The chain struck true. Bark cracked, splintered, and the glow in the Ironbark Seneschal's chest flared brighter—not in pain, but recognition. It stumbled a half-step back, roots withdrawing as its casting arm hesitated.
Growth Denial Slam – Interrupted
The system chimed, confirming the stack reset.
"One opening bought," Raven said under his breath. "Let's make it count."
The Phantom Seer circled wide, scattering spectral doppelgangers across the arena. The illusions weaved and danced through the segmented grid, buying time, confusing the boss's line of sight. Duskrunner pounced from zone to zone, harassing but never overcommitting—like a predator testing for weakness.
Raven moved methodically. Without his buffs, it was like fighting with a dull knife. His chain lacked the added speed from his mask, and his armor's passive resonance was nothing but dead weight. But he wasn't trying to win with speed. He was building something else.
Control.
