Ep. 10

Summary

Source-backed · Version: v1 · Original

Riko and Reg enter the humid fourth layer, where enormous flat creepers form the Goblets of Giants. Reg senses an unseen presence that moves only while they speak, but cannot locate it. Soon an orb piercer attacks. The creature anticipates Reg’s movements, knocks away the Blaze Reap, penetrates their Scaled Umbrella, and drives a poisoned spine through Riko’s left hand. With no safe escape, Reg climbs upward while carrying her. The fourth layer’s Curse causes Riko to bleed heavily and hallucinate, while the poison rapidly swells her arm. Still conscious enough to direct him, Riko tells Reg to break the bone and cut off the limb before the toxin spreads. Terrified and crying, he begins the procedure, but her breathing stops before he can finish. A rabbit-like stranger who has been watching them intervenes, instructing Reg to clear Riko’s airway and perform rescue breathing. Once Riko breathes again, the stranger warns that her condition remains critical and offers treatment at a nearby hideout. Reg reinforces the damaged arm and follows, noticing that the route avoids the Curse. Inside a shelter filled with cave-raiding equipment, their rescuer introduces themself as Nanachi, a Hollow.