Flames erupted from Bastion's body, igniting the air itself as if it were soaked in oil.
A massive shadowy figure emerged behind him, its form mirroring Pyra's down to the smallest detail, save for the flickering dark flames that wreathed its body.
Shadow Technique Twin Strike activated! Copied Skill: Flame Storm!
The world seemed to pause for a moment.
Then, with a deafening roar, an inferno surged forth, devouring everything in its path.
The air became a swirling maelstrom of heat and fire, even more ferocious than Pyra's original Flame Storm. The hellish vortex expanded outward, consuming the incoming mutant demon wolf and its packmates in an instant.
The wolves that had been leaping toward Bastion froze mid-air, their snarling mouths and razor-sharp fangs inches away from his throat.
In the next heartbeat, they were gone—reduced to ash before they could even hit the ground.
The battlefield was silent save for the roaring flames.
Golden Bow, Chloe, and Hunter were left gaping at the spectacle.
"What... what was that?!" Chloe stammered, her voice trembling.
Hunter's staff slipped from his hands. He muttered in disbelief, "A copied Flame Storm? How... How does a Beast Summoner have such a skill?"
Golden Bow's grip on his axes tightened. His instinct told him this wasn't just a lucky draw of a skill—Bastion was hiding a power far beyond their understanding.
In the heart of the inferno, the mutant demon wolf's massive frame staggered forward.
Despite being a resilient Elite-tier creature, its fur was scorched, its once-mighty stance now trembling with weakness. The aura of dominance it once exuded had vanished, replaced by desperation.
It growled lowly, blood and saliva dripping from its charred muzzle.
Pyra, still catching its breath from its previous Flame Storm, lifted its head. The fiery markings on its fur pulsed, reigniting with vigor as it locked eyes with its weakened prey.
Bastion's calm voice broke the silence.
"Pyra. Finish it."
Pyra's body coiled with explosive energy as it launched itself forward. Its fiery tail ignited into a burning whip, the familiar glow of Ember Tail enveloping it.
Whip!
The attack struck the mutant demon wolf square on the head, sending it crashing into the ground with a resounding thud. The beast didn't move again.
The system notification rang out, crisp and clear.
[Congratulations! You have defeated Level 10 Mutant Demon Wolf (Elite-tier). Experience points gained: +800.]
[Bonus item dropped: Mutant Demon Wolf Fang]
The surviving demon wolves froze mid-step, their bloodthirsty gazes faltering.
Without their alpha's commanding presence, the pack's confidence crumbled. One by one, they began retreating, tails tucked between their legs, until the entire swarm disappeared into the shadows of the forest.
Silence returned to the battlefield.
Golden Bow and the others stood frozen, their weapons lowered. It was only when Pyra padded over to Bastion and nuzzled his side, seeking his approval, that they finally snapped out of their daze.
Chloe broke the silence with a shaky laugh.
"Hah... hahahahaha! What the hell, kid?! That was... that was insane!"
Willow's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Bastion, that was incredible! I've never seen anything like that before!"
Hunter clenched his fists, his pride as a mage shattered. Despite himself, he muttered, "You're... you're not just some random Beast Summoner, are you?"
Golden Bow stepped forward, his tone full of respect. "Kid... no, Bastion. I owe you an apology. I misjudged you. Without you, we'd all be dead right now. Thank you."
Bastion simply smiled, his calm demeanor unchanged.
"Let's not celebrate just yet. The fight might be over, but we're not out of the woods. There's still plenty of danger in the Bamboo Sea Mountains."
Golden Bow nodded solemnly. "You're right. But first..."
He knelt beside the mutant demon wolf's corpse, retrieving its fang as proof of the kill.
"Bastion, this fang is yours. You earned it."
Bastion shook his head. "I don't need it. Consider it yours—I'm just glad we all made it out alive."
Golden Bow hesitated, but the sincerity in Bastion's voice left no room for argument.
Chloe let out a whistle, still shaken but impressed. "Well, looks like we owe you big time, Bastion. If you ever need a hand in the future, you know who to call!"
Willow beamed. "And if Pyra ever needs a snack or a break from fighting, I'd be happy to take care of her!"
Pyra gave a soft chirp, rubbing its head against Bastion's chest.
The group shared a relieved laugh as they prepared to regroup and return to safety.
But deep down, one thought lingered in everyone's mind.
This wasn't just a skilled Beast Summoner.
Bastion was someone they would hear about again.