A Rank Mission (2)

Monster body was a mass of writhing tentacles, its form shifting and pulsing with dark energy.

"Tell me that's not part of the plan," Lira quipped, her voice edged with panic.

Kael's jaw tightened.

"Change of plans. Marcus, hold its attention. Lira, flank it and look for a weak spot. Ren, keep the smaller ones off us. Aelina—" kael shouted.

"I know!" Aelina interrupted, her voice resolute. "I'll destroy the crystal!"

Marcus braced himself as the monstrous entity lunged, its massive tentacles crashing against his sword with enough force to send him skidding back.

Lira darted in, her daggers slicing through one of the smaller appendages.

Kael leaped into the fray, his sword glowing faintly as he channeled his energy into each strike.

"Focus on its movements! It's strong but slow!" Kael said.

Meanwhile, Aelina's concentration deepened, her magic building to a crescendo.