"Nice—don't let it heal!" Rhys shouted.
He rushed in, chaining his skills together—Swift Cut → Vertical Slash → Whirlwind Slash. His sword carved long, deep wounds across the Alpha's chest.
The Alpha stumbled back, but it wasn't beaten yet. It growled, fangs bared, as black energy gathered inside its jaws.
[Blood Art – Crimson Howl.]
A wave of blood-red power blasted out, throwing Rhys, Puddle, and Bounce back. The bloody mist grew thicker, making it hard to see.
Bounce rolled against Rhys, steadying him with his shell. Puddle floated mid-air, glowing faintly with pale light.
Ancient Wind Magic – Zephyr Barrier.
A dome of cutting winds whirled out, pushing away the choking mist and clearing the area around them.
The Alpha panted hard, its chest ripped open, bleeding, and scorched where fire had burned its healing flesh. It tried to recover—but the blood it needed had already been burned away by Puddle's flames.
Rhys's eyes narrowed. His blade shone with elemental energy.