The root tightened around Andrey's torso, squeezing the air from his lungs. He felt a sharp, searing pain as a thorned vine pierced his side, drawing blood. The warm, wet stain spread across his shirt, and he gritted his teeth against the agony.
Another vine coiled around his wrist, then his ankle, yanking him off balance. He crashed to the ground, the impact driving the breath from his lungs. The Brute loomed over him, its burning eyes fixed on its prey, its claws raised for the killing blow.
'This is bad... I need to use Overdrive. I have to break free before it's too late...'
Andrey's hand trembled as he reached for the skill, his vision blurring from the pain. He could feel the energy building in his chest, ready to be unleashed.
But before he could activate it, a brilliant blue light flared from behind him.
