The moment Rahat released his power—
BOOM!!
A surge of dark energy exploded from his hand, colliding directly with the charging monster. The impact shook the ground, sending dust and debris flying into the air.
For a brief second, everything went silent.
Then—
The monster was pushed back.
It slid across the street, its claws digging into the concrete, leaving deep cracks behind. A low growl escaped its throat as it slowly lifted its head.
Rahat stood frozen.
"I… did that?"
His hand was still glowing with shadowy energy, swirling like a living force around his fingers.
But there was no time to think.
The monster roared again—louder, angrier.
It wasn't dead.
"Of course it's not," the white rabbit said calmly, floating beside him. "Did you really think it would be that easy?"
Rahat clenched his fist.
"Then what do I do?!"
"Fight," the rabbit replied. "Use the power. Feel it. Control it."
The monster suddenly leaped into the air.
Fast.
Too fast.
"Watch out!" the rabbit shouted.
Rahat barely managed to move as the creature crashed down where he had been standing just a second ago. The ground shattered beneath the impact.
His heart pounded wildly.
"I can't keep dodging… I have to fight!"
The shadow energy around his hand began to spread, covering his arm like dark armor.
Rahat took a deep breath.
"Okay… let's try this."
The monster charged again.
This time—
Rahat didn't run.
He stepped forward.
At the last second, he raised his arm and focused all his energy into one point.
The shadows condensed, forming a sharp, glowing blade in his hand.
"Take this!"
He slashed forward.
SHHHK!
The blade cut through the air—and struck the monster across its chest.
A deep, dark wound appeared.
The creature let out a painful roar and stumbled back.
"It worked…!"
But suddenly—
The wound began to heal.
Rahat's eyes widened.
"No way…"
The rabbit's expression turned serious.
"These are Shadow Beasts. They regenerate. You need to destroy their core."
"Core…?"
"Inside its body. That's its weak point."
The monster roared once more, its body now even more aggressive. Dark energy began to gather around it.
"It's getting stronger," Rahat said.
"Because you are," the rabbit replied. "Your power is awakening… and it's reacting to you."
Rahat took a step forward, determination replacing fear.
"Then I'll end this… right now."
The shadows around him began to swirl violently, spreading across the ground like a living storm.
His eyes glowed faintly.
For the first time—
He felt in control.
The monster charged one last time.
Rahat dashed forward to meet it.
Darkness and destruction collided in the middle of the ruined street—
And the real battle began.