The next morning, Iris led the group beyond the gates of Velaris again.
They had already discussed the Sentries the previous night, going over what they had witnessed and what the twenty-meter defensive range could mean for their hunts. There was no need to repeat the conversation now. They had come outside to test the idea.
This time, they stayed closer to the wall.
The forest was quiet at first. Snow and Dog moved ahead of the group, occasionally stopping to sniff the ground before continuing. The others followed at a steady pace, weapons ready but not raised.
They didn't have to wait long.
Snow suddenly stopped.
Dog lowered his head beside him.
"Something's nearby," Elias said.
A low growl came from somewhere ahead.
Then something burst through the trees.
It was a stocky creature covered in dark brown fur, with a broad head and two curved horns protruding from its forehead.
Iris Appraised it.
"Level two."
The creature charged.
