Moraxus.

A monster that resembled a meerkat, if meerkats were the size of wolves and built like siege engines. Its body was clad in thick, armor-like plating that made them nearly impervious to damage .Beady black eyes locked on to me, gleaming with intelligence far beyond that of a typical beast. This thing wasn't just fast. It was too fast.

Running wasn't an option.

In truth, I knew this creature was out of my league. Stronger, faster, meaner. But fear? That was never part of the equation, not anymore.

My grip tightened around the Fangbone Scepter, its weight grounding me, filling me with confidence. The magic within hummed in response, sensing my resolve. If I played this right, I could bring the beast down.

[Wind Cutter cast]

A crescent of slicing wind howled through the air, crashing into Moraxus's side with a sharp whump. It staggered, dust kicking up around it. For a second, hope flared in my chest.

Then the dust cleared.

Not even a scratch.

"Tch, as expected."

One strike wasn't enough? Fine. I'd just hit it again. And again. If two weren't enough, I'd make it five. Ten. A hundred, if that's what it took.

[Wind Cutter cast – effect successfully stacked. Extra damage dealt]

I launched another, then another. A storm of green blades tore through the battlefield, forcing Moraxus back step by step. My heart pounded as I kept up the barrage, refusing to give it room to breathe.

But Moraxus adapted.

It stopped charging head-on and began zigzagging wildly, its movements impossible to follow. I lost track of it for just a split second.

Scratch!

Pain tore across my ribs. I gasped as blood soaked through my robes.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"Damn it!"

My hand flew to the wound, hot blood seeping between my fingers.

Then… something shifted.

Moraxus stopped. It sniffed the air, nostrils flaring. And then, it snapped. The monster became a blur, circling me at blistering speed, no longer hunting. Frenzied. Rabid.

This was bad.

[Windstride cast]

I pushed off the ground, wind magic enhancing my speed as I tried to gain distance. At the same time, I fired another Wind Cutter.

But Moraxus was on me again in a heartbeat.

Its claws flashed.

SLASH!

Pain exploded through my thigh. My leg buckled. I hit the ground, teeth clenched to hold back a scream.

"Get… back!"

I swung my scepter, firing another spell point-blank.

[Wind Cutter cast – effect successfully stacked. Extra damage dealt]

Moraxus reeled, but not enough.

It lunged again.

I rolled to the side, dirt and leaves sticking to the blood on my clothes. My heart was racing. My breathing ragged. I could barely stay upright.

"Come on, focus!"

I forced myself up. Blood ran freely down my leg. My vision swam, but I kept my eyes on Moraxus.

"Just a little more…"

[Wind Cutter cast – effect successfully stacked. Extra damage dealt]

I shouted with effort, unleashing another.

[Wind Cutter cast – effect successfully stacked. Extra damage dealt]

Another.

[Wind Cutter cast – effect successfully stacked. Extra damage dealt]

The wind around me surged, magic straining at the edges of control. I felt it building. Pressure in the air, a roaring in my ears. Something was happening.

A rush of energy burst from the scepter.

[Wind Cutter has reached maximum stack. Hidden effect activated – Tornado Slash cast]

A shrieking vortex of razor-sharp wind exploded around Moraxus. It howled in pain as the blades carved through its armored hide, ripping deep into muscle and bone. The storm swallowed it whole, flaying the monster apart in a screaming whirlwind of air and fury.

When the winds faded, nothing remained but silence and shredded grass.

Then, a glimmer of red.

A small, semi-transparent Soul Fragment lay where Moraxus had stood. My breath came fast, my body shaking with adrenaline. I had done it.

I reached forward.

BAM!

A searing impact exploded at the back of my head.

Pain.

My vision blurred. My knees buckled. Darkness crashed over me like a wave.

I couldn't move.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.