Boom!

The eight-limbed Other pawed at the ground, raising clouds of dry dust as it tensed up, ready to spring.

The corrupt energy it was radiating left the three with no doubts about its strength.

At least a Fourth Pattern!

In a direct clash, they would be trampled flat.

They hurried out of its way.

Dong!

The eight-limbed Other landed and whirled, springing again. Its eight legs (but actually hands?) adroitly maneuvered it around.

The three hastily deployed their escape skills to dodge again.

All three were prepared for overwhelming power, and they knew all too well that the twisting vortex of...