The first Mauler lunged, its claws trailing sparks as they ripped through the earth. Noel stepped forward to meet it, Revenant Fang bursting into crimson fire as he whispered, "Ignition Surge." The cursed blade hissed, cleaving through the beast's forelimb in a shower of sparks.
Another came from the left, molten jaws gaping. Noel pivoted, shadows flickering beneath his boots as he slipped behind it with "Shadow Step." Revenant Fang punched upward, straight through its jaw and out the top of its skull. The molten glow in its throat died instantly as the monster crumpled.
The system chimed:
[You have slain Volcanic Mauler (Elite – Adept). You received 0.15%.]
[Current Core Progress: 7.43% – Mana Core: Ascendant]
"Next," Noel muttered, yanking the blade free, embers still clinging to its edge.
