The battlefield was a vortex of chaos. Adrian and the goddesses unleashed their power, causing the air to crackle with energy as the shadowy soldiers from the barracks fell one by one.
Yet, the tension only mounted as the man in charge rallied his forces. Hera's griffin, Solis, hovered above, its golden wings beating furiously, scattering debris and ash across the barracks.
"Enough!" the man roared, his voice carrying over the din.
He raised his hand, and shadowy tendrils shot out from the ground, encircling his remaining forces. Their forms began to shift and twist, growing larger, darker, and more monstrous.
"What is this?" Adrian growled, his fiery chains slashing through the dark tendrils trying to ensnare him.
"They're enhancing themselves," Ava shouted, her staff glowing brighter as she deflected a surge of shadow energy aimed at the group. "Be careful—they're stronger now."
