The soldiers on the beach scrambled into defensive positions, their hands shaking as they aimed their rifles at Valeria. Her dark figure advanced slowly from the waterline, untouched by the destruction around her.
"Get ready!" shouted the squad leader, his voice tense as the soldiers lined up, their rifles trained on her.
"Open fire!" the squad leader yelled, and the soldiers immediately pulled the triggers of their M4 carbines. The rapid bursts of gunfire filled the air as hundreds of rounds raced toward Valeria.
The bullets never reached her.
A translucent barrier shimmered in front of her, shrugging off every projectile like they were mere pebbles. The soldiers stared in disbelief, panic setting in as their weapons proved useless.
"Shit, it's not working!" one of the soldiers cried out, his voice trembling.
"Keep firing!" the squad leader ordered, but even he sounded uncertain.