The shockwave rolled outward in a wide arc, shaking the entire cavern and sending cracks through the stone pillars around them.
Aria raised a curved barrier of rock in front of the group, absorbing most of the force but splintering under the pressure.
They were not overwhelmed.
All of them were smiling.
Elion stepped forward again.
This time, he did not rely solely on magic.
He drew his sword, which had been idle in its scabbard up until now.
The sound of steel sliding free cut cleanly through the cavern noise, drawing the attention of all four girls for half a second. The Warbeast's claw descended toward him, heavy and fast.
Elion stepped forward instead of retreating.
His blade moved once, clean and smooth, meeting the descending claw at a precise angle. The red-black hide split beneath the strike, and a deep line opened across the Warbeast's forearm as blood sprayed outward.
The Warbeast roared in shock.
Elion did not pause.
