White Blades Clash

The morning light had fully illuminated the valley entrance, but the battlefield remained bleak and cold. Dust churned through the air, thick with the corrosive stench of acid and blood. The earth had split into countless ravines, with broken stones and wreckage scattered everywhere. Every clash was accompanied by thunderous booms and sparks, as if the entire valley entrance were burning.

The massive body of the Squadron Leader Ant stood in the center. Light reflected off its back armor, while the spines behind it stood motionless like spears. Its gaze was cold and composed, devoid of emotion, yet enough to send chills down one's spine. Its movements were not hurried. Every strike was precise and heavy, as though it had calculated the angle and force in advance.

Ryan's twin blades crossed repeatedly beneath its forelimbs, sparks flashing with every exchange. His arms trembled from exertion, and the wound at his shoulder split open again. Blood trickled down his arm, dripping into the mud where the acid swallowed it and released wisps of white smoke. His breathing was ragged, and his chest burned as if scorched by fire.

The lead hunter approached from the other side, swinging his spear, its tip gleaming with Aura. He suddenly thrust forward, aiming straight for the Squadron Leader's neck. But the Ant twisted sharply, sweeping out a forelimb and forcibly knocking the spear aside. Sparks flew in all directions. The spear bent from the impact, and the hunter staggered back several steps, his arm numb.

The greatsword hunter charged forward with a roar, his massive blade descending with crushing force. The Squadron Leader's tail swept across with a howl, meeting the great blade head-on. The deafening impact echoed through the valley entrance. The blade rebounded, and the greatsword hunter stumbled, nearly being thrown off his