The sea broke open with fury.
From the shattered docks and reefs, the first wave of creatures clawed their way out—scaled husks dragging barnacle-crusted bodies, jaws clicking with hunger. Their shrieks rattled the air, a discordant chorus against the thunder of waves. The tide was black with shadows, foam whipped white as the ocean vomited more horrors onto the shore.
Pearlbay's stones trembled. The village had survived the monster Thal'ryx, yet still the sea would not let go.
Kaen was the first to move.
"About time! I was starting to get bored!" he roared, spinning his shortblades until firelight gleamed across their edges. He launched himself into the swarm, reckless as a spark in dry grass. A sea-fiend lunged, claws flashing; Kaen twisted, cutting its arm clean and driving a kick into its chest that hurled it back into the surf.
Another monster rushed from the side, maw gaping, but Kaen spun mid-stride, laughing.
"Try harder, fish-face!"
