Fortress Battle

Dahlia didn't waste time with words. She charged, her halberd aimed straight at the creature's torso. The Mutant swung a massive claw, but she ducked beneath the blow and drove her weapon deep into its flank.

It roared in pain, thrashing violently to dislodge her. Kaelden seized the opportunity, leaping onto its back and plunging his blade into its neck.

The Mutant collapsed, its body convulsing before letting out a final, choked gurgle.

Dahlia wrenched her halberd free, panting. "We can't keep going like this," she gasped. "We won't make it."

Kaelden met her gaze, his expression grim. "We don't have a choice. We keep moving, or we die here."

She nodded, swallowing her fear. "Then let's move."

The group quickened their pace as flames closed in around them. The heat was unbearable, the air thick with smoke and the stench of death.