The monster snarled—spittle and heat pouring from its jaws as it charged again.
THMP-THMP-THMP!
It closed the gap in a heartbeat.
Damien shifted. His stance narrowed.
FWUMP!
The beast struck low, a sweeping claw that could've split a boulder.
Damien didn't block.
He slid—his shoulder rolling back, torso slipping just above the arc of destruction. The edge of the claw grazed his coat, but nothing else.
CRACK!
He responded with a hammering palm to the side of the beast's knee.
The force transferred clean.
But the cost—
POP!
Pain surged through Damien's wrist.
He gritted his teeth as bone compressed against resistance far beyond what a normal body could handle.
Not enough. Not yet.
His physique absorbed the impact without fracturing—but barely. The vibration traveled up his elbow, spreading dull agony into his shoulder socket.
The monster stumbled—barely.
He moved again, faster now.
SHFF—THWACK!
