Brance broke through the ceiling and executed a perfect superhero landing feet away from a 2.5-meter tall orange hunchback lizard person. At the same time, Cynrik, who had jumped through the window, landed by performing a somersault before skidding to a stop on one knee.
Unlike what the two had expected, their moment of surprise deflated instantly as the creature appeared to be already expecting their arrival, and judging by the three glowing wooden totems sporadically placed around the 12x10 foot room, he had prepared for battle.
A standoff ensued, with both boys holding their weapons and the Shaman holding a creepy-looking bone staff. The Shaman was the first to break the silence.
Straightening its body and revealing its decaying fangs, the Shaman cackled loudly before waving its hands to manifest a pale green smoke of visible condensed Mana particles around its body.