The shift that happened was instant.
The dead-tree giants, once lumbering and moving slowly like decayed titans suddenly lurched forward with terrifying speed.
The ground screamed beneath their weight. Black bark cracked and shattered soil with every step as they accelerated—massive limbs swinging, tearing through the air with impossible speed for creatures so large.
"Shit, how are they become so fast!" Eccar shouted as the first one surged toward him with blackened vines whipping like serpents behind it.
Erend had barely reached his altitude beside him when a branch-thick limb came crashing toward them. They scattered in opposite directions, the air bursting with a sonic boom as the attack missed.
Another giant came for Erend, both arms raised like it meant to crush him between them while he was flying.
He spun in midair, fire wreathing his entire body as he blasted a spiraling jet of flame downward to stop his movement.
