The Executioner's chains whistled through the night, each strike heavy enough to crush stone.
Ragnar blurred with Shadowlight Step, weaving between them, but his lungs burned, his vision swam. Every use drained him faster.
The Executioner sneered. "All speed, no substance."
Chains wrapped around a tree the size of a tower, ripping it from the ground and hurling it like a spear. Ragnar's body moved before his mind did — molten claws lashing upward, shredding the tree into flaming splinters.
The ground cracked under his feet. Flames and shadow roared together.
[ Skill Evolution Triggered: Shadowflame Claw → Abyssal Talons. ]
[ Effect: Increases destructive power. Side effect: unstable energy bleed. ]
His claws elongated into monstrous talons, dripping fire and void. The forest itself recoiled as the Laws warped around him.
Selene's eyes widened. "You… you're not just stealing Laws. You're mutating them."
The Executioner snarled. "An affront to Heaven!"
He slammed his hands down. Dozens of chains erupted, binding Ragnar midair. They pierced his flesh, anchoring him to the ground.
Blood spilled.
The shadow whispered hungrily. "Give in. Let me take over. You'll never break free otherwise."
Ragnar gritted his teeth, muscles screaming as the chains dug deeper.
"Not… yet."
With a roar, his Abyssal Talons ignited, shredding through the chains in a storm of molten shadow.
The Executioner staggered, eyes widening. For the first time, he looked unsettled.
Ragnar landed, crouched low, darkness writhing around him like wings. His eyes burned crimson-black.
The monster had arrived.