Path of BlooDld

"Damn it, what the hell is going on?"

Ashen growled internally, unable to comprehend the situation.

"At this rate, I might be killed without even knowing it... Where—where does the problem lie?"

Ashen stood, three bloody holes piercing his chest and one in his abdomen, calmly watching the mysterious figure.

"I don't know what's happening, but rest assured—I'll destroy everything you're trying to create."

"Hahaha! Come on, Ashen. Attack already. Talking alone won't change anything. Or is your tongue where all your strength lies?"

"Hmph... I need to understand what's going on first, or I'll stay like a trapped cat… Fine, let's try this plan."

Ashen muttered to himself.

Run: Sky Panther – Activate

Ashen vanished in a flash and launched himself toward the mysterious figure like a gust of wind.

"Still using the same old tricks? It's pointless."

Suddenly, Ashen found himself in a barren, blood-red desert—nothing but crimson sand stretching endlessly.

"Here it comes again,"

Ashen muttered to himself—then suddenly, a spear pierced his left shoulder. But his shoulder turned into a viscous, blood-like fluid and caught the spear.

"Ah, there you are... So that's the reason, isn't it?"

Ashen found himself back in the desolate forest, gripping the mysterious figure's spear—but what stood out most were his eyes... Eyes glowing like rubies.

"Your eyes... So they're the cause of all this. Are they illusions then?"

"Wow, just realizing that now? You're really slow, Ashen. If I truly intended to kill you, you'd have died dozens of times by now."

A deadly silence fell across the area, then...

"That really is a terrifying ability. But now, all I have to do is avoid looking into your eyes."

Blood Chains

Three blood-red chains shot out like serpents toward the mysterious figure—two aimed at his chest, one at his head.

"Hey, do you think you've won? Seems I need to surprise you even more... What was your technique's name again? Oh, right."

Run: Sky Panther – Activate

A dense blood aura shaped like panther legs wrapped around the figure's feet, and he disappeared in an instant.

Boom

A fierce strike slammed into Ashen's chest, sending him flying backward.

"Damn it, what's happening again… Did he just use my technique? But how?"

"Surprised, aren't you? Like I told you, these eyes are far more powerful than you think."

What followed was a back-and-forth clash that reshaped the forest.

Boom boom boom

"Damn it… As if not being able to focus on him directly without falling into an illusion wasn't enough—he copied my technique too, and his reaction time is insane. It's like he's reading the future… I need to create an opening and break this endless loop, or I'll be exhausted before he is."

Blood Chains

Three chains lunged at the mysterious figure like dragons, but hit nothing but air.

"I have to close the distance and force an opening—otherwise, with his spear skill, speed, and reflexes, I won't be able to do a thing."

Boom boom boom

"There it is—my chance. Blood Chains!"

One of the chains latched onto the mysterious figure's ankle, but he turned his leg into blood once more.

"What a perfect technique, Ashen. It's not just useful for support—it's defensive too. I should thank you for this gift."

"Hmph, it's too early to be pleased."

Suddenly, the mysterious figure felt his energy draining, causing him to stumble.

"What the—? These chains can drain energy? What a skill…"

Bloody Bear Fist – Activate

A brutal fist roared toward the mysterious figure, threatening devastating destruction.

Run: Blood Crocodile – Activate

To Ashen's shock, the mysterious figure activated yet another of his techniques and then—

BOOOOOOOOM

A direct hit to his chest launched him dozens of meters away. But the impact left only a few scratches on his skin.

The figure wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Hah… what a powerful punch, Ashen. And that savage intent within it… It's a shame I can only copy two techniques at a time. Otherwise, I would've loved to try that one too."

"Come on now, Ashen. Let's crank this fight up even more."

"And remember my name well… I'm called Raizen."