Dark shadows began to materialize from the ground, twisting and writhing as they took shape. Their forms were humanoid, but their eyes were void of life, their movements jerky and unnatural.
Dion's gaze flickered with annoyance and suspicion as he observed them. The mana they exuded was all too familiar.
"Reid's mana," Dion muttered, his voice tinged with a hint of surprise. "But that's impossible. He's a madman. How could he control—"
His thoughts were interrupted by Ye Jin stepping in front of him, her dagger in hand.
"Stay behind me, Master," she said firmly. "These things aren't ordinary."
Before Dion could respond, one of the shadowy figures lunged at them. Ye Jin reacted swiftly, her dagger slicing through it. The figure dispersed into smoke but almost instantly regenerated, its body reforming as if nothing had happened.
"What the hell are these things?" Ye Jin asked aloud, her grip on her dagger tightening.