Lucien's breathing was ragged. His body screamed in pain from the impact, and his mana reserves were dangerously low. But he had done it.
He had actually injured the demon.
Even if it was just a crack, it was proof that the demon wasn't invincible.
[Yeah, congrats. You officially pissed off the demon. This is the part where you run.]
Lucien gritted his teeth. Running wasn't an option.
Ignis hovered beside him, his flames flickering weakly. The fire spirit was drained from all the mana he had used so far.
Lucien clenched his fists. "Can you still fight?"
Ignis chuckled, though his voice was strained. "I can always fight. But I won't lie… we're in deep trouble."
The demon took a step forward.
The ground beneath him cracked, his immense pressure making it hard to even move.
"Your defiance is amusing," the demon sneered. "But this is the end."
Lucien's mind raced. How could he turn this fight around?
He had one last trick, but… it was risky.
[Wait. You're not seriously thinking of using that, are you?]
Lucien smirked. You got a better idea?
[Yes. It's called not dying.]
Lucien ignored the system's sarcasm and focused his remaining mana into his sword.
It wasn't enough. He needed more.
His eyes shifted to Umbra.
The beast child stood behind him, its golden eyes filled with fear… and something else. Determination.
Lucien hesitated. Could Umbra even fight?
But before he could say anything, Umbra stepped forward.
"Umbra, what are you—"
The beast child shifted.
A dark mist enveloped his body, and in seconds, his small frame grew larger.
Lucien's eyes widened as Umbra transformed into a shadowy wolf-like beast, his fur dark as the night, glowing silver patterns running along his body.
The demon narrowed his eyes. "So, you finally reveal yourself."
Lucien barely had time to react before Umbra moved.
In an instant, Umbra vanished.
The demon's expression twisted in shock—Umbra had appeared behind him.
A deep, guttural howl shook the air as the beast child struck.
Slash!
The demon staggered back, a deep claw mark slashed across his chest.
Lucien's heart pounded. Umbra is fast—faster than anything I've seen!
[Okay. New plan. Don't die, and let the murder-puppy do his thing.]
Lucien smirked. "Gladly."
He gripped his sword and charged forward. If Umbra could create an opening, he had to take it.
Ignis roared, his flames reigniting. The battle wasn't over yet.
To be continued…