A gigantic insect burst through the undergrowth. Its body resembled a prying mantis forged from green crystal, nearly three metres tall with blade-like limbs sharp enough to slice through stone.
It moved silently but fast towards them. One arm slashed downward instantly towards Cassian's neck.
His shadows exploded upwards. The crystal blade collided against hardened steel-like shadows. Cassian slid backward across the earth with widened eyes.
"That thing almost decapitated me."
The mantis screeched, then vanished back into the forest in a blur but lightning was faster.
Atheline intercepted mid-motion, dagger colliding against crystal limbs sending sparks and electricity flying around.
The impact shattered nearby trees.
The mantis retaliated immediately with six consecutive slashes powerful enough to carve trenches through the forest ground.
Then fire descended. Yander's blade tore across the mantis's side in a violent arc. The crystal fragments exploded outwards upon impact.
