The cyclops collapsed with the grace of a mountain losing its will to stand.
Its massive body pitched forward while I was still on its back.
The entire world under me tilted as gravity yanked us both toward the earth. I dug my fingers deeper into the burning cracks, bracing myself against the sudden freefall.
Then—
—THWOOOM!
The giant hit the ground like a falling god.
The impact sent a tremor ripping across the entire battlefield. Stone ruptured. Dust exploded. Cadets and Lesser Solbraiths nearby were flung off their feet by the sheer shockwave.
Even the Brawlers who'd caused the fall stumbled back, barely managing to keep themselves upright.
But I didn't fall off.
Not yet.
I kept my grip on the crack in its back — because unfortunately, the giant still hadn't hit the ground completely.
Before its chest could slam into the earth, the cyclops caught itself with one massive arm — slamming an elbow down to break its fall.
The ground trembled beneath the weight, but it held.
