"I told you to fall back!" the general snapped, using the distraction to create distance between himself and the monster.
Ethan rolled to his feet, ignoring the fresh pain blossoming in his ribs. "You were losing."
"And now we're both losing," the general retorted, though a grudging respect colored his tone.
The Crystal Ape beat its massive chest, crystals humming with deadly energy as it prepared another charge. Soldiers scrambled to form a defensive line, their faces pale with fear but determined.
"We need to coordinate," Ethan said, mind racing through possibilities. "It's expecting individual attacks now."
The general nodded sharply. "My thoughts exactly."
He turned to his men. "Spear formation! On my signal!"
The soldiers quickly reorganized, the front line kneeling with spears braced while the second rank positioned their weapons in the gaps. A bristling wall of steel points suddenly faced the monster.
