Roots shot up from the snow, writhing like serpents, and a deep, guttural growl echoed through the trees. Goliath leapt back, her blade unsheathing in one fluid motion as she crouched into a defensive stance.
From the shadows emerged a massive creature, its form half-obscured by the swirling mist. It was unlike anything Goliath had ever seen—a grotesque fusion of animal and plant, its body covered in bark-like armor, and its eyes glowing the same eerie blue as the crystal.
"So much for a quiet search…" Goliath muttered, her tone tinged with annoyance. "Alright, big guy. You want to fight? Let's get this over with."
The creature roared, its voice shaking the trees, and lunged at her with surprising speed for its size. Goliath darted to the side, her movements swift and calculated. She slashed at one of its limbs, her blade biting into the bark-like flesh, but the creature didn't flinch.
Great. It's tougher than it looks, she thought, narrowly dodging another swipe from the beast.
