Linus's group moved slowly among the black trees. The ground was damp and the air heavy. The fog wrapped around them like a living wall.
"I hate this silence," Darius said, raising his sword. "Not even the birds sing here."
"Perhaps because the birds know what we don't," Callias replied, observing the branches.
Darius laughed sarcastically. "Or do you want to frighten me with your words?"
"Enough," Linus said sternly. "Concentrate. The island doesn't need words to frighten us."
Romulus stopped suddenly and pointed to the ground. "Look… footprints."
Linus approached and bent down to examine them. "Not human. Look at the length of the fingers… and the claws."
"Finally," Darius said, smiling. "Something to face instead of this fog."
Linus replied sharply, "Don't rush. We don't know what we're up against yet."
As they advanced, they heard a loud rustling sound among the trees.
"Something's moving," said Callias, raising his dagger.
"More than one... I hear multiple footsteps," Romulus replied.
"Get ready," said Linus. "Don't attack until I give the signal."
Suddenly, a huge creature emerged from the trees, resembling a lizard but the size of a human. Its skin was glossy black, and its eyes glowed yellow. Three smaller ones moved behind it.
"The monsters!" said Darius, laughing. "We'll finally test our swords."
"Don't underestimate them," said Linus. "Look at their fangs."
"These aren't natural creatures... The island has changed them."
One of the creatures rushed toward them at an astonishing speed. Linus shouted, "Now! Fight!"
Darius's sword met the creature's claw, sparks flying.
Darius pressed forward with all his might, "Strong... stronger than I expected!"
Callias replied, stabbing one of the younglings with his dagger.
"But not faster than me!"
Another creature leaped at Romulus, knocking him to the ground.
"Romulus!" Linus shouted.
Linus lunged with his sword, striking the creature in the neck, causing it to fall writhing.
"I was about to be eaten," Romulus said, rising.
"Stay alert. This is no ordinary battle."
One of the large creatures backed away, letting out a shrill scream that made the trees tremble.
"It's summoning others!" Nikos covered his ears.
Linus quickly said, "Retreat toward the stone courtyard! We don't want to be trapped here."
"I won't run away from a monster!" Darius said, fending off another attack.
"This isn't running away... This is a tactic!" Linus responded angrily.
The crew slowly began to retreat, fighting as they withdrew.
"She doesn't fear fire," panted Callias. "Even a torch doesn't keep her at bay."
"Then we must bring her down with force," Linus replied.
At a crucial moment, the larger creature lunged directly at Linus.
Linus raised his sword, but the creature was faster.
"Linus!" cried Romulus.
Suddenly, Darius swooped down from the side, plunging his sword into the creature's chest.
The monster fell with a scream, then fell silent.
There was a brief silence.
Darius said, smiling, "Their leader has fallen." Linus replied, catching his breath, "Don't be so sure. This is just the beginning." Nikos stared into the darkness, "If this is the beginning... what awaits us in the depths?"
Linus looked at the crew, "The island has tested us. Now... we must prove we are worthy of survival." Romulus replied, "But at what cost?" Linus said, "At the price the sea... always exacts."