Though unsure what had suddenly come over Bai Xia, Tianzheng certainly wouldn’t stand idle once he saw her charge forward.

Just as they closed in, the Lava Colossus swung its massive arm to force them back, then opened its maw—terrifying flames swirling violently within.

The Lava Cannonball had only a twenty-second cooldown. Though weaker than the Earth-Shattering Smash that nearly one-shot them moments ago, neither wanted to test it firsthand.

Luckily, its wind-up was glaringly obvious—dodging was easy.

Sensing it couldn’t land a direct hit, the Colossus hurled the fully formed cannonball straight between them.

Clearly aiming to exploit splash damage: not fatal, but the molten interference and slow would let it close in for a decisive strike.

But monsters lack cunning.

This tactic only worked if Bai Xia and Tianzheng stayed in the blast zone.

Reality? It vastly underestimated their speed. The instant it moved, they split apart in perfect sync—the explosion didn’t even graze their sleeves.

Bai Xia melted into shadow, vanishing underground. Using Shadow Harvest, she teleported midair behind the Colossus.

Two swift slashes carved its back. As she descended, she pushed off hard with her leather shoes against its pockmarked hide, boosting upward. Shadowfang Dagger became a blur—each strike drawing a pained roar.

The Colossus tried shaking her off. But Tianzheng was already there, Frostblade flashing at its feet.

His damage was low, yet impossible to ignore.

The giant lifted its lava-dripping foot to crush the “annoying ant,” but Tianzheng slipped away like an eel—dodging effortlessly while hacking relentlessly with his Frostblade, exploiting its bulky, clumsy frame.

Distracted by Tianzheng, the Colossus couldn’t shake Bai Xia clinging to its back.

Whenever it lunged for Tianzheng, he’d vanish—redirecting aggro to Bai Xia.

When it turned on her, he’d rush in again.

Silent, seamless coordination.

The Lava Colossus felt utterly helpless. Its massive body—once a weapon—now a burden. Every move telegraphed; attacks devastating only if you failed to read the tell.

Harassed beyond patience, it reactivated Earth-Shattering Smash the moment cooldown ended.

But this time, Bai Xia phased through its body with Phantom Flash mid-cast.

Frozen mid-motion like petrified stone—then instantly locked in place by Tianzheng’s Glacial Bind.

Trapped, it endured their relentless, stinging assault. Frustration boiled.

Close combat had costs: constant focus, health steadily draining from persistent burn—even with potions.

Thankfully, Frost Aura cooled down. Bai Xia activated it, chugged potions, and charged back without a word.

“Die!” she roared.

So fierce even the Colossus might’ve fled—if its stone brain could grasp why her killing intent burned so hot.

Tianzheng watched, impressed. Her reflexes and adaptability left even him in awe.

Only one detail defied physics: her sailor uniform. So perfectly anchored it’d make Newton roll in his grave. No matter how wildly she flipped or kicked, not a hint of exposure—save a fleeting glimpse of white from directly below.

Honestly, a blessing. A normal skirt would’ve flown sky-high ages ago.

He remained curious about the outfit change… yet couldn’t deny it was undeniably charming. Paired with her cute face, even this dangerous fight felt oddly enjoyable.

Bai Xia, oblivious to his gentlemanly glance, poured every ounce of frustration into the giant.

Having memorized its patterns, she hacked with renewed fervor beside Tianzheng.

Damage numbers above the Colossus’s head never ceased.

“Ants bite elephants to death.” Modest hits, stacked over time, became devastating.

Its health bar dipped visibly. Rage mounted—but helplessly.

No enraged strike landed. Lava Cannonball useless up close (it couldn’t fire at its own feet!). Even if it tried, they’d retreat or interrupt the moment energy gathered.

And Earth-Shattering Smash? Pathetic. Non-invincible during cast. After that first lucky hit, any raised hand meant instant interruption. Always.