Mike brought the axe down, burying its blade in the hound's flank with a meaty thud. The beast struggled to rise, but Mike’s left hand was still clamped around its throat, pinning it to the ground. A few more quick swings, and the creature went still. He felt the warm cosmic force flow into him once more, this time nearly double the amount he’d received from the demonlings. It was just enough to push him over the edge, bringing him to level
10