Chapter 10

Unexpectedly, the Shadowlume, despite its injuries, reacts with defiance. "How dare you, a small bug, attack me! Don't think that I'm injured means you can take me on," it retorts with a voice that echoes a blend of darkness and strength.

Nyx, momentarily surprised by the creature's ability to speak, responds with a cold chuckle. "Haha, you can talk!!" Even the Shadowlume appears taken aback, realizing that a small insect shouldn't possess the intellect to communicate. The denizen of shadows contemplates the situation, acknowledging that Nyx's audacity to attack goes beyond mere instinct.

The Shadowlume, while still focused on healing itself, recognizes that Nyx's assault isn't a mindless act. "That's right, this bug has the guts to attack me, shouldn't be driven by instinct," it muses. Despite prioritizing its own recovery, the Shadowlume remains vigilant, acknowledging that underestimating Nyx would be a grave mistake. "And I didn't sense it, even though my priority is healing myself. That doesn't mean I will let my guard down."

With a sudden surge of determination, the Shadowlume activates its mystical skill. A sword made of shadow materializes in its grasp, and with swift and calculated precision, the creature strikes at Nyx. The shadowy sword slices through the air, aiming for the small insectoid assassin.

Nyx, caught off guard by the unexpected use of magic, reacts with instinctual speed. His surprise transforms into a defensive reflex as he raises one of his sickle front legs to block the incoming shadowy sword. The impact produces a resonant clang, a sound akin to metal hitting metal, echoing through the surreal forest.

The Shadowlume, having expected a more vulnerable response, is momentarily taken aback. "Damn, I can only create one right now," it mutters in frustration. The realization dawns that its current weakened state limits the number of shadow swords it can conjure.

On the other hand, Nyx, despite the defensive move, is ecstatic. His multifaceted eyes gleam with newfound excitement. "Haha, real magic, I want it," he declares with a mix of awe and eagerness. It's the first time he has witnessed genuine magical abilities since his reincarnation.

Nyx, having encountered various creatures in the fantastical forest, had grown accustomed to the extraordinary. However, the manifestation of magic by the Shadowlume sparks a unique fascination within him. The bunny he encountered earlier might have possessed unique powers, but the allure of genuine magic was an entirely different experience for Nyx.

The Shadowlume, now fully engaged in the duel, takes control of the shadowy sword it created. With a mere thought, the creature makes the ethereal blade float in the air, unleashing a series of calculated attacks against Nyx. The shadowy sword moves with otherworldly grace, seeking to find the insectoid assassin's vulnerabilities.

Nyx, recognizing the increased threat, shifts into a more serious demeanor. His multifaceted eyes narrow with focus, and he readies himself for the impending magical onslaught. Instead of attempting to stop the shadowy sword head-on, Nyx employs a strategic approach, utilizing the terrain to his advantage.

As the shadowy sword lunges towards him, Nyx deftly maneuvers through the forest, utilizing the trees as natural barriers. Each swift movement is accompanied by the sound of leaves rustling and the ethereal resonance of the shadowy blade slicing through the air.

The small insectoid assassin displays remarkable agility, darting between the trees with calculated precision. Rather than confronting the magical attacks directly, Nyx embraces the dance of evasion, weaving through the dense foliage to disrupt the trajectory of the shadowy sword.

With each clash of the shadowy sword against a tree, Nyx capitalizes on the opportunity. His sickle front legs, guided by a keen understanding of force and momentum, deflect the sword with minimal effort. The impact reverberates through Nyx's exoskeleton, and he feels the strain as if deflecting a colossal force with each maneuver.

Every deflection becomes a test of Nyx's strength and agility. The forest transforms into a battleground where Nyx, the small insectoid, faces the magical onslaught of the Shadowlume. The dance continues, the small creature seamlessly blending with the environment, using every available resource to outmaneuver the ethereal blade.

Despite the magical nature of the assault, Nyx remains resolute. His multifaceted eyes reflect determination as he adapts to the rhythm of the magical attacks. The sound of the shadowy sword clashing against trees harmonizes with Nyx's movements, creating a symphony of battle in the heart of the surreal forest.

As Nyx dodges and deflects, he can't help but marvel at the sheer power of the Shadowlume's magic. Each encounter with the shadowy sword feels like deflecting a massive boulder, the force resonating through his insectoid frame. Yet, Nyx embraces the challenge, fueled by the thrill of facing true magic for the first time since his reincarnation.

Now, with the duel reaching a climactic point, the Shadowlume, unable to move its body due to injuries, observes the peculiar bug with a sense of bewilderment. Its enigmatic eyes track Nyx's every move as the small insectoid skillfully defends itself using the surrounding terrain.

The Shadowlume, despite its injuries and immobilized state, cannot help but marvel at the unexpected prowess of the low-tier creature before it. "How bizarre," it muses, a mix of frustration and fascination in its tone. "I've been living in this forest for thousands of years now, and this is the first time I've seen a creature not even low-tier rank successfully defending against my attacks."