The forest was silent, save for the rustling leaves swaying in the cold night breeze. Damien stepped carefully over the uneven ground, his senses sharpened as he scanned his surroundings.
Since his encounter with the Phantom Beast, he had not come across another mid-tier Soldier-level demon. Instead, he had hunted down several low-tier Soldier beasts, refining his technique while conserving his energy.
This was the perfect chance to test his new ability—Spectral Phantom.
A few meters ahead, he spotted a lone Shadow Serpent, a sleek, black-scaled demon coiled around a fallen tree. Its forked tongue flickered, sensing his presence.
Without hesitation, Damien activated Spectral Phantom.
His body flickered, and an ethereal afterimage separated from him, moving in tandem with his real self. It was a near-perfect copy, but without substance—merely an extension of his will.
The serpent lunged at the illusion.
At that moment, Damien struck.
