The chimera staggered from the headbutt, its metal skull dented and leaking streams of blue flame. Asher didn't wait. He stepped in and hit it with a straight punch to the face, sending it sliding backward across the cracked floor.
The creature planted its claws, stopping itself. Its void cores spun harder. Its flames grew brighter. It was preparing another rush.
Asher wiped blood from his cheek.
"Come on, then."
The chimera charged again, blinking forward in short bursts. Each teleport brought it closer, faster. Asher tracked it with sharp movements, waiting for the real attack. On the last blink, the chimera stabbed straight at his throat again—its favorite kill spot.
Asher knocked the blade aside with his forearm and countered with a hard kick to its stomach. The impact dented its metal plates, but they reshaped instantly. The creature swung back with a flaming claw. Asher ducked and punched upward into its chin, lifting it off the ground.
