Misc. B2C7

"Thanks," I gasped, but the Assassin shook her head frantically.

"Behind you!"

This time, I was prepared. My feet dug down, the shield whipped about as I spun on the spot, crashing into the antlers and driving the beast's head down. Its frame struck me once more, but I squatted and bore it, pushing back and twisting my arms to the left.

The Cervus caught and righted itself. It staggered unevenly for a second and shook its head. A loud snort came from its lips as it pawed at the snow.

I growled back. The last one had caught me off-guard, but no more. I wasn't going to be useless like the Dungeon and I was stronger than I had ever been. I'd killed Grimm, I'd killed a person – and as the monster dashed forward, I knew that I would kill it too.

Time didn't slow, but my perception of it perhaps increased. Unlike the previous times, I lunged in for the creature, between its horns. Crocea Mors jammed into the groove of one and twisted, snapping the bone with a horrifying crack. My left hand wrapped around the other, and although it was too solid to break, I was able to pull the Cervus from its feet and drag it around my body.

It stumbled and fell, fighting to keep its footing but unable to as its legs tripped over mine. It landed clumsily, bucking on its side.

I planted a foot on its flank and rolled it over, driving my sword down once more.

"You're getting better at this," Blake noted, having long since finished hers.