Last Minute

With one minute remaining until the Demon's Blood Flow Acceleration dissipated, I knew I had to make every second count. My body was battered and bruised, my clothes soaked in my own blood and that of the Demon's.

My muscles screamed in protest, and my mind swirled with fatigue, but I refused to surrender. I had come too far to back down now.

Summoning the last dregs of my Mana, I infused my blade with shadows, making its blade flicker as if invisible. As the Demon launched another assault, I met its claws with fierce determination, pushing back against the monstrous strength that threatened to overwhelm me.

Clang...

The clash of our blades echoed through the air, and it seemed as if time had slowed to a crawl. Each strike was a battle in itself, with every muscle in my body straining to maintain my defense. The Demon's claws left shallow gashes on my arms and legs, but I gritted my teeth and pressed on.