As they reached the bottom of the incline, the air grew still. A thick fog rolled in, obscuring their vision. The ground beneath their feet felt unstable, as though the very earth was shifting. And then, in the distance, they heard it—the sound of a low growl.
Takumi's grip on his weapon tightened. His heart raced. The maze had prepared them for physical danger, but this—this felt different. The sound of the growl was more like a challenge, a predator stalking its prey.
"Stay sharp," Takumi ordered, his voice low but commanding. "Something's coming."
The growl grew louder, and then, without warning, a massive shape emerged from the fog. A shadow beast, its eyes glowing red, its fangs sharp and dripping with venom.
The beast lunged at them, its massive claws swiping through the fog. Takumi reacted instantly, slashing at the creature, but it dodged his strike with ease.
It was fast. Too fast.
Takumi's headphones began to hum louder, the music shifting, becoming erratic. He couldn't rely on his usual rhythm to get through this fight. This was different.
"Ryo! Haruka! Get to cover!" Takumi shouted, his voice urgent.
But as he fought, he realized something—he had to confront the beast head-on. He couldn't rely on the music anymore. The beast wasn't just physical—it was symbolic, a reflection of everything he feared about his role, about his ability to lead.
He stepped forward, eyes locked on the beast, and raised his weapon high. This time, he would not run.