The Veilbound Stalker lunged again.

  Its movements were unnatural, its limbs twisting midair as if breaking and reforming in an instant. Too fast. Akari barely had time to react before its claws slashed toward her chest.

  CLANG!

  She blocked with her sword, but the impact sent her skidding back, boots digging into the dirt. A sharp ache shot through her arm. The creature was far stronger than the wolves she had fought before.

  Her wolves snarled, leaping to attack.

  The Stalker turned its head unnaturally, its bone mask cracking with a low click.

  SHLACK!

  In a single swipe, it tore through one of her wolves.

  The beast collapsed, body disintegrating into violet smoke. Akari’s breath caught in her throat.

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  > Forsaken Summon Lost.

  Her summon was gone. Just like that.

  She gritted her teeth. This wasn’t just a fight—this was a test of survival.

  The old man took a step back, gripping his cane. “Girl, you should run.”

  Run?

  No.

  Something inside her refused.

  She tightened her grip on her sword. The Forsaken Path was about power, wasn’t it?

  Akari exhaled. Then she would use it.

  > Forsaken Summoning: Activate.

  A pulse of violet energy erupted from her hand. The wolf that had fallen reformed, but different. Its fur was darker, and its violet eyes blazed with hunger.

  It had evolved.

  The Veilbound Stalker twitched as if sensing the change. Its mask split open, revealing a mouth filled with jagged teeth.

  Akari moved first.

  She charged, blade low. The creature reacted, swiping at her legs.

  But this time, she was ready.

  She vaulted over the attack, twisting midair. Her sword flashed, striking across the Stalker’s exposed side.

  SLASH!

  A deep gash opened, black liquid hissing as it spilled onto the ground.

  The Stalker reeled back, letting out a shriek that sent a chill through her bones. The villagers, still unmoving, flinched at the sound.

  The old man narrowed his eyes. “You wounded it?”

  Akari didn’t answer. She felt it. The rush. The power.

  Her wolves rushed in, tearing into the Stalker’s exposed side. It screeched, claws slashing wildly, but it was already losing ground.

  This wasn’t a battle of raw strength.

  It was a battle of will.

  And she would not lose.

  With a final burst of speed, Akari lunged forward—her sword piercing through the creature’s chest.

  For a moment, everything was still.

  Then—

  > Veilbound Stalker Defeated.

  New Summon Available.

  Akari’s eyes widened.

  The Stalker’s body crumbled, turning into shadowy mist. But instead of fading away, the mist swirled around her.

  Something was changing.

  The old man stared at her, his expression unreadable.

  “You… truly walk the Forsaken Path.”

  Akari exhaled, staring at her trembling hand. The power still surged through her veins.

  She had won.

  But deep down, she knew—this was only the beginning.