Leo stepped into the clearing, his presence like a challenge written in fire and steel. The harpies reacted instantly, shifting into a coordinated formation, their hollow, skull-like faces twisting in twisted delight. They understood the silent declaration—he was daring them to attack.
And they accepted.
Several darted toward him with alarming speed, their wings carving through the air like sharpened blades.
Leo didn't flinch. He waited, fire mana pulsing through his sword as the glow intensified. When the timing was right—WHOOSH!—he swung in a wide arc, flames bursting outward.
Two harpies screeched, feathers burning as they reeled back, smoke trailing from their singed bodies. But one was slower to react. Leo twisted sharply, sidestepping its reckless charge. With precise footwork, he stepped in closer, his blade cut through the harpy's wing.
