On the surface, chaos erupted. The Siphon Wraiths, insect-like creatures resembling oversized mosquitoes, swarmed around them. Each one was about the size of a fist not the usual thumb size they seen, buzzing with sharp wings and piercing proboscises dripping with a dark, oily substance.
"Hold your ground!" the second-in-command shouted, his voice barely rising over the frantic flapping of wings. Blades swung wildly through the air, slashing at the darting insects, but for every Wraith they struck down, it seemed two more took its place.
"We need to back down!" Fumiko urged, her voice tight with worry as she saw more members getting pierced by the Wraiths. A single sting left deep puncture wounds, and those hit staggered back, clutching their limbs or necks, pale and shaking. "We need a mage!" she yelled desperately, frustration clear on her face.
