The armored figure moved with an imposing grace, its steps deliberate as it approached Finn. The weapon of light it wielded pulsed with power, humming in a way that resonated deep within Finn's chest. He could feel the weight of its gaze, even though its face remained obscured by the shimmering veil.
Finn's instincts screamed at him to act first, and he responded without hesitation. Summoning a surge of electricity, he hurled a bolt at the figure. The crackling energy shot through the air, aimed directly at the armored being's chest.
But in a fluid motion, the figure raised its weapon and sliced through the lightning bolt as if it were a mere thread. The energy dissipated harmlessly, leaving Finn stunned.
"Of course, it's not going to be that easy," Finn muttered, backing up to gain distance.
The figure closed the gap in an instant, moving faster than Finn anticipated. Its weapon slashed in a wide arc, and Finn barely managed to throw up a barrier in time. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, shattering his barrier and forcing him to dive to the side.
Dust and debris filled the air as the strike carved a deep groove into the stone floor. Finn rolled to his feet, clutching his knife tightly. This opponent was unlike anything he'd faced before. Its movements were precise, and every strike carried an overwhelming force.
Thinking quickly, Finn began weaving a complex spell. Fire, ice, and wind converged in his hands, forming a spiraling orb of chaotic energy. He hurled it at the figure, watching as the elemental vortex exploded on impact.
The chamber shook, the explosion sending waves of heat and cold rippling outward. Finn shielded his eyes from the blast, waiting for the dust to settle.
When it did, the figure stood unharmed, its weapon glowing even brighter.
"What…?" Finn's voice trailed off. The attack hadn't even phased it.
The figure raised its free hand, and a wave of force erupted from its palm, slamming into Finn. He was thrown backward, his body crashing into the stone wall with enough force to make him cry out in pain.
Coughing and disoriented, Finn struggled to his feet. The figure didn't press its advantage, instead standing still, its stance almost… patient.
"It's testing me," Finn realized. "It's not just trying to kill me—it wants to see if I'm worthy."
The thought ignited a spark of determination. Gritting his teeth, Finn steadied himself. He couldn't rely on raw power alone; this opponent demanded strategy and precision.
Drawing a deep breath, Finn began focusing on his surroundings. The chamber was large, with towering pillars and uneven terrain. He could use that to his advantage.
The figure began to advance again, its weapon glowing with renewed intensity. Finn tightened his grip on his staff and prepared himself.
This fight wasn't going to be about overpowering his opponent—it was about surviving long enough to find its weakness.
And Finn was determined to do just that.
As the armored figure advanced, its weapon glowing with violent energy, Finn's mind raced. This was no ordinary foe—it wasn't just an enemy to defeat, it was a challenge to survive. But he was starting to see its patterns. The figure's strikes were calculated, precise, and relentless, but it also didn't press every advantage. It was measuring him, looking for weakness.
That's when Finn had an idea.
"Shift," Finn whispered, his voice steady but his heart pounding. He could feel the familiar's presence flickering near him, ready to act. He needed to use his environment to his advantage, and that's where his subspace could come into play. It wasn't just a way to store items; it was a way to manipulate the battlefield itself. If he could use the terrain to shift the odds in his favor, he might stand a chance.
The figure lunged forward with another sweeping strike, aiming to cleave through Finn's defenses. Reacting instantly, Finn flung his knife toward a stone pillar, embedding it into the surface. With a sharp mental command, Finn used the subspace to pull the pillar closer, manipulating the surroundings with a subtle flick of his wrist.
As the pillar lurched forward, the armored figure briefly faltered, trying to adjust its stance as the ground shifted beneath it. That was Finn's opening. He darted to the side, narrowly avoiding another strike as the figure's weapon cracked through the stone where he'd just been standing.
"Shift!" Finn called out again.
The familiar, understanding the plan, shifted into an ethereal rope-like form, wrapping itself around one of the fallen pillars. It jerked the debris into the air, creating a temporary barricade between Finn and the figure. The familiar's distraction was enough to give Finn a moment to breathe.
But the figure wasn't easily fooled. With a wave of its weapon, it cleared the obstruction and continued its relentless pursuit. However, Finn wasn't done yet. As the figure advanced, Finn used his subspace to pull another piece of debris into his hand—a jagged shard of rock. The weight of it felt right, and without hesitation, he hurled it directly at the figure's exposed side.
The shard struck with a loud crack, and the armored figure stumbled, its weapon momentarily lowering. That small opening was enough for Finn to act.
"Now!" Finn shouted, his voice more forceful than before.
Shift, still hovering nearby, surged forward, wrapping its form around the armored figure's legs in a binding motion. The ethereal rope constricted, slowing the figure's movements just enough for Finn to close the gap. He didn't rely on his knife this time, but instead focused on his most unpredictable skill—his manipulation of the environment. He willed the stone beneath the figure's feet to shift, sending the ground heaving up in jagged columns, forcing the armored figure off balance.
The figure staggered, its weapon raised defensively. Finn seized the opportunity and thrust forward, using his elemental magic to fuel his strike, creating a shield of wind that boosted his momentum. He slammed into the figure, knocking it back.
But the figure was still standing.
Finn exhaled sharply, sweat beading on his forehead. This fight wasn't going to end with a single strike. It was a battle of endurance, wits, and keeping his opponent off balance.
And Finn was just getting started.
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