The forest had grown unnaturally quiet, as if the world itself sensed the coming storm. Even the wind held its breath, rustling the leaves in suspense.
Lian moved cautiously, the crimson mask pulsating faintly against his face. His previous battle with the imperial hunters had left fresh scars, but nothing could slow him—or so he believed.
Suddenly, the air shimmered. Energy rippled through the forest, sending birds screaming into the night sky. Lian froze.
From the shadows emerged a figure, tall and imposing. Armor gleamed like silver fire under the moonlight, and eyes burned with unwavering determination. The Hero had arrived.
"You… killed the Guardian," the Hero said, voice calm but resolute. "I cannot allow your terror to continue."
Lian's lips curved into a sinister grin. "A hero finally shows himself. Let us see if legends can match reality."
[System Notification: High-level opponent detected.]
[Power Estimate: Unknown — Proceed with extreme caution.]
The Hero drew a sword that radiated blinding light. A shockwave of energy spread outward, rattling trees and sending leaves scattering.
Lian tightened his grip on his weapon, shadows writhing like living snakes around his arms.
"Then come," he hissed, shadows coiling in anticipation. "Let's dance."
The First Exchange
The Hero struck first, a blur of silver cutting through the night. Lian barely deflected the blow with his shadow-clawed hands. Sparks erupted as steel met darkness, sending shards of bark flying.
The force sent him skidding back, ripping a shallow groove in the forest floor. Pain seared through him, but he steadied himself, eyes narrowing.
"You're stronger than the hunters," the Hero said, stepping forward again. "But strength alone won't save you."
Lian leapt, shadows spiraling like whips around him. He struck fast, aiming to crush the Hero, but every blow was parried with impossible precision. The Hero moved like lightning, each step and strike measured, controlled, yet unpredictable.
[System Alert: Corruption rising.]
[Current Level: 17%.]
The mask whispered incessantly: "Feed… dominate… consume…"
Escalation of Battle
The clash intensified. Each strike split trees, threw dirt into the air, and shook the forest floor. Lian's shadow claws collided with the Hero's divine blade in a symphony of sparks and energy.
Lian slashed in a wide arc, the shadows coiling like serpents to ensnare the Hero. The Hero rolled, striking back with a blade of light that cleaved one of the shadows, sending fragments dissolving into smoke.
Lian snarled. He feinted, then lunged again, faster than before, slicing at the Hero from multiple directions. Each strike pushed the Hero to his limits, yet the hero did not falter, countering and striking at exposed points in Lian's armor.
A massive swing caught Lian off guard, slicing across his shoulder. Pain erupted, blood spraying, and his vision blurred.
"You bleed," the Hero said evenly. "Even shadows have limits."
[Warning: Severe injury detected.]
[Mobility reduced: 25%.]
Lian's grin flickered but did not vanish. His mask screamed in fury, feeding on his desperation. Shadows twisted violently, striking the Hero from unexpected angles.
The Turning Tide
Lian forced the Hero back, the forest floor splintering beneath their attacks. They crashed into a tree, the impact shaking branches loose above them.
The Hero staggered slightly but regained footing instantly, eyes blazing. "You cannot continue unchecked. You will destroy yourself—and others—in your arrogance."
Lian chuckled, blood dripping from his side. "I… am no one's pawn. You will see the world burn, Hero."
With a surge of shadow energy, Lian lashed out in all directions. Trees uprooted, stones flew, and a wave of darkness knocked the Hero to the ground. Yet, he rose, sword flashing, deflecting shadows that would have shattered lesser beings.
Every strike, every parry was a battle of wits, strength, and instinct. The forest became a war zone, illuminated by bursts of light and tendrils of dark energy.
The Critical Blow
The Hero feinted and struck at Lian's chest, piercing armor. Lian roared, staggering back, blood flowing freely. Pain exploded through his body, and for the first time, fear touched him.
The mask pulsed violently, whispering: "Survive… evolve… or perish…"
Lian leapt, attempting a final counterattack. But the Hero sidestepped, landing a precise strike to his side. The pain was unbearable. Shadows writhed in agony, and for a moment, he faltered.
The Hero's eyes softened just slightly. "This ends tonight. Even monsters must fall."
Lian gritted his teeth. His strength was draining. Every heartbeat screamed weakness.
[Critical Warning: Life-threatening injury.]
Retreat into the Shadows
Knowing he could not win, Lian made a desperate decision. The mask's whispers urged him: "Flee… survive… return stronger…"
Lian vanished into the dense shadows of the forest. The Hero swung, but only cut empty air, striking trees.
He leaned forward, breath heavy, and whispered: "This isn't over… Shadows… I will find you…"
Lian stumbled through the forest, bloodied and battered, but alive. The mask hummed softly, feeding on his rage and planning the next move.
[System Notification: Survival — +30% experience for enduring near-death encounter.]
He smiled faintly under the mask. "So… the Hero is strong. Very well. Let the world come."
And with that, he disappeared deeper into the forest, leaving only dread and whispers behind.
Far above the forest, a glowing figure watched from a distant hill. "He survives… but only barely. This… is going to be interesting," the figure muttered, eyes gleaming with hidden intent.