Blood Echo Unleashed
The Shadow Alpha stepped forward, its towering form exuding an oppressive aura. Its glowing blue eyes locked onto Nasuke, who stood unwavering, cracked sword in hand. The red energy swirling around the Alpha seemed to grow denser, making the air heavier with each passing second.
Nasuke's lips curled into a smirk. "You're big, but let's see if you're tough."
The Alpha growled, its claws raking the ground as it prepared to charge. In an instant, it lunged forward, its speed far surpassing that of the lesser wolves. Nasuke barely had time to sidestep, rolling out of the way as the beast's claws sliced through a nearby tree, cleaving it in two.
"Fast and strong. Great," Nasuke muttered, steadying his stance. He glanced at his sword, knowing it wouldn't last another direct clash. "Time to test that new ability."
System Notification:
Do you wish to activate Blood Echo?
Cost: 25% of your maximum HP.
Nasuke nodded without hesitation. "Do it."
As the system confirmed the activation, a sharp pain shot through his chest. His health bar dropped by 25%, and crimson energy surged from his body, forming translucent afterimages that mirrored his every move.
System Notification:
Blood Echo activated. Duration: 30 seconds.
The Alpha paused, its glowing eyes narrowing as it assessed the sudden shift in Nasuke's aura.
Nasuke grinned, flexing his fingers as he felt the energy coursing through him. "Now let's see how you handle this."
The Alpha roared and charged again, its claws glowing faintly as it swung them at Nasuke with deadly precision. This time, Nasuke didn't dodge. He stepped forward, slashing with his cracked sword. The afterimages of his weapon followed immediately, striking the Alpha in quick succession and forcing it to retreat with a pained growl.
"Looks like Blood Echo's working," Nasuke said, dashing forward before the Alpha could recover. He feinted left, then pivoted right, slashing its hind leg. The afterimages struck the same spot, deepening the wound and causing the beast to stagger.
The Alpha retaliated with a powerful swipe of its claws, aiming to crush Nasuke. He leapt back, the claws missing him by inches but tearing through his armor.
"Close one," he muttered, feeling his pulse quicken. His health bar flashed briefly, reminding him that even a single hit could be fatal.
The Alpha howled, its red aura intensifying as it activated its own ability. The ground cracked beneath it as its speed and strength visibly increased. It vanished in a blur, reappearing behind Nasuke.
"What the—" Nasuke barely managed to block the attack with his sword, the impact shattering the blade into pieces and sending him flying into a tree.
His health bar dropped further, a sliver of red remaining. Nasuke groaned, coughing up blood as he pulled himself to his feet. "Looks like I'll have to finish this with my fists."
The Alpha stalked toward him, sensing victory. Its glowing eyes shimmered, and Nasuke felt an unnatural fear creeping into his mind.
System Notification:
Status effect: Fear (5 seconds).
Nasuke's body froze as the Alpha lunged. His instincts screamed at him to move, but his limbs refused to obey. Just as the beast's claws were about to connect, Blood Echo's afterimages surged forward, intercepting the attack and forcing the Alpha to recoil.
The fear effect wore off, and Nasuke staggered forward, adrenaline taking over. He clenched his fists, the Blood Echo energy surging around him.
"Alright, big guy," he said through gritted teeth. "Let's end this."
Nasuke dashed toward the Alpha, moving faster than before. He unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike accompanied by multiple afterimages. The blows landed across the beast's body, staggering it with every hit.
The Alpha roared in defiance, its claws glowing red as it prepared one final, devastating attack. Nasuke recognized the danger and leapt into the air, delivering a powerful kick to the Alpha's head. The afterimages followed suit, striking the same spot repeatedly until the beast collapsed to the ground, unmoving.
System Notification:
Boss defeated: Shadow Alpha.
+500 EXP, +200 Gold Coins.
EXP: [900/500].
System Notification:
Level Up! You've reached Level 8.
New Ability Unlocked: Shadow Step.
Nasuke fell to his knees, breathing heavily as the Blood Echo energy faded. His health bar flashed once before slowly refilling to 50%, a reward for leveling up.
"That... was insane," he said, wiping blood from his mouth. He glanced at the Alpha's body, noticing its faintly glowing core.
The system chimed again, and a loot notification appeared.
System Notification:
Loot Acquired:
Shadow Core (Rare)
Alpha Fang (Rare)
Blood Echo Essence
Nasuke raised an eyebrow. "Blood Echo Essence? What's that for?"
The system provided an explanation.
Blood Echo Essence:
An enhancement material used to upgrade the Blood Echo ability. Grants increased duration or reduced HP cost when integrated.
Nasuke grinned. "Looks like things are starting to get interesting."
He stood up, pocketing the loot before turning his gaze toward the forest's edge. "Now, where's the next challenge?"
With a new ability and the spoils of victory, Nasuke pressed forward, his determination stronger than ever.