"What's wrong with you?" Machias asked.

"I just saw a dark shadow flash by. Didn't you notice?" Hope was a bit nervous.

"No. Maybe your eyes were playing tricks on you," someone replied.

"You guys didn’t see anything?" Hope was puzzled and looked at Machias.

Machias shook his head, indicating he hadn't seen anything. The chaotic aura here affected everyone, so merely sensing something didn't necessarily mean there were enemies present.

"In any case, let's stay vigilant. It's better to be safe than sorry," Machias said.

The group tightened their formation as they moved forward. The surrounding mist became denser. Everyone had the feeling that a mysterious creature was hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike.

"Edie, we haven’t seen any of these monsters you mentioned," Machias said.

"Are you trying to trick us?" someone asked impatiently.

"Don't worry. Look, it’s appearing now," Edie answered in an eerie tone.

Whoosh!

A long roar echoed. In the mist ahead, a huge figure sudde