The last lizard-like monster crumbled to ash under Ignis's flames, its body disintegrating into fine grey dust that scattered on the wind. Ignis lowered her fists, a wide, satisfied grin spreading across her face.
"Too easy! These things are barely worth the effort!"
She cracked her neck, flames still flickering around her shoulders. But before she could bask in her victory, the ground beneath them shuddered violently.
A deep, guttural tremor ripped through the earth, shaking the cracked stone and sending loose rocks skittering across the ground. The group staggered, steadying themselves as the tremors grew stronger, more erratic.
Lilith's crimson eyes narrowed, her silver threads already stirring around her fingers. Her voice carried a note of dry, almost amused resignation.
"It seems our journey will be more... challenging than anticipated."
From the fissures that had splintered the ground, monsters began to emerge.
