The Schattler charged again, this time swinging its claw in a wide arc, trying to slice from the side. Axelius bent backward just enough to dodge it, the claws barely missing his nose. Then he rolled to the side and came up behind the monster.
The Schattler twisted fast, trying to catch him, but Axelius ducked and cut low, slicing across its leg. The monster screeched in pain and stumbled.
Axelius took that moment—he stepped on the Schattler's foot, locking it in place. As the monster tried to pull back, Axelius threw his weight into his shoulder and slammed into its chest, knocking it off balance again.
Before it could recover, Axelius flipped the katana in his hand, gripped it backward, and stabbed at the base of its ribs. The blade hit but didn't go deep, the monster twisting just in time.
