Samuel crashed hard into the tree, groaning in pain. But the serpent wasn't done.
With a sharp hiss, its massive tail whipped forward like a giant whip, aiming straight for him.
Snap!
Just before the tail could strike, Azhriel dashed in, grabbing the back of Samuel's collar and yanking him away in time. The tail struck the tree instead, smashing it into splinters with a loud crack.
Raymond took the opening. He raised his hand, and a glowing orb of sun-fire appeared above his palm. With a flick, he sent it flying straight at the serpent's head.
Boom!
The explosion lit up the battlefield, fire and smoke rising. For a second, it looked like the attack had landed clean. But when the smoke cleared…
The serpent was still standing. Its face was slightly scorched, the scales singed, but not much else.
If anything, it just looked angrier.
"Whew… that was close. Thanks, man," Samuel said as he caught his breath beside Azhriel.
