YOU ARE KORDRO.

The minotaur inhaled sharply, releasing hot steam from its nostrils. The sound was so intense the air itself seemed to vibrate. The knights of the Order of Haz tensed instantly—the monster's presence weighed on them like an invisible slab.

Captain Daela felt that weight, but she didn't take a step back. Her gaze stayed locked, firm as spears driven into the beast.

The Kordro brought its swords together.—CHAK!—A rain of burning sparks showered the ground, crackling like living embers.

—Pedrus —Daela said, spinning her sword so it caught a deadly gleam—. Take care of the hounds. I'll deal with the minotaur.—But… Captain… —Pedrus's voice trembled.—Don't worry —her lips curved into a half-smile—. This beast… is the opportunity I've been waiting for.

Pedrus smiled as well. That woman always managed to spark courage in others.—As you command, Captain.

Daela lunged.Her blade sliced through the air like a sharp gust of wind. —CLANG! SLASH!—Her movements were so fast the sparks seemed to follow her. The blade sank into the minotaur's flesh as if cutting through butter… but it was an illusion.

In a brief pause, she realized it—none of her blows had done any real harm. The creature's hide was still unscathed.

The minotaur raised both axes.—BOOOM!—It struck the ground with such force the air shattered like glass. The crash rattled bones, a thick cloud of dust rose, and the ground split beneath them all.

In the blink of an eye, the creature charged her.

The attacks weren't fast, but each carried brutal force. The shockwaves hit like hammers, pushing Daela back and shaking the other knights. Even Kiren, far off, felt the ground quake beneath his feet.

Pedrus was fighting the hounds. He struck with precision, but couldn't cut them—they were fast, silent… almost invisible until they leapt. Worse yet, there were three of them, and he was alone.

The other knights still stood frozen.—We can't just stand here doing nothing! —one roared.—What do we do? They're stronger than us! —another trembled.—If we don't act, the captain will die —the first one snapped, voice hardening—. Form ranks! Now!

Pedrus dodged a bite, but another beast clamped down on his right hand. The fangs sank in with a dry —CRUNCH!—. Pain made him grit his teeth. He tried to cut the animal, but the sword didn't harm it.

A second hound leapt to finish him, but several knights formed a human wall, clashing their weapons against the beast and forcing it back.

Pedrus twisted his blade and drove it into the eye of the hound holding him. A piercing howl ripped the air. The beast released him and he fell to his knees. Blood gushed uncontrollably; the bone was shattered.

The third wolf came like a bullet. Pedrus raised his sword.—WHOOSH!—A razor-sharp gust of wind shot forward, striking the beast squarely and hurling it several meters away like a broken doll.—I'm… losing too much blood… —he panted.

The last beast raised its claw.—BAM!—The first shield line collapsed; several soldiers rolled across the ground.

Daela kept fighting the minotaur. Her arms burned, sweat stung her eyes. The beast only seemed to grow stronger. Then——CRACK!—A stone projectile the size of a barrel smashed into her back. Pain stole her breath.

Kiren saw it all. His pulse pounded in his temples.—Mecamina? Are you there? —he shouted.—Indeed —she replied, voice mechanical.—I want to help. Tell me how to transform into that creature from before!—I'm glad you wish to help your Kordro brothers…—No! You're wrong. I want to help the knights.—Impossible. Our fight is against the humans; you cannot go against your own kind.—What are you talking about? I'm human!—You are mistaken. You are a Kordro. Your human form is merely an avatar.—What…?—That avatar is used to spy on humans. To learn their weaknesses… and destroy them.—That's absurd! —Kiren clutched his head. His heart pounded so hard it hurt his ribs.—It is your purpose.—Why…? Why do you have to fight like this?—Do you pity the humans… or the Kordros?

Kiren swallowed hard. The question froze him.—I don't know… I just want this to end…—The Kordros are the true rulers of this planet. It was the humans who invaded us.—Lies! Earth belongs to humans!—You are wrong.

Pause.Silence.—This planet… is not Earth.

Kiren slowly lowered his hands. His eyes widened unnaturally.One heartbeat.Two.Three.—BOOM!—If it wasn't Earth…Then where in the hell was he?

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