Lost deep in thought, Hao Xuan didn't even notice a row of serrated spikes that came up from the ocean of sand like the fin of a great white shark.
It came up from the left side and circled him to the back before descending back into the sand. Hao Xuan finally picked up on the peculiarity and looked back in its direction but could not see anything out of place.
Yet trusting in his battle instincts he once again tightened the grip around the shotgun and began to charge it up discreetly.
He took one step forward and then another, examining his surroundings on full alert. The spikes once again came up from behind him and this time he picked up on the disturbance even though it was completely soundless.
He spun around abruptly, firing at the ground halfway through the movement.