The cold night air was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the crackling of the small fires from the distant bandit camp. Aiden and his team were positioned in the rocky outcrop above, waiting for Elara's signal to attack.
Everything was going according to plan—until it wasn't.
A sudden, sharp whistle cut through the silence.
Before Aiden could even process what was happening, an arrow whizzed past his cheek, embedding itself into the tree behind him.
"We've been spotted!" Elara hissed, her shadows flickering violently around her.
From the bandit camp, a loud horn blared, followed by the chaotic sounds of boots stomping against the dirt. The bandits weren't waiting for them to strike—they were counter-attacking.
"Damn it!" Xaleth cursed, immediately opening a portal to reposition himself, but before he could step through, an explosive arrow struck nearby, forcing him to dodge instead.
The trees around them were suddenly alive with movement as dark silhouettes emerged from the shadows, swords and weapons gleaming under the moonlight. The bandits had planned for this.
"Engage! Don't let them surround us!" Elysia commanded, summoning several violet-hued magic circles in front of her. Bolts of energy fired in quick succession, forcing the bandits to take cover behind the trees.
Leon wasted no time, disappearing from his spot in an instant. A second later, a boom echoed through the battlefield as he struck the first bandit with a devastating kick, sending him crashing into another.
Aiden barely had time to react before a burly bandit came swinging at him with a rusted axe. He ducked at the last second, narrowly avoiding the blade before rolling to the side. His heart pounded in his chest. No magic, no powers—just survive.
Elara's shadows moved like whips, pulling one bandit into the darkness and slamming him into a tree, knocking him unconscious.
"Stay close to me, Aiden!" she shouted, cutting down another attacker with a dagger formed from solidified darkness.
Lyra, standing in the middle of the group, raised her arms, wind swirling violently around her. "Enhance: Speed!"
A faint glow surrounded Leon and Elara, their movements becoming even sharper and faster.
The battle was chaotic, but for a moment, it seemed like they were holding their ground.
And then—
A deep, menacing laugh echoed through the forest.
The air grew thick, suffocating, as an overwhelming presence washed over them.
Aiden turned toward the sound, and his breath hitched. Three figures emerged from the darkness, their very existence radiating power.
Even the bandits, who were previously attacking without hesitation, immediately fell back, eyes wide with fear.
"Shit," Xaleth muttered under his breath, gripping his sword tightly.
The leader of the three, a tall man with crimson eyes and a twisted grin, took a step forward, his voice dripping with amusement.
"Well, well… what do we have here?"
His mere presence sent chills down Aiden's spine.
Leon clenched his fists, his usual arrogance momentarily fading. "Who… are they?"
Elara's face darkened. "They're not just anyone."
The man grinned wider, tilting his head. "Oh? You recognize us? Then you should know…" His gaze swept across the group like a predator sizing up its prey.
"We're ranked under #150,000 in the world."
Aiden felt his stomach drop.
They weren't fighting mere bandits anymore.
They were up against monsters.