It was only by a single thread that Scarlet remained on his feet, conscious at that, holding his trembling hand forward as agony soared through his body.
Sweat dripped down his chin and blood leaked from his wounds, at his wits end as the tenacious entity of violence continued to tear into his side.
Just as Scarlet felt his resolve nearing its end, having to sustain himself second-by-second–
SQUELCH
The outstretched, contorted limb of the Dread was cut off in a clean slash from an unexpected reentrant into the battle.
Asher had leapt in, already armored in his stage five Devilheart hide as his claymore hit the soil after cutting through the Dread's arm.
"Grrrgh–!" The Dread hissed, looking over.
Scarlet was relieved at that moment, but it was instantly replaced by worry, "--Move!"
It was enough of a callout as Asher spun around just as the Dread smacked him with its other limb, possessing such strength that a shock wave broke out once the Devilheart was blown back.
