Just like the mayor had said, the cave wasn't very deep, and it didn't take long for Kald to see a red and black glow at the back.
"There it is," Kald said steadily, a hint of fear in his voice.
Slowly, they inched toward it and stopped about ten feet away. From this distance, they could see it in full. The portal really was about the size of an average woman—taller than Lea but shorter than Erina. It crackled and twisted, like a rotted fire—if such a thing existed. Its unnatural light illuminated the shrine behind it.
"I've already asked, but… are you guys really ready for this?" Kald called out.
"Of course we are!" Lea said, readying her daggers.
"A little too late to back out now," Dalan added with a chuckle, setting his massive shield out in front of him.
Erina stepped up beside Kald and smiled. "You heard them. I'm gonna open it."
Kald hesitated, then nodded—and gave Elina a kiss, which surprised her.
"Be careful," he said.
Her startled expression softened into a smile. "I will."
She walked over to the portal and bent down, holding her hands on either side of it without making direct contact. Normally, if left alone, a demon portal would open on its own and a demon would emerge eventually—but in situations like this, a mage could channel magic into it, essentially forcing the demon out. The larger the portal, the harder this was to do—which was why some adventuring parties could be stuck waiting weeks for a portal to open. Luckily, this one was just the right size for Erina.
The rest of the party watched intently. The portal began to surge and shift, reacting to the magic energy flowing into it.
Erina began to sweat as she focused. A horrible feeling tensed through her body. She waited—then felt it again. Quickly, she pulled her hands away and returned to the group.
"It's coming…" she said nervously.
Kald nodded and readied himself. Dalan moved to the front and raised his shield.
The portal crackled and whirled with energy before expanding slightly and from it, a short, dark figure emerged.
It walked slowly out of the portal. The portal then disappeared behind it…
At first glance, it looked like a child in a full suit of armor—but on closer inspection, the armor wasn't worn; it was fused into its flesh. It raised its head and looked at each member of the party in turn.
Kald gulped. "On my call."
The rest of the group tensed, nodding silently.
But Kald hesitated. What if something went wrong? What if it was too powerful? What if—
He felt a reassuring hand on his back. Turning, he saw Erina smiling at him.
He paused before facing forward again. Ah, he thought. I love this woman.
He raised his sword. It was time.
"NOW!"
The battle began.
Dalan charged first, swinging his massive sword into the demon's side. The creature staggered, then tried to strike back, but Dalan raised his shield, blocked the blow, and followed with a force powered swing that sent the demon flying into the cave wall, kicking up dirt and stone.
As the dust settled, they saw it lying on the cave floor, a deep gash torn into its side.
It rose slowly and locked eyes with them again.
Then, with a low, grotesque growl—it charged.
(And thus, Quick Fang's adventure continues!)