Kael's blade clashed against the beast's claw, sparks flying as the sheer force of the impact rattled his bones. He gritted his teeth, refusing to let go as the creature snarled and swung again with a serpentine limb. Kael ducked and spun, landing two clean slashes across its ribcage—both blows deep and precise.
But it wasn't enough.
The beast's flesh regenerated again, the pale-green glow flaring back to life across its body. It twisted, tail lashing out and striking Kael square in the side. The blow sent him skidding across the cracked earth, tumbling over rocks and scorched ground.
He gasped, clutching his ribs. Blood trickled from his mouth.
"Damn thing… just won't fall," he muttered, staggering to his feet.
Still, he stood.
He charged again with a burst of Voidstep, zigzagging mid-air to avoid the beast's volley of dark spikes. He reappeared above it, blade raised high—then dropped like a meteor.
He drove the blade straight into the beast's shoulder, the impact shaking the ground. A shockwave rippled out, dust exploding skyward. The beast screeched in agony, rearing back—Kael still hanging on to his embedded weapon.
It swung wildly, and Kael was flung across the battlefield like a ragdoll. He hit a jagged slab of stone with a sickening crack and slumped to the ground.
But again… he stood.
His legs trembled. His left eye was swollen shut. But the Will in him wouldn't let him fall.
"I won't lose," he whispered, eyes glowing faintly. "Not while everyone's counting on me."
The beast growled, charging again.
Kael raised his blade once more.