A wall exploded nearby.
Ariana crashed through the rubble and slid to a halt beside Kael. Her chest rose and fell as she breathed heavily. Blood stained her sleeve, but her eyes were sharp and focused.
"You're alive," she said. Relief flashed across her face for a brief second.
"You too," Kael replied. "Good timing."
Before she could say anything else, the ground shook.
BOOOOOOM!
A massive shockwave ripped through the street below. Bodies, debris, and broken weapons were thrown into the air. Kael and Ariana steadied themselves as cracks spread across the stone.
From the smoke, figures emerged.
Cultists.
Dozens of them.
Their bodies were carved with glowing runes. Some carried staves. Others held curved blades. A few dragged heavy weapons that pulsed with dark energy. Their eyes were hollow, empty of fear or reason.
"Here they come," Ariana said quietly.
Kael stepped forward. "Don't hold back. These aren't average fighters. They are A-rank abyssal creatures."
