The monster's teeth parted wide, a gaping abyss lined with serrated fangs, inches from Zayn's face.
The corrupted soul energy swirled in its mouth, thick and reeking of rot and finality.
But Zayn didn't flinch.
Instead, he leaned in.
And then — CRACK.
He headbutted the monster.
The force echoed like a hammer striking stone.
His horn — the jagged obsidian arc crowned in burning pink tore through the monster's face, cleaving straight through its eye socket with a sickening squelch.
The beast howled in agony, its jaws clamping shut just a second too late as Zayn twisted his body and ripped his head back, tearing through sinew and bone alike.
The monster let go of him.
It staggered back, reeling from the pain, but Zayn wasn't done.
He didn't even give it a moment.
Snarling through his teeth, he grabbed the monster by the head — one hand clutching its skull like a vice.
His other hand found his sword where it had fallen nearby.
