---
"Yes," Kai said, brushing sticky hair from her forehead. "And again, until Roddick climbs that slope himself."
Miryam the Egg pulsed a Soul massage to Kai, <
Rune fissure widened, third rib cracked. Shards of ivory flaked. Luna gasped and asked, "She's starting!"
"No hatching today," Kai muttered. "Battle shock could warp her form. We must end siege fast."
He scanned the lair supply, still four hundred litres star-milk, good. Weapons adequate. But the aura reservoir dwindled.
He swallowed a star core of one star beast, +100 aura regen buff for next hour. He made a decision to finish with a decapitation strike.
Kai stepped back to the ledge, voice ringing, "Roddick! Your pack bleeds for naught. Face me champion to champion. Winner claims honour, the loser leaves this mountain."
Silence… then parted ranks, Roddick limped forward. His forearm was wrapped in a bronze splint from last night. Rage burned.
