The Crimson Horned Direwolf growled, its crimson horns crackling with residual energy. The air smelled of burnt wood and scorched earth from its lightning attack.
Kai and the silver-haired assassin stood side by side, their previous battle momentarily forgotten. A Tier 5 Beast was too dangerous to fight alone.
Kai adjusted his grip on his knife. "Any ideas?"
The assassin's eyes stayed locked on the beast. "It's fast, but its lightning attacks have a delay. We need to strike before it charges another one."
Kai nodded. Speed was key.
The Direwolf's muscles tensed—then it lunged.
It moved like a blur, aiming directly for Kai.
Kai activated Flame Burst Step, barely dodging the massive claws that tore through the air where he stood. The wind pressure alone sent a shiver down his spine.
Boom!
The assassin struck first, using her incredible agility to leap onto the Direwolf's back. Her daggers gleamed as she slashed at its neck, aiming for a weak point.
Clang!
Her blades barely cut into its thick hide.
The Direwolf howled in rage, bucking wildly. It twisted its body midair, throwing her off with brute force. She flipped midair, landing gracefully, but the beast was already turning toward her, its crimson horns glowing again.
Kai reacted instantly.
He threw a small vial onto the ground—Blinding Ash Powder.
Puff!
A thick gray cloud erupted, covering the area in blinding smoke.
The Direwolf snarled in frustration, momentarily losing sight of them.
Kai didn't waste the chance.
He sprinted forward, aiming for its legs.
With all his strength, he slashed at the tendons behind its front leg.
This time, his blade cut deep.
The Direwolf howled, its leg buckling slightly.
The assassin capitalized on the moment, darting in to stab at its glowing horns.
But the Direwolf wasn't done.
It released a deafening shockwave, sending both of them flying backward.
Kai crashed into a tree, pain flaring in his ribs. He coughed, trying to push himself up.
The Direwolf was injured—but not out.
It snarled, eyes burning with rage.
The real fight was just getting started.