They stood victorious among the corpses of the Void Drakes.
Seven S-rank lesser dragons. Slaughtered.
The team was breathing hard. Wounded. But alive. And confident.
"We did it," Jin said. A grin spreading across his bloodied face. "Seven S-rank beasts. We actually did it."
"That was incredible!" Erica laughed. Her voice giddy with adrenaline. "Did you see how we coordinated? We're unstoppable!"
Even Masha was smiling. A rare, genuine expression. Looking at the massive corpses around them.
'The harvest is good,' Dante thought. Looking at the drake bodies. 'Cores to absorb. Spirits to enslave. We're getting stronger. Ready for the Bone Dragon.'
He turned to his team. About to command them to divide the spoils equally.
But the words died in his throat.
He saw their faces. And something was wrong.
Kael's jaw had dropped. His eyes wide. Staring at something behind Dante like he'd seen a ghost.
Lana was trembling. Actually trembling. Her knuckles white on her staff.
