Road to the Capital (Part 9)

Slash!

Tamae's sword bounced off the hardened skin of the first Shadow Stalker. The creature quickly turned, its claws slicing through the air—nearly slashing Tamae's face. She spun backward. Two other Shadow Stalkers charged and leapt toward her. Instead of retreating, Tamae ran straight at them.

As their claws nearly struck her body, she dropped to the ground, sliding beneath the attack. Both Shadow Stalkers missed. Now behind them, Tamae immediately unleashed a powerful Mana-infused slash.

SLASH!

The beasts were knocked back, blood dripping from their wounded backs. They fell and howled. Tamae resumed her stance. One of the Shadow Stalkers had just recovered from the blow to its head earlier.

"Come on, you bastards!" Tamae taunted.

The Shadow Stalker lunged from the front. Tamae leaped, using one foot to kick off mid-air, then landed on the cave wall and launched downward, her sword swinging. She was now above the creature's head.