The monster lunged straight for Hanase.
Neblaheim moved without thinking, throwing himself between them. The impact was brutal. A single punch sent him flying, his body crashing into a tree with a sickening crack.
Arin kicked off the ground and drove his heel toward the monster's side. The creature barely managed to block in time, skidding backward but unharmed. It answered instantly, springing toward Arin with terrifying speed.
Arin leapt back, then surged forward again, blade-less but relentless. The monster twisted aside, the stab grazing nothing but air. Arin tried to press in—but a fist slammed into his chest, launching him backward.
"Arin!" Hanase shouted, magic flaring. A surge of power wrapped around him. His movements sharpened, faster—lighter.
The monster charged again.
Arin ducked low and caught its leg, trying to throw it off balance. The monster snarled and kicked downward, smashing Arin into the ground. It reached for him, but Arin slid back just in time, boots carving a trail through the dirt.
He sprang up and kicked.
The monster dodged, caught Arin's arm mid-motion, and hurled him aside like dead weight.
Arin rolled, rose, and threw a punch.
The monster blocked it with its elbow and countered with a crushing kick. Arin raised his hand just in time—pain exploded through his arm as he barely stopped it.
He struck back instantly.
For a split second, the monster didn't expect it.
Arin's kick connected, sending the creature crashing into a jagged rock formation. Arin didn't wait. He turned, sprinted to Hanase, and snatched the sword from her hands.
The monster was already moving.
A kick slammed into Arin's side. He blocked with the sword, steel shrieking under the force. Another kick followed. Arin tried to slash—
The blade was parried.
A punch struck his face, and the world spun as Arin was sent flying once more.