The Cockatrice's defensive reflexes had saved it from the worst of the attack—this time.
"Here, have another!"
Alex tossed another [Blastshard] toward the Cockatrice, but the it leaped back, quickly shielding itself with a fan of its feathers.
Alex smirked:
"You keep burning through those feathers. Aren't you worried you'll lose your beautiful quill?"
The Cockatrice snarled, feathers bristling in anger:
"Enough with the taunting coward! Show yourself!"
"I will! Just don't rush me...I'm shy."
The Cockatrice's face contorted in fury, but it forced itself to stay focused on escaping.
It made a break for the nearest opening, but the ground exploded, sending it stumbling back.
Desperate, it pivoted in the opposite direction, only to be forced to shield itself again as another trap detonated nearby.
Realization dawned on the Cockatrice general:
