Dhaga knew his priority was killing the three creatures. They, like the orb owners, could turn the tide of the entire battle if given the chance. To get to them, he had to find a way to break through enemy ranks while the three creatures recharged their abilities. Cridror would be suited for the role but the naga recognized that the Kraken followers were also aware of the fact. After a short observation, he could already tell that the enemies defending the creatures were especially powerful. Those Kraken followers didn’t move an inch, indicating that they were solely there to guard the creatures and hold off attacks until the creatures could strike again.

  “Quick! Get them back to the base!”

  Meanwhile, the naga ranks were in slight disarray. After the display of power by the three creatures, the morale of the nagas had been wavering. Everyone was prepared for a tough battle with the Kraken followers but nothing readied the nagas for the three creatures. Dhaga was aware that they were on a timer. Given enough time, the three creatures could rout the entire flank of the nagas, giving the Kraken forces a massive advantage in the conflict.

  We also cannot ask for reinforcements since we are simply outnumbered. I hope the other flank is going well.

  They didn’t encounter any creatures.

  Dhaga turned his head to look at the orca who clarified that she could communicate with other orcas within several kilometers. She and the other two orcas had been updating each other on the situation of flanks. Compared the two flanks, their flank was far more dangerous and might have a greater impact on the battle's outcome.

  Why did they assign the creatures here then?

  Simple! They want to crush the morale of these nagas so this flank can no longer fight back.

  Crush the morale?

  As he pondered briefly on the matter, the naga could see the reason behind this deployment. The Kraken was confident in the three creatures’ abilities. If he, an orb owner, couldn’t turn things around, then the nagas would lose hope of ever winning the conflict. He was also certain that the Kraken carefully selected the foes for the different orb owners. The three foes he was facing were all extremely dangerous in close range which was where he excelled at. Faced with petrification, vaporization or losing a sense, Dhaga wasn’t looking forward to the upcoming fight. Yet, him fleeing or giving up would guarantee the defeat of the nagas.

  We’ll wait for the next opening! Can you open a path for me, Cridror?

  Thought you’d never ask!

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  The two sides simply held their ground with neither side making a move. The nagas were too fearful of the creature to advance blindly while the Kraken followers had no incentive when they could just wait for their aces to eventually win it for them. Several minutes later, the first creature made its move again. When the second creature made its move, Dhaga spoke to Cridror.

  Let’s try intercepting the third creature as it withdraws. If they do have cooldowns, then we should be able to kill the third creature with no resistance from the first and second creatures.

  As soon as the third creature used its skill, Dhaga and Cridror emerged from the naga ranks. The Kraken followers sent out several of their fastest soldiers to intercept. An aqua charge later, Cridror got into the center of the soldiers’ formation. With a use of her whirlpool burst, the intercepting soldiers were all eliminated. After the Kraken soldiers were eliminated, Dhaga reached the third creature and drove his trident straight into the creature's head. He had expected tough scales capable of stopping his attack but the trident easily pierced through. The creature writhed wildly before its body exploded suddenly, catching Dhaga in the blast. The naga took a short while to regain his composure.

  Cridror, what just happened? Did the creature release ink like an octopus? I cannot see a thing.

  Reach out with your free arm now!

  The urgency in the orca’s voice made Dhaga follow the command. As soon as his arm was out, he felt Cridror’s mouth grip his arm and pull him back towards the naga ranks.

  Wait! Did that creature take my sight with it?

  I fear that’s the case. Let’s get to safety first!

  The naga had never felt so helpless. He had relied on sight for so much of his life. Now that he was surrounded by darkness all the time, he felt a fear that he never thought existed within him. The experience felt overwhelming as Cridror guided his every move right now. He didn’t know where he was headed or where the nearest ally and friend were. The trident was worthless in his hands when he couldn't even sense what was in front of him, let alone be aware of the battlefield during the heat of combat.

  Is this it, Cridror? Is this how the Kraken will win the battle? By taking away the sight that I rely so heavily on? Has he planned this far in eliminating me as a potential threat?

  Get a grip of yourself, Dhaga!

  Tell me how I can fight when I cannot even tell what’s a meter in front of me! Tell me how I can make a difference in this battle!

  The lengthy silence made Dhaga uncomfortable. He could also infer, from the distance they’ve been traveling, that Cridror was likely taking him back to the base with the hope that Azi could heal his lost sight. As they neared the camp, he could hear the cries of frustrations from some of the nagas. As he got pulled closer, he heard the statement that he was dreading about.

  “Ms Azi tried but her spells cannot return my senses. I will be blind the rest of my life!”

  I should have known the Kraken had something planned. I basically walked into the trap like an idiot. What do I do now? What use am I to the nagas and the Guardian? Has the Kraken been too calculating for us to defeat?

  You should still speak with Azi. Maybe you’ll be an exception when it comes to regaining your sight.