Ryan tapped the side of his armour with increasing impatience. Every second dragged like an hour as he strained to pick up any signal, any sign, from Ylerias's side.
Michalina shot him a sharp look. "Stop your tapping," she hissed. "You're going to wear a hole in it."
Ryan gave an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his helmet. "Sorry... It's the waiting. It's driving me mad."
Before Michalina could retort, the night roared to life.
BOOM
A massive explosion tore through the earth, sending shockwaves that rattled helmets and stirred the thick jungle mist. The blast obliterated a herd of monstrous, horned beasts, their charred remains scattering through the haze. But others came—sleek, panther-like predators with glowing eyes and razor limbs, weaving effortlessly through the wall of bullets. They leapt over barricades and pounced into the soldier ranks with terrifying precision.
