He activated his skill.
His eyes flared crimson in the darkness.
"Don't feel pain," he commanded himself.
The ache in his shoulder faded. The sting on his lip disappeared. His body still sent the signals, but his mind simply... ignored them.
"Remove fear. Remove hesitation. Focus completely on the enemy."
His thoughts sharpened. The world narrowed. The mist, the trees, the moons — all of it faded. There was only the monster.
He charged.
The creature swung its axe. Kyle sidestepped and slashed at its thigh. The blade cut deep — not deep enough, but deeper than before. Black blood sprayed.
The monster turned and swung again. Kyle ducked under the axe and stabbed upward, driving his sword into its armpit.
The creature howled.
But it didn't fall.
It kicked him in the chest. Kyle flew backwards, hit the ground, and rolled to his feet. He was faster now and sharper. No fear slowing him down, no pain distracting him.
But the monster was still stronger.
