Cid - Demon Scaling

To that end, I do a little hop backward.

A moment later, the bat’s pointed claws eviscerate the spot where I was just standing.

Next, I hop to the side.

The bat brings its meaty arm down, leaving a crater at the impact site.

That one blow could’ve taken out a dozen houses, easy. And on top of that, it would’ve set everything around them on fire.

This thing’s like a walking natural disaster.

***

I’ve basically figured out all of our flamy bat friend’s attack patterns, so I figure it’s probably high time to make my move.

Then, out of the blue, its pointed tail sweeps in front of my eyes and fills my entire vision with fire.

“Welp, found the exception.”

The moment I realize things are off, I hurl myself backward.

Not a moment later, I sense a massive amount of magic approaching, and a heavy impact sinks into my flesh.

OP magic, OP power… I swear, beasts have it all.

I focus all my magic on defense.

As I do, I twist my body to soften the blow.

I’ve practiced this maneuver a thousand times over. I could pull it off in my sleep.

A moment later, I get blasted away. If I were a baseball, I’d be an outta-the-park homer if ever there was one.

I stick the landing like a proper eminence in shadow, then check for damage.

My bones and organs all seem fine.

“But my bangs…are singed.”

In the blink of an eye, I slice away the frizzly bits and make it like nothing ever happened.

***

He brings his arm, now wreathed in fire, slamming down on Shadow.

A thunderous crash follows, accompanied by a spray of rubble.

“Heh-heh, now do you see? Do you see my—huh?”

When Mordred pulls his arm back, however, Shadow is nowhere to be seen.

All Mordred finds is the massive crater he himself left.

“WHERE DID YOU GO? DID I BURN YOU DOWN TO NOTHING?”

Then, he hears what sounds like a voice rising from the depths of the abyss.

“You’re just a failed experiment.”

“ME? A FAILED EXPERIMENT?”

Mordred whirls around and finds Shadow standing right there.

***

Volume 4, Chapter 3