The raid didn't stay idle. Fighters surged forward to meet the charge. Mages unleashed spells. Summons poured into the gap between the two forces.
Ember Rift-Sprites detonated against the plant creatures, flames consuming dried vegetation. Spectral Knights swung blades, cutting through vine limbs. The Thorn-Lashers got slowed down but still advanced, their damaged bodies regenerating as new vines sprouted from severed stumps.
One of the creatures reached Helga's line. An Ironside met it with his shield; the impact drove him back several meters. But he moved his sword, severing the creature's vine-like limb. The limb fell, twitching, but new vines immediately began forming to replace it.
"Target the cores!" the Ironside shouted. His next strike punched through the creature's chest, piercing the sphere at its center. The Thorn-Lasher collapsed as the controlling mass was destroyed.
The quest's progress finally started to rise.
