No Retreat

BANG

As the impact pressed against his bones, making them groan in protest, he thrust his left palm back.

ROAR

A condensed burst of dark flames erupted, adding momentum to his weight and preventing the pressure from sending him flying. The familiar sensation of pain engulfed his right arm as he felt his bones turn into dust. But he had secured his position.

His mouth opened wide to let out a shrill scream that melded agony and rage. These sensations were too familiar, and so was the searing jolt as Excalibur's scabbard knit his broken bones. And with them, drowned under endless hordes of abyssal spawns, he had learned that stepping back was the same as dying—this time was no different.

He snapped his head forward, his sharp teeth reflecting the brazier below and his jaw muscles tensing.