The realization came too late. Their shock delayed them for a crucial second. They had believed the rooftop was safe and the frontline would hold the monster in place, but the creature had proven far more intelligent than they expected.
It ignored the strongest fighters, launched itself across the battlefield, and struck directly at the weakest segment. It had chosen its target with calculation.
"Run!" Ethan shouted, already pivoting to run in another direction.
Samantha reacted first. She dashed sideways. Hana and Tobias, however, were still frozen by the violent landing and the sudden proximity of the burning figure behind them. That hesitation cost them precious moments.
The monster lunged at them.
Its blazing body blurred forward, targeting Hana. Whether it recognized her as the healer or simply sensed her weakness did not matter. Its killing intent locked onto her like a predator selecting prey.
