Chapter 24: Guardian of the green code
Did I say I'm ready?
Ready to die?
Don't let anyone deceive you. I, Clayton Hunt, am never ready for death.
I would spite the universe. I would spite the world just to live a single day longer, to show it that even an outskirt rat like me could survive.
That was the only reason why I still had the will to look at this new enemy with rage smoldering through my veins and stems, filling me with power.
The Verdant Archon attacked.
BAM!
The first strike cleaved through three layers of bark. My torso caved inward, sap exploding in green smoke.
I reeled, dodging into my territory, but it followed me there. Even in my dominion, I was no match.
The vines lashed out like serpents, ensnaring me, choking me. I summoned what few aphids I had left; they were torn apart mid-flight. I was just too depleted after the fight with Thryss.
I launched a tangle root; it sliced it in half before it struck soil.