KHIEEEEEEK!
A deafening screech tore through the air as the giant scorpion stood its ground, its one remaining eye scanning the dunes with frantic, jerking motions.
Greenish-black blood oozed from deep wounds carved into its thick carapace. Its left claw had been cleanly severed, and a glowing blue dagger was still lodged in the socket where its other eye had once been.
The beast was injured, enraged, and trembling with fear.
It wasn't just fighting—it was surviving.
TING.
A sharp sound rang from above.
The scorpion snapped its tail upward in a flash, trying to block whatever was coming.
DHAK!
Something slammed into the tail—a faint impact, not enough to break through its armor. It had blocked it, yes.
But it was the wrong threat.
"Peek-a-boo~"
The voice came from beneath.
Before the monster could turn, Austin rose from the sand like a ghost, his body caked in dust and hidden by the terrain.
Its eyes widened in alarm—too late.
