The ground trembled as 005's shadow-beast erupted from the earth, its amorphous form towering over Evergreen's buildings. Jun's antennae quivered with fear as she watched the monstrosity take shape.
"Everyone, battle stations!" Rio bellowed, his weathered face set with determination.
The village spirits sprang into action. Tree spirits wove their fire branches into barricades while water nymphs gathered streams into defensive walls.
A group of fire spirits took to the air, pelting the beast with razor-sharp flame gusts.
005 cackled atop her creation. "Oh, how cute! They think they can fight back!"
The shadow-beast roared, tendrils of darkness lashing out. Where they touched, spirits began to disintegrate, their essence unraveling like frayed cloth.
A young fire spirit, barely out of his teens, launched a barrage of fireballs at the beast. They sizzled against its hide, leaving momentary scorch marks that quickly faded.
