Sudden Awakening.

Ramiro barely had time to register her words before a piercing screech shattered the air.

Instinct took over. He spun, just as a hulking Maisbeast surged from the shadows, its many-jointed limbs skittering unnaturally, closing the distance in heartbeats.

A sharp flick of his wrist sent arcane energy crackling through his veins. Golden light flared, a barrier snapping into place just as the creature struck. The impact rattled his bones, energy rippling outward, but the shield held.

"Esteban!" Ramiro barked.

"I'm on it." Esteban's voice was steady, but his hands were already in motion.

Sigils flared to life around his fingers, weaving through the air before a burst of green fire roared forward. The flames engulfed the Maisbeast, searing flesh, curling black smoke into the sky. It shrieked, limbs thrashing wildly—but it didn't fall.