Deep within the dragon's lair, the battle raged. A colossal claw descended from above, crushing a shadow wolf into pulp. The bear monster, towering at twelve feet tall, stood like an impenetrable fortress before Egessa and the others.
Despite its immense size, the bear monster was a formidable combatant, even more so than an ogre. Its earth-shaking roar alone could intimidate nine shadow wolves. However, these wolves were no ordinary beasts; they were cunning, deadly hunters of the shadows.
The wolves exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They began to circle, seeking a weakness in the bear monster. The bear roared in fury, but its clumsy movements betrayed its vulnerability. Years of hunger had sapped its strength, leaving it agile but slow.
The shadow wolves recognized the bear monster's outward strength and inward weakness, and their courage grew. Seizing a moment of distraction, one wolf merged into the bear monster's shadow, then emerged to launch a surprise attack, targeting the scars on the bear's body.
The bear monster was covered in wounds, its roars filled with pain and helplessness. Aix shouted, "Come on, big gray bear!" Aurora waved her fists, cheering the bear on. Egessa, clutching a dagger Aflra had given her for self-defense, was filled with anxiety.
Egessa watched as a shadow wolf leaped from the bear's shadow and lunged at her. Blood splattered as she narrowly dodged the attack, her heart pounding and her limbs trembling.
The wounded shadow wolf struggled violently, flinging Egessa aside and preparing to attack again. Just then, the rainbow bird squawked, its tail feathers spreading like a peacock, radiating a dazzling array of colors.
The rainbow bird's multicolored light spread out like a rainbow, engulfing the shadow wolves still within the bear monster's shadow. With a sizzling sound, the four wolves were torn to shreds. The other shadow wolves, outside the rainbow's light, became sluggish.
The rainbow bird, a creature that had never hunted before, instinctively knew what to do. Its small wings flapped rapidly, propelling it forward. Its beak, sharp as a dagger, pierced the skull of a shadow wolf with ease.
The shadow wolves had long forgotten the fear their natural enemy, the rainbow bird, could instill in them. The rainbow bird chirped excitedly, savoring the taste of the shadow wolf's flesh and blood, feeling stronger with every bite.
Another thunderous crash echoed as the bear monster's claw struck a shadow wolf, shattering its spine. The multicolored light slowed the shadow wolf's movements, preventing it from dodging the attack.
With the rainbow bird's intervention, the situation had improved. On Aflra's side, the blade of darkness in her hand was as deadly to the shadow wolves as the rainbow bird. The shadow wolves dared not hide in the shadows, and Aflra's [Vibration Sense] and [Lightning Reflexes] allowed her to navigate the smoke-filled area with ease, while the shadow wolves could only see glimpses of her.
Aflra easily dodged the shadow wolves' attacks, striking with deadly precision. In just two minutes, she had killed seven shadow wolves, demonstrating her formidable strength.
The witch watched helplessly, unable to see through the mist. She could only guess that Aflra had the upper hand.
When three battered shadow wolves emerged from the mist, the witch realized Aflra's exceptional combat skills. This was clearly an 'evil path' sorcerer.
The mist shifted, and Aflra appeared, moving with astonishing speed. The witch cast a [Snake Illusion] spell, transforming Aflra's sword into a snake.
Aflra, startled but not fooled, continued her charge. She easily dodged two [Venom Splash] attacks, and the witch, growing panicked, retreated and shouted for Tieya to stop Aflra.
Tieya hesitated, fear preventing him from intervening.