The forest was silent. Too silent.
Ragnar leaned against a boulder, chest heaving. His body screamed after the Shadowlight Step. But something else burned inside him — fragments of Law itching to be used.
Crunch.
Leaves rustled.
Figures stepped from the shadows, their sect robes gleaming with arrogance. Five bounty hunters, each with a Law shimmering faintly around their hands.
The leader smirked. "Lucky day. The Law Thief himself."
Another spat. "Kill him quick. Elder said dead or alive — but his Core is worth more if intact."
Ragnar's fists clenched. He was too weak. Outnumbered. Outclassed.
But then—
[ Law Fragment Fusion Available. ]
[ Shadow + Flamefang = Shadowflame. ]
[ New Skill: Shadowflame Claw. ]
Heat surged through his arm. Flames danced within his darkness, licking at his veins. His shadow stretched upward, forming a massive claw that shimmered with fire.
The hunters froze.
"What the—?"
Ragnar's lips curled in a bitter smile.
"You wanted a thief?" His voice was hoarse. "Fine. I'll steal everything you are."
He slashed.
The Shadowflame Claw tore through the first hunter's shield like paper, burning and devouring at once. The man's scream echoed before his body collapsed into ash.
[ Law Fragment: Stone Skin — Acquired. ]
[ Fusion: Shadowflame + Stone = Molten Talon. ]
Notifications flickered in Ragnar's eyes. His arm blazed hotter, darker, stronger.
The remaining hunters stumbled back, fear flooding their faces.
"Impossible…"
"He… he fuses Laws instantly?!"
"That's forbidden! That's—"
Ragnar vanished. Shadowlight Step.
He reappeared behind the leader, claw blazing with molten fire. The man's eyes widened—
Shhhk!
Blood sprayed across the grass. The leader's head rolled to the dirt, eyes still wide in disbelief.
The forest was silent again. Only Ragnar's ragged breathing remained.
He stared at his burning claw. His stomach twisted. His hands shook.
But deep inside… a thrill spread through him. Power.
The shadow's laughter echoed like thunder.
"That's it. Stop running. Keep devouring. Soon, nothing will stand against us."
Ragnar clenched his jaw, shaking off the voice. "No. I'm not a monster."
Yet when he glanced at the ash scattering in the wind, he wasn't so sure.
To Be Continue...