The hidden monster laughed once after Shu's taunt, then the distortion around it shifted to the side and disappeared again.
Its voice came from behind him this time, closer than before, "you are quite arrogant for a human."
Shu moved before the next attack fully came, but his damaged ribs slowed him just enough for a hooked arm to graze his side. Pain tore through his waist, and warm blood spread under his shirt while he staggered two steps back.
'Damn, that still hurts like hell,' he thought, forcing his feet to stay planted. 'One more clean hit from this thing and I really am done for.'
The heart pulse hit again and the monster spoke right on the beat, its voice calm, like this fight was boring for it.
"Hold still and I will make this quick, little human."
Pressure slammed into his head with the command, and his body stiffened for a split second. He bit his tongue hard, tasted blood, and forced himself left before the follow-up slash reached his throat.
