Chapter 131: Round 2 With The Apex Mane (2)
Fire erupted around his position in a controlled explosion, his flames creating a superheated barrier that would have incinerated opponents below gold-rank. The Apex Mane crashed through the inferno without slowing, its hide smoking but unbroken.
It's tough as expected. Good.
Water manipulation activated instantly, moisture drawn from burning vegetation creating pressurised streams that struck the creature's scarred face with hydraulic force.
The aquatic assault hammered against its ruined eye socket, aggravating wounds that had never properly healed.
SNARL!
Pain and fury twisted the Apex Mane's features as it staggered under the combined assault. Steam rose from its superheated form while hydraulic pressure reopened partially healed wounds.
First blood to me. Again. But that doesn't mean it's going to be easy.
But the creature's retaliation came faster than anticipated. Its claws swept through superheated air, seeking to repeat their previous success against his defensive capabilities.
Ethan's crystal hardening activated automatically, mineral reinforcement flowing across his skin like living armour. The claws met Ethan's first line of defence before making it towards his crystal defence.
CRACK!
His crystal defence held for three heartbeats before the force overwhelmed his protection. Claws punched through mineral armour, carving shallow furrows across his chest that wept crimson against hardened skin.
Damn it. It hits like a truck.