AT THE SAME TIME
ZAVIER
The thing that stepped out of the bushes was not small. That was the first problem. The second problem? It knew exactly what it was doing. Low stance, shoulders rolling, eyes locked on us like we were already part of its diet plan.
"That is not a beginner hunt." Ben said immediately.
"No." Clare agreed. "It is not."
"I vote we leave." Riko said.
"Denied." Adam replied.
"I tried." Riko nodded.
The creature moved first fast. Too fast for its size.
"LEFT-" Ben started screaming, but it was already there.
Claws slashed, Adam intercepted, blade up, stance perfect. CLANG. The impact echoed.
"Heavy." Adam noted.
"Understatement." Leo said, already stepping forward, finally awake.
I moved with him.
"Split pressure." Clare ordered.
We did, Adam front, me right. Leo, nobody had idea what he was exactly doing right now.
"Why are you walking?" Ben asked.
"I am approaching." Leo said.
"FASTER." Riko screamed.
"I am motivated." Leo replied, still slow.
