Ice Rock Worms are a type of magical creature belonging to the Rock Worm species. They primarily inhabit icy tundras, living solitary lives once they reach adulthood. Their diet consists mainly of minerals, and their temperament is generally mild, as they tend to avoid confrontation whenever possible.
However, this did not mean they were weak. These creatures were formidable from birth, reaching over ten meters in length and possessing apprentice-level strength as hatchlings. Upon maturity, they typically remained at the apprentice level, but exceptionally talented Rock Worms—such as Aikreze, the Dreadscale—can cultivate their abilities to reach the official or even legendary rank. The title "Underground Dragon" was not without merit; these creatures can be terrifying adversaries.
The Ice Rock Worm charging toward Punk's trio was an official-level beast, completely driven to madness by the lingering influence of legendary energy. With a deafening roar, it lunged forward, its gaping maw seeking to swallow the three "tiny pests" in a single bite.
BOOM!
True to its title as the "Underground Dragon," the Rock Worm's massive jaws gouged a deep trench into the cliffside, sending tremors rippling through the mountains. The sheer force of its attack caused a violent avalanche, shaking loose layers of snow and ice.
Yet, it hit nothing.
Faced with the monstrous maw, neither the ever-cautious Punk nor the reckless Bahanger hesitated—they immediately evaded.
Against a creature like this, charging into its stomach, as some foolish knight novels might suggest, was a death sentence. The Rock Worm's stomach acid can dissolve even enchanted ores like Mithril and Craig Copper. Even Bahanger, with his formidable defenses, would be reduced to nothing if swallowed.
Fortunately, while its attacks were devastating, they were not particularly fast. Avoiding them was possible—though the enraged dwarf was far from content with mere evasion.
"Damn it! I hate big things the most. Let's see if I can hammer you into my size!"
Having dodged the initial attack, Bahanger seized the opening created by the worm exposing half its body from the cliffside. He charged in first, with Kang Kai and Punk's golem close behind. Kang Kai, agile as ever, moved like a shadow through the icy wind, appearing atop the Rock Worm's back in an instant.
Unlike his melee-focused allies, Punk quickly ascended the cliff with the aid of Swiftness, distancing himself from the battle to cast from a safer position.
Despite their lack of prior coordination, all three fighters instinctively assumed a proper formation:
Kang Kai, the swift-footed ranger, was responsible for harassing the Rock Worm's head—targeting vital points such as its eyes and breathing vents.
Bahanger and Golem One acted as the frontline, containing the beast's movements and creating openings for further attacks.
Meanwhile, Punk, the mage, remained at range, providing devastating magical support.
Bahanger striked first.
Channeling a tremendous amount of battle energy into his hammer, the dwarf leaped high into the air and brought his weapon crashing down onto the Rock Worm's skull.
"Taste Bahanger's hammer, you oversized maggot!"
BOOM!
The impact was nothing short of catastrophic. The force behind the blow rivaled that of a siege weapon, instantly shattering the creature's head carapace. Thick, dark green blood splashed out in all directions.
Before the beast could react, Kang Kai followed up with surgical precision.
A high-frequency vibrating dagger hummed through the air, its rapid oscillations producing a sharp buzzing sound as it sliced toward one of the Rock Worm's eyes. The sheer speed of the strike sent ripples through the surrounding snow.
"Official-Level Combat Art – Shock Blade!"
A weapon infused with wind-element battle energy, vibrating at extreme frequencies—it was no less lethal than the molecular oscillation blades of Earth's advanced technology. If it connected, the thin carapace shielding the creature's eye will be torn apart instantly.
Sensing imminent danger, the Rock Worm instinctively jerked its head away, attempting to avoid the attack, but—
"You're dreaming!"
Punk, who had been preparing his spell from a distance, issued a single command.
In response, Golem One activated Steel Bindings.
A complex magical formation flares to life, and hundreds of steel tendrils shot out, coiling tightly around the Rock Worm's joints. Though the powerful beast snapped them apart within seconds, that brief moment of restraint was all Kang Kai needed.
His dagger found its mark.
ROOOOOAR!!!
The Rock Worm's agonized wail shaked the very air. Darkness engulfed half its vision as its left eye was shredded. Writhing in pain, it thrashed wildly, its armored body scraping deep gouges into the cliffside.
The berserk creature's frantic movements created a localized Area of Effect hazard, forcing Bahanger and Kang Kai to momentarily retreat.
Now fully emerged from the cliff, the Ice Rock Worm stood atop the ledge, hundreds of razor-sharp arthropods digging into the frozen stone.
No longer underestimating its opponents, the creature finally realized the truth—it was in grave danger. If these three continue their coordinated assault, it would be torn apart.
And so, it prepared to fight for its life.
A guttural, rumbling growl escaped the Rock Worm's throat, and its remaining eye locked onto Bahanger and Kang Kai. White energy rapidly condensed in its maw, forming an intensely compressed sphere of pure destructive force.
This was one of the Rock Worm's ultimate abilities—a devastating attack it had used to annihilate countless foes. It had never failed.
In its mind, this time will be no different.
Just as the glowing sphere, now reduced to the size of a football, was about to be released—
A faintly glowing, purple orb streaked through the air.
Shrouded by legendary interference, unnoticed due to the loss of its left eye, the Rock Worm failed to register the danger until it was too late.
The spell slammed into its mouth.
Too late.
Kinetic Energy Stagnation!
A lavender sphere enveloped the Rock Worm's entire head, trapping its own energy attack within.
And when you forcibly contain a violently compressed energy blast within a confined space…
The result is obvious.
BOOM!!!
A muffled, concussive explosion erupted inside the Rock Worm's maw.
Instead of releasing a deadly projectile, its own attack detonated at point-blank range. White-hot energy spilled across its face like liquid fire, freezing everything it touches in an instant.
Within seconds, its scales shattered under the sudden temperature shift. Deep cracks like spiderwebs appeared across its hardened exoskeleton, and dark green blood seeped from the wounds.
The beast writhed in agony, its deafening cries echoing across the icy cliffs. But no matter how violently it thrashed, the residual energy remained latched onto its flesh, gnawing away at its defenses like a relentless parasite.
The tables have turned.