Aria's pov

　　Simon's face mirrored how I was feeling.

　　The monstrous creature lunged at us with gnashing teeth and sharp claws, Simon and I sprang into action, our years of training kicking in with instinctive precision.

　　"Stay focused!" I shouted over the roar of the beast, my muscles coiling as I prepared to strike.

　　Simon nodded grimly, his eyes locked on our foe as he readied her weapons.

　　I drew my sword and lunged at it, ...