The war beast lunged, its mechanical limbs whirring with unnatural precision. Kaden's heart raced in his chest, but his focus was unshakable. The Unseen Hunter was at his side, an extension of his will, and together, they were more than just a pair—they were a force.
The Unseen Hunter moved with fluid grace, its smoky form twisting and flickering as it dodged the war beast's first swipe. The clash was electric, a battle of power versus precision. The war beast, with its metallic body and sharp claws, tore through the forest, the ground trembling beneath its steps. It was a machine, designed for one purpose—destruction. But the Unseen Hunter? It was wild, untamable, and unpredictable.
Kaden gritted his teeth and shouted, "Hunter, now!" His voice was steady, commanding. He reached deep into the bond, channeling everything he had into his connection with the beast.
In response, the Unseen Hunter let out a piercing roar, an otherworldly sound that sent shockwaves through the air. It surged forward with a speed that defied its massive size, its shadowy form flickering like a dark flame. The war beast's massive claws slashed at it, but the Unseen Hunter danced around them with a flick of its tail, its body a blur of shifting shadows.
Kaden barely had time to react as the war beast retaliated. It swung its massive mechanical fist toward him, and Kaden instinctively ducked. The blow missed by inches, sending a blast of wind and debris flying. His headset crackled, the signal flickering as his mind raced to keep up with the chaos.
Focus, Kaden thought, locking eyes with the Unseen Hunter. We need to end this.
The bond between them surged, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. Kaden could feel the beast's energy coursing through him, a raw, untamed power that threatened to overwhelm his senses. But he held firm. He had trained for this. He had prepared.
"Hunter! End it!" Kaden commanded, his voice ringing through the bond like a clarion call.
With a final burst of speed, the Unseen Hunter leapt into the air, its shadowy form stretching unnaturally, and collided with the war beast in a burst of energy. The two creatures clashed, and for a moment, the entire forest seemed to hold its breath.
Then, with a single, final strike, the Unseen Hunter pierced the war beast's mechanical armor, sending sparks flying into the air. The creature roared in agony, its glowing blue eyes flickering as its systems failed.
Kaden's heart raced as the war beast collapsed to the ground with a deafening crash, its metallic body shuddering. The Unseen Hunter landed gracefully, its form solidifying once more, and stood victorious.
For a long moment, there was only silence. Then, Kaden exhaled sharply, his knees buckling beneath him as the adrenaline drained from his body.
The Unseen Hunter turned its gaze toward him, and Kaden could feel its presence in his mind, a flicker of understanding. It had listened. It had obeyed.
"You did it," Kaden whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
But his victory was short-lived.
A distant, low hum filled the air, and the ground beneath them rumbled ominously. Kaden's breath caught in his throat. The war beast may have been defeated, but there was something far worse approaching.
"Hunter…" Kaden's voice was tight with tension. "I think we've attracted unwanted attention."