The Black Flame Rises

The massive monstrosity known as the Umbral Lord stood above the chaos of battle—a terrifying monster of shadow and hatred, its multi-limbed body tearing apart tanks and soldiers indiscriminately.

Cannons roared, rockets rang, and members of the Arcane Response Team (ART) fought with their blazing weapons.

Latvian dark sorcerers summon more shadow creatures from the black rift.

General Petrov's voice came over the command radio. "All units, hold position! Reserves are on their way—don't break!" His eyes darted to the drone feed, where the Umbral Lord ignored a barrage of MLRS rockets as if they were nothing.

Then a black circle appeared within their command center.

"Oi Oi, Petrov, you've wasted too much time."

Petrov looked back.

"Circe, you're just in time."

"Yes, I had a little task that was late in completing. Tell your men to retreat now, I'll take care of it from here."