The crisp *ping* of bullets striking tempered steel rang out like piano notes.

Mu Yi had fully transformed into pitch-black Shadow, melting seamlessly into the dim space. Only relentless gunfire swept toward him from all directions.

With his presence completely concealed, the Demoness couldn’t pinpoint Mu Yi’s location or launch a precise attack.

She could only endure the barrage raining upon her. Though the bullets caused no real harm, their incessant *clatter and clang* grated on her nerves.

"Slippery as an eel, human."

After another failed spell, the Demoness hissed through gritted teeth, her voice thick with irritation.

Her senses were sharp—but his stealth surpassed them.

"This cat-and-mouse game ends now."

Surveying the storm of bullets whistling around her, she clasped her hands. A deep crimson shield flared to life. If she couldn’t find him, she’d flush him out.

"A man who only hides won’t win a lady’s favor."

Her cool, melodic voice cut through the chaos as she raised both arms overhead.

Fierce winds gathered in her palms, whipping the crimson ribbon veiling her secret garden. Her full curves trembled beneath the gale as she scanned the dark mist. A faint smirk curled beneath her mask.

"**Destruction Magic: Black Heaven Annihilation!**"

Her raised hands drew back like a bowstring, unleashing countless crescent-shaped dark arrows.

Shadowy radiance exploded around her. In an instant, thousands of dark-energy meteors slammed outward in every direction—

determined to level the entire area. No corner was spared.

Deafening explosions roared like thunder. Shockwaves spiraled through the black fog with each detonation.

*Whoosh!*

A figure shot out of the smoke, thick shadows streaming from his back.

"Brutal..." Mu Yi winced at the burning pain across his shoulders, glaring down at the Demoness. *Blowing up the whole map just to smoke me out? Don’t you care about your own hideout?*

"**Enhanced Skill: Zero-Time Acceleration!**"

"Local time speed: double rate."

The black Desert Eagle hidden in his sleeve aimed at her masked face. Violet light surged across Mu Yi’s body.

His speed doubled instantly. The shadowy blur became a pitch-black bullet streaking across the sky.

"Since you’re a stationary caster, don’t blame me for bullying you with spee— Wait. Hold on. No way..."

Before he finished, he saw the Demoness below, watching him with amused crimson eyes—

like a child eyeing a fascinating toy.

Just as he feared, she struck the moment she spotted him.

The Demoness vanished from her spot, reappearing as a phantom before him.

Dark energy coalesced inches from Mu Yi’s face—a needle-thin spear of death hurtling toward him.

"Local time speed: quadruple rate!"

Blinding violet light erupted underfoot. Mu Yi doubled his speed again.

He barely dodged, the death-spear tearing through his shoulder cape.

He plummeted toward the ground. The Demoness pursued, killing intent piercing his spine.

*Huh?*

Her pupils narrowed mid-chase. Landmines—grenades, shock mines, frost mines, levitation mines, flame mines—lined her path.

As she passed, Mu Yi’s hidden traps detonated simultaneously.

***BOOM!***

Explosions bloomed like fireworks in the sky.

But it bought only seconds. Unscathed, the Demoness crashed through the smoke, landing before Mu Yi.

"What a woman..."

Mu Yi knelt on one knee, stroking his chin thoughtfully. *Damn. This boss was practically designed for otaku. She’s got the whole trope down pat.*

"Done running?"

The Demoness stood a meter away, looking down. Her icy red eyes flickered with reluctant respect—then hardened into lethal focus.

Oppressive aura crushed the air around her. A cold, domineering beauty radiating raw power.

"Halfway. But not entirely."

"Smooth-talking human. I’ll admit your strength—but sadly, Demon Kin cannot let you li—"

"**Five Thunder Dragon Prison!**"

As she raised her hand to strike—

Raging lightning erupted from the ground. Five massive thunder serpents coiled around her, forming an intricate cage.

They roared with draconic fury, spiraling upward before diving like falling stars.

***ROOOAR!!!***

At their peak, the five thunder dragons crashed down.

Lightning force—dozens of times stronger than before—ripped through the Demoness’s body as their jaws clamped shut.

"*Aaahhh!!* Not this again!!!"

Electric ecstasy flooded her veins like a tsunami.

Biting her lip, flushed crimson, the ice queen cursed inwardly: *Goddamn it. This human’s such a damn trickster!*