The mana-born beast bellowed again, the kind of sound that made bones rattle and blood run cold. The adventurers at the vanguard staggered, their shields vibrating under the sheer force of the roar.
"Forward!" the vice guild leader barked, her voice cracking like a whip. "Form ranks! Spearmen up front, mages to the rear! Archers, loose the moment it moves!"
They obeyed, though their hands trembled. Rows of armored spearmen lowered their weapons, their formation bristling like the quills of a desperate beast. Behind them, archers nocked arrows glowing faintly with enchantments, while robed mages began their chants, runes swirling in the air.
Alex stood apart, arms crossed, watching silently. Nyx was still at his side, shadows writhing faintly around her feet. Her crimson gaze never left the beast.
