The Aegis hex grid materialized across his forearms in blinding geometry, bracing against the descending impact of four massive ape fists.
The concussive blow rattled his teeth as the hexagonal barrier buckled inward, redirecting hundreds of pounds of downward force across the plateau.
He skidded twelve paces backward across the exposed gold veins, his soles biting into the bedrock while his forearms throbbed with sapphire sparks.
"Master, do not tank all four fists!" Loccy yelled, her rabbit ears flattening against her skull as she gripped her warhammer. "Let me smash its big fuzzy knees first!"
"Stay in formation, Loccy!" Juna barked, extending her claws as she circled the monster's left flank. "Do not rush into its reach until Master creates an opening!"
Vella lunged forward with emerald healing flames curling around her fingers, but he raised a flat palm to halt her advance.
