The silence of the forest was shattered by the crashing of breaking branches and a menacing roar that reverberated through the air. The creatures emerged from the darkness, their eyes burning with fury. Edmund's line of soldiers stood firm, shields raised and swords ready.
— Stay together! Do not retreat! — Edmund shouted, raising his silver blade.
The beasts attacked with ferocity, leaping onto the warriors with razor-sharp claws and teeth ready to tear through flesh and bone. The first clashes were brutal; soldiers were knocked down and dragged into the darkness before they could react. But this time, the group was prepared.
The silver weapons proved their worth. At the first touch of the blades against the creatures' flesh, agonized screams echoed across the battlefield. The archers fired precise shots, striking the monsters before they could reach the front lines. Kieza, with deadly accuracy, shot an arrow straight into the forehead of one beast, bringing it down instantly.
Voss, fighting alongside Edmund, swung his heavy blade, cutting through enemies with surgical precision. Every strike was calculated, every movement efficient. He roared orders to the men, keeping them organized as the battle intensified.
Then, a tremor rippled through the ground.
From the depths of the forest, a colossal shadow emerged. It was not one of the smaller creatures they had been fighting. It was something bigger. Something ancient. Its eyes burned like embers, and its dark, scarred hide bore the marks of countless past battles. The creature rose onto its hind legs, unleashing a roar so powerful that even the bravest soldiers hesitated.
— Hold the formation! — Edmund bellowed, forcing his voice to remain steady.
The beast charged at them with unexpected speed, trampling everything in its path. Soldiers were flung aside, and shields shattered like paper. Edmund rushed forward to intercept it, his sword gleaming in the dim morning light.
The impact between man and beast was devastating. His blade sliced into the creature's thick hide, but not deep enough. With a brutal swipe, the monster struck Edmund, sending him crashing against a tree. The air was knocked from his lungs on impact, but he forced himself to rise, blood trickling down his forehead.
Kieza and Voss rushed to his aid. The archer fired arrows into the creature's vulnerable spots, while Voss struck with precision, trying to divert its attention. Edmund took a deep breath, tightening his grip on his sword. It was now or never.
The creature prepared another strike, but Edmund was faster. With a swift, calculated movement, he spun his blade and drove it deep into the monster's heart.
The beast's roar echoed through the island, the ground trembled, and then… silence.
Its massive body collapsed with a heavy thud, sending dust and dried leaves swirling into the air. The remaining soldiers stood panting, watching as the last glimmer of life faded from the creature's glowing eyes.
The battle had been won.
But the war was only beginning.