Don wrenched backward with everything he had.
The grip didn't give.
Vine-flesh-muscle cinched tighter around his fist, pressure climbing fast enough to make bone creak.
Before a full thought could form, one of the massive arms from the creature's back came down—fast, brutal, aimed to erase Don's head from his shoulders.
Don moved on instinct.
He slipped under it by inches.
The passing limb split the air—wind and pressure tearing past his face hard enough to rattle his teeth.
The shockwave punched through him anyway, shuddering down his spine, vibrating bone and nerve alike.
But Don didn't take it for free.
The moment the arm overcommitted, the creature's balance shifted—just enough.
Don snapped his leg back and drove it forward.
The kick landed flush against the creature's massive vine-leg.
Energy dumped all at once.
BOOOOM~!
