Misty raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Illusions again?" She raised her staff, preparing to counter, but this time, something was different. The giant fox illusion's presence felt real, almost tangible, as if it were more than just a trick of the mind.
The shadow constructs Misty had summoned faltered for a moment, unsure how to react to this new threat. Nia used that hesitation to her advantage, sending her real self darting through the shadows, aiming for Misty's blind spot.
Misty realized too late what was happening. The illusion had been a diversion, a grand spectacle to distract her while Nia slipped in close. Nia appeared behind Misty, her dagger raised.
But Misty wasn't entirely unprepared. Just as Nia's blade came down, Misty's body dissolved into a swirl of shadow, reforming several feet away. "Clever," Misty admitted. "But you'll need more than illusions to defeat me."
Nia smirked. "Good thing I'm full of surprises."