Chapter 23

The Major Ant's mandibles snap shut, narrowly missing the agile panther as it gracefully dodges the potentially immobilizing attack. However, the panther is not one to be underestimated. Despite the coordinated efforts of the ant soldiers, it employs its Enhance Speed skill, darting away from the immediate threat.

Yet, amidst the chaotic dance of combat, the Dire Panther exhibits a cunning strategy. Swift and evasive, it targets the low-level soldier ants with precision. Nyx, noting the panther's tactics, remarks, "The panther is really cunning, killing the low-level soldier ants first. Since the panther is much faster, the Major ant can't do anything."

In a display of agility and ruthless efficiency, the panther darts among the soldier ants, delivering Powerful Strikes and utilizing its enhanced speed to outmaneuver its smaller adversaries. The soldier ants, focused on the looming threat of the panther, find themselves unable to protect their lower-ranked comrades.

The forest floor becomes a battlefield, scattered with the fallen bodies of low-level soldier ants. Nyx, observing the unfolding massacre, notes, "A clever move, weakening the swarm by picking off the lower ranks. The Major Ant must be getting angrier with every fallen soldier." As for the eco of the low-level soldier ants, Nyx doesn't care at all. His eyes are set on the two fat exp, the major ants, and the panther.

As the panther continues its relentless assault on the worker ants, the Major Ant, fueled by fury, activates its Venom Bullet skill once again. Toxic projectiles rain down upon the panther, aiming to slow its movements and amplify the challenge posed by the soldier ants.

A couple of minutes later, the battlefield is eerily silent, with only the two remaining contenders standing amidst the fallen. The Major Ant, its once-imposing exoskeleton marked with battle scars, faces the Dire Panther, equally battered and exhausted from the relentless struggle. Nyx, observing the weary combatants, murmurs, "I guess it's time to move."

With calculated precision, Nyx decides to intervene. The forest, once echoing with the sounds of conflict, now awaits the decisive move. Nyx, recognizing the critical moment, prepares to assassinate the weakened panther. "Time to end this," he declares with a determined resolve.

Activating his Umbral Dagger skill, Nyx, empowered by his recent level-up, summons not one but four ethereal daggers into his insectoid hands. The blades, composed of shadowy darkness, gleam with an otherworldly aura. Nyx, his eyes focused and mandibles set, moves with a predator's grace, closing the distance between himself and the unsuspecting panther.

The Dire Panther, locked in combat with the Major Ant, remains oblivious to Nyx's approach. The forest, a silent witness to Nyx's deadly artistry, seems to hold its breath as the insectoid assassin readies himself for the ultimate strike.

With a swift and calculated motion, Nyx hurls all four Umbral Daggers towards the panther. The ethereal blades slice through the air with deadly precision, seeking the vulnerable points on the panther's body. The forest, now a canvas of shadow and moonlight, amplifies the lethal beauty of Nyx's attack.

The panther, caught off guard, roars in pain as the Umbral Daggers find their marks. The shadowy blades embed themselves into the panther's form, creating an intricate pattern of darkness against its sleek fur. Nyx, having executed the attack with deadly accuracy, watches as the panther stumbles, weakened and disoriented.

The panther, now marked by the ethereal blades, attempts to shake off the disorientation. Nyx, relentless in his pursuit, closes in on the wounded creature.

Nyx, his Umbral Daggers still embedded in the panther, approaches with a calculated gait. The Major Ant, observing the unfolding scene, senses the turning tide and remains poised for the final act.

With a flick of his mandibles, Nyx commands the Umbral Daggers to unleash their dark magic. The ethereal blades, resonating with Nyx's will, pulse with shadowy energy. The panther, struggling against the otherworldly intrusion, lets out anguished roars that reverberate through the silent forest.

Nyx, a triumphant gleam in his insectoid eyes, revels in the success of his unorthodox tactic. "Success... Who knew making the Umbral Dagger explode would work so well?" he mutters to himself, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. The forest, a silent witness to Nyx's experimentation, seems to echo his moment of triumph.

As Nyx stands over the panther, still reeling from the shadowy onslaught, he feels a subtle vibration. The system message appears, catching his attention: "Congratulations, you created a new skill. Shadow Explosion." Nyx, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected announcement, grins beneath his mandibles. "Well, that's a pleasant surprise. Shadow Explosion, huh?"

However, there's no time for celebration. The Major Ant, vigilant and unyielding, continues to attack Nyx. Undeterred by the unexpected development, Nyx swiftly shifts his focus to the Major Ant.

The Major Ant, its antennae twitching with heightened alertness, charges toward Nyx with renewed aggression. Nyx, prepared for the incoming assault, readies his sickle like hand.