The group ran through the forest of the dimensional rift, their pace swift, their hearts pounding.
The bioluminescent canopy above flickered as if reacting to their presence.
The air was humid, rich with dense spiritual particles and a thick tension that made every breath feel like drawing in warm oil.
As they ran, Elius was the vanguard, slicing through any obstacle with his flying swords.
Vines that reached out like claws were severed.
Roots that twisted to grab ankles were cut mid-motion.
The ground was littered with pulsing eggs and glowing fungi, but none of them mattered.
Not until the first swarm appeared.
A group of yellow-green insectoids emerged from the thick bushes.
Their legs clicked rapidly, their compound eyes shimmered with acid light, and they hissed in unison.
The bugs weren't large, only the size of a dog—but their sheer numbers were terrifying.
CHCHCHCHCHCH!
