Derek stood up slowly.
The daggers hovered beside him, circling lazily like loyal guardians awaiting their master's command.
He glanced at his team, calm as ever.
"Let's move deeper," he said. "I need to test this technique properly."
The others nodded instantly, no questions asked.
They began walking toward the next region of the combat zone.
And as they moved…
The ground trembled.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the rocky plain.
Four towering figures emerged from behind the jagged cliffs — massive, muscular creatures at least three times the size of a man. Their bodies were covered in thick armor-like plates. Their eyes glowed red with violence. Their claws dug into the earth with every step.
D-class monsters.
Emma tightened her grip on her wand.
Henry raised his fists.
Eva steadied her breath.
Art braced himself.
And Derek?
Derek's expression didn't change at all.
If anything — he looked excited.
The twin blades hovering at his side glowed faintly.
