Gray crouched behind a towering tree, its thick, rough bark offering him cover as he peered at the scene unfolding ahead. The forest was alive with tension; the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves seemed muted, as if the forest itself held its breath.
Before him, a group of teenagers stood in disciplined formation, their faces painted with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Each one was armed, their weapons gleaming in the soft sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. At the center of their attention stood a towering man with a rugged appearance. His broad shoulders and the scar running down his jaw gave him a commanding presence.
"This little monster here," Rexton began, holding a creature no larger than a cat in his remaining arm, "is a Giant Mutant." The beast appeared almost harmless, resembling a fluffy ball with soft, trembling fur and doe-like eyes. But the tension in the air spoke otherwise.
