Uni engaged the Ape Fiend in a fierce battle, her years of rigorous training now evident. The monstrous creature stood nearly twice the size of a normal man, its shrieking maw and razor-sharp fangs unleashing a relentless assault like a raging tempest. Yet Uni nimbly bounded and weaved between its clawing strikes, seizing opportunities to land devastating blows with her blade.
Though the Ape Fiend's strength was immense, its hide was not impervious, and soon its emerald lifeblood began to seep from the gashes Uni had inflicted. However, wary of the beast's retaliation, Uni held back from committing to a full-force attack, ensuring her strikes, though severe, avoided vital areas.
Enraged by its wounds, the Ape Fiend let out an earth-shaking roar and charged towards Uni. She deftly sidestepped, spotting an opening in its flank as its massive arms swung overhead. With a swift thrust, half the length of her sword plunged into the creature's flesh. The Ape Fiend's agonized bellow shook the very trees, and its descending blow struck Uni squarely on the shoulder, sending her hurtling five or six meters to crash heavily to the ground, her bones aching as if shattered.
Despite the copious green blood oozing from its grievous flank wound, the Ape Fiend seemed oblivious to the pain, bellowing once more as it charged towards the fallen Uni. Striving to evade, she found her body wracked with agony, unable to rise. Nia and the others, witnessing her peril from afar, rushed to her aid, but the distance was too great.
Suddenly, the black-robed man appeared before Uni. Facing the oncoming Ape Fiend, he extended his right index finger, softly chanting an arcane incantation and tracing an enigmatic sigil upon the creature's chest. Just as its massive limb was about to deliver the fatal blow, the man clenched his fist, his pallid features flushing crimson, and uttered a single, resounding command: "Shatter!"
The Ape Fiend's arm halted in midair, and then a series of muffled, cracking sounds emanated from its chest. The bewildered creature glanced down, only to let out a harrowing cry and stagger back several paces. After a brief, frantic struggle, it collapsed to the ground, its emerald blood gushing from its mouth and wounds, staining the soil around it.
Nia and the others quickly gathered around. Nia inspected Uni's injuries and exhaled in relief. "The bones are not broken." She then cast a healing spell to tend to Uni's wounds.
Assured of Uni's safety, all eyes turned to the black-robed man. Though a faint blush still lingered on his face, he appeared utterly drained, as if the magic he had wielded had exacted a tremendous toll.
Sensing their collective gaze, he simply stated, "I am weary. I shall rest now," and retreated to a shadowed area away from the campfire, lying down and using his hand as a pillow before swiftly falling asleep.
With Nia's healing, Uni had recovered, and the two women stood, exchanging bewildered glances with the remaining three companions, their eyes reflecting the same profound confusion.