The roar shattered the air like thunder. A massive creature burst from the lake, breaking through the water's surface in a vortex of foam. Its long, sinuous body was covered in shimmering silver-blue scales, and its fiery red eyes locked onto Veil and Alynia with chilling precision.

Veil (breathing heavily, tension in his voice): "What the hell is that...? This is worse than a sea serpent..."

Alynia (gritting her teeth): "It's an Hydreon. And if you're done gawking, look behind you!"

Two more figures emerged from the surrounding rocks. The first was a Vortagene, a stocky reptilian beast with dark red scales and a back covered in bony plates. It dug its sharp claws into the ground, disappearing beneath the surface as if swimming through the earth itself. The second was a Corvaros, a massive black-feathered raptor with wide wings, circling high above them.

Veil (yelling): "Three enemies this time?! This keeps getting worse!"

Alynia (barking orders): "We can't take them one at a time! You handle the Hydreon! I'll keep the Corvaros away! And stay moving—the Vortagene won't give you a break!"

Veil focused, feeling mana pulse through his veins. His hands lifted, and a surge of water shot from the lake, striking the Hydreon square in the face. The beast growled, shaking its head, then dove back beneath the surface in an instant.

Veil (shouting): "It's fast!"

He stepped back, scanning the ripples for any sign of movement. Meanwhile, Alynia was leaping from rock to rock, dodging the Corvaros' vicious dives. The raptor swooped down, talons extended, ready to grab her. Alynia rolled to the ground, but the Corvaros' claws grazed her arm, leaving a long gash.

Alynia (grimacing): "Tch... You're gonna regret that."

She sprang onto a higher rock, calculating its next dive. The Corvaros folded its wings, diving at full speed. This time, Alynia leaped against its trajectory, slamming into it mid-air with her claws. The bird screeched in pain but managed to recover, its wings flapping furiously.

At that moment, the ground beneath Veil trembled.

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Veil (shouting): "The Vortagene... it's right under me!"

He threw himself sideways just as razor-sharp claws erupted from below. The monster shot out of the ground like a projectile, its snout splitting the earth open.

Alynia (yelling): "Veil, stop running! Immobilize it!"

Veil (panting): "Easier said than done!"

He extended his hands toward the ground, summoning water and instantly freezing it. Jagged spikes of ice shot up right where the Vortagene was emerging.

CRACK

The creature collided with the ice, partially stuck, but not for long. With a powerful swipe of its claws, it shattered the frozen spikes, sending shards flying everywhere.

Alynia (shielding her face): "Pup! Don't mess this up, or I swear—"

Veil (gritting his teeth): "I know, I know!"

He slammed his hands onto the ground, summoning thicker sheets of ice that locked the Vortagene's legs in place.

Veil (shouting): "Got it!"

Alynia (yelling): "Don't celebrate yet! Veil, get down!"

Veil barely dodged as the Corvaros swooped again, but one of its talons slashed across his shoulder.

Veil (grimacing): "Argh!"

Alynia (lunging at the Corvaros): "It's just a scratch—keep going!"

She leaped onto the raptor's back, digging her claws deep into its feathers. The Corvaros let out a pained screech as it crashed into the ground.

Alynia (shouting): "Veil, together!"

Veil staggered to his feet, raising his hand. A whip of water lashed out from the lake, wrapping around the Hydreon's throat. He pulled with all his strength.

Veil (yelling): "Alynia, finish it!"

Alynia dashed forward, leaping from rock to rock before landing on the Hydreon's head. With one swift motion, she plunged her claws into its eyes. The beast let out a guttural scream, its massive body thrashing before finally collapsing into the lake.

Silence fell, broken only by the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Alynia (panting, slowly standing up): "We... we did it..."

Veil (grinning): "Yeah... but next time, try not to get your shoulder slashed."

Veil pushed himself upright, swaying slightly.

Veil (wiping sweat from his forehead with his sleeve): "I'm doing my best, alright?"

Alynia walked over, unhooked a small pouch from her belt, and pulled out a tiny vial. She uncorked it and handed it to him.

Alynia (calm but firm): "Drink this. Unless you want to collapse like a sack of bricks."

Veil took it without protest, downing the liquid in one gulp before immediately grimacing.

Veil (grimacing): "Ugh... What is this?!"

Alynia (raising an amused eyebrow): "A mix of bitter roots and bark. Would you rather pass out?"

Veil (shaking his head): "Okay, okay... You win this round."

A faint warmth spread through his limbs as the potion's effects kicked in. Alynia sat down on a nearby rock, arms crossed, while Veil settled beside her.

They both sat at the edge of the lake, resting on the cool stones. Their bodies were exhausted, but their minds were still racing.

Alynia (appreciating the rare moment of peace): "You fought well, Pup."

Veil (small grin): "So did you."

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, smirking slightly.

Veil (short of breath): "We're still alive. That's something."

Alynia didn't respond immediately. She gazed up at the sky, briefly closing her eyes, savoring the fleeting calm.

Alynia (soft but firm): "Rest, but not for too long, Pup. We're not out of this yet."

Veil (leaning back, exhaling): "I know, I know..."

He let his head rest against the rock, his eyes fixed on the sky above.

The lake's surface, still turbulent from the battle, gradually returned to a peaceful stillness. No cries. No movement. Just the wind and the water, flowing calmly once more.