LUBDUB

The ground beneath Sylas exploded. Cobbled stone flew out in all directions. 

Sylas protected his head with his forearms but couldn't help but grunt as he felt his bones and flesh strain beneath the impact. Luckily, his Aether skin alone now had 1000 Defense. But under the continuous pelting, he was draining his energy fast. 

Luckily, this didn't last for long. 

Unluckily, the danger wouldn't end here. 

Vines wiggled up from the ground, and the sound of a large, beating heart echoed in Sylas' ears. 

LUBDUB. LUBDUB. LUBDUB. 

The vines converged, and through his forearms and the cloud of dirt, Sylas watched as they formed a large humanoid figure of thorny vines. 

The head snapped into place, and a twin pair of wood-shaped rose petals bloomed to form two eyes. 

It was a creature that was oddly beautiful and disconcerting at the same time. It felt both uncomfortable to look at and almost as though you didn't want to look away at all.