The New Normal

Jin exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. The weight of his blade felt natural now—like an extension of his arm rather than something foreign in his grip.

He adjusted his stance, feeling the dirt beneath his boots. The street was eerily quiet, the remains of old vehicles rusting on either side.

Then came the growl.

A low, guttural sound that sent a ripple through the still air.

It was close.

Jin's grip tightened around the hilt of his katana.

"Stay sharp," he murmured.

Echo crouched slightly, his fingers twitching near his ear as if ready to amplify the faintest noise. Joon flexed his hands, the circuits in his gloves glowing faintly with stored energy.

And then—

It lunged.

The Mawfiend burst from behind a toppled truck, its lean, sinewy body cutting through the air.

Its four crimson eyes locked onto Jin. Its muscles coiled like compressed springs, and then—it pounced.

Jin reacted instantly.