The monster, taller than any man, stepped forward, black mist surrounding its body. Its red eyes glowed like fire, and the ground shook with each step it was taking.
Takuma raised his sword. "Everyone, get ready!"
Emi blinked, then vanished. She reappeared behind a tree, her movements so fast they left afterimages.
Sota held his metal rods tightly, sparks of blue energy appearing along them. "We've got this!"
Daichi stood calm, the wind swirling around him. Leaves and small branches lifted into the air, forming a storm. "This monster is powered by a Starborne," he said. "Watch the mist, it's part of its strength."
The beast roared and swung its massive arm at Takuma. He blocked with his sword, the force pushing him back a few steps.
"Takuma!" Emi shouted as she reappeared at his side.
"I'm fine!" he said, gripping his sword tighter. "We have to stop it before it tries to reach the town!"
Sota dashed forward, jabbing his rods into the ground. Sparks shot out and hit the monster's face.
Emi ran in circles around it, leaving afterimages that confused its glowing red eyes. The monster roared in frustration. The monster then began to try to hit Emi, but she was too fast. Takuma saw an opening and leapt forward, bringing his sword with all his strength.
The blade cut through the mist, leaving a bright slash across the monster's chest. But the creature did not fall. It let out a powerful roar, sending dark mist bursting outward.
Daichi lifted his hand and started using the wind. The wind whipped through the mist, slashing at it, separating pieces of the creature.
"Now, Takuma!" Daichi shouted.
Takuma ran forward, swinging his sword again. The blade cut cleanly through the mist, and the monster let out a final roar before collapsing into dark smoke.
The forest was silent. Leaves were falling down. Takuma leaned on his sword, breathing hard but smiling. "That was close."
Emi put her hands on her knees, laughing softly. "I still need practice… but it worked!"
Sota nodded, sparks along his rods fading away. "Yeah. We did it together!"
Daichi lowered his hands, letting the wind settle. "Good work. But remember, Ren is still out there. And his monsters will keep getting stronger. We need to learn, train, and always stay ready."
Takuma looked up at the sunlight. Stars weren't out yet, but he felt their power in him, steady and waiting. "We will," he said. "No matter what it takes, we'll stop anyone who hurts people with these powers."
The four of them stood in the woods. And for the first time, they felt ready. Together, they could face anything.