"Come on, Ash! Help!" Iris shouted, her voice sharp as she and Aras faced off with the snarling creature in front of them.
It wasn't the biggest monster they had seen so far, but it was still large, easily the size of a bear. Its skin was rough and grey, lined with sharp folds like armored bark.
Four limbs, each ending in curved claws, tore into the dirt with every step it took.
Its mouth hung wide, full of uneven teeth and a flicking tongue that made a low hissing sound.
Its eyes were yellow, reptilian, and fixed on Iris.
Ash stood a few paces back, casually holding a smaller monster by the tail. Its body hung limp.
"It's just a small one. You guys got it," he said, shrugging. "Plus, I just dealt with this guy." He waved the carcass for effect.
Aras didn't complain. He stepped forward, eyes focused, and raised one hand. The air around the monster thickened immediately.
