The Hunt

As soon as Grace gave the order, Rune was the first one to move.

Like a shadow, he vanished from sight, only to reappear in an instant right above the creature, carrying a sword. His blade descended, cutting through the air with a sharp whistle while aimed straight for the monster's head.

The monster reacted in a blur, twisting its body unnaturally to dodge. It was fast. Faster than anything they had faced before.

But Grace had anticipated that.

She lunged, carrying an energy sword of her own that blazed with power. She sliced it toward the monster's exposed side, and this time, the blade connected. It tore through the creature's flesh, causing it to screech. The sound was high-pitched and grating, reverberating through the forest like nails on metal.

But it didn't fall.

Instead, its long, grotesque limbs lashed out, forcing Grace to leap back as its claws nearly grazed her. It was learning with their every attack.