the jar, she then took out other variety of pills of different sizes and colors.

Over the deadly waters; Allen successfully swam above the surface after plunging down. His face was full of small cuts due to the intensive torrential water bashing all-over him.

If he was only a normal person and without the protection of enchanted equipment, he would have nearly been a blood paste by now.

However, he felt something touched his left foot and was pulled down underwater!

As he was pulled down, beneath the angry waves was the relatively undisturbed blurry water world around him.

Not wasting a single second, he freed himself from the vine that was entangling his left foot and surveyed his surroundings.

It was dark everywhere, nearly pitch black. In his mind, Allen silently recalled something, but his line of thought was waved off when his instinct kicked in and hastily swam to the side.

A vine pierced through the water creating a sharp, bubbly sound that passed by Allen.

He activated the Energy External Sense and detected a lot of the same vines closing on him!

Penetrating through the water like a fishing spear being launched from above, vines of different circumferences and length whooshed closer to him.

-pshew-

Allen sliced apart the nearest vine already near him and evaded the other ones. Although being outnumbered, he was able to cut more vines while avoiding the remaining ones.

However; even as he mowed more of them, it was as if the vines had no end and kept coming back at him with even more of them!

Slowly but surely, he was beginning to be overwhelmed and was forced to only defending himself.

From behind Allen, another vine shot towards him and pierced through his right knee!

-crack-