The first battle had ended in victory, and cheers echoed through the camp all night. The soldiers looked hopefully toward the future. Yet that optimism did not last long.
Preparations for the second operation were just as thorough. The airships took off again, their target the remaining Imps. However, things did not go as smoothly as everyone had hoped.
This time, the Imps had clearly grown craftier. They circled far overhead, keeping their distance from the airships and never recklessly approaching. The archers drew their bows to full stretch but could find no suitable targets. The commanders anxiously watched the battle, yet could not find a way to break through.
"They seem to be watching our movements." Ang stood on the command platform with a deep frown. His gaze was grave, as though he had sensed something unsettling.
Suddenly, a dull rumble came from the ground, as if the earth itself were groaning. Then, a Three-headed Hellhound leaped out of the shadows, its enormous body lunging straight at the airship.
"Warning! A Three-headed Hellhound is attacking!" The Sentinel's shout rang through the air. The archers aboard the airship swiftly changed targets and fired at the leaping beast.
Twanging! Bowstrings shuddered one after another as arrows shot into the Three-headed Hellhound's body. But its thick fur absorbed nearly all the impact, leaving only shallow wounds.
The Three-headed Hellhound's massive claws scraped the edge of the airship's shield with a piercing screech. The airship lurched, and the soldiers on deck staggered wildly, nearly falling over.
The commanders' faces turned grim.
"The shield was not designed for Hellhounds. Those claws are more dangerous than fireballs!" A mage gripped his staff tightly as he nervously reported to Lorn the Mage.
Above the airship, the Imps continued circling, seemingly waiting for the best opportunity. The