A sharp, ink-black shadow lunged from directly behind Piccolo—its razor-sharp claws aimed straight for his spine.
Piccolo spun at the absolute last second—his warrior instincts screaming in alarm—but Creep's strike was dangerously fast. The shadowy claws slashed deep across his shoulder, tearing through thick armor and purple skin alike.
Piccolo: "Ghh—!" *He barely bit back a yell of agonizing pain as blood sprayed into the dust. The open wound burned with an unnatural, paralyzing cold... as if whatever Creep was made of defied the laws of natural ki.*
The Namekian staggered backward, clutching his smoking shoulder. For the first time in this chaotic engagement... he looked visibly rattled.
Krillin, however, was quick to think on his feet.
Krillin: "SOLAR FLARE!"
A blinding burst of pure, solar light erupted from Krillin's hands in a violent flash, flooding the dark battlefield. For a split second, every shadow was violently illuminated... including Creep's shifting silhouette.
The shadow creature hissed—a horrific sound like tearing fabric—and recoiled violently from the harsh radiance, writhing in the air as if being scorched to its core.
Krillin: "Light! It hurts the shadow!" *Krillin didn't hesitate for a microsecond. He fired a bright ki blast directly at the creature while roaring over the commotion:* "IT HATES LIGHT!"
Tien leaped into action instantly, his hands already forming the familiar, precise stance of his signature technique—the Multi-Form.
In a sharp burst of speed, Tien multiplied—three identical clones appearing in a flash beside him. All four versions of the warrior charged at Creep simultaneously from four different angles.
Light plus numbers equaled complete overwhelm.
The four Tiens attacked in a synchronized flurry of rapid punches, kicks, and bright ki blasts aimed directly at the shadowy creature, completely flooding its space with relentless brightness, heat, and physical force.
And to everyone's astonishment, Creep went up in roaring flames.
The shadowy tendrils burned away like dry parchment, leaving behind nothing but dissipating smoke—and leaving only one brute force standing on the field: Beast.
The battlefield fell eerily silent for a single heartbeat—everyone staring in disbelief at the scorched earth where Creep had just been reduced to nothingness.
Beast was still there, massive and seething, superheated steam rolling continuously off his stone body. But now... he was the only major elite threat left standing.
Goku's lips curled into a fierce, eager grin. This fight had just gotten much simpler. One clear target instead of four chaotic predators.
Vegeta: *He cracked his knuckles with a sharp snap, his golden aura flaring brighter than ever before.* "About time. Now we only have one pile of rock to break."