[Time Remaining: 0:45:22]
Arlon wiped a streak of blood from his cheek.
Not his blood.
Kurgek's.
The battle had been a brutal exchange of speed and precision.
He had landed dozens of strikes, each aimed at its weak points.
Kurgek had adapted, moving more erratically, countering his attacks with terrifying accuracy.
But Arlon had adapted faster.
With every exchange, his sword strikes grew sharper, his footwork more refined.
He had learned its attack patterns.
He had memorized its movements.
And now—
Kurgek was slowing down.
Cracks lined its joints, its once-flawless movement slightly sluggish.
Its breathing was heavier.
One last push.
Arlon exhaled, his mana surging around him.
Dark energy flickered across Aetherion's Edge.
Shadow Slash.
A fusion of dark magic and a precise warrior technique.
He dashed forward.
Kurgek raised its arms to defend—
Too slow.
Arlon's blade struck true.
