The yellow mineral structure grew larger with each second, reaching the size of the beetle's own head, then surpassing it, eventually achieving proportions that made the beast beneath seem about to be crushed by the weight of its own creation.
But it wouldn't be crushed...
Because beetles were also strong, not just in defense but in brute force when necessary. And while Taro's beast had less multiplied strength than the hydra with its bonuses from two other beasts, it still had one extra beast and in total more than double what it would have as a wild creature. It was sufficient power to execute this final move even as its body began disintegrating completely from lack of mana.
Ren recognized what was happening half a second before it was too late. "Up," he ordered the hydra, but knew even as he gave the instruction there wouldn't be enough time to release and dodge.
