The blast arrived with the force of a thunderbolt, earth-shaking and soul-shattering—enough to make wild beasts grovel and all living things tremble in fear.
Whether by luck or misfortune, the giant crocodile had been struck by a projectile that had less than a forty-percent chance of hitting its mark. It didn't even have time to let out a cry before a terrifying hole was torn through its neck. The tough, leather-like hide that could withstand blades and swords was as fragile as tissue paper under the close-range bombardment of the shell. Hide was shredded, fasciae were pierced, and bones were crushed. Countless amounts of blood mixed with minced flesh sprayed out like tomato sauce, painting the stone beach in a vibrant, sickening red.
While the blast hadn't decapitated the beast, it had shattered its throat, extinguishing every spark of life. There was no chance for it to play dead this time; its mangled body twitched a few times before it finally breathed its last.
Chapter 98