Splatter

The tree was confused as to why its target, which should have been twisted beyond recognition, managed to rewind itself. It didn't like that one bit.

There was also another opponent who couldn't be instantly turned into a pile of writhing flesh. He was simply too fast for the tree to land a meaningful hit.

The best chance it had was when it revealed its eyes, but that, too, had failed. With few options left, the tree decided to call for reinforcements.

"Shit..." Leon thought he wouldn't have to do much this time. But four deer approached them from different directions. Egul dashed back to shield the party with a protective barrier.

"Stay alive or kill them all—I need to handle the big one."

Hilda nodded; she could at least do that much. Theia quickly summoned her wolf to help with the deer. They'd done this before, so it should be manageable.