"Damn it! Everyone, battle positions!"
Erik's voice cut through the air like a blade. Without hesitation, his team snapped into formation. Paint rifles were raised, bodies lowered into defensive stances, and sharp eyes scanned every corner of the darkness.
There was no room for mistakes. Beside him, Gav furrowed his brows, suspicion clear in his expression.
"Wait a second… Why don't I sense anyone? Is there really a monster here!?"
His voice carried a hint of disbelief. Erik didn't respond immediately. His gaze remained locked on the shadowed figure in front of them.
"Gav… Stay sharp." His voice dropped lower. "I don't know what that is, but we can't afford to be careless."
Gav swallowed hard, his grip tightening around his weapon.
How?
How could someone—even someone Erik acknowledged as dangerous—get this close without a sound? Without a single trace of their presence?
But before those questions could be answered—
SNAP!
"Huh?"
