[Some distance from the Crystal Shelter…]

  The area was dense with vegetation, trees, and undergrowth, filling the surroundings with shades of blue and red. The Dorvus came to an abrupt halt. "I'd advise you to step out. I sense fifty of you. What are your intentions? State them now," its antlers crackled with crimson tendrils, "or be eradicated."

  First, there was silence, but soon the growth rustled. Several monsters with the appearance of dragonic kobolds stepped out, each one streaked with red markings. They were kolkobalts, but they were not like the kolkobalt with the scars or the kobolbos residing in the glades. There was a hostility in their stance.

  They had an agenda.

  "Ah, so we were spotted." A kolkobalt ambled forth. While it approached, it kept its grip tight on its spear. "You. Doom Deer. Are you affiliated with those monsters back there," it pointed. "Well, this is where you lucked out."

  The Dorvus's question went unanswered. And that frustrated it. "I asked what your intentions were. Answer me, kolkobalt. I will not ask again." A furious display of crimson electricity arched around the Dorvus's body, intensifying to the point where its form glowed with a radiance that blinded the kolkobalts gathering for a encirclement.

  The lead Kolkobalt, marked by an orange scar over an eye, smirked. "Do you think that flashy light show will intimidate us? We've dealt with stronger foes. Allow me to introduce ourselves. We are the Red Fang Clan, and we have come to collect a bounty on some creatures living in that area. We were told we could rough up anyone in our path."

  The rest of the kolkobalts snickered, forming a semi-circle around the Dorvus, their spears glimmering in the fading light.

  'It appears they're after that one named KiAera or one of her kin,' the Dorvus thought.

  "Your arrogance is misplaced," the Dorvus retorted, a snarl etched across its face. "I bear no allegiance to the monsters you hunt. But I am a force of nature, and I will not yield to your threats." With a sudden burst of energy, the Dorvus lunged, antlers and hooves crackling with raw, pulsating energy.

  Before the kolkobalts could react, the Dorvus swept its antlers wide, releasing a shockwave of energy that sent the first few attackers tumbling back. "You wish to test your strength? Then come. But know that you will leave this place less."

  The Red Fang Clan regrouped quickly, rallying behind their leader. "Foolish beast! You don't know what you're up against. We have orders and numbers on our side. You shall fall today!"

  With a swift command, the lead kolkobalt threw its spear, aiming directly for the Dorvus's heart. The Dorvus ducked, allowing the spear to whiz past its ear and into the underbrush beyond.

  The energy enveloping the Dorvus flared again, and it charged, using its speed to close the distance. It pounced with its hooves striking the ground, producing a thunderstorm and sending bursts of dirt and debris flying into the air. The kolkobalts wailed, and as the Dorvus approached the them, it unleashed a concentrated bolt of energy from its antlers, arcing through the charged air and electrocuting its opponents, who shrieked in pain before being thrown out of the fray.

  "Focus, team!" the lead kolkobalt snarled as it swiftly dodged to the side. "Surround it! We need to bring it down—now!" The rest of the clan obeyed, weaving around the Dorvus like wolves closing in on a lone deer.

  The Dorvus pivoted sharply, its instincts kicking in as it prepared to defend itself against the kolkobalts. They may have been [Emergent]-stage monsters, but even in numbers, they were not problematic. They weren't the first evolved monsters it had fought, and they certainly wouldn't be the last.

  The Dorvus moved again with agility, anticipating their next strikes. It allowed one kolkobalt to get close, feigning vulnerability. Just as the creature lunged, it spun, delivering a swift kick with its hind legs. The impact sent the kolkobalt hurtling into a nearby tree, where it crumpled to the ground, dazed.

  "Is that all you've got?" the Dorvus taunted. It allowed its antlers to crackle intensely before unleashing its most devastating attack—the [Doom Zap]—to rain down upon its adversaries. Several of the kolkobalts twitched and howled under the duress of the electric shocks coursing through their bodies.

  The lead kolkobalt barely managed to shield its face from the blast, but it was clear that the tide was turning. "Fall back! Regroup!" it shouted, but it was already too late. The power of the Dorvus surged like an unstoppable storm, its fury manifesting in every arc of electricity that illuminated the dusk.

  Two more kolkobalts tried to flank the Dorvus from either side, but with a swift flick of its antlers, the Dorvus unleashed another bolt of energy that split the air, catching both off-guard. They staggered back, charred and gasping, as their ranks diminished.

  "Pathetic!" the Dorvus bellowed. "You dare come into my domain and threaten the innocent? You will all regret underestimating me!" With each word, the air around it shimmered with raw energy, enhancing its aura and causing the remaining kolkobalts to hesitate.

  The lead kolkobalt seemed to realize that brute force alone wouldn't win this fight and it began barking commands. "We have to distract it! Create openings! Move!" It darted forward, slashing with its spear while its allies attempted to create a diversion around the Dorvus.

