Lindon Ducking

Striker techniques flew out like a volley of arrows from every direction except one. Reigan Shen ran up behind Lindon, the water splitting willingly around him, and he held his axe in both hands.
This time, the axe shone with an Enforcer technique.
Lindon struck against it with an Empty Palm, dispersing the madra and borrowing the force from the attack to fly away, but his hand was almost split in half. Even supported by Archlord soulfire, he couldn’t face a Monarch’s attack.
Dross, I hope you’re ready, Lindon thought.
A head-sized ball of purple madra manifested behind Reigan Shen. He was darker than usual this time, almost black, and his crescent grin reminded Lindon of Eithan.
[Information requested,] Dross whispered into Lindon’s mind. [Combat solution against Reigan Shen. Beginning report…]
Information flooded Lindon’s brain, and time froze.
This time, Dross’ voice was soft and papery, almost frightening. [We cannot defeat him, so we fight to flee. Mice before the cat.]
Lindon saw the Burning Cloak spring up around himself. He dashed into the axe, narrowly avoiding the Monarch’s blow. Some Striker techniques hunted him, like sharks in the water, but he could see their trajectory. He had to strike some down with pure madra and dodge others, but he made it over to the wall.
[He will unleash his prized possessions as he sees you slither away,] Dross whispered. [We dance on the razor’s edge.]
Lindon saw the things that would emerge from Dross’ portal. Spears of blood and storms of blades. Monarch-level techniques that had not yet been eroded by the labyrinth.
The timing would be thin as a fallen leaf, but he saw himself slapping his hand on the wall and exerting his will. The stone blurred and he ran, just in time.
Lindon took in all the possibilities, and he made his decision.
I have a better idea, he thought. Dross laughed madly, and time resumed.
Lindon followed the path Dross had laid out. He dodged the lion’s axe with the speed of the Burning Cloak, dashing through a net of Striker techniques. Gold portals yawned wider as he leaped through the air.
He landed in a crouch on the back of Subject One’s throne.

Reaper (Cradle Book 10)