Students pressed forward to watch, eager to learn from either success or failure.
"Begin!"
Han took the initiative, his spider's hexagonal patterns rippling across his skin as he moved forward with his spear held at the ready. Sora followed close behind with her shield. Jun covered the flank, his monkey's markings shifting nervously as he gripped his sword.
"Maintain formation," Lin suggested from the sidelines. Her experienced eye could already see the gaps in their coordination, the subtle signs of uncertainty in their movements.
The Stone Lurker suddenly sprang to life, rising on its suction-cup feet with shocking speed upon detecting that Jun was smaller than itself.
Its mouth opened impossibly wide, revealing rows of crushing teeth designed to pulverize both stone and bone. The grinding sound of its jaw expanding sent shivers through the watching crowd.
Jun screamed and stumbled backward, his sword shaking violently in his grip.
