The Armored Drake roared, the ruins trembling beneath its power. Its crimson scales glowed faintly, absorbing the ambient magic in the air. With a sudden movement, the beast lunged, its massive claws aiming straight for Xeran and Seraphina.


    Seraphina reacted first, dashing to the side, her sword igniting in radiant energy. She moved with precision, striking at the creature’s leg, but her blade barely scratched its armor.


    “Tch. Its defense is strong.”


    Xeran grinned. “Let’s see if that applies to me too.”


    Without hesitation, he activated Shadow Step, his body flickering through the darkness. He reappeared above the drake, aiming a devastating punch at its head—only for the beast to whip its tail at him mid-air.


    BAM!


    Xeran crashed into a stone pillar, dust rising from the impact. But before the drake could press its advantage, Seraphina rushed in, slashing at its exposed underbelly. Her strike landed, drawing blood.


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    The drake howled, twisting to counterattack. Seraphina barely dodged in time, rolling across the ground as the beast’s fiery breath ignited the ruins around them.


    Xeran emerged from the rubble, grinning despite the pain. His body healed unnaturally fast, another gift from the Devourer System.


    “Alright, you big lizard.” He cracked his knuckles. “My turn.”


    Summoning the power he had stolen from the Shadowfang Wolf, he used Shadow Step again—but this time, he materialized inside the beast’s blind spot.


    BAM!


    His fist, charged with absorbed beast energy, slammed into the drake’s exposed wound. A shockwave burst outward, making the beast screech in agony.


    Seraphina’s eyes widened. “What kind of technique is that?!”


    Xeran didn’t answer. The System’s notifications flooded his vision:


    [Beast Core Absorption in Progress…]


    [New Ability Acquired: Ember Veins – Enhances physical attacks with fire energy.]


    A sudden rush of heat filled Xeran’s body. His fists ignited in crimson flames, mirroring the drake’s own power.


    Seraphina, seeing the opportunity, shouted: “Now! We finish this together!”


    Xeran smirked. “Don’t have to tell me twice.”


    The drake roared one last time, gathering energy for another attack.


    But it was too late.


    Seraphina leaped high, her sword glowing with radiant power.


    Xeran rushed forward, his flaming fists ready to strike.


    One final blow.


    A flash of fire and steel.


    The Armored Drake collapsed.


    Xeran stood over its corpse, his chest rising and falling with exhilaration. He had absorbed its power. He had grown stronger.


    Seraphina lowered her sword, studying him carefully. “You’re no ordinary warrior.”


    Xeran smirked. “And you’re not bad for a noble.”


    She scoffed. “I’m no noble.”


    Xeran raised an eyebrow. “Then what are you?”


    Seraphina turned away, her golden eyes darkening.


    “A traitor.”


    TO BE CONTINUED…