But there was no time to think—Dakin's gaze snapped back to him, madness rekindled.
"You bleed… and yet you stand. Fine then," Dakin hissed. "I'll tear you apart before that bell tolls again!"
He launched forward, the clash resuming with even greater fury.
The ground was shaking.
The trees bent under the weight of the dark aura pouring out of Dakin's body, veins bulging unnaturally across his face.
"Umbra Fang—Second Form!" Dakin roared.
The air cracked. His entire frame twisted with madness, claws of pure shadow forming over his arms.
With an unhinged grin, he dashed forward, his speed blurring, tearing apart everything in his path.
Kael's body stiffened. His instincts screamed at him.
"So fast—!" he muttered, raising his blade just in time to parry the first slash. Sparks flared.
Another strike came from below. Kael leapt, but Dakin's claw still grazed his chest, ripping through fabric and flesh.
He gritted his teeth, pain burning down his ribs.
