From the settling dust emerged a monstrous silhouette. Its body was sheathed in cracked bark that split with every move, glowing embers burning deep within hollow sockets where eyes should be. When its jaw opened, a jagged maw of uneven fangs jutted outward, strands of resin dripping like thick, black blood.
Despite its half-decayed, wooden husk, it bore rusted steel armor strapped haphazardly across its form, and in its clawed hand it gripped an ancient sword pitted with age.
It moved with feral violence, every step uncoiled like a beast, every swing of its blade savage enough to rattle bone.
Jack hurled himself forward, his sword flashing as he met the creature's strike head-on. Steel screamed against steel. The monster roared, a sound so raw it rattled lungs, then surged forward with brute force, hurling Jack back like a ragdoll. Its rusted blade swung downward, eager to cleave him in two.
