The night was eerily silent, the air thick with anticipation. Ashen stood at the center of the village, his Amaranth Staff in hand, and his senses heightened to detect any disturbances in the swamp. Around him, the villagers and members of the assault squad were on high alert, weapons drawn and eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement.
The tension was palpable. Everyone knew that the attack was imminent, but no one knew exactly when it would come or from where. The darkness seemed to close in around them, oppressive and suffocating.
Suddenly, a low, guttural growl echoed through the swamp, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps splashing through the water. The village guards tensed, and Ashen narrowed his eyes, focusing on the direction of the noise.
Within moments, the first of the creatures emerged from the mist—a hulking, misshapen figure covered in matted fur and bristling with sharp, jagged spikes.
[Enemy Status Window]
