Chapter 25: The Rising Tide
The sun hung low in the sky as the group approached a narrow canyon. Jagged rocks rose on either side, casting long shadows that seemed to watch their every move. Jin Soo felt the tether pulse faintly, as though warning him of an unseen danger.
"We need to cross before nightfall," Eun Ha said, her eyes scanning the cliffs above. "This place feels... wrong."
Min Jae smirked, though his grip on his blades was tighter than usual. "What could possibly go wrong? A surprise ambush? A hidden trap? Bring it on."
Jin Soo shot him a look. "Let's not tempt fate."
As they entered the canyon, the air grew colder, and an eerie silence fell over the group. The only sound was the crunch of their boots on the rocky ground. Hye Rin walked at the rear, her expression unreadable as she occasionally glanced behind them.
Halfway through, the tether suddenly flared, its glow illuminating the canyon walls. Before anyone could react, shadowy figures emerged from the cliffs, their red eyes glowing like embers.
"It's an ambush!" Seo Jin shouted, unleashing a burst of light energy at the nearest figure.
The battle erupted in an instant. The shadow creatures moved with unnatural speed, their claws slicing through the air. Jin Soo's tether burned brightly as he swung it, its energy cutting through the darkness.
Eun Ha fought with precision, her blade striking down any creature that came close. Min Jae darted between enemies, his movements a blur as he delivered quick, devastating strikes.
But the creatures kept coming. For every one they defeated, two more seemed to take its place.
"We're outnumbered!" Eun Ha yelled, her voice strained.
Hye Rin stepped forward, her hands glowing as she unleashed a wave of energy that temporarily pushed the creatures back. "We need to keep moving! They're trying to trap us here!"
Jin Soo nodded, his jaw set. "Everyone, stick together! We'll fight our way through!"
With renewed determination, the group pushed forward, their combined efforts forcing the creatures to retreat. By the time they reached the end of the canyon, the sun had set, and the shadows had faded into the night.
They collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily. Jin Soo looked around at his companions, their faces weary but resolute.
"This was just a taste of what's to come," he said, his voice steady. "We have to be ready for anything."
To Be Continue....