Chapter 81: The Sands of Time

The monstrous shadow loomed over Ryuto and Edwin, its grotesque form writhing as if barely able to contain the raw energy within it. The creature's jagged limbs, blacker than the night sky, pulsated with golden streaks of corrupted power left behind by the Lady of Fates. Its glowing eyes burned with a ravenous hunger, fixed solely on the two warriors.

The ground beneath them trembled as the shadow beast let out a guttural roar, charging forward with terrifying speed. Ryuto and Edwin moved in unison, their weapons raised as they met the creature head-on.

"Left side!" Edwin shouted, his sword cutting through one of the creature's clawed appendages. The severed limb dissolved into black smoke, but before either of them could react, two more claws erupted from the beast's torso.

"This thing doesn't quit!" Ryuto growled, dodging a strike that shattered the cobblestones where he had been standing moments before.