The plant monster's core shattered with a deafening crack, its thick vines trembling before collapsing in a lifeless heap. The swamp grew eerily silent, save for the faint groans of the hooded figures who had fought valiantly against the creature. One by one, they stood up, their movements slow and strained, clearly bearing the marks of their brutal battle.
Adrian observed them from the shadows. He then adjusted his grip on the Hunter Amulet, hesitating for a brief moment before deactivating it. As the amulet's power faded, his original appearance returned, a soft, familiar glow briefly emanating from his body before vanishing into the misty air.
'It's time to reveal myself.' He came out of his hiding spot.
The figures' heads turned sharply in his direction, weapons instinctively raised. Their guarded stances held for a tense second—until their eyes settled on Adrian's revealed face.
The tension dissolved almost instantly.
