A Bitter Surprise

The sound of death spread through the kingdom of Zyriel and the southern canyon, a sharp echo shaking the ash-filled air. In the kingdom's ruins, Anos, Zyriel, Corvus, Arwyna, and a few warriors still standing felt the ground tremble beneath them. In the distance, a flood of monsters charged toward them at terrifying speed, their roars rumbling like thunder. The wall, shattered by Erina and Keldo's explosions when they arrived, was now just a pile of smoking rubble. They were easy prey out in the open, fear creeping into their eyes.

"We have to run! Quick!" yelled an elf, his voice cracking with panic, his wide eyes locked on the dark horizon.

"It's pointless… we're too slow for them… we won't get far," muttered another, shoulders slumped, breath short.

"Build a wall, damn it!" shouted an Aegyl, his shaky hands gripping a broken spear.