The Acidspine Toad croaked again, its swollen throat pulsing grotesquely as it prepared another strike. Ethan saw it coming this time from the subtle contraction, the tension before release.
The tongue shot forward, even faster than before.
But instead of retreating, Ethan stepped in without hesitation.
He burst forward, his feet barely finding purchase as he launched himself off a half-submerged log that immediately began to sink beneath his weight. As he closed the distance, he twisted his body at the last possible moment, letting the tongue skim across his side.
It burned instantly.
A searing line of acid carved across his skin, eating into flesh like it had a mind of its own.
But he didn't stop or even flinch.
Gale Rend.
At point-blank range, his arm cut forward in a sharp, decisive arc, compressed wind forming along the edge of his strike.
Slice!
