The true demon blurred again, faster this time, its claws carving through the air with lethal precision.
Sylvaris struck first, his tail whipping toward the demon's chest with crushing force. The demon twisted mid-air, dodging effortlessly before countering with a swipe that forced Sylvaris to recoil.
Sunless lunged, its blade aiming for the demon's exposed side. Sparks flew as claws met steel, the demon deflecting the strike with unnatural ease.
The Lesser Demon roared, leaping forward to join the fray. It attacked from the opposite side, its claws raking toward the demon's back. For a moment, it seemed the strike might land.
But the Superior Demon pivoted sharply, its speed almost too fast to track. It grabbed the Lesser Demon mid-attack, lifting it with one hand before slamming it into the ground with a thunderous crash.
Arthur winced, his mind racing. "He's overpowering them, even with their coordination. This isn't just brute strength—he's skilled."
Sylvaris coiled again, launching himself toward the demon with his fangs bared. "Now!" Arthur shouted.
Sunless and the Lesser Demon moved in unison, flanking from either side as Sylvaris struck head-on.
For the first time, the demon hesitated, its eyes flickering between the three attacks. It snarled, raising its claws to block Sylvaris's bite while twisting to deflect Sunless's blade.
The Lesser Demon's claws found their mark, slashing across its side and drawing a spray of black ichor.
The demon roared in pain, its molten veins glowing brighter with rage.
Arthur's smirk returned, sharp and cutting. "So you bleed. Not so invincible after all."
The demon froze for a heartbeat, the molten veins along its cracked skin pulsing erratically. Its blazing eyes flared, a growl rumbling low in its throat, building into a snarl.
It lunged, claws outstretched, the ground beneath its feet splintering from the force.
But it never reached him.
Sylvaris struck first, his massive tail snapping like a whip. The serpent coiled tighter as the attack hit home, slamming into the demon's torso with a sickening crack.
The demon gritted its jagged teeth, forced to stumble back, its claws carving deep grooves into the arena floor as it struggled to regain balance.
Sylvaris pressed the advantage, lunging forward, fangs bared. The demon reacted instantly, its clawed hand shooting up to block. Their clash sent a shockwave through the air, Sylvaris hissing as the demon twisted, forcing his fangs away.
The demon snarled, raising its other hand to counter, but Sunless moved in next. The skeletal figure's rusted blade cut through the air, precise and deliberate, aiming for the demon's exposed flank.
The demon moved just enough—barely—to avoid the blade striking its vitals. Instead, the jagged edge of its dark armor took the brunt of the attack, sparks flying as Sunless's blade scraped against it.
"Tch. Ptoui" The demon spat dark ichor as it whirled, its glowing claws striking toward Sunless.
The Lesser Demon was already moving, darting in from the opposite side. Its claws glinted in the dim light as it raked across the true demon's side, forcing it to redirect its attack.
Another hiss escaped Sylvaris as he struck again, his body twisting in an arc. His tail aimed for the demon's legs, seeking to sweep it off balance.
The demon caught the motion, jumping just in time to avoid being toppled. But the delay left it open.
Sunless capitalized, bringing its blade down in a heavy arc aimed at the demon's shoulder. The strike landed, but the jagged armor absorbed the blow again, splintering slightly but holding firm.
The demon snarled louder, its fiery eyes darting between its attackers. It lashed out wildly, its claws cutting through the air, forcing Sylvaris and the Lesser Demon to pull back.
For a moment, the demon stood in the centre of the chaos, its molten veins pulsing brighter. Its armour bore small cracks from the relentless assault, and black ichor oozed from the shallow wounds that had slipped through its defences.
Arthur stayed silent with a faint smirk as he watched the demon's eyes lock on him again, pure hatred burning behind them.
Arthur tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but cutting. "Still so sure you're going to kill me?"
The demon's roar cut through the air like a blade.
"True Demonic Descent!"
The aura change was instant.
Arthur's smirk vanished, his expression hardening into a deep frown.
A wave of oppressive energy surged outward, pressing down on the arena like a tidal wave. This wasn't the same as the skill the Lesser Demon had used earlier—it was stronger, denser, and more suffocating.
The air itself seemed to ripple, carrying a stifling heat that burned against his skin. Arthur's chest tightened, and for the first time since the fight started, he felt the a trace of unease creeping into his thoughts.
Arthur didn't hesitate. His mind moved faster than his body, his summoning talent already activating.
A dark portal tore open beside him. Then another.
"Hank! Borak! Lupin!"
Hank swooped in first, the hawk's sharp cry cutting through the oppressive aura. Borak charged out next, his massive frame shaking the ground as he stomped into position, Lupin followed close behind.
Arthur's hand clenched tighter. He didn't stop. Another portal opened.
A hulking figure emerged, crude yet imposing, its beady eyes glinting as it gripped its oversized club. The Goblin King gave a guttural snarl, stepping into formation with the others.
Arthur's gaze snapped back to the demon.
It was different now. Its aura flared like an inferno, crimson light flickering in jagged arcs around its body. The molten veins across its cracked skin glowed brighter, pulsing in sync with the energy radiating from it.
Sylvaris hissed, coiling tighter, his emerald eyes locked on the demon. Sunless tightened its grip on its rusted blade, its skeletal frame visibly straining against the pressure.
Even the Lesser Demon, faltered slightly, its claws trembling under the weight of the superior demon's presence.
The demon's blood-red eyes locked onto him, a cruel grin splitting its face. "More summons? Scared already?" it sneered. "Bring them all. They'll fall like the rest."
Arthur ignored the taunt, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Everyone, spread out! Surround it!"
His summons moved instantly, each one falling into position. Borak charged forward, his hooves cracking the stone beneath him.
Hank circled high above, sharp eyes tracking the demon's every move. Lupin darted to the flank, his movements fluid and precise.
"Sylvaris, come here. I need you beside me," Arthur commanded, his voice calm but sharp.
The serpent hissed, its massive body slithering across the arena with deadly grace. It coiled tightly near Arthur, its emerald eyes locked on the demon.
Arthur's gaze didn't leave the demon as he spoke again, his tone softer but firm. "Sorry, buddy, but I need to get on top of you. Lower your head, will you?"
Sylvaris's eyes flicked to Arthur briefly before he hissed in understanding. The massive serpent dipped his head low, the smooth scales gleaming faintly under the harsh light of the arena.
Arthur wasted no time. In one swift motion, he climbed onto Sylvaris's head, his stance steady despite the slight sway of the serpent's movement.