"Now!"
The Durian Monster put down the spiked club in its hand and dropped to its knees. This was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity.
"Lightning Flame Kick!"
Max shouted. Two miniature thrusters protruded from the toe of his right shoe, spewing flames that propelled him toward the Durian Monster.
The other two reacted as well.
"Bamboo Shoot Thrust!"
Stinger bent over to gather strength, gripping his spear with both hands, then charged forward like a black whirlwind.
"Big Pendulum~"
The giant hammer in Smile Man's hands was actually a large Kendama, with a yellow ball bearing a smiley face at the top.
He began swinging it with all his strength.
The ball came loose from the Kendama, connected to the giant hammer by a thin cord. It spun through the air, building up power, ready to strike at any moment.
"Boohoo~ My little darlings!"
The Durian Monster remained on its knees, crying as though it had not noticed the three heroes' attacks.
Boom!
A burst of fire exploded across the Durian Monster's face. Seeing that he had hit his target, Max smiled in midair.
When Smile Man's charge had proved ineffective, he had guessed that the Durian Monster's spike-covered skin must provide powerful protection.
Ordinary attacks probably would not work.
So he had specifically aimed for its relatively vulnerable face. That way, even if... What?!
The flames dispersed.
The Durian Monster's entire head was wrapped in a yellow-green rind. Max's kick had struck nothing but its hard shell.
It had done absolutely nothing.
"Human!"
Still in midair, Max had no chance to dodge and was seized by the enraged Durian Monster.
"Aah!"
Max was clenched tightly in its enormous hand. Countless spikes on the Durian Monster's palm pierced his body, and the intense pain made him scream.
"Bamboo Shoot, Single Thrust!"