The manticore roared again, its cry shaking those who were still standing.
It writhed, striking the ground with its hind legs and shaking the octopus, spattering its blood.
I did not waste the opportunity.
I fell to its side, and in one fluid motion, my sword cut deep into its skin, tearing flesh and muscle.
Warm, thick blood splattered my face and arms, and the smell of sulphur invaded my senses.
"GRRRAAAHHH!"
The manticore's scream was shrill, almost human in its pain, and its body shook violently, tearing up roots and branches around it.
For a moment, the world was reduced to that:
The roar of the beast.
The rapid beating of my heart.
And the certainty that I could not fail with my next move.
The beast lunged at me, its shadow devouring everything in its path.
I felt the gust of wind on my face even before its claw descended.
With a calculated movement, I let the mana envelop my legs once more.
I jumped.
