---
"Stop," Vel growled, covering her mouth.
Kai chuckled. "This is the weirdest recovery I have ever had."
"You're welcome," all four said in unison.
The warmth was thick. Soothing. For a moment, it felt like home.
And then the sky cracked.
Not with light or fire. With pressure.
A soundless roar echoed through the air, pressing against their lungs.
Vel shot up, eyes wide. "Something's coming."
Akayoroi's antennae stiffened. "A predator. Close."
Sha was already moving. "Direction?"
"South ridge," Naaro said.
Then it moved.
A shadow too fast. Trees fell. Rocks split.
And from that darkness came the beast.
It stood fifteen meters tall, a terror born of obsidian bone and molten sinew. Its main body was that of a massive lizard-dog hybrid, but serpentine heads coiled from its back, each lined with glowing fangs. Its tail swept like a crashing anchor. Its steps scorched the earth.
[Predator-Class Beast: Rank Six
Designation: Cindervore Basilisk
