She had a point; everyone in that context had people that they wanted to return to. Terry was the only exception, so there was no need for her to get special treatment. Still, he was being reckless when there were two kids waiting for her at home, and Terry didn’t want to lead her to a possible death.

In the end, Terry made the tough decision to leave behind those with the weakest weapons. It wasn’t an easy choice, but he knew that in order to maximize their chances of success, they needed to prioritize strength and firepower. Unlike Rebecca, who had passionately argued for her inclusion in the mission, those with weaker weapons didn’t protest or try to argue their case.

Understanding Terry’s reasoning, they recognized that their equipment might put them at a disadvantage in the upcoming battle. While it was a blow to their pride, they humbly accepted Terry’s decision, knowing that it was made with the group’s best interests in mind. They understood that their absence would allow the others to focus on the mission without having to worry about protecting them or compensating for their limitations.

With a mixture of disappointment and determination, those who were left behind to support the mission in any way they could. They would serve as a crucial communication link, relaying information and providing assistance from their position outside the main battle. While they longed to be on the frontlines, their dedication to the cause outweighed any personal disappointment.

"Let’s go," Terry declared.

After passing through the portal, the group found themselves in a vast mountainous expanse, a landscape that seemed untouched by time. Towering peaks, their edges piercing the sky, stood like ancient sentinels, their slopes covered in rugged terrain and scraggly vegetation. The air was thick with the scent of ash and the faint hint of sulfur, a constant reminder of the fiery nature of the surroundings.

Before they could move, they discovered that the mountainside was riddled with narrow, winding paths that crisscrossed through rocky outcrops and steep inclines. The ground beneath their feet was littered with charred debris and smoldering embers, evidence of the fire drakes’ destructive presence.

The towering peaks cast long shadows, creating pockets of darkness amidst the fiery glow. The group thought that they would have to walk carefully, taking advantage of the natural formations for cover and concealment. The terrain presented numerous challenges, with sudden drops and treacherous cliffs that required steady footing and unwavering focus, after all.

Above them, the sky was filled with the constant motion of fire drakes. They soared through the air with grace and agility, their wingspan casting imposing shadows on the ground below. The creatures unleashed occasional bursts of flames, sending fiery trails streaking across the sky and illuminating the landscape with an ominous glow.

The group moved cautiously through the mountainous terrain, their eyes constantly scanning the skies for any sign of the fire drakes’ attention. They walked in hushed whispers, their footsteps light and careful as if trying to blend into the very landscape that surrounded them.

Every rustle of wings, every distant roar, sent a shiver down their spines. They couldn’t help but wonder when the watchful gazes of the fire drakes would turn towards them. Each passing moment felt like a delicate balance, teetering on the edge of discovery.

Their hearts raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. They knew that the fire drakes were formidable adversaries, their fiery breath capable of turning the landscape to ash. The mere thought of being caught in the crosshairs of their attention sent a chill down their spines. They didn’t like the idea of facing another fire tornado...

Still, what can happen, will happen. Just when the group was approaching a path where they would be able to move without being noticed, the wind blew, and their smell eventually reached some fire drakes.

Wings beating with a thunderous sound, the fire drakes swooped down from above, their fiery scales shimmering in the sunlight. Their eyes burned with an intense, predatory gaze, fixated on the intruders below. The ground trembled beneath the weight of their presence, and a wave of heat washed over the group as if the very air was set ablaze.

Fear gripped the hearts of the group as the fire drakes closed in, circling above them with an eerie precision. Their razor-sharp claws and gleaming fangs were visible, a stark reminder of the imminent danger they faced. The sheer size and ferocity of the creatures sent a shiver down their spines.

The fire drakes unleashed a symphony of deafening roars, their voices reverberating through the mountains. Flames danced from their mouths, spewing fiery projectiles that scorched the earth below.

"Get ready for battle!" Terry shouted when he noticed more monsters approaching. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

They were in the best spots to deal with the beast, but they didn’t have any other choice but to face them. The monsters began to approach too fast, and it was better to get rid of them before more of them arrived from a distance.

"I will block their attacks, focus on killing them when they get too close," Vanessa declared.

"I can help you all when you get surrounded; just focus on killing them as fast as possible," Rebecca added.

As the fire drakes unleashed their fiery onslaught, Vanessa stepped forward with unwavering resolve. She called upon the power of wind, her magic swirling around her in a protective barrier. The intense heat of the fire attacks clashed against her barrier. Still, she stood firm, channeling her magic to create a shield that deflected the flames away from her allies. The gusts of wind she summoned swirled around the group, creating a buffer against the scorching heat.

Meanwhile, Rebecca, fueled by determination and a fierce loyalty to her comrades, took a defensive stance. She summoned the earth’s power beneath her feet with a focused gaze. From the ground, sharp spikes of earth shot up, impaling the fire drakes that dared to come too close. The earth spears pierced through their scaly hides, momentarily halting their advance and providing a crucial reprieve for the rest of the group.