The crew was walking among the ruins of the obliterated city when a strange sound began to echo from underground, as if the rocks themselves were moving.
"Do you hear?" Nikos said, taking a step back. "The earth is moving!" Darius replied with a defiant smile. "Finally, an opponent on Earth. I'm tired of enemies from the sky."
"Don't get too excited," Callias said, placing his hand on his dagger. "The sounds are heavy, which means there's more to come."
*
The ground split between the broken pillars, and huge reptiles emerged, their bodies covered in dark scales and their eyes glowing red. Their long tongues flicked swiftly, making sharp sounds.
"I've never seen anything this big," Romulus said, raising his sword.
"Brace yourselves," Linus replied sternly. "These aren't just monsters… they're the guardians of the place."
Darius laughed defiantly. "Guards or not… I'll make them regret ever appearing before me!"
*
A reptile lunged at the crew, and Darius met it with his sword. "Its skin is as hard as stone!" Darius pressed forward with all his might. "Then aim for the eyes!" Callias swung his dagger back.
*
Another reptile leaped at Nikos. "Linus! It's on me!" he shouted. Linus lunged, striking it in the neck, and it fell writhing. "Get up!" Linus said, extending his hand to Nikos. "Don't let fear overwhelm you." Nikos gasped. "I never imagined the island would hide such creatures."
*
"It doesn't move at random… It's like it's pushing us inward!" Romulus said, fending off another attack. Linus narrowed his eyes. "That's true… as if it wants us to go somewhere specific." Callias said sarcastically. "Or a specific trap."
*
A huge reptile pounced on Darius, knocking him to the ground.
"Darius!" Romulus shouted.
"Don't worry… I'm still standing," Darius said, struggling to his feet.
"Stop joking! This is a serious fight," Linus said sharply.
"Fire!" Nikos waved a torch. "Try fire!"
He approached one of the reptiles and waved the torch in front of it.
It backed away slightly, then made an angry sound.
"It's not afraid… but it's hurting," Nikos said in surprise.
"So fire is our second weapon," Linus said quickly. "Light more torches!"
*
The crew began lighting the logs, waving the flames in the reptiles' faces.
"Look… they're retreating," Kallias said, smiling.
"But they haven't fled yet," Darius replied, catching his breath.
"No… they're waiting," Linus said, watching the shadows. "As if they know someone will finish what they started."
*
There was a brief silence, then a roar, even more violent than before, echoed from deep within the ruins.
"I hope there's nothing bigger than them," Nikos said, swallowing.
"This is just the beginning," Linus said, steadying himself.