The blow was sudden and unexpected. Despite his armor and his muscular chest, J'eon could feel his ribs cracking as he went flying into the trees further up the road.

The trees were no softer when he slammed into them.

J'eon gasps with pain, groping for his hooked blade, expecting any moment the creature would turn and attack him now, on the ground, nearly helpless.

And saw Shirik's attack as light came down and struck the creature, illuminating the forest for miles around.