The fight had become a desperate dance of survival.
Adrian, fueled by adrenaline and a newfound control over the Flames, manipulated the fiery wall, pushing it back and forth to shield them from the creature's snapping jaws.
Ruck, a wind of grey energy and desperate fury, hacked and slashed, exploiting every opening the flames provided.
It was a brutal dance, a terrible and challenging struggle against an enemy that seemed impervious to pain.
But slowly, almost imperceptibly, the tide began to turn. The monstrous serpent, weakened by its injuries and the constant assault, grew sluggish. Its attacks became wilder, its movements less coordinated.
Finally, with a roar that shook the very trees, Ruck landed a critical blow.
His blade, imbued with a final surge of grey energy, cleaved deep into the creature's monstrous new head.
A spray of foul-smelling ichor erupted, and the head twitched once, then went limp.
