Regression: Reclaiming the End

Its entire torso ignited, not flame, but mirror-flame.

It copied the 4-strike rhythm and hit me with its own combo immediately: shoulder feint, leg trip, downward elbow. My head snapped sideways as it struck—

-

[ Burn Stack: 4 ]

[ Defense Reduced – 6.3% (1.5s) ]

-

I skidded across the stone floor, coughing blood. My system warned me—cooldowns delayed, pressure rising.

I stood again. Wiped my mouth. Gave it a slow nod.

"Alright." I sprinted.

One, two—faint steps. Ember igniting from heel to knuckle.

Feint. Real. Redirect. Snap.