The creature's body collapsed in two uneven halves at her feet.
A third one leapt toward her from the front, its entire weight thrown into the attack. Instead of stepping back she moved into it, her shoulder slamming forward to break its momentum.
Her blade drove straight through its neck, and with a sharp pull and turn, its head was sent spinning away. Its body dropped lifelessly to the ground.
"Close in!" Gabriel shouted, seizing the moment she created. Gunshots rang out again.
The soldiers tightened their formation and moved forward with renewed force as they followed her lead. They pushed outward, their bullets tearing through the monsters that tried to circle around them.
Ling Xuan continued moving at the front. Her steps were controlled and swift. Her blade flashed again and again as she cut through the monsters that came within reach, while the soldiers coordinated behind and beside her. They covered the gaps she left and prevented the creatures from flanking them.
