Jayden materialized behind Hercules like a shadow slipping through reality, claws already extended, slicing through the air toward the brute's exposed back.
For a split second, it looked over. Until…
CLANK!
A crimson rune detonated into existence across Hercules' back, stopping Jayden's claws mid-strike as though he had slammed them against iron, sparks spraying like shattered embers.
A jolt shivered up Jayden's arm. His eyes narrowed, pupils dilating.. not in panic, but in rapid recalibration.
Hercules grinned savagely. Muscles twisted under bronze skin as he pivoted, hammer cutting a brutal arc through the air. The motion carried with murderous force, a swing meant to crater Jayden's skull.
Jayden moved a hair's breadth before impact.
WHOOOOSH!
He vanished backward in a whip-fast leap, the hammer missing his head by inches before smashing down with an echoing THOOOM, cracking the ground beneath it.
A ripple of wind exploded outward.
