Liam Phase Shifted away from the sword-wielder's casual strike—a blow that carved through the marble pillar behind where he'd been standing like butter. He reappeared on the opposite side of the hall, channeling Essence desperately to heal the worst of his injuries.
[Essence: -8,000]
[Health: 31% → 38%]
It wasn't enough. Not nearly enough.
"He's fast, I'll give him that," the third hero observed. "Some kind of teleportation magic. Short range, but effective for mobility."
They were analyzing him. Studying him like he was an interesting puzzle rather than a threat.
Because to them, he wasn't a threat.
He was an inconvenience.
The sword-wielder moved again—not with the blonde hero's impossible speed, but with precision that spoke of someone who'd spent their entire life training. The burning blade swept in an arc that forced Liam to Phase Shift again.
He was burning through Essence with every shift, every healing attempt, every second he tried to survive.
