Before I could fully regain my composure...
The monster was already in front of me again.
No footsteps.
No wind-up.
Just there.
Its fist came crashing down for another strike.
I raised both arms on instinct and blocked...
...or tried to.
The impact shattered whatever remained of my guard.
A sharp crack echoed through my bones as the force slammed into me, the shock running straight down my spine.
It barely did damage.
Barely.
But the impact?
That was a different story.
My body got driven further into the mountain behind me, drilling deeper like I was nothing more than a nail being hammered in.
"…You've got to be kidding me," I groaned under my breath.
Kael and Zeref didn't hesitate.
They rushed in together, attacking from both sides with perfect coordination...blades and flames colliding against the creature's body.
But...
Nothing.
No flinch.
No stagger.
It didn't even look at them.
Its hollow gaze remained locked on me.
