Cale's instincts screamed at him to run, but his legs refused to move. The creatures closed the distance in moments, their forms shifting and flowing like water.
The first one lunged, its clawed hand swiping toward his chest. Cale barely had time to react, throwing up the lantern as a makeshift shield. The blue flame flared, releasing a burst of light that struck the creature head-on.
It screeched, its smoky form recoiling, but it didn't dissolve like the figures before. Instead, it reformed, its yellow eyes locking onto him with renewed hatred.
"Great," Cale muttered, backing away. "They're tougher now."
The second creature darted to his side, its movements unnaturally fast. It swiped at his leg, claws raking across his pants. Pain flared as shallow cuts opened on his calf.
Cale gritted his teeth, swinging the lantern in a wide arc. The flame flared again, forcing the creature back. The third one circled behind him, its growls reverberating in the air.
"I'm surrounded," Cale muttered, sweat dripping down his face.
The first creature lunged again, its claws aiming for his throat. This time, Cale was ready. He stepped to the side, letting its momentum carry it past him, and swung the lantern down hard. The flame erupted in a wave of blue light, engulfing the creature.
It screeched, its body twisting violently before dissolving into wisps of smoke.
"Essence absorbed. Capacity: 4%."
The voice in his head startled him, but he had no time to dwell on it. The remaining two creatures attacked simultaneously, one from the front and one from the side.
Cale dropped to the ground, narrowly avoiding their claws. He swung the lantern upward as he fell, the flame lashing out in a jagged arc of light. It caught the second creature across the chest, searing through its form. The creature howled, its body disintegrating into smoke.
The third one hesitated, its movements slowing as it watched its companion fall. Cale took the opportunity to scramble to his feet, his chest heaving.
"Come on," he growled, holding the lantern out like a weapon. "Let's finish this."
The creature lunged, its claws outstretched. Cale sidestepped, swinging the lantern in a tight arc. The flame burst forth, slamming into the creature with enough force to send it sprawling.
Before it could recover, Cale stepped forward and thrust the lantern down. The blue light engulfed the creature, its form writhing before it vanished completely.
"Essence absorbed. Capacity: 5%."
The silence that followed was deafening. Cale stood there, panting, his body trembling with adrenaline.
He looked down at the lantern, its flame flickering softly. The fights were getting harder, and the creatures more dangerous.
"I need to find help," he muttered. His thoughts turned to the helmets he'd found. If people existed here once, they might still be out there.
With a shaky breath, he turned and continued walking, the lantern lighting his path.