  "Fools! You think mere tactics will save you?" the Dorvus charged, meeting the lead kolkobalt head-on. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying as the Dorvus pushed back against the onslaught. It felt the adrenaline coursing through its veins, a primal rush that sharpened its senses.

  With a determined roar, the Dorvus twisted its antlers, channeling energy into a forceful rush that sent the lead kolkobalt sprawling back. Seizing the opportunity, the Dorvus followed with a swift kick, sending the creature tumbling into a cluster of its comrades.

  The kolkobalts quickly converged around their leader despite faltering under the weight of the Dorvus's power. One by one, they fell back, realizing that their bravado had led them into a trap of their own making.

  "Don't back down, you fools! Lord Jalkra will have our heads!" the lead kolkobalt growled, trying to rally his comrades. "We outnumber it! Attack together!"

  The kolkobalts charged in unison, spears poised for action. But the Dorvus had already formulated a plan. As the horde approached, it took a deep breath, channeling the energy that pulsated through its antlers.

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  "Let's see how you handle this!" the Dorvus shouted, unleashing an electrifying wave that radiated outwards. The crackling energy enveloped the kolkobalts, causing several of them to lose their footing, slipping and snarling in surprise. Collectively they fell, shocked and inflicted by [paralysis] from the sheer intensity of the attack.

  "Regroup!" the lead kolkobalt shouted hoarsely, but it was too late. The Dorvus seized the moment, pushing forward with a renewed sense of purpose. Headlong, it aimed for the lead kolkobalt, now struggling to maintain its ground.

  The air cracked as the Dorvus tackled into the lead kolkobalt. The two tumbled to the forest floor, rolling in a chaotic grapple. The Dorvus's antlers glimmered with a fierce light, and with a powerful thrust, it sent a jolt of electricity into the lead kolkobalt, knocking it through a boulder and immobilizing it.

  "Yield!" the Dorvus commanded, pinning the kolkobalt to the ground. It could feel the creature's heart pounding in fear, and the desperation in its eyes.

  "Wait! Wait!" the kolkobalt sputtered, its voice shaky. "We were just following orders! We didn't mean to start a fight! Just let us go!"

  The Dorvus furrowed its eyes, considering the plea. It could smell the fear wafting off the kolkobalt, and for a moment, it hesitated. Was this creature merely a pawn in a larger game? Did it truly deserve the wrath that had been wrought?

  "You think you're entitled to mercy?" the Dorvus growled. "You came into my territory and threatened lives for a bounty. You expect me to just let you go?"

  "Please! We were misled! Lord Jalkra promised us riches and power! We weren't supposed to harm anyone, just intimidate!" the kolkobalt pleaded, its eyes wide and desperate.

  The Dorvus paused, weighing its options. It had faced many enemies, had witnessed too many acts of betrayal and treachery. "Then tell me this: who is Lord Jalkra? Explain to me why your clan would follow such a being."

  The surviving kolkobalts exchanged glances, fear evident in their expressions but also a glimmer of hope sparked as they realized they might avoid further confrontation.

  The lead kolkobalt took a deep breath, gathering its thoughts. "Lord Jalkra is a powerful warlord who seeks to dominate these lands. He commands respect among the Red Fang Clan, and his influence spreads like wildfire. When he learned about the creatures of the Crystal Shelter, he saw an opportunity to weaken them and claim them for himself. We... we were only following orders. If we didn't, we would be the ones to face his wrath."

  The Dorvus's eyes gleamed as it contemplated what had been said. It could sense the truth in the kolkobalt's fear and desperation. As much as it loathed the idea of letting these creatures escape, it recognized that perhaps there was an opportunity here—an opportunity to starve the enemy of its followers.

  "Very well," the Dorvus said slowly, releasing its hold on the lead kolkobalt but still maintaining a watchful stance. "You will leave here and inform Lord Jalkra that the Dorvus does not fear him or his minions. You will tell him that the ones he seeks to harm will not be cowed by threats. If you return to me, or if your clan approaches the Crystal Shelter again, I will remind you of this day."

  With that, the kolkobalt scrambled to its feet, shaken but alive. But as it stood upright, several gem-shaped projectiles whizzed through the air, puncturing its chest. One nearly claimed the Dorvus's head, chipping its antler, as it tilted away from the deadly attack.

  "Fool! You weren't supposed to disclose anything! I can't believe we're allied with such incompetence!" The owner of the voice stepped out of the bushes, revealing a tall, lanky gremlin-monster—a Grimgem. It wielded a curved gem-blade, and in its other hand, it grasped a thrashing, crying caterpillar monster, a Mezmeic.

  Abyssal particles trickled down the Dorvus's face as it stared down the Grimgem. Its minds locked with rage. What was it doing with the child?!

