Oliver raised his hand, and the ground beneath him cracked, splitting in all directions around him.
Then massive, long vines surged from the fissures in every direction.
They twisted and rose with tremendous force, and soon all of them aimed toward the old man at high speed.
The old man, as soon as the vines touched the edge of his robe, raised his staff into the air and shook it violently.
Immediately, a circle of dark energy appeared from it, expanding and rising around him until it formed a massive barrier.
The vines collided with the barrier and shattered with a dry snap like broken branches, falling to the ground instantly.
The mythical creature gave him no chance to catch his breath; it lunged with its massive head and single red eye straight toward Oliver.
Oliver quickly raised his hand, and a small wall of vines emerged in front of him.
The creature's head struck it, causing the wall to shake and partially crumble,
