Holding the Breach to the Death

A massive breach had been torn open in the center of the valley entrance by the giant shadow. Shattered stones lay scattered across the muddy ground, while the fog churned and blurred everything around them. The air reeked of acid, and even breathing brought a scorching sensation. The defensive line's original semicircular shape had completely collapsed. The wooden stakes on both sides swayed precariously, ready to crumble at any moment.

The giant shadow gave them no chance to catch their breath. With a low growl, it raised its forelimb again and brought it crashing down like a gigantic hammer. The ground shook, sending stones flying in all directions, and the breach widened enough for three individuals to enter side by side. The ordinary ants nearby immediately surged forward, pouring through the opening like a tide rushing through a gap.

The blade met the first individual that broke through, cleaving its forelimb joint. Green liquid gushed out and splashed onto the mud by his feet, raising white vapor. It let out a short hiss, but the two behind it had already pressed forward, sweeping their tails sideways and knocking away the broken stakes in one blow. Their movements were crisp and decisive, clearly coordinated with the giant shadow's charge.

The slope on the western side was even more dangerous. Several had already climbed onto the high ground, their claw tips wedged into the rock with a sharp scraping sound. Keeping their bodies low, they moved in from the side and closed in with incredible speed. He spun around abruptly and swung his blade sideways, forcing the one in front back. But the two behind it pounced almost simultaneously, their tails whipping wildly as dust and acid came surging in together. Stones on the cliff face were shattered by the blows, and