The tide of the battle shifted as the air grew heavy with a static charge. From the deepest fissures of the walls, eight massive silhouettes emerged. These were different—their carapaces weren't gray or steel-colored; they were a polished, obsidian black that shimmered with an oily light. They were easily two meters in circumference, their bodies armored like heavy tanks.
Ethan lunged at the nearest one, his black dagger striking the creature's flank with a forceful arc. Instead of the familiar sound of rending flesh, there was a sharp clink. The blade hissed and bounced off the black hide, leaving nothing but a faint white scratch.
"The dagger isn't cutting through! What are these?" said Ethan, narrowingly dodging a massive tail sweep that shattered a stalagmite next to his head.
[Warning! These are the Queen's Royal Guards. Their carapaces are infused with high-density magnetite and spirit minerals. Your physical blade will not penetrate them easily,] Crul said.
