As the Healing Mist Fades

As Meixue's healing mist gradually faded, the monster began to change. Its humanoid form trembled, and from its back, two massive black wings unfurled with a resounding—

WHOOOSH!

The cloak that once billowed behind it now fused seamlessly with those wings, as if becoming an extension of its very being. The darkness around it thickened, turning the air heavy and oppressive.

In its grasp, a pitch-black spear materialized, pulsating with a sinister energy—throbbing like a heartbeat. Deep violet light flickered along its blade, as though eager to rip apart anything that dared approach.

The monster straightened, its wings beating slowly, sending strong gusts of wind that scattered the surrounding leaves. Its glowing crimson eyes swept across them, one by one.

"GROOOOAAAAHHH!!!"

The roar echoed through the air, shaking the ground, a pressure so immense that even the air itself seemed to sizzle.

Lingyian tightened her grip on her sword. "Good... looks like it's finally getting serious."

Meixue, her expression calm as ever, observed the creature with quiet vigilance. Yet, a flicker of caution flashed in her eyes. "That spear... it's no ordinary weapon."

Rover wasted no time. Stepping forward, he raised his sword with both hands. The wind around him trembled, responding to his intent.

The monster didn't hesitate. With a single powerful beat of its wings, it shot forward—spear raised high, poised to cut down anything in its path!

As the obsidian spear came crashing down with lethal speed, Rover moved.

SWOOSH!

His body twisted to the side, vanishing like a shadow mere moments before the spear struck the ground. The impact sent debris and shattered stone flying in every direction.

The monster didn't pause. In one fluid motion, it wrenched its spear free and swept it sideways—a horizontal slash strong enough to cleave through an ancient tree in a single swing.

But Rover was already gone.

With swift, precise footwork, he ducked low and leapt back, evading the strike with effortless precision. Every movement was calculated—nothing wasted, like a warrior honed by countless battles.

CLANG!

Steel met steel in a fleeting clash as Rover deflected the next attack. Sparks of violet energy flared from the impact, but he instantly twisted away, retreating to regain distance.

Lingyian, now fully healed by Meixue's magic, smiled lightly. "You're fast, Rover."

Meixue, standing beside her, narrowed her eyes. "Not just fast... he's reading its attack patterns."

A low growl rumbled from the monster's throat. It was beginning to realize—this opponent wasn't just another human.

With a mighty flap of its wings, it lunged forward, this time with more aggression. Its spear spun in a deadly dance.

But Rover remained composed.

He sidestepped.

He ducked.

He leapt aside.

Every motion flowed like water, dodging each strike with near-supernatural finesse.

Lingyian lifted her sword high, her eyes gleaming with battle spirit. The once gentle and sweet girl now stood firm, a swirling gale forming around her blade.

"Storm of the Veil!"

Emerald winds gathered, spiraling around her weapon before exploding forward in a razor-sharp tempest.

SWIRRR!!

The monster flapped its dark wings, attempting to take flight, but Lingyian's attack struck too fast. The white-green storm tore into its form, leaving glowing wounds along its tattered cloak.

"GRHHH!!" It snarled, wings quivering from the impact.

Behind them, Meixue remained focused. Her hands moved through the air, a soft radiance of green and gold enveloping her body—signs of an active blessing spell.

"Blessing of the Draconic Bloom."

A shimmering circle of energy formed beneath Rover and Lingyian, mending their minor wounds, replenishing their stamina, and enhancing their strength.

Lingyian felt a surge of power flood her body. A small smile curved her lips. "Thanks, Meixue!"

Rover, still vigilant, spared her a brief glance. "Good. Keep your distance."

Meixue simply nodded, maintaining her focus. Her summon—a radiant white dragon—hovered beside her, its ethereal form coiled protectively, ready to intercept any threat.

The monster, though wounded, was far from defeated. Its aura of darkness flared violently, raw fury burning in its crimson gaze

Rover lifted his blade once more, unwavering. "Let's finish this."

The monster roared, raising its spear high. Its wings flared, conjuring a vortex of dark winds around its form. Its glowing eyes locked onto them, seething with hatred.

"GRRRHHH!!"

Then, in a flash of motion, it charged—spear aimed straight for Rover!

SWOOSH!

But Rover was already moving. His body blurred, his footwork impossibly light, as if he had foreseen the attack before it even began. His sleek katana gleamed under the dim light, slicing through the air as he sidestepped.

CLANG!

Spear and blade clashed once more, sparks igniting the battlefield. The sheer force of the impact sent a shockwave rippling outward.

Lingyian saw her chance.

With unwavering focus, she swung her sword, unleashing another slicing gale.

"Wind Rend!"

A sharp gust tore through the air, slamming into the monster's side and forcing it back a step.

"GRHHH!!"

Meanwhile, Meixue continued her incantations. Her fingers traced ancient sigils in the air, another blessing weaving itself around Rover and Lingyian.

"Draconic Surge."

A vibrant aura pulsed around Rover, accelerating his movements—his speed now nearly ghost-like, flickering in and out of sight.

The monster snarled, realizing the tide of battle had shifted. Its wings snapped open, its spear spinning into a deadly barrage of attacks.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

Yet, Rover evaded them all.

"Too slow."

In one fluid motion, he dashed forward, his blade flashing with lethal intent.

CLANG!

Another clash. Another shockwave.

But this time, Rover didn't just deflect—he countered.

With a precise twist, his katana surged forward, striking true. A thin streak of white light cut across the monster's torso, leaving a glowing mark.

"GRAAAAHH!!"

The creature reeled, its wings flaring out, desperation flickering in its gaze.

Lingyian inhaled sharply. "Its regeneration… it's unnatural."

Meixue, calm yet intense, analyzed the situation. "This isn't just a monster. We need to strike with enough force to end its regeneration entirely."

The monster moved again, lunging with its spear. Faster than before.

"Tch—!"

Rover barely sidestepped in time. The spear grazed his shoulder, but before it could fully connect—

CLANG!

His katana met the spear, forcing it aside. Sparks flew as their weapons locked once more.

Lingyian saw her opening.

"Storm Piercer!"

She leapt, blade spinning as she unleashed a spiraling gust—one that struck the monster dead-on, carving another deep wound across its body.

"GRRAAHH!!"

And then—

Meixue raised both hands, her summon roaring behind her. A shimmering crest of blue-green energy enveloped her.

"Dragon's Crest!"

A luminous dragon shot forward, slamming into the monster with the force of pure magic.

BOOM!

The impact sent the creature crashing into a boulder, dust and debris erupting into the air.

Rover exhaled, sensing a shift. "Its regeneration… it's slowing."

Lingyian's grip on her sword tightened. "Then now's our chance."

The monster stirred, struggling to rise. Panic glinted in its eyes.

It knew.

It was cornered.

Rover stepped forward, blade gleaming, ready to deliver the final strike.