Thorn Demons were not native creatures of the Material Plane.
They often beat their enormous batlike membranous wings, weaving through the murky skies of hell, where clouds of flame spread everywhere.
Screeching as they searched for prey on the ground below.
But for all kinds of reasons—planar overlaps born of coincidence, unlucky novice summoners, cultists who misread their chants, greedy fools who tried to strike bargains with Devils—Monsters of this vastly numerous race also frequently appeared on the Aifala Continent.
During the time Xia Nan rested in River Valley Town, he had crammed all kinds of knowledge about this world.
In particular, he had carefully committed to memory the Monsters he might encounter while adventuring.
Therefore, he knew perfectly well that this hellish Monster with a Challenge Rating as high as "2" was far beyond what he, who could not even handle a Bear Goblin alone yet, could deal with.
Almost the very instant he recognized its identity as a "Thorn Demon" from its appearance.
Before even the dust kicked up by its fall through the air had fully dispersed, Xia Nan instantly changed direction.
Sacrificing a little speed, he intended to circle around from the side.
In his view, under the terrifying momentum of Kalanfu'er behind him, no matter how fierce the Thorn Demon's nature was, it should not waste time tangling with him at a moment like this, when it should be fleeing for its life.
But to his surprise, he had only just taken two steps to the left.
"Chhk!"
A barbed Bone Spur shot into the muddy ground in front of him like a bullet.
Xia Nan's steps halted sharply, and he instinctively leaped backward.
His brows drew tight, his pitch-black eyes looking toward the savage figure ahead on the road.
Something seemed wrong with its