Desmond lowered his stance using every available muscle fiber and greeted the massive charging beast with a savage grin. Feet planted firmly on the ground, Desmond felt the impact, which was quickly followed by the trail he left behind as he was pushed. A burning, numbing sensation spread from Desmond's hands that were firmly grasping the giant boar's enormous pair of red tusks in front of him.
Slowly, the boar's momentum slowed, stopping entirely when Desmond found support in an ancient tree behind him. Although Desmond could feel every fiber of his being screaming in stress, it was still impossible to wipe the smile from his face. The intense flames fired from the boar's fangs failed to breach the water mana barrier Desmond placed over his hands.
