Ryuto pushed himself to his feet, wiping blood from a gash on his forehead. Every muscle in his body ached, and his breathing came in labored gasps, but he refused to back down. Before him, the monstrous creature staggered, its once imposing form now marred with scorch marks, its scales cracked from the relentless assault of fire and steel. However, despite the damage, its sickly green eyes continued to glow with an intense, malevolent hatred.
Nina and Celeste had also managed to stand, though they, too, were visibly exhausted. Nina's daggers were smeared with the creature's dark blood, and her hands trembled from the strain of fighting. Celeste's robes were torn, her staff's glow dimming as she struggled to conserve her energy. Even Roland, who had been holding the line against the infected citizens, was breathing heavily, his shield battered and dented.
