At first, their path was hindered by large, irregular stone blocks, covered with thick roots and dense vegetation. However, as they advanced, the terrain gradually became more even and the vegetation underwent a notable transformation.

The group finally came across an arched entrance that was made up of roots. Upon entering, everyone was amazed to see the vast and intricate passageways stretching around them. 

Captivating lavender meadows spread their vibrant purple hues across the landscape, creating a stunning sight that faded into the distance behind the mist-shrouded walls. The thick, pale roots twisted and entwined with each other, creating colossal trunks that reached up to the vaulted ceiling of the cavern. These seemed to form a complex web, giving the impression of an ancient and majestic underground forest.

The gentle touch of a cool breeze caused the plants to sway, carrying with it a delicious and relaxing fragrance. The wind ran through the openings in the roof creating a pleasant and harmonious melody. The place itself seemed like a small paradise completely isolated from the outside world.

The group advanced cautiously with Samael in the vanguard, followed by Duman with Elisha, and Zagan with Mara in the rear. A feeling of relief washed over them as they no longer sensed any beasts nearby, venturing further into the lavender meadow. Gradually, a wave of weariness washed over them, clouding their minds and sapping their strength. Just as they began to attribute their fatigue to the rigors of the journey, Samael's instincts awakened him with a sudden sense of imminent danger.

“Her Eminence, use a detoxification spell on us, quickly!” Samael stopped and urged her while continuing to examine the perimeter, locating the threat.

Elisha quickly raised her arm pointing towards the sky, materializing a brilliant blue runic crest above their heads. The emblem slowly rotated, and as it did so, each person present experienced a gradual dissipation of the numbness that had enveloped them.

“Don't tell me that…” Duman murmured as he stared in astonishment at the lavenders that surrounded him.

“Cover your airways and try to inhale as little as possible,” Samael intervened, giving clear instructions. The pearl on his earring glowed, and a piece of cloth appeared in his hand, which he used to cover the lower half of his face. Duman and Zagan followed his example.

“Sister Mara,” Zagan shook the maid out of her daze. 

Mara, frightened, climbed off his back and pulled a pair of handkerchiefs from the pearl of her ring, for both her and Elisha. 

“We must leave this place immediately. These plants are the cause,” said Samael, quickly plucking a bunch of lavender with his gloved hand to examine it. Fixing his gaze on them, the earring in his left ear twinkled slightly. In an instant, the bouquet disappeared. “A few more minutes here and we would have fallen asleep without realizing it.”

“If only Blas was with us, we would have noticed it sooner…” Elisha murmured, regretting having agreed to leave the other two members of their team in Belenos.

Samael, with senses sharper than those of an average human, heard her words clearly. Frustrated, he gritted his teeth and cast a glance in her direction. Elisha realized her mistake and thought about apologizing, but before she could speak, Samael quickly turned and threw one of the small daggers he kept hidden in the sleeves of his uniform into the air.

Something purple suddenly fell to the ground with a thud. Samael's quick reaction surprised everyone, but their shock increased when they noticed a snake writhing just a few centimeters from Duman's feet. The horrified expressions on their faces intensified as the snake rapidly changed color, revealing the dangerous nature of the creature they were facing. 

“What the hell?” The hilmir could not help but express his agitation at realizing that he had narrowly escaped death. 

The headless viper still writhing at his feet was a lezaali, a notorious viperine beast species known for its ability to camouflage itself and its lethal arsenal of poisons, most of which were fatal.

What was intriguing was that these vipers' diet consisted mainly of other snakes, so they normally refrained from attacking humans unless they felt threatened. In this case, the group of five posed no immediate danger.

However, everyone's concern was not the offspring, but the adult lezaali. These were fiercely protective of their babies and highly territorial. The hatchlings, although venomous, were small, weak, and naive. In contrast, an adult lezaali was not only cunning and strong but also gigantic, with scales exceptionally resistant to physical and elemental attacks. 

Before the group could regain their composure, Samael quickly threw another pair of daggers behind Zagan, making everyone realize that they were completely surrounded.

Zagan moved quickly, his aether dancing as he drew a complex series of runes. The violet runes seemed to come to life, floating in all directions before etching themselves into the ground. A transparent dome materialized just in time to repel a pair of lezaali that were about to bite them.

But, these barriers had limitations. They were fixed in place and could not move once cast, making them more suitable for safeguarding a stationary camp or military base rather than a moving group.

Even if Zagan could expand it, it would not eliminate the lezaali within the perimeter. The barrier prevented anything from passing through, but it could not eliminate the dangers that lurked within. There was also a risk that the lezaali were not the only threat present.

Elisha, lacking offensive capabilities, sought safety among the men, while Mara, still not fully recovered, did the same. Duman and Zagan protected them, while Samael fought fiercely against any beast that dared to approach.

As time passed, the attacks did not decrease but became more frequent, keeping the group on high alert.

“Great hilmir, take Her Eminence away!” Samael exclaimed at the same time that he used his claws to cut the throats of three vipers that threw themselves against the barrier. “The adult lezaali will be coming soon and it won't be easy to fight with them here,” he added, alluding to the girls who were trembling with fear.

“Sir Zagan, take Sister Mara. Then undo the barrier and follow me,” Duman ordered as he lifted Elisha in his arms, preparing to run. The paladin wasted no time and quickly lifted Mara onto his back.

In the distance, a dazzling, vaporous light was pouring through a huge hole in the ceiling. The nearby terrain rose, creating a slope that connected to this exit. As they exchanged glances, the men realized that they had come to the same conclusion.

As the runes on the ground faded, an eerie whistle echoed across the vast meadow, sending shivers down their spines. The quiet lavender fields in the distance shook violently and large winding paths appeared through the grass. A scaly lump stood out from among the tall lavenders, advancing towards them at incredible speed.

Duman and Zagan rushed toward the slope, their urgency evident. Simultaneously, Samael's figure vanished, and in his place, a fearsome feline beast materialized. This majestic creature, adorned with deep orange fur and striking white stripes, charged fearlessly toward the new looming threat, ready to defend its companions.

This is how a brutal combat broke out between the balam and the lezaali.