The ground was still trembling from Arin's strike. The colossal being had fallen to its knees for the first time, and a heavy silence filled the battlefield.
Lyra, panting, whispered,
"Is it over?… Is it really over?"
Suddenly, black light erupted from the creature's body. Its wounds healed at a terrifying speed, and its dark energy multiplied.
Kairan muttered in fear,
"This… is only the beginning."
The monster roared, splitting the skies apart. A surge of dark energy swept across the battlefield like a storm. Magical shields shattered instantly, and many of the group's side forces collapsed to the ground.
In that moment, the creature raised one of its massive arms and brought it crashing down upon Arin.
Arin lifted his shield with all his strength, but the enemy's power was beyond imagination. He was thrown back several meters, blood spilling from his mouth.
Lyra screamed,
"Arin!"
With that single strike, everyone realized the battle was far from over. In fact, it had just entered a stage that could change everything.