Kai barely had time to breathe before the Crimson Horned Direwolf charged again.
Its injured leg didn't slow it down much—if anything, it seemed even more enraged. Sparks of crimson lightning crackled around its horns, illuminating its bloodthirsty eyes.
Kai pushed himself up, wiping the blood from his lip. He stole a glance at the assassin—she was already moving.
She dashed to the side, her daggers flashing as she aimed for the beast's other leg.
Clang!
The Direwolf twisted at the last second, swiping at her with a claw the size of a shield. She barely flipped away in time, but the wind pressure sent her skidding backward.
Kai saw his chance.
He dashed forward, activating Flame Burst Step to close the distance.
The Direwolf sensed him and turned, but it was a fraction too late.
Kai's knife slashed upward, tearing through the beast's wounded leg.
Blood sprayed.
The Direwolf roared in agony, its leg finally giving out.
It collapsed onto one knee.
The assassin didn't hesitate—she jumped onto its back, aiming for the base of its horns.
But the beast wasn't done yet.
Boom!
A wave of crimson lightning exploded from its body, shocking everything in a five-meter radius.
Kai barely had time to react before the electricity surged through him.
Pain.
Every nerve in his body screamed as he was sent flying. He hit the ground hard, his limbs twitching uncontrollably.
The assassin wasn't spared either—she was flung off the Direwolf's back, her body crashing into a tree.
Kai's vision blurred for a moment. His muscles burned, refusing to move.
The Direwolf panted heavily, its injuries finally catching up to it.
But it still wasn't giving up.
It slowly stood up, despite its wounds, growling deep from within its chest.
Kai struggled to his feet, forcing his body to move.
The assassin groaned, doing the same.
Both of them locked eyes for a brief second.
They understood—this was their last chance.
Either they ended the fight now…
Or they wouldn't walk away alive.