The afternoon sun blazed high in the sky, flooding the forest with golden light that spilled between the trees. Shafts of sunlight danced against Jayden's frame as he stood in a clearing, his knuckle claws gleaming wickedly, catching the sun like polished steel.
Across from him towered an E-Rank Earth Smasher. Its bulky, rock-like skin was cracked in places, and streaks of blood dripped from wounds Jayden had already inflicted. Despite its size and ferocity, Jayden looked untouched, a grin tugging at his lips as he stood tall and unbothered, almost daring the beast to try again.
The Smasher's small, furious eyes flared at his grin. With a guttural roar that shook the branches above, it beat its chest with both massive fists, the sound echoing like drums of war. The ground trembled as it charged forward, its feet pounding the dirt with terrifying force.
But Jayden didn't move. He stood rooted in place, gaze steady, body loose with confidence.
