The forest trembled under heavy footfalls. Kazuki's ears picked up subtle shifts in the trees—the rustle of boots over leaves, the faint hum of mana-infused weapons. He raised the Moon-Bone Blade, muscles coiled like springs. Lyria clutched at his sleeve, exhausted but alert.
"Kazuki… they're close," she whispered.
He nodded, eyes scanning the shadows. His senses—enhanced by Moonblood evolution—picked up more than just movement. Threat level. Attack patterns. Weaknesses. Every instinct screamed the same: They were elite hunters, more lethal than anyone he'd faced.
Suddenly, a dozen silver-clad figures emerged from the mist. Each carried a long, mana-infused spear or bow. At the front, a figure stepped forward—a towering elf in flowing, rune-etched armor. A faint crown glimmered over his silver hair.
"I am Commander Sylrion," the elf announced, voice cold as ice. "And you, human, will not survive this night."
Kazuki tightened his grip on the Moon-Bone Blade. "Try me."
THE BATTLE BEGINS
Sylrion struck first. His spear glowed with a sharp, blue mana light, cleaving the air toward Kazuki's chest.
Lunar Step activated.
Kazuki blurred past the strike, spinning behind a tree. The forest around him bent to his movement—the wind rushing past, leaves snapping with his momentum.
The Moonfang Division charged as one. Arrows streaked through the air. Kazuki twisted mid-step, Moonlight Blade slicing a volley of arrows in midair. Sparks of moonlight flared, reflecting across the ruins.
"Not bad for a human," Sylrion hissed. "But raw strength alone won't save you."
LUNAR STEP & ADRENAL SURGE
Kazuki's heart pounded as adrenaline surged. He remembered the Adrenal Surge skill, activating instinctively to protect Lyria. His strength and agility doubled for the briefest instant.
He darted through the ranks of hunters like a silver shadow. Moon-Bone Blade cut through enchanted armor, and his new Predator's Intuition warned him of every incoming attack.
One hunter lunged with a curved spear—Kazuki anticipated it before it moved, sidestepping and ramming his knee into the elf's chest. The impact sent the elf crashing into a tree.
Another archer raised a bow—Kazuki dashed toward them, leaving afterimages in the moonlight. His Lunar Step blurred his form. Within seconds, the archer fell, dagger at throat.
Lyria watched, awe and fear mingling in her eyes. "Kazuki… you're unstoppable…"
Kazuki gritted his teeth. "I'm just getting started."
SYLRION STRIKES BACK
Sylrion's mana flared violently, and the ground beneath Kazuki erupted into blue cracks of energy. He leapt, barely avoiding the strike.
"Moonblood form…" Sylrion muttered. "So that is the prophecy human."
Kazuki landed and felt energy surge through him—an unexpected unlock. The Moonblood form had reached a secondary stage.
[Moonblood Evolution: Stage II Activated]
Strength +30%
Agility +40%
Reflexes heightened
Night Vision perfect, even in total darkness
Mana flow synchronized with Moonlight Blade
Kazuki's body glowed faintly silver. His senses sharpened, and the forest became a map of threat zones and escape vectors.
He glanced at Lyria. Her hands began to glow faintly green. Her mana reacted to his Moonlight Aura.
Her power… is awakening too.
LYRIA AWAKENS
Sylrion struck again. Kazuki parried and launched a counterattack, but a spear grazed his side. He gritted his teeth as pain flared, and then—a burst of green light from Lyria engulfed him.
She collapsed to her knees, whispering, "Kazuki… I… won't let them… hurt you."
The mana flowed from her into him. His wounds sealed partially, and his blade pulsed with moonlight-infused life energy.
Ding![Lyria's Mana Link Activated]
Healing and mana transfer possible when allies are connected
Minor spell enhancement
Kazuki stared at her. "…You're strong too."
She nodded weakly. "We're… stronger together."
THE FINAL CONFRONTATION
Sylrion's eyes narrowed. He raised his spear and charged, faster than Kazuki had ever seen. Moonlight Blade in hand, Kazuki met him mid-air. Sparks and energy flared as steel collided.
Every strike felt heavier, every block more precise. Sylrion unleashed a series of mana thrusts, each designed to pierce armor and bone. But Kazuki's Predator's Intuition and Lunar Step allowed him to dodge and counter flawlessly.
Moonlight Blade cut through the spear's magical coating, exposing Sylrion's arm. Kazuki feinted left, then spun in a full circle, landing a slash that drew deep lines across Sylrion's armor.
Sylrion staggered back, shocked. "Impossible… human…"
Kazuki's eyes glowed silver. Moonlight swirled around him like a halo. "I'm not ordinary. I'll protect her… no matter what!"
With one final surge, Adrenal Surge + Lunar Step combined, Kazuki leapt high, spinning in a deadly arc. Moon-Bone Blade glimmered, slicing through Sylrion's spear and armor simultaneously. The commander crashed into the forest floor, unconscious.
The remaining Moonfang hunters froze and then fled silently, leaving their commander behind.
LEVEL UP & NEW SKILLS
Ding![LEVEL UP! → Level 18]
Ding! New Skills Unlocked:
Moonlight Aura (Active): Emit moonlight to enhance ally abilities, boost healing, or disorient enemies.
Predator's Strike (Passive): Deal bonus damage to targets flagged as high-threat.
Adrenal Surge (Lv.2): Now lasts 60 seconds with 70% strength and agility boost.
Ding! Passive Skill Bonus:Double EXP still active
Kazuki exhaled, leaning against a tree. Moonlight reflected off his silver-tinged hair and blade.
Lyria crawled toward him, exhausted but smiling faintly. "Kazuki… you… really are the shadow of prophecy."
Kazuki's lips curled into a tired grin. "Then I guess we'd better make sure we live up to it."
The forest was quiet again, but the distant rumble of war hinted that this was only the beginning.
The Moonblood Warrior had awakened.And with Lyria by his side, no force in the world would take them lightly.
END OF CHAPTER 11