"Brace yourselves!" Belle shouted, snapping her rifle up.
The swarm shrieked as one, dragonflies descending in a violent torrent of wings and fangs. Gunfire, steel, and claws met them head-on, but the sheer numbers drove the defenders back inch by inch.
"The cannon will fire in five… four… three… two… one."
Then—FWOOM!
A thunderous blast tore across the sky as Sebas triggered the cannon. The energy beam lanced upward, smashing into the Sky Whale's shimmering barrier. The shield rippled, fractured, then cracked open under the sheer force. Cheers nearly rose in their throats, until reality hit.
"The bugs—!" Cindy screamed.
The swarm wasn't scattering. They were converging. Straight toward the weapon.
Panic erupted in the comms.
"If they reach the cannon, it's over!"
"Take them down, now!"
Rea leapt onto the nearest cluster, slashing wildly as ichor sprayed. "Damn it, there are too many!"
