I charged.
The Hydra charged back.
Physics suggested one of us was about to have a really bad day.
Spoiler: It wasn't going to be me.
The center head opened wide, fire building in its throat like a furnace getting ready to blow.
I slid under its chin, bat already swinging up.
Spatial Cleave activated on instinct.
The invisible blade cut through scale and muscle like they weren't even there.
The head separated from the neck in one clean stroke.
Blood sprayed. Black and viscous. It smelled like burning rubber mixed with rotting flowers.
The head hit the ground with a wet thud.
"One down!" I called.
The left head snapped toward me, lightning crackling between its fangs.
"Look out!" Celeste shouted.
Too late.
The bolt hit me square in the chest.
Every muscle in my body seized.
My vision went white.
My teeth felt like they were vibrating out of my skull.
But Rockstar Made kicked in the moment my heart stopped for half a second.
The pain became fuel.
