"Sunny, it's good to see you," I said happily as he approached.
"Yeah, good to see you too. Saint Tyris? What are you doing here?"
"It's good to see you in good health, Master Sunless. What else? I'm here to hunt a beast."
"No, no, I mean—what are you doing in Antarctica in general?"
"The White Feather Clan has been tasked with assisting this campaign."
"Okay, enough chit-chat," Jet interjected. "Thanks to Chris, we know how many creatures are there, but we still don't know anything about them. Sunny, do your thing."
Sunny was stunned for a second but quickly sent one of his shadows ahead to scout.
"The numbers are right. They're large, have thick armor, and resemble insects. Kimmy, come here," Sunny said.
He shared his vision with us, allowing everyone to get a good look.
"So, what now?" I asked.
"We kill it," Tyris said bluntly.
"I figured as much, but what's the plan?"
"I will handle the Tyrant. You will deal with its retinue."
"I like it—simple and effective. Let's get to it," I said.
"I think we've been noticed," Sunny muttered.
As soon as he finished speaking, the drones began rolling down the slope like an avalanche. No orders were needed—arrows and bullets rained down on the approaching insects. Sky Tide had already taken off toward the Tyrant, but the creature took flight as well, and they disappeared into the skies.
"Haa..." I exhaled slowly and summoned [Death Trap].
With a Tyrant commanding them, the Nightmare creatures didn't react as aggressively as usual. Nevertheless, a few dozen still changed course, rushing toward me.
I activated my Aspect, and a faint golden hue formed a circle around me—larger than it had been on the ship. My body began glowing with gold and red light, as if burning.
The Irregulars were surprised at the sudden surge of power.
"Don't worry, it's one of my abilities. Get to fighting!" I shouted.
Jet turned to Sunny and said, "Help me out a bit."
Sunny nodded, linked his hands together, and with Jet stepping onto them, he propelled her toward the Corrupted lieutenants.
From my end, it was an all-out brawl. As always, I was surrounded by Nightmare creatures. These insect abominations dropped around me like flies. A single good slash with [Fissure Fang] was more than enough for most of them.
After thinning the Fallen, I turned my focus to the Corrupted.
I rushed toward the one farthest from Jet and lunged at it.
I slashed at one of its limbs. It blocked cleanly and immediately shot another limb toward my torso. With a slight twist, I dodged and stepped closer, aiming to use Mount Tai Dragon Claw to pierce its chest. But I had to abandon the idea as it leaned in, jaws wide, ready to bite me to pieces.
I jumped back just in time to avoid its bite, then lunged forward again before it could retract its head.
With White Tiger Crescent Moon, I cleaved its head cleanly off. Without a moment of hesitation, I dashed toward the next one.
After killing the second Corrupted, I sensed some of them rolling past us or burrowing underground, trying to flank the others.
"Not on my watch," I muttered, sprinting toward the rest of the Awakened.
"Captain, what are—" Raha began as I passed him.
"Eyes forward! I'll protect your backs!" I shouted, not stopping.