Over the last few hours, Jason and Maggy had honed their skills through relentless battles, each fight sharpening their instincts and refining their abilities. Now, they stood before their most difficult challenge yet.

  “Death Stalker – Grade F. A petrified human wrapped in cursed rags, using those rags as weapons sharp enough to cut through steel. Left unchecked, these stalkers have razed entire settlements, their thirst for blood ever-growing.”

  With a nod, Jason summoned Undying-Flame. He’d learned that the creatures in this region were especially vulnerable to fire.

  Handing Maggy a staff he’d looted from an earlier fight, Jason said, “Same as before. I’ll attack from the front. Once it’s distracted, hit it from behind.”

  They waited for the Death Stalker to expose its back. The moment came, and Jason unleashed Flame Crescent. The searing fire arced through the air, slicing deep into the Stalker’s back and severing one of its four rags. Encouraged by his progress, Jason charged in, fully engaged.

  But the Death Stalker was blindingly fast. It lashed out, and though Jason defended as best he could, his inexperience with the blade became evident. Two of the rags struck deep into his legs, pinning him to the ground. The creature snarled, sensing victory as it loomed over him, ready to strike.

  Luckily, Jason wasn’t alone.

  With a deafening crack, Maggy had cast Spirit Bolt, causing the Death Stalker to stumble. Grunting through the pain, Jason forced another Flame Crescent forward, the fiery arc carving another burning gash into the creature. Howling in fury, the last remaining rag shot toward Maggy’s chest. It was mere inches from her when she vanished, her Sacred Sanctuary skill activating in the nick of time.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Jason clenched his jaw. No more mistakes.

  Focusing through the pain, he unleashed a final Flame Crescent. Any more than three in quick succession, and he’d pass out from the strain. But luck was on his side—the blade struck true, fire engulfing the Death Stalker before it disintegrated into ash, leaving behind only the scorched remains.

  Jason used the familiar skill, Consume.

  A notification popped up. Not enough remains for consumption. Skill failed.

  A surge of energy coursed through Jason’s body, filling his Ascendant Core. He could feel himself growing stronger, his power deepening.

  Benchmark hit – Ascendant Core filled 25%. New skills available.

  · Skill Sync (Common): Gain the ability to use all non-combat-related skills without drawing your weapon.

  · Harmonic Slash (Uncommon): Passive. The swordsman, attuned to their blade, can sense the weak points of their foe.

  · Flash Step (Epic): Allows the user to teleport a short distance at high speed. However, each use places a heavy strain on the body. A physical step is required for activation.

  Jason examined his choices carefully. Skill Sync was convenient but not immediately useful. Harmonic Slash had potential, but against these fire-weak enemies, he needed something more versatile. Flash Step, however, was a game changer. The ability to reposition mid-fight was too valuable to ignore.

  A rush of exhilaration hit Maggy as their plan came together perfectly. The Death Stalker fell, and she could feel her own power surging as well. Smiling, she turned to glance at Jason—just in time to see him step forward and vanish from sight.

  THUD.

  The sound was followed by a loud smacking noise, and she turned to see Jason bouncing off one of the obsidian pillars, dazed and stumbling.

  Jason groaned, staggering before collapsing onto his backside. “Okay, maybe dreams of being a ninja, flashing in and out of combat, were a little out of reach for the moment.”

  Maggy laughed softly, shaking her head. “I thought you were supposed to be the warrior here, not the jester.”

  Jason smirked, rubbing the back of his head. “I’ll get there. Just… need a little practice.”