They are on our side

Ethan stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he took in the terrifying spectacle. Every single hair on his back stood up from the mere sight of it.

"Master…" Lia's voice trembled. She was also visibly shaken.

"We're not going anywhere near it," Ethan said, his voice steady. His gaze shifted to the forest surrounding the portal.

Groups of adventurers had already formed skirmishing lines, and their shouts echoed faintly in the distance as they prepared for the inevitable flood of monsters.

He pointed toward a secluded section of the forest, far from where the main adventurer forces were gathering. "We'll set up over there. Far enough to avoid drawing attention, but close enough to pick off anything that strays."