The creatures paused, their heads tilting as if listening. One of them, slightly larger than the others, rushed forward with a cry that echoed like cracking stone. Its claws gleamed with ancient poison.
Without flinching, Igaris activated Kinetic Redirection.
The beast's charge halted mid-air, its own force rebounding against it.
Bang!
Bones cracked. The creature slammed into a pillar and slumped to the ground.
"I will give you one chance. Kneel, or vanish."
This time, they understood. Or perhaps it was instinct. One by one, the remaining creatures bent their knees, their movements trembling but clear. The largest among them, still alive, groaned and dropped its head in submission.
Jian walked up beside Igaris, awe written across his face.
"You really intend to make these things fight for you?"
"Yes. They are survivors of torment, discarded by this Empire. Now, they will have purpose. Under me, they will rise again."
