The Shard Eater Boss squared its stance, massive crystal blades forming as it sharpened its limbs to jagged edges, its intent crystal clear: fight to the bitter end.

“That’s more like it!” Cale shouted, adrenaline rushing through him. His voice echoed across the field as he dropped into a fighting stance, planting one foot back, keeping the other forward. His eyes gleamed, a challenge burning within them as he sized up his opponent.

A grin spread wide across Cale's face before he burst forward, launching himself with full force. The Shard Eater Boss reacted in kind, raising its crystalline arms to brace for impact. But in a split second, Cale vanished from his original spot, appearing right in front of it, ducking low as he swung his scythe upward, both hands now enveloped in a vibrant blue crystal armor.

The Shard Eater Boss barely managed to block the blow, staggering back from the impact as sharp fragments splintered off its crystal shield. It steadied itself, the slight wobble giving away the unexpected force behind Cale’s attack.

Still, it quickly regained its balance, slashing at Cale with both arms, each swing a deadly arc of jagged crystal aimed at his torso. Cale met each blow head-on, clashing his scythe against the Shard Eater Boss’s blades, sparks and shards flying as their weapons connected. Fierce blows exchanged between them, each refusing to yield or give an inch. Their bodies stayed locked in place, defiance mirrored in their stances.

‘This creature... It’s no ordinary beast,’ Cale thought, noticing subtle shifts in the Shard Eater Boss’s attacks. Each swing seemed to carry a distinct energy, almost as if channeling elements through its crystal blades. 'It’s using different elements with each attack.' His gaze shifted to the creature's core, where tiny multicolored lights pulsed, embedded in the translucent crystal.

'Those lights—that must be the crystal elements it’s consumed over time,' Cale mused, stealing a quick glance at the core before narrowly dodging an incoming strike. He jumped back, narrowly evading the blade aimed at his abdomen, though he felt the sharp edge graze his side, leaving a shallow cut.

Gritting his teeth, Cale darted backward, a mix of frustration and excitement coursing through him as the Shard Eater Boss immediately pursued. He weaved through the dense trees, pushing past thick bushes and ducking low-hanging branches.

‘Should I use Monarch’s Blood?’ he pondered, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder at the crystal creature lunging after him. He debated briefly, the power tempting him. 'But if I do… I’ll become a maniac again.’

A sudden roar cut through his thoughts as the Shard Eater Boss shifted mid-chase. Cale’s eyes widened in shock as its once-solid crystal blades morphed, reshaping into hands with sharp, almost human-like fingers. He barely had time to process this before a spike, embedded with flames, launched from its transformed fingers and grazed his right side.

“FUCK!” Cale shouted, the pain a sharp reminder of his opponent’s versatility. He clenched his jaw, his gaze steely as he pushed through the ache, forced to accept the creature’s evolution in real time.

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He barely had time to turn when the Shard Eater Boss was upon him, lashing out with a brutal strike that reverberated through the air. Cale managed to raise his scythe in defense, but the sheer force sent him hurtling backward. His body crashed through branches, snapping twigs and scattering leaves until he was thrown into the frigid expanse of a lake.

The impact echoed as he splashed into the cold water, sinking deep below the surface. For a few heartbeats, silence fell over the lake, its surface calm and still, save for the faint ripples where Cale had disappeared.

On the shore, the Shard Eater Boss approached the water’s edge, peering into the depths with a cold, emotionless stance. Its crystalline eyes scanned the stillness, cautious but uncertain, as it considered the possibility of its foe’s demise.

After a moment, the creature raised its hands, intending to launch spikes into the lake to ensure its victory. Yet, just as it readied to attack, an ominous darkness began to spread from the center of the lake, swirling within the water like ink seeping into paper.

The Shard Eater Boss paused, lowering its hands in cautious confusion. Slowly, it began to turn, convinced it had won—until the lake suddenly stirred, catching its attention once more. From the heart of the dark patch, something began to emerge, radiating an energy so intense it froze the Shard Eater Boss in place.

Two crimson eyes pierced through the shadows, their glow cutting through the darkness as they locked onto the Shard Eater Boss. A sense of dread washed over the creature, and it took a step back, recognizing the deadly aura emanating from the figure now rising from the water.

Cale’s grin widened, his expression exuding a fierce, maniacal confidence as he spotted the Shard Eater Boss retreating in fear. “Now this is more fun, isn’t it?” he taunted, his tone dripping with excitement as he arched one eyebrow.

He shrugged off his hoodie, the soaked fabric clinging to him before falling away. With a swift motion, he tore off the remnants of his shattered armor, exposing his torso to the cool air. Without hesitation, he devoured the fragmented armor, the shards dissolving as he consumed them.

Running a hand through his now-wet, abyss-black hair, Cale let out a low chuckle, his gaze fixed on the trembling Shard Eater Boss. He took a slow, deliberate step through the water, the ripples marking his approach with a foreboding calm.

Ding!

A system notification appeared before him, its words hovering in his line of sight.

[Host has activated Monarch’s Blood.]

[Stats increased by 4.]

Ignoring the notification, Cale focused instead on the power now coursing through him. Dark red, viscous liquid began to spread from his hands, coating his forearms, legs, and even his mouth in a substance that pulsed with an almost sentient energy. The liquid solidified, forming a perfect, armor-like fit that encased his body in a menacing, protective layer.

On the shore, the Shard Eater Boss watched in horror, its once-defiant stance crumbling as it realized the futility of its strength against this transformed predator. In a desperate move, it raised its newly formed hands, summoning every ounce of elemental energy it had ever absorbed. Lights from its core pulsed wildly, shifting through every color as it braced itself for the battle it could not afford to lose.

Cale chuckled, sensing the creature’s fear. He lifted his left hand, placing it casually against his neck in a gesture that seemed almost dismissive, as though he were warming up. His eyes locked onto the Shard Eater Boss, a dark, deadly glint flashing across his face.

"Let’s play some more. This time, for real!” he shouted, his voice echoing with a vicious thrill. His smile widened, twisting into a maniacal grin that sent a wave of dread through the Shard Eater Boss.