The lizard burst forward like a released arrow, its claws tearing against the ground as its massive body lunged at Airin with the wild speed of a starving beast.
Its jaws opened wide, rows of sharp teeth flashing under the light as it let out a harsh, shaking roar.
Any normal person would freeze in fear upon seeing the charging beast.
But not Airin.
While the beast rushed toward her like a storm given flesh and bone, she remained completely calm.
She even walked forward, as though she was the one closing the distance on the beast instead of the other way around.
The ground trembled faintly under the creature's weight as it drew nearer, its muscles tightening for the final leap that would tear through her defenses.
Then, at the exact moment the beast entered her range, Airin lifted her staff, the rose-colored shaft catching the ambient light as she pointed its tip directly at the charging monster.
There was no panic in her motion.
