The Shapeshifter

Mora merely smiled, saying nothing in response to Andrey's sarcasm.

"So, young ones, tell me…"

Her raspy voice echoed through the cramped pawnshop, her hunched figure casting eerie shadows in the dim light.

"What is it you seek?"

Robb cautiously watched every move the old crone made, especially the unnaturally sharp gleam in her sunken eyes.

"We're looking for a material called Sands of Time," he said bluntly. "We've heard you might know something about it."

For weeks, Robb had been searching for a way to upgrade his Timewarden's Pocket Watch. His research into ancient texts mentioned rare materials capable of storing temporal energy.

One of them was the elusive Sands of Time.

Mora grinned, revealing a few yellowing teeth, a strange gleam flickering in her eyes.

"The Sands of Time… such a precious substance. Do you know why it's so rare? Because it comes from the cracks in time itself, it barely belongs to our world."

Andrey stood beside Robb, arms crossed, his golden pupils scanning the cluttered shop with suspicion.

"Is there anyone who can provide it? We're willing to pay the price."

Mora didn't answer directly. She shuffled behind the counter, her withered fingers brushing along rows of dusty jars.

"The price… yes, everything has a price. But the real question is, what kind of price can you pay?"

Suddenly, she looked up and locked eyes with Robb.

"Young apprentice… I sense something… unusual about you. Your soul is different."

Robb's heart tensed, though his face remained calm.

"We're only here to learn about the Sands of Time. No need to dig into other matters."

"So impatient, young one."

Mora sighed, her ancient face twisting into a sly smile.

"Before I speak of such a rare material, I must know that you are truly… worthy."

As she spoke, she snapped her fingers at Andrey.

Andrey's body immediately froze. His once-alert golden pupils turned vacant and lifeless, his entire figure went still, like a statue.

"Andrey!"

Robb called out, his right hand moving quietly toward the pocket watch at his waist, his left gripping the ironwood sword. His mental energy surged, ready to cast Sonic Tremor.

Robb's consciousness expanded, probing for the true nature of this strange old woman. And then it happened,

Mora's hunched body began to twist and morph. Her wrinkles faded, her yellow skin turned pale, and her entire form reshaped itself into someone new.

Robb's eyes widened in shock. He nearly forgot to breathe.

Standing before him now… was none other than Lady Elena, her voice exactly like the teacher he trusted:

"Robb, my child, don't be afraid."

Her voice was warm and steady.

"I've always known your secret, you possess a dual soul. You don't belong to this world."

Robb felt a chill pierce his spine. This, this was one of his deepest secrets. For it to be so plainly revealed shook him more than any enemy ever had.

"What… what are you?" he managed, struggling to keep his composure, ready to strike.

"I am one who sees all, Robb. Every secret, every thought, you're like an open book to me."

"Lady Elena" smiled gently.

"Your soul that came from another world… your mind that holds two sets of memories… I know everything."

Robb's blood turned cold.

If this being truly knew all his secrets, then every plan he had in the Black Mist Forest could unravel.

"My child… you should leave this place."

Her form began to shift subtly, the warmth in her eyes replaced by a predator's greed.

"This place is not for you. Some truths are too dangerous for an apprentice to touch. I'll keep your secrets safe… if you walk away now."

Just as Robb was about to draw his sword, a translucent message flashed before his eyes:

[Rare Artifact Detected - Living Shapeshifter's Skin (Activated)]

[Effects:]

Can consume energy to mimic the appearance and partial abilities of a chosen target

Blocks mental probes, providing seamless disguise

[Current Charge: 99% (Rechargeable by devouring living souls)]

[Note: This artifact is about to reach its evolution threshold. Upon reaching full charge, it will become a Legendary Relic and gain full autonomy.]

The alert hit him like a jolt of light, snapping his stunned mind into clarity.

Pieces of the puzzle snapped into place: The missing people in Lizard Alley… Otto's warning… the so-called "tests"… and now this creature that could read memories and change forms.

It all pointed to one conclusion:

This "Mora" was no real person, only a sentient artifact, about to evolve into something even more dangerous.

It had used the unique conditions of Lizard Alley to harvest souls. Now, it just needed a little more energy to fully awaken and break free from its constraints.

Hence the bluff. It tried to scare Robb off, hoping to finish charging in peace.

"Well played, Shapeshifter's Skin."

Robb stared at the fake Lady Elena, a mocking smile forming.

"You've seen pieces of my mind, sure, but you understand them far less than you pretend. You know nothing of my past, or that other world I came from."

"Lady Elena's" expression froze. It had only seen surface-level memories.

She didn't argue, instead replying smoothly,

"What nonsense are you speaking, child?"

"If you truly understood me, you'd know I'm not someone who backs down easily."

Robb's voice grew firm.

"Let me guess your truth, you're a unique relic that can change shape and glimpse thoughts, drawing energy from souls to evolve."

