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He knew the approach to take, but it was going to be quite unpleasant. Perhaps it would be for the best, though. More fair and just. The Children could all reincarnate, so death would hardly even bother them, unlike these hapless emperors who’d only gotten involved as a matter of happenstance. While it wasn’t presently on his mind, Koh did pity them, somewhat. Yet more collateral damage of the Hunt.

With a great pulse, Koh bulked up immensely, growing in size again. His shadowy body had already more than doubled its mass since the fighting began, but it still wasn’t enough. He needed more. If chewing through the opponent wouldn’t work, then he simply wouldn’t chew.

He’d devour every enemy whole. Every obstacle. Everything that got in his way.

But of course, he was under no illusions that this would be a simple or easy feat. Chewing had its uses, after all. It rendered the meat inert. Prevented it from causing problems during digestion. Without it, his body would have to undertake that process unaided. It would have to suppress the full might of an angry emperor, fighting to get out.

Could his throat and stomach handle that?

Yes. But it wouldn’t be pretty.

Koh didn’t have the luxury of waiting for his body to reach its maximum size. He wasn’t even certain what that was now.

He simply started gobbling. His maw was big enough to fit Dozer’s upper body in one bite. Almost Ettol, too. Close. So close. Just a bit more.

Dozer thrashed. Of course he did. A world-shaking tremor. Threatening to tear Koh’s skull apart in one motion.

But no. He could endure it. He could finish this meal.

Until Sai-hee arrived, that was. Interrupting. Knocking Dozer loose with a disorienting blow to the side of Koh’s head.

Gohvis was on him now, too, grabbing him by the torso and trying to manhandle him like his illusory projection had done previously in this long battle. Trying to prevent him from immediately pouncing on Dozer again.

Koh would not abide it this time. Kallmakk’s shadow swarmed the Scourge, loosening his grip and smothering him in darkness. The power of the Dark Domain only enhanced it further, wrapping Gohvis up in a great cocoon, giving the man plenty to think about while Koh’s focus returned to Ettol.

To his surprise, however, Morgunov had gotten there first.