The first monster spotted him before he reached the main road.
Its head snapped toward him, body twisting as it let out a sharp, grating sound before charging.
Kenneth didn't slow. His rifle came up in one smooth motion, Bang.
The shot cracked through the air, precise and clean, striking the creature straight through its eye. It dropped instantly, momentum carrying it forward before it skidded to a halt at his feet.
Kenneth stepped over it without a glance.
More followed.
Two from the left. One from the right.
Smaller than the ones he'd faced earlier, but still dangerous. Still fast. Still in the goddamn way.
"Not today," he muttered.
He moved with sharp efficiency.
Another shot rang out, one creature dropped mid-lunge. He pivoted, ducking just as another swiped at him, its claws slicing through the air where his head had been.
Too close.
Kenneth twisted, driving the butt of his rifle into its jaw before firing point-blank.
It collapsed.
