The sky above the Hollow Lands darkened abruptly, fierce winds howling as the air thickened with the scent of burning and suffocating heat. Sophie, Ricky, and Kieran stood in formation, their bodies surrounded by the intense glow of their crystals. Yet, the towering monster summoned by Selene remained still, observing them with menacing green eyes, as if calculating its opponents.
"Don't hesitate," Ricky said, stepping forward. "We've come this far. We'll defeat whatever stands in our way!"
Kieran tightened his grip on his spear, the blue crystal embedded in it pulsating like a heartbeat. "That's not just a monster. Look at its green eyes… it's like part of the crystal she's using."
Sophie nodded, her right hand sparking with red flames that danced in the air. "We have to fight. If Selene can control this thing, who knows what else she'll unleash next."
Selene smirked from afar. With a simple wave of her hand, she commanded the beast forward. Each step it took sent tremors through the ground.
The battle began with bursts of flame from Sophie, waves of water energy from Kieran, and earth-shaking strikes from Ricky. Yet, the monster seemed unfazed. Blow after blow appeared to be nothing more than entertainment to it.
"Your powers are intriguing," Selene said, watching from atop a large rock. "But you've forgotten one thing... this green crystal is more than just power. It's destruction waiting to happen."
The beast raised one massive claw, swinging it toward them. Ricky leaped forward, using all his physical strength to block the strike. However, the impact sent him skidding back several meters, leaving him breathless.
"We can't win if we keep attacking directly," Kieran said, his eyes scanning for an opening. "We need a strategy."
Sophie nodded quickly. "We need to target Selene. She's the key to everything."
Before they could act, Selene waved her hand again, and suddenly, the ground around them exploded, spawning more smaller creatures with shadowy bodies and glowing green eyes. The creatures encircled Sophie, Ricky, and Kieran, leaving them cornered.
Sophie glared at Selene with fierce determination. "This isn't over. I don't care what it takes, but you won't win!"
Selene laughed. "Oh, Sophie, you haven't seen anything yet."
Suddenly, the main monster let out a deafening roar, and from its chest emerged a flash of bright green light that slammed into the ground, creating a massive explosion. Sophie and the others were thrown back, struggling to stay on their feet.
Amidst the swirling dust, Selene spoke with a voice dripping with menace, "If you think this is the extent of my power, you're gravely mistaken. Soon enough, this world will be mine. And when that happens, you'll be nothing but ash among the ruins."
***
Before Sophie could respond, a massive shadow emerged behind Selene. But it wasn't the monster already present. A figure cloaked in pitch-black with a gleaming skull stepped out from the darkness, its eyes radiating a sharper and more terrifying green glow. Selene froze momentarily, visibly startled.
"Who are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The figure simply smiled, its chilling laughter echoing in the chaos. "I am the beginning of your end."