The beastial roar of the Thunder Beast resounded and rumbled through the forest, rolling over the forest; a stark contrast to the lullaby of the tree's soft whisper against the wind's calm. Hepheastus was not intimidated, in fact, the cry showed the beast's arrogance and pride. The beast bounded by the viridescent trees with ferocious speed -- it was this that impressed Hephaestus, and not the creature's cry. It had bounded the distance in a matter of seconds... impressive. Hephaestus switched off his thermal vision, as the brute sprung towards him, it's gigantic left upper arm outstretched, ready to swipe him of a good hunk of flesh, Hepheastus knew he had little over a second to decide his next course of action.

Hepheastus leaned in on his left shoulder into the blow, whilst reaching with his right hand into his right holster for his pistol. The 3-inch shoulder guard absorbed the blow, leaving Hepheastus unscathed. Before the beast could regain it's balance, Hepheastus drew his right pistol, jamming it in the beast's skin, and shot it, at point blank range, directly into the Thunder Beast's exposed gut.