Dark heat curled beneath the haze, and Nero's blood simmered in sync with it.
A moment before the clash, he crouched behind a jagged column of obsidian, his golden eyes fixed on the Twin Guards. They stood tall—one cloaked in steam, the other crackling with flame. A perfect union of ice and fire. Two sentinels barring the way forward.
I can't take them both head-on, Nero thought, narrowing his eyes. Even if I go all out, they'll tear me in two.
His mind sharpened, recalling the status window from earlier. It replayed in his thoughts like a battle plan.
Skills (Active):
• Nero Style: Feral Form – Temporarily enhances physical prowess and instincts.
• Ice Thread – Conjures durable ice-like threads to bind or control targets.
• Gluttony – Devour defeated foes to absorb potential stat gains.
Skills (Passive):
• Fire Resistance (Low)
• Ice Resistance (Low)
• Dual Element Affinity – Naturally harmonizes with two elemental energies.
A grin crept onto his face. "I can do this."
Immobilize one. Butcher the other. Feral Form for strength. Ice Thread for control. He licked his lips, pulse steady despite the danger. It won't be easy… but it's not impossible.
He stepped forward—no hesitation.
The Twin Guards turned at once, twin sets of burning eyes locking onto him like prey. They moved together, fluid and precise. Just as he feared. Like mirrored beasts born of the same will.
The one on the left lifted a jagged axe wreathed in flames. The other formed a frost-forged glaive from the air, frost trailing in coils from its blade.
Nero bolted to the side, kicking off a boulder and launching an Ice Thread mid-air.
Snap!
The thread whipped forward, splitting into five icy cords mid-flight. It wrapped around the frost wielder's legs and yanked tight—just long enough.
"Nero Style: Feral Form!" he roared.
His muscles expanded. Veins glowed faintly beneath demon-black skin. The world slowed.
BOOM!
He dashed like a beast, targeting the flame-wielder, claws extending. He slid beneath a sweeping axe, rebounded off a stone, and raked his claws across the demon's exposed ribs.
Blood hissed like lava. The demon bellowed in rage.
The frost guard snapped the thread and lunged, but Nero ducked and rolled away.
The twins regrouped. The frost demon now limped slightly—wounded from the momentary bind.
They're fast, Nero thought, panting. But I'm faster—if I time it right.
The fire one swung horizontally. Nero leapt over the flaming arc, mid-air twisting, and slammed a heel down toward its skull.
CRACK!
It staggered. Nero landed, crouched—and dashed straight for the frost one. Another Ice Thread, this time wrapping around the demon's arm. He yanked it just enough to unbalance it, then drove his claws into its side.
But the flame demon returned, catching him with a grazing shoulder bash that knocked him back several feet.
Nero skidded, blood trickling from his mouth. His body trembled, but his eyes were sharp. Feral Form's still active. I've got one more push.
He whispered, "Time to feast."
He sprinted low, ducking the axe again, sliding under the frost demon's swing—and leapt between them. His foot planted against the injured one's knee. Ice Thread again—this time binding both of its wrists.
"Die first," he snarled.
His claws ignited with raw force. He stabbed forward—through the frost demon's chest. The demon gurgled, its glaive dissolving to mist.
The flame twin howled in anguish. But Nero didn't flinch.
"Gluttony."
His mouth opened. Darkness surged, spiraling around the dying demon's body, pulling it inward. Bones cracked. Blood vaporized.
DING!
You have consumed a high-tier foe. Stat increase detected.
Before he could breathe, the flame demon charged.
But Nero turned, new strength already flooding in. Faster. Sharper. Stronger.
They clashed—claw against axe. Sparks flew.
This time, Nero met him blow for blow. His claws shattered the axe's edge. He ducked, sidestepped, then drove an elbow into the demon's throat.
He spun—full momentum—and cleaved through the demon's chest with a clawed slash that glowed icy blue.
The flame demon gasped. Fell.
"Gluttony." Nero devoured him too—less ceremoniously this time, almost impatient.
Silence returned.
He stood tall, bloodied but triumphant. The passage forward was now unguarded.
He exhaled, shoulders lowering, and looked ahead.
"Stronger prey… better meals," he muttered, smirking.
The path to the next birthing ground awaited.
----
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[Status Window]
True Name: Numen
Alias: Nero
Race: Demonkin (Non-Elemental Variant)
Level: 8
EXP: 775 / 800
DGP: 720
Stats
• STR: 9
• DEX: 11
• VIT: 9
• INT: 6
Skills (Active)
• Nero Style: Feral Form – Temporarily enhances physical prowess and instincts.
• Ice Thread – Conjures durable ice-like threads to bind or control targets.
• Gluttony – Devour defeated foes to absorb potential stat gains.
Skills (Passive)
• Fire Resistance (Low)
• Ice Resistance (Low)
• Dual Element Affinity – Naturally harmonizes with two elemental energies.
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