Shattered Composure

The ground trembled as the shadow beasts charged forward, their howls piercing the oppressive air.

Kael tightened his grip on Aethral Fang.

Marcus stood beside him, his sword trembling in his grasp, but his stance firm.

"We need a plan," Marcus said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

"Charging in recklessly won't work." Marcus added.

Kael nodded, his mind racing. The beasts moved like an unrelenting tide, each step shaking the earth beneath them.

"Divide and conquer," Kael said quickly.

"We take them one at a time—don't let them overwhelm us."

Before Marcus could respond, the first beast lunged at them, its massive claws slicing through the air.

Kael dodged to the left, Aethral Fang carving through the creature's shadowy body with a burst of radiant energy.

The beast let out an ear-splitting screech before dissolving into the darkness.