Joe was the first to move, roaring with exhilaration as violet energy coursed through his veins. His dragon wings flared wide, scattering sparks as he shot upward in a blazing arc. Heat welled in his chest, and when he exhaled, a torrent of condensed fire erupted, spiraling toward the whale's shield.
The impact cracked like thunder. The barrier flared, rippling against the force.
"Keep the pressure on!" Julian barked. His shadows coiled around him, sharpening into dozens of spear-like forms. With a flick of his hand, they shot forward, striking the weakened barrier in rapid succession, each blow timed between Joe's bursts to exploit every ripple.
Leo, meanwhile, moved with surgical precision. His insect wings thrummed as he darted across the whale's flank, exoskeleton gleaming. Venomous orbs condensed in his hands, each glowing an eerie green. With a sharp gesture, he hurled them, and when they struck the barrier, they hissed, corrosive energy eating away at its structure.
