Chapter 60: Old School
Just as the farewolf lowered its massive head, a sharp crack echoed from the side of the clearing. A rock bounced harmlessly off the its thick hide.
"Beast!" Serian’s voice rang out, strained but carrying a note of command. "Turn your gaze to me!"
The farewolf’s head snapped up. Its red eyes swiveled to her, and a low growl rumbled in its chest. It took a slow, deliberate step in her direction, completely forgetting about Nox for the moment.
That was the opening he needed. He pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the searing pain in his chest. He backed away quietly, putting a large, moss-covered boulder between himself and the monster.
’She bought me some time,’ he thought. ’Got to make it count.’
He used his Parkour skill, his feet finding easy purchase on the slick surface of the boulder. He scrambled to the top in a few quick movements. From his new position, he could see Serian slowly backing away, luring the farewolf further from him.
He focused, his posture shifting without a conscious thought. He held his hand out, his fingers spread, like he was holding the hilt of an invisible sword. The Weapon Mastery skill was active, and it felt natural, like he’d been a swordsman his whole life.
’Let’s see how you like this,’ he thought, and pulled on his corrupted mana.
He swung his arm down, and a blade of pure, dark energy shot from his fingertips. It wasn’t the solid, invisible strike from before; it was a wider, slashing arc of power. He sent another one right after it, then a third, aiming for the creature’s broad back.
The farewolf stopped stalking Serian. It turned its head and saw the slashes of dark mana coming for it. It didn’t try to dodge. It just opened its mouth wide and inhaled.
The dark energy seemed to unravel in mid-air, flowing into the creature’s mouth in shimmering streams. The red light in its eyes flared brighter, and its muscles seemed to swell. It let out a sound that was almost a contented sigh.