As dawn broke, the soldiers reluctantly prepared themselves for yet another attempt at facing the beast.
Their movements were slow, weighed down by fatigue and the ever-looming specter of failure.
No one spoke as they readied their weapons, tightened their armor, and gathered what little courage they had left.
The forest seemed quieter than usual, as if even nature itself was bracing for the futility of their endeavor.
"We stick together this time," Caron said, his voice grim but resolute. He stood before the group, his weapon gripped tightly in his hands. "No more splitting up. We stay as one and use everything we've got."
The others nodded silently, though their expressions betrayed their apprehension. Each face bore scars of past attempts, both physical and emotional.
Tessa adjusted her quiver, her lips pressed into a tight line. Jonas flexed his injured arm, wincing but refusing to complain.
