The armored giant's footsteps were slow, deliberate, each one sending a shudder through the ground. The other shadow creatures scattered at its approach, their glitching forms avoiding the thing like prey avoiding a predator.
Its greatsword scraped the stone floor, leaving a glowing trail in its wake. Then it lifted the weapon with one hand—effortless—and pointed it at Rain.
[Threat Level: Catastrophic — Unscannable][Timer: 118s]
The System's interface flickered as if even it struggled to keep track of the giant's data.
The first swing came without warning.A blur of steel and heat passed where Rain had been standing—if he had been standing there. His body reacted before his mind caught up, Phantom Step activating instinctively.
The ground where the blade struck was gone—melted into a crater of molten stone.
One hit and I'm dead. No second chances.
The giant turned its helm toward him, and Rain swore he saw faint blue eyes inside, scanning him like a puzzle to solve.
[Adrenaline Surge Detected: Combat Reflex +15%][Hidden Skill Unlocked: Mirror Edge]Description: Instantly counter the last melee attack received. Cooldown: 90s.
The next strike came—vertical this time. Rain's hands moved on their own, raising his blade to meet the impossible weight of the greatsword.
A sharp clang rang out, but instead of being crushed, Rain twisted, the energy from the blow channeling back through his weapon. The giant staggered one step—a sound like grinding stone escaping its armor.
The System flashed.
[Mirror Edge Successful — Damage Reflected: 12%]
"Twelve percent? That's… not enough." Rain's breath came ragged. "But it's something."
[Time Remaining: 59s]
The giant stopped swinging recklessly. Now it was calculating, measuring each step, forcing Rain to retreat toward the very edge of the rune circle.
The smaller shadow creatures began returning, cutting off his escape routes.Two threats. One timer. And nowhere left to move.