He used "Swift Steps." But just because the creature had fallen for it once didn't mean it would work every time. This time, he aimed directly for the source of its life—its heart—to end it once and for all.
The creature swept its massive arms like a broom, striking at Selion. He leapt into the air, narrowly evading the blow.
While midair, to prevent the monster from attacking, Selion unleashed "Lightning." Yet now that he had learned to regulate his mana, he didn't pour all of it out.
The lightning was not meant to kill—only to distract. Just as planned, the creature's focus faltered as the strike fell from above.
Selion landed gracefully, dashed forward again, and with all his strength, leapt toward the monster's chest, plunging Tariki straight into its heart.
But as he pulled Tariki free and sprang back, his eyes widened at the sight before him.
In the very next breath, the wound began to twitch. Flesh knit together, muscle fibers twitched and locked, as though a rotting cloth was being stitched shut. With each breath, the gash closed further.
Selion clenched his teeth."So… you won't die that easily."
The monster slammed its arms into the ground in rage. The earth shattered with a thunderous crack, the ground beneath Selion's feet splitting apart. Trees toppled like sticks, the forest transforming into a battlefield in an instant.
Selion quickly steadied himself. With "Swift Steps" he darted aside, barely escaping the crushing shadow of the massive hand. The forest roared with chaos, but his mind was sharp. He had one chance left: strike the heart again. But this time, he needed something faster, more precise. Otherwise, this battle could drag on for years.
He whispered to himself:"Something more effective… a new ability."
In his mind, he lined up everything he possessed.Electricity.Shadow.Tariki.A trace of swordsmanship.
With "Swift Steps," he could move in the blink of an eye. With "Lightning," he could summon a deadly strike anywhere he wished. Tariki consumed the life force of any being it pierced.
But even when combined, something was missing.
Selion drew a deep breath."What if… I could see my opponent's movements before they happen?"
The thought struck him like lightning. Then, a memory surfaced—an old book he had once read. It said:
"If a living creature is given an electric current of just 0.01 mA, it remains safe. The creature does not notice it. However, the current reaches the nervous system. Once within the nerves… the signals can be read. The one who sends the current can sense the opponent's neural responses and foresee their next action."
Selion's eyes gleamed."If I can do that… I'll see my enemy's next move."
He murmured to himself:"Lightning… swordsmanship… and Tariki. Maybe the key lies in merging all three."
His heart pounded. For a brief instant, everything aligned in his mind.
But thinking… was far easier than doing.
And Selion was eager—burning—to test this ability.