The mantis staggered, but didn't fall.
Bruce slid back a step, eyes narrowing as the other two SS Ranked mantises moved in simultaneously, their bladed limbs cutting through the air in synchronized arcs. He twisted between them, sparks flying as Red's dagger deflected one strike while his elbow smashed into another limb with bone rattling force.
So that's how it was.
Stronger. Smarter. And finally worth his attention.
His heart beat steadily in his chest, not with fear, but focus.
Whatever was waiting deeper inside this dungeon, whatever being possessed that aura, it had finally decided to stop testing him with numbers alone.
Bruce clenched his fists, mana surging tighter around his body as he faced the SS Ranked mantises blocking his path, their auras flaring as their Authorities began to stir.
"…Alright," he muttered softly, eyes cold and sharp. "Let's see what you've got."
The dungeon changed.
