The Beast didn't hesitate or observe.
It attacked immediately with speed and precision that made "fast" seem inadequate as a description.
WHOOSH!
The closest warrior—a young specialist named Kael—died before anyone could react.
The Beast's claws, constructed from solidified Soul Energy, tore through his Grade 8 defensive artifacts like they were paper, then shredded his physical body with similar ease.
Kael's scream cut off as his consciousness was consumed directly, the Soul Art attack destroying him at fundamental levels that prevented even mystical resurrection.
"Scatter!" Rey commanded, recognizing that maintaining formation against this opponent was suicide. "Mobile combat! Don't let it pin anyone down!"
The team dispersed immediately, warriors splitting into smaller groups that presented multiple targets rather than concentrating in easily destroyed clusters.
