MKs fist cratered the side of the monsters facsimile of a human head, and threw it into the wall of the underground complex.

Despite its cheek of the monster having the appearance of a sponge cake that someone had stepped on, it was not stunned at all, twisting back towards MK and lunging.

But MK had new focus, and the first strike was followed up by a rapid approach, dodging most of the creatures scrabbling claws, and only catching a few to the torso.

The strikes that MK dodged left deep cuts on the bedrock stone beneath, but those that found their mark...

The claws that struck MK were deflected away, leaving only a superficial cut before sliding away.

It seemed that without the full weight of the creature, like it had with its initial strike, it couldn't do major damage.

The previous words of the Doctor (Tabula, the General said) ran through MKs mind.

"You're more durable and you can hit harder"

Perhaps against this thing MK had a chance.

MK was now close enough to it that the monster was having difficulty striking. And a strong blow to the creatures underscales left a crack running up its belly.

The monster gave an earthy growl, and pivoted to face the stone wall.

MK was leaving long scratches in the monsters bug-like carapace, but as it faced the wall and began to carve, the bedrock seemed to melt away like the creature was moving through liquid.

MK wasn't about to allow this thing to hide in the walls and ambush whenever it wanted, MK thought as they grabbed onto the creatures carapace and secured themselves.

As the monster burrowed into the rock, dragging MK along for the ride, a plan began to form.