Shadow Blood and Fire

Adrian and Venok stood at the precipice of the dome-like structure, poised for entry. The field before them was a graveyard of metal debris, the earth stained with blood, the air thick with its iron tang. An explosion had marred the land near the entrance, leaving a charred, gaping maw in the ground. Encircling the dome, over a hundred Rothsoths clad in makeshift metallic armor stood guard, while four privileged Rothsoths lounged on a platform, adorned in superior gear. A larger, bluish Rothsoth reclined on a throne of broken machinery, three Rothsoth sprawled around it, chests rising and falling in slumber. The rest patrolled with a vigilance that suggested they awaited someone's emergence.

"What in the world is going on with those Rothsoths? Can beasts don armor?" Adrian inquired, perplexed.

Venok chuckled softly. "These are Mutated Metallic Rothsoths. Steer clear; they're akin to living bombs. Their mutation syncs them with their beast crystals, enabling them to detonate in a devastating energy burst. We learned of their kamikaze nature at great cost. Approach, and they'll explode without a second thought for their lives."

"That's why I was dispatched here—to retrieve the crystal as the sole 'Metallo' available."

'Metallo' was the moniker for those rare ability users who could manipulate metals, bronze, titanium, and various alloys—Zastasthium being the sole exception.

"So, how do we get to the door without drawing the horde's attention?" Adrian asked.

"Just follow my lead and refrain from any action," Venok instructed with a smile.

They navigated stealthily, using a derelict mech for cover. When the wreckage ran out, they found themselves near the door, with only twenty-six Mutated Metallic Rothsoths standing guard.

"This number is within our means," Venok stated, his hand already aglow. The Rothsoths stiffened, overwhelmed by an invisible force that bore down on them like a mountain's weight, their bodies compressing. Venok halted just shy of asphyxiating them, aware that their heightened attunement to their beast crystals would alert them to any fatalities among their ranks.

Adrian and Venok, after ensuring no beasts lurked nearby, sprinted towards the hall. They halted at the door, drawn to a peculiar sight on the ground. Venok crouched, examining the black blood that, though slightly dry, seemed fresh. "This Mutated Metallic Rothsoth haven't been dead long. Someone's already inside," he deduced, eyeing the blood-stained fingerprints on the door.

"A passcode machine?" Adrian observed, spotting it beside the door. "Do you know the combination?"

"Are you kidding? How would I know that?" Venok retorted, then focused intently on the door, his hands outstretched.

Adrian watched as a vein on Venok's forehead bulged. "This door is incredibly resilient," Venok grunted.

Despite Venok's powers, the door remained firmly closed. Yet, gradually, it began to creak, the locks bending under the strain.

The noise, however, drew the attention of three Mutated Metallic Rothsoths. They crept towards the sound, spotting the duo by the entrance.

"Venok, we need to hurry!"

"Just handle the Rothsoths!" Venok barked back.

With increased effort, Venok began to warp the door. The escalating clamor soon attracted four more Rothsoths.

Adrian, with a wry smile, extended his hands towards the door as well.

"What are you doing? At least fend them off!" Venok exclaimed. But then, the door responded more readily to their combined efforts.

Venok glanced at Adrian, noticing a glow in his hand. "Could it be?"

Together, they ripped the door open, creating a gap just wide enough to slip through. They dashed inside and immediately turned to seal the entrance.

The nearest Rothsoth lunged, its head breaching the opening.

"Seal it, now!" Venok commanded. The door snapped shut, decapitating the creature with a thud as its head rolled away, spewing black blood.

Safely inside, they found themselves enveloped in darkness, save for a few dim LED lights along the walls. The overhead lights were all extinguished.

"Why would someone disable the lights?" Venok pondered aloud. "These facilities are designed to last centuries, and the exterior is intact."

"Perhaps the previous visitor is responsible?"

"Possibly. Here, catch this," Venok said, tossing Adrian a pebble-like object similar to one they'd used before.

Adrian activated the stone, basking in its orange glow. Venok did the same, attaching his to his waist.

"Now, are you going to explain what just happened, or keep it to yourself?"

Adrian chuckled. "No secrets. I just saved your life; a little gratitude wouldn't hurt."

"Hmm… whatever you did, it's impressive. I owe you one," Venok conceded. "Let's move on."

Adrian was taken aback by Venok's reaction, expecting anger or an attempt to seize him, but instead, he encountered understanding.

They proceeded down the dark corridor, guided by the LED lights.

"Psst, Adrian, this is your last chance. Switch with me," the voice in his head urged. "I can take care of him if the portal's here."

"Leave me alone," Adrian dismissed the voice.

"Your loss," the voice taunted.

Reaching the reception area, they noted the smashed lights above.

"It must've been a beast," Venok surmised.

"Why do you think that?" Adrian inquired.

"Many beasts here have a cycle. They hunt in the dark and hibernate when it's light. A light-sensitive beast probably got in and destroyed the lights. A human would've just cut the power or flipped the switch."

Advancing to the front desk, they entered the arena through one of the passages, emerging into the stands.

Suddenly, growls emanated from the hallway.

"Turn off your stone!" Venok hissed.

But it was too late. Footsteps thundered as a creature charged from the arena into the stands.

"RAKKKKKKKKKK!" A loud screech echoed through the entire arena, as the creature had spotted its prey and was now running full force towards them.