---
Pain seared and system notifications: HP -120. He gritted, triggered Tiny Tank. His chitin glowed, damage clotted.
With lever torque, he ripped the spear upward. The scorpion split; its core, a glowing black gem clattered free.
[Ding! Kill confirmed: 3-Star Glass-Scorpion
EXP +400. Core store in storage. ]
Kai pivoted. Flint tangled with the second brute; Zephyr yelled as the third scorpion pinned him. Kai dashed, lopped off tail with flat thrust; grabbed Zephyr by scruff, yanked free. They finished the creature together.
Shale's hammer thundered on the left flank; Needle's javelin shimmered arcs on right. Within twenty breaths, twelve scorpion bodies cooled, glass steam curling.
Battle lull. Squad regrouped.
Casualties, two minor poison nicks. Antidotes applied. Kai's HP will tick back after some rest.
Flint whistled. "Ruler's pets defend the front yard."