He looked around at the strange items scattered across the pawnshop.

"And this so-called Maze Pawnshop is just your trap to harvest souls."

Her face twisted. The gentle demeanor disappeared. Her voice grew cold and guttural:

"Clever little rat. Sharper than I expected. In that case…"

With a sinister hum, the image of Lady Elena shattered, replaced by a shifting, translucent, leather-like mass.

It squirmed through the air, before solidifying, into Robb.

It now looked exactly like him, hair, clothes, and even the fire in his eyes.

"I was offering you a graceful exit."

The creature now wore Robb's voice and face.

"But if you insist on dying…"

It suddenly raised its hand and launched a Sonic Tremor!

Robb dodged to the side and countered with his own wave.

The two invisible forces collided midair, creating rippling distortions that shattered several jars on the walls.

"Pointless," the shapeshifter sneered, wearing Robb's cold smirk.

"Every ability you have, every technique, I can copy perfectly."

It summoned an identical ironwood sword, complete with anti-magic runes.

"Come, let's see who's the real Robb Reyne!"

Robb steadied his breath and entered the peak state of his Solar Breath.

Meanwhile, he noticed Andrey still standing motionless, obviously under powerful psychic hypnosis.

"Don't worry. He's been fully mesmerized," the shapeshifter said in Robb's voice. "This is our duel, no outside interference."

With that, it lunged forward, blade aimed straight at Robb's throat.

Robb raised his sword to parry. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying and steel screaming.

The instant they connected, Robb felt the full force behind the blade, matching the strength he'd gained from becoming a Bloodline Knight.

Each of the shapeshifter's strikes was precise, aimed at vital spots, forcing Robb into constant defense.

"I know your every breath… every sword move," it taunted. "You can't beat your own shadow."

Robb stayed calm, gripping his sword tightly. His mind and bloodline energy surged together.

He used the rhythmic flow of the Solar Breath to try and disrupt the enemy's tempo, without falling into its rhythm.

The shapeshifter noticed his tactic and changed its approach three times in rapid succession.

Its attacks came like a storm, each infused with burning red magic, slicing through the air with a piercing shriek.

Robb was pushed back, retreating until his back hit a wall, nowhere else to go.

"Cornered, are we?" the shapeshifter sneered, its blade aimed at his throat. "With this skill set, you think you could ever be my master?"

Robb stared calmly, preparing to unleash Radiant Ring to break through.

Golden-red energy surged in his palm and expanded into a shining ring.

The ring shot forward, scorching the air and lighting up the dark shop.

But the shapeshifter mimicked him again, forming an identical ring of energy.

The two rings collided midair, exploding in a deafening blast and showering the room with golden-red sparks.

"I told you, every ability you have, I can mirror perfectly."

It emphasized the point, trying to shake Robb's confidence, its face twisted into a savage grin Robb had never worn himself.

"No matter what you try, no matter what you cast, I'll strike back with equal or greater power!"

Robb's heart sank.

He was clearly at a disadvantage: the shapeshifter had copied not only his appearance and abilities, but even his thinking style.

Worse, it seemed to possess far greater energy reserves. Every strike came with raw force and relentless speed.

Their duel spilled out of the pawnshop and into the narrow alley.

Swords clashed and rang through the tight space. Spells exploded against the walls, shaking the buildings and sending debris flying.

Robb launched a series of precise strikes, each targeting vital points. His blade danced with crimson-gold trails, weaving a deadly rhythm.

The finesse of Solar Swordcraft was on full display, a fatal dance of light and shadow.

But the shapeshifter blocked every move with identical precision, and even countered during the gaps.

Its fluid motion made it feel like it could read Robb's mind.

"Feeling desperate yet?" it mocked.

Its blade ignited with a deeper red glow, sign of the Crimsonblood Wyvern fully activated.

"I don't just have your powers… I have more."

Robb stumbled back, soaked in sweat, breathing hard.

He had used every skill and spell he had, but the shapeshifter always kept up. Worse, it hit harder and never tired.

Even more worrying, his stamina was rapidly draining.

Muscles burned, his mind frayed, but the shapeshifter only grew more aggressive.

"You're Robb Reyne… but not the best Robb Reyne," it declared, voice echoing in the alley.

"I have all your powers, plus the energy I've collected. You can't possibly win!"

A sudden Sonic Tremor blasted toward him.

Robb couldn't dodge completely. The impact slammed him into a wall, knocking the breath from his lungs. Blood trickled from his mouth.

The shapeshifter strode forward, slow and heavy, its eyes filled with victory.

"Accept it. You're no match for me."

Robb exhaled slowly. The protective scales and regeneration from his Crimsonblood Wyvern lineage had kept him from serious injury.

His hand reached discreetly toward his pouch.

After all… he had something the shapeshifter couldn't copy…