The Derat Thorn's body rippled once again.
The space around it twisted. Another figure stepped out.
Then another. Three identical Derat Thorns stood before Reiji once more.
His expression didn't change.
'Again.'
He moved first.
SHING!!
The Long Bone Sword cut through the nearest Derat Thorn, carving a deep slash across its chest.
Dark crimson blood sprayed across the stone floor.
The creature staggered but it didn't disappear.
'So they're real this time.'
The second Derat Thorn was already upon him.
CLAAANG!!
Its claws crashed against the Long Bone Sword, sparks erupting between them.
At that exact moment...
SLASH!
A searing pain ripped across Reiji's back.
The third Derat Thorn had slipped behind him.
Blood splattered through the air as the force drove him forward.
'Mana flow... two behind me.'
Without panicking, Reiji twisted on his heel.
SHING!!
The Bone Sword swept outward, forcing the second Derat Thorn to retreat.
Before he could press the advantage...
