The false Daniel lunged at Alex with no hesitation, his massive shadow claws already poised to tear him apart.
Reacting instantly, Alex summoned the [Bleeding Dragon Claws] into his left arm.
Blood wrapped around his limb like living armor before hardening into sleek, deadly crimson blades.
Without wasting a second, he swung forward, expecting the impact to be decisive.
After all, he was far stronger than the real Daniel had ever been, and this shadow version, despite looking menacing, shouldn't have stood a chance.
But the moment their claws met, the truth struck like thunder.
Fwish! BANG!
Their weapons collided, generating a burst of black sparks as Alex's claws met those of the fake Daniel.
For a heartbeat, it felt like a normal clash, but then something changed.
With a movement so fast it blurred to the eye, the shadowy figure slipped through him, literally.
It didn't dodge, it didn't teleport, it passed through him like mist, like a ghost.
