The atmosphere within the canyon was suffocating. The humanoid beast in crimson armor moved like death incarnate, every thrust of its spear precise, lethal, imbued with corrosive darkness that sought to devour all. Dustin unleashed his movement technique to the extreme, sword-light weaving like a dragon through the storm of spear-shadows, parrying and searching for a weakness. This can’t go on, Dustin thought sharply. This third form of the beast not only surpassed the previous in strength and speed, but its combat skills were near flawless. Worse yet, its energy seemed inexhaustible. To defend endlessly was certain defeat. He had to find the key to end it in one strike. Feigning weakness, Dustin let a subtle flaw show in his footwork. While dodging a vicious side-thrust, he faltered ever so slightly. The beast’s scarlet flames flared. It would not let such a chance slip. The dark spear lunged like a venomous dragon, its speed spiking as it aimed straight for Dustin’s ...