Chapter 46: Goodbye
The Sun-touched roared, finally deciding I was a threat. It charged forward with surprising speed, crystalline claws extended. I waited until the last possible moment, then activated Phantom Strike.
Even with my limited power, the technique carried me through its guard like smoke. My fist connected with its chest, enhanced strength driving through crystalline armor to crush the vital organs beneath. The monster's roar cut off in a wet gurgle as it collapsed.
"Very good," the Skybound nodded approvingly. "You have a natural talent for combat."
I didn't have time to acknowledge the praise. A howl of rage announced the arrival of another Sun-touched, this one even larger than the first. The crimson patterns on its skin were more intricate, suggesting a deeper connection to the red sun's power.
"Master," Azure warned, "this one's physical capabilities appear equivalent to second-stage Qi Condensation."
The warning came just in time. I barely dodged a strike that would have taken my head off, the crystalline claws passing so close I felt them brush my hair. This one was faster, stronger, and clearly enraged by its companion's death.
"Forty seconds remaining on the enhancement," Azure reported as I narrowly avoided a deadly strike that would have crushed my ribcage.
I weaved between the Sun-touched's strikes, but each movement brought its claws closer to connecting.
A particularly vicious swipe caught my sleeve, crystalline talons shredding the fabric and leaving shallow cuts along my arm. The pain was sharp, immediate – a reminder that even with the red core's enhancement, I was far from invulnerable.