  The sight of the Mezmeic writhing in the Grimgem's grip ignited a primal fury within the Dorvus. It could feel the warmth of its own energy coiling tightly within its antlers, ready to erupt. It had seen too much suffering, too many innocents caught in the crossfire of power struggles. It could not allow this creature to harm another.

  "Let the child go," the Dorvus demanded. "You have no idea what you've just done."

  The Grimgem chuckled, a harsh, grating sound that echoed around the clearing. "Oh, but I do. This little monster is worth its weight in gems—precious in the eyes of Lord Jalkra. You see, it's not just about strength. It's about leverage. And right now, I hold all the cards," it pulled the Mezmeic closer and sneered, "Right, little one."

  "Is this how you gain power? By threatening the weak?" The Dorvus took a step forward, sensing the energy building within. The kolkobalts froze in place, confusion painting their faces, but the lead one scowled, realizing the Grimgem's interference might ruin any chance of escape.

  "Stay out of this! We have a deal, and you just blew it!" the lead kolkobalt spat, eyes darting back and forth between the Dorvus and the Grimgem.

  The Grimgem's eyes sparkled with amusement as it leaned closer to the Mezmeic, relishing the fear emanating from the creature. "Please, the only deal is my deal with survival. You think I'm afraid of a deer? Look at this pathetic display! This creature's a meal, and you're all just fodder."

  "Enough!" The Dorvus cut in. "You will suffer for this. I will not stand by while you exploit the innocent!"

  With an explosive leap, the Dorvus rushed, its antlers glowing brighter than the last rays of light. It aimed for the Grimgem, intent on taking the creature down before it could react.

  But the Grimgem was quick. It dodged aside, twisting out of the path. The Dorvus cursed under its breath, its lightning bolts dissipating harmlessly into the underbrush, only for the Grimgem to smash gem-encrusted knuckles into its flank.

  The impact sent shockwaves through the Dorvus, causing it to crash to the ground. It could taste the bitter tang of blood in its mouth. Dazed and concussed, anger still surged within as the Grimgem's mocking laughter echoed in its ears.

  "What's wrong, Deer? Did I hit a nerve?" the Grimgem taunted, brandishing its gem-blade as it danced out of reach. It was as if the creature fed off the fear and pain it instigated, a truly vile spirit.

  However, the Dorvus was not one to retreat. It felt its internals give way as it collapsed onto one leg. Realization hit as the daunting as the blow it receieved. The Grimgem was suppressing its power and further recognizing the damage it had caused, the fiend could have claimed its life it it wanted.

  But it had faced adversity before; it would not falter now, even against a far stronger foe. It couldn't die. Not yet. Not until all those damn ilosphats were eradicated!

  "[Doom Zap]!" With a resounding roar, a powerful bolt of energy shot forth, striking the Grimgem mid-lunge. Yet the creature simply grinned and caught the intense blast of lightning barehanded, emerging unscathed.

  "Ouch. That tickled." It wiped its hand against its furred leg.

  The Dorvus's eyes harrowed in disbelief. How could this creature have withstood such an overwhelming blast? It had fought powerful foes in the past, but none had brushed off its signature attack so easily. The Grimgem's confidence radiated from it like a dark cloud, and the Dorvus could feel the chill of its malice creeping in.

  "You see, little deer," the Grimgem began, "I'm not just any lowly monster. I'm a [Rare]-class Grimgem! One with a power above [30,000]! You lost from the very start, fledgling."

  The Grimgem continued, a cruel smile stretching across its face. "Now, why don't you kneel and beg for mercy? I could always use a new pet."

  The Dorvus clenched its jaw, feeling the heat of rage bubbling up once more. But amidst the storm of emotions, it remembered the Mezmeic still trapped in the Grimgem's grasp. The cowardly villain was using the innocent to gain an advantage, and that could not stand.

  "Let it go!" the Dorvus roared, pushing against the pain coursing through its body. "You want to test me? Then let's see how you handle this—"

  Pain jolted agonizingly as a sharpness pierced its flesh. It turned to see the lead kolkobalt digging its claws into its side. A sneer twisted the kolkobalt's face as the gems fell from its chest, showing no signs of wounds. "Oops. You were a little preoccupied with that Grimgem, weren't you? Heh. Looks like you won't last much longer."

  The Dorvus snarled, feeling the sharp intrusion cutting deeper with each heartbeat. It quickly twisted around to retaliate, but the sharpness of the kolkobalt's claws pulled back just as quickly, leaving it off-balance. "You think this is over?" it growled, struggling to push through the pain.

  "Not by a long shot," the lead kolkobalt replied. "You may have taken down some of my clan, but you're outnumbered, and it looks like we've rallied a little extra help, eh, Berylgem?"

  The Grimgem's eyes lit up with delight. "Exactly! Now, come along. I want to make an example of you back at the base." It lunged at the Dorvus, its gem blade aimed for the throat.