A few minutes later
A sound reached them.
Clang.
A sharp metallic impact echoed faintly through the forest, followed by a deep, enraged roar.
Mia stopped walking. "…Did you hear that?"
Jun's expression sharpened. "Yeah."
Clang.
Crash.
The sound came again clearer this time.
Someone was fighting.
Arya closed his eyes for a brief moment, focusing. "…That sound," he said quietly. "I've heard it before."
Mia's eyes widened. "…Don't tell me "
"Kai," Arya said.
Without another word, they changed direction and rushed forward.
The forest grew thicker as they moved. Tall trees blocked their vision, roots tangled across the ground, and the fog grew heavier with every step. The sounds of battle grew louder steel striking flesh, heavy impacts, and labored breathing.
Then
They saw it.
Beyond the trees, in a small clearing, monsters swarmed like a tide.
Beasts of different shapes and sizes wolf-types, armored lizards, insect creatures surrounding a single figure.
