WHOOSH! CRRRRRRRKKKKK!

In an instant, a radiant burst of light emanates from the sword, momentarily blinding me. A palpable aura of deathly chill engulfs the surroundings, as I cautiously open my eyes.

Although I stand at a considerable distance, I can still sense the monstrous chill emanating from the sword. The ice spreads in an irregular pattern, freezing the very ground beneath it, leaving no room for the beast to manipulate its earthen domain.

CRRRRRRKKKKK.

The ice shatters as the beast breaks free from its frozen entrapment.

ROAR!

The beast bellows, pounding its chest with fury. But before it can retaliate, Zamira materializes before it, delivering a swift kick to its chest, causing it to slide backward across the icy surface. Zamira's onslaught continues as she deftly dashes towards the disoriented beast, intercepting it before it can regain its momentum, and forcefully strikes the hilt of her sword against its head, cleaving it in two.

However, undeterred by the grievous blow, the resilient beast manages to reshape its visage and swings its bladed right hand at Zamira, aiming to inflict a fatal wound. Yet, Zamira effortlessly intercepts the bladed assault, catching the hand mid-air and effortlessly snapping it in half.

With the fractured bladed-mud hand now firmly in her grasp, Zamira ruthlessly plunges it into the beast's left shoulder, eliciting a tortured cry of pain. Not content with her previous actions, she seizes one of the beast's legs, hoisting it and its entire body aloft, before forcefully slamming it into the frozen terrain.

BOOM!

The resulting shockwave sends a barrage of ice shards and shrapnel flying in all directions. A peculiar occurrence transpires amid the chaos. For the first time since the battle commenced, the beast begins to bleed, darkened ichor oozing from its wounds and staining the icy surface.

With a sudden shift in demeanor, Zamira strides purposefully towards the wounded creature, encircled by dancing tendrils of yellow energy. Her sword rests casually upon her shoulder, emanating a pulsating hue of purple that imbues her with an ominous aura.

Halting abruptly in front of the beast, she looms over it, adopting the posture of a predatory creature. Her countenance reveals little, yet there is a perplexing hint of astonishment in her gaze.

"I have emerged victorious, and now I believe I am entitled to claim your crystal," Zamira declares, a sly grin playing across her lips as she raises her sword high above her head.

"Swordcraft... One thou–"

No, I will not allow her to slay the beast! My mind races as I witness Zamira lifting her blade skyward. This is my opportunity to establish a connection with this formidable woman. Should circumstances warrant it, I shall reveal my true self to her.

Swiftly, I dash towards Zamira.

CHA-CHING!

A resounding metallic clash reverberates as I seize the tip of her sword between two fingers, effectively halting her attack. Through the concentrated infusion of my Ki energy, I manage to impede her assault effortlessly.

Gazing upwards, Zamira's eyes widen as she observes me, effortlessly thwarting one of her most formidable techniques as though it were inconsequential. This act of defiance brings disgrace upon the composed warlock, etching an expression of shock and bitterness upon her face.

WHOOSH~

A colossal cloud of dust billows as Zamira cautiously leaps backward, assuming a defensive stance.

historical

Mmm, an astute move for a warlock. She displays prudence by retreating upon witnessing my intervention and the remarkable feat I have accomplished. Now, she attentively observes me, attempting to gauge the extent of my strength. This is truly a remarkable turn of events! My desire to possess this woman intensifies.

"You! Who are you? You impeded my one thousand blade cuts. I have never encountered you before, and while I have no desire to engage in combat, I detest your interference. Are you attempting to steal my kill?" Zamira demands, her grip on the sword's hilt tightening.

"Steal your kill? Absolutely not. I have a different purpose here. I beseech you to spare this beast, for I intend to make it my companion. I promise to procure another demon-tier crystal for you," I assert, stepping closer to the wounded creature and placing my hand gently upon its head.

Suddenly, a radiant crimson glow emanates from my hand, gradually permeating the beast's skull, causing its injuries to miraculously vanish. As soon as I complete the healing process, the beast rises to its feet and bows deeply before me.

"Master," it utters in a low voice.

"Reveal your true form to me," I command, and the beast obediently nods. In an instant, its body undergoes a remarkable transformation, diminishing in size until it assumes the shape of a diminutive humanoid child.

"I see... This is your true form. A newly born demon-rank beast, exhausted by its previous manifestation and the tremendous power it exerted, depleting its crystal," I remark, as the beast affirms my words with a nod. Observing its genuine form, I cannot help but find it endearing. Two antennae protrude from its head, accompanied by shiny black eyes that exude an air of innocence. The remainder of its body resembles that of a human, save for its rich, glossy, mud-like skin. At first glance, one might mistake it for a peculiar race.

"I believe you have gone too far. Halting my one thousand blade cuts does not grant you carte blanche to act as you please," Zamira interjects, her voice laced with a hint of anger. The sword she wields radiates a potent purple aura, underscoring her mounting fury. However, for reasons unknown, she refrains from initiating an attack.

"By slaying this beast, its crystal would be rendered virtually useless—a mere semblance of a demon-tier weapon. Thus, you ought to express gratitude, rather than animosity, towards me," I retort with a smile.

"Gogo, from this moment forward, that shall be your name. You shall bring all other beasts into submission and abstain from harming any inhabitants of this planet. I shall call upon you when the need arises. Now, go!" I decree, and in an instant, the beast begins sprinting away until it disappears from view.

As I fix my gaze upon Zamira, an expression of intense anger contorts her features, clearly dissatisfied with my actions.

"Who permitted you to act with such impunity? That beast was meant to be mine. As you have crossed the line, you shall face the consequences," Zamira declares menacingly, as the aura of yellow energy surrounding her pulsates with heightened intensity.

"Once again, I pose the question: Who are you?" she demands, adopting an aggressive stance of battle readiness.

"I am Jake Mystro," I proclaim, a mischievous grin playing upon my lips as I discard my shirt, revealing a meticulously sculpted set of abs.