The ape's eyes, burning embers of intelligent fury, locked onto Adrian. With a thunderous roar, it slammed its massive fist down, aiming to crush the audacious human beneath its might.
Blood erupted, painting the twilight air crimson. But the source wasn't Adrian. The ape, mid-strike, froze. It looked down, not at Adrian, but at its own severed arm, the clean, crimson cut told the inhuman speed of its attacker.
Terror flickered in the beast's eyes, replacing the fury. Adrian, a wisp of dark mist trailing behind him, materialized above the ape, daggers glinting in the dying light.
This was the kill shot. He descended, a predator poised to strike. But just as the daggers were about to find their mark, a shimmering golden barrier erupted around the ape, deflecting the blow with a sickening clang.
