The crimson moon loomed above, casting its ghostly glow across the battlefield. Shadows writhed on the ground like living things, twisting and coiling as if hungry for the blood that stained the soil.
Russ stood at the center, his breath slow and steady, crimson eyes burning with unnatural intensity. The Bloodstorm skill pulsed inside him, demanding release. Across the ruined courtyard, Mira staggered to her feet, her once-pristine white coat torn and soaked in red. Her fangs were bared, her hair wild.
"Russ…" she whispered, her voice hoarse but unyielding. "We can't hold back anymore."
Before Russ could respond, a hulking figure leaped from the shadows — the Warlord of the Crimson Claw. His massive frame shimmered with qi armor, claws glowing like molten steel. With a roar, he struck the ground, sending a shockwave that cracked the earth.
Russ didn't dodge. He blurred forward, his shadow stretching unnaturally as Blood Blink activated. One heartbeat later, he was behind the Warlord, his blade dripping with condensed qi and blood essence. He slashed. The air screamed. The Warlord's armor cracked, spraying sparks and gore.
Mira moved in sync, her Lunar Veil Steps making her vanish and reappear beside the enemy. Her twin daggers stabbed deep into the gaps in the Warlord's armor. He bellowed, spinning with a backhand swipe. Mira ducked low, sliding under his legs as Russ caught the attack on his sword, sparks exploding from the impact.
"Together!" Russ barked.
They moved like predators in perfect rhythm — Russ striking high with bone-crushing force, Mira darting low to slice tendons and arteries. The Warlord howled, his movements growing sluggish as blood streamed from a dozen wounds.
But he wasn't done. He slammed his claws into the ground, channeling a surge of qi. Black flames erupted from the cracks, swirling into a tornado of destruction. The heat was suffocating. The shadows around Russ flickered wildly, threatening to burn away.
Mira's eyes widened. "That's… Bloodfire Qi! He's going to incinerate everything!"
Russ's fangs elongated, his pupils narrowing to slits. "Then we end it now."
He opened his palm, letting the Bloodstorm skill take full form. The air turned heavy, the metallic tang of blood filling every breath. Above him, hundreds of razor-sharp blood blades materialized, swirling in a deadly vortex.
The Warlord roared and charged, black flames trailing behind him.
"Now, Mira!" Russ shouted.
Mira's daggers glowed with silver moonlight as she activated her ultimate — Moonfang Execution. She leapt high, spinning, her daggers forming a crescent arc of blinding light.
Russ unleashed the Bloodstorm.
The sky bled. The crimson blades descended in a hurricane, ripping through armor, flesh, and bone. The Warlord's roar turned into a gurgle as Mira's strike cleaved through his neck. His head hit the ground with a dull thud, his body collapsing in a heap of flame and ash.
The courtyard went silent except for the sound of crackling embers.
Russ lowered his weapon, chest heaving. Mira landed beside him, her daggers dripping red. They locked eyes — no words were needed.
The crimson moon above slowly faded to silver, and with it, the oppressive bloodlust ebbed. But they both knew this wasn't over. Somewhere beyond the ruins, stronger enemies waited, watching.
Russ smirked faintly, wiping his blade clean. "Ready for the next round?"
Mira returned the smile, though her eyes still glimmered with danger. "Always."
Together, they vanished into the shadows, leaving only blood and silence behind.