A massive horn rose from its head, sharp and terrifying, like a spear embedded in its skull. The Ice Rhino panted heavily, releasing strands of bone-chilling cold with every breath.
"Moo!"
Under Big Chill's control, the Ice Rhino let out a thunderous roar. It stomped forward with powerful legs, ice and snow billowing into long curtains beneath its feet as it charged straight at the Shadow Death Guard.
"Not bad… but that's all," the Shadow Death Guard said calmly.
He extended his pale claws, purple energy clinging to them, and slashed forward.
Rip!
The purple claws carved through the air, leaving behind eerie afterimages laced with an unfathomable aura. In an instant, the Ice Rhino was torn apart, exploding into countless icy fragments that rained down across the golden floor.
A trace of shock flashed through Big Chill's eyes.
The Ice Rhino was destroyed that easily? Were those claws really that sharp?
No. That wasn't it.
Big Chill quickly noticed the strange layer of purple energy wrapped around the Shadow Death Guard's claws.
"So that's it," Lucian judged silently. "The Shadow Death Guard can activate some kind of special energy to strengthen his attacks."
Watching Big Chill freeze in place, the Shadow Death Guard sneered inwardly. So the other side had noticed.
That was right. He did possess a unique power, known as [Shadow Force]. When infused into his claws, it drastically amplified his attack power and even allowed him to strike enemies hiding within alternate dimensions, making it nearly impossible to guard against.
Of course, he wasn't foolish enough to explain his trump card like some novel villain. What he wanted was surprise, to catch his enemy completely off guard.
Big Chill beat his wings, unleashing a surge of piercing cold that spread outward like a bizarre ice barrier, sweeping straight toward the Shadow Death Guard.
The Shadow Death Guard responded the same way, swinging his claws and carving purple afterimages in front of him, shredding the freezing current apart piece by piece.
With a low shout, he thrust his demonic claws forward. Purple flames surged beneath his feet as he charged with overwhelming momentum.
His speed was astonishing. A streak of afterimage traced his path through the air, and in the blink of an eye, he was already in front of Big Chill.
So fast!
Big Chill instinctively activated his phantom form, leaving behind only a vague humanoid outline floating in midair.
Though his shape was still visible, his true body had shifted into another dimension. Ordinary attacks shouldn't have been able to touch him at all.
Feeling the distortion in space, the Shadow Death Guard paused briefly before his expression turned mocking.
"Hah. You think hiding in another dimension will save you?"
Dense purple flames erupted from his claws, radiating terrifying power. He slashed forward without hesitation, striking directly at Big Chill's phantom form.
Rip!
A purple claw shadow flashed past, slamming into Big Chill and forcibly tearing him out of the dimensional space. His true form reappeared as he was hurled downward, crashing violently onto the golden floor.
Big Chill hit the ground hard, clutching his chest, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"This guy… he can actually hit my phantom form…"
The Shadow Death Guard dispelled the flames beneath his feet and landed nearby. He sneered coldly.
"Surprised? Your icy phantom means nothing to me."
As he spoke, purple energy flowed along his arms. After a moment, it gradually receded back into his body, merging seamlessly with his purple soul form.
"It looks like the energy inside you is even more unusual than I thought. Not only does it hit hard, it can even break through an alternate dimension."
Big Chill clutched his chest and slowly pushed himself back to his feet.
"So what?" the Shadow Death Guard said coldly. Big Chill was already badly injured. There was no way he could win.
"You really think you've got this locked up?" Big Chill smiled.
The Shadow Death Guard nodded, his voice low. "I've looked into you. You can transform into a Methanosian, and a Vaxasaurian too."
"But what does that change? You weren't my match even as that Nakfuji alien. Turning into those two won't make the outcome any better. You'll still lose to me in the end."
Big Chill gave a faint smile. "You do know a lot. Recognizing that many alien species isn't easy. But aren't you worried I might be able to turn into something else?"
The Shadow Death Guard let out a snort. Inside the helmet, his golden eyes burned with confidence.
"Go ahead and transform. I'm the two-time champion of the Soul-Snatching Arena. I've beaten over two hundred challengers in a row and shattered the Megacruiser's win-streak record. You think I'm scared?"
"So that's where your confidence comes from…" Big Chill understood.
With accomplishments like that, the Shadow Death Guard really did have reason to be proud. No wonder the Blood Shadow Tiger had kept his distance, not daring to get too close.
And with that thought, Big Chill's fighting spirit surged. His gaze turned blazing-hot as he stared straight at the Shadow Death Guard.
"A strong opponent like you is rare," Big Chill said, flexing his claws. "So next… I'm going all out. Consider it respect for a true powerhouse."
"Then come!" the Shadow Death Guard snapped into a fighting stance.
Big Chill drew in a deep breath, raised his ice-blue claws, and slapped the Omnitrix on his chest.
Thud!
Bathed in eerie green light, Big Chill's body transformed rapidly.
His ice-blue form shifted into ghastly pale skin, split by horrifying cracks. A single purple eye opened in the center of his head, shining with a cold, murderous gleam.
"Ghostfreak!"
The green light faded. A pallid specter floated in midair, staring down the Shadow Death Guard not far away.
Because he had killed Zs'Skayr earlier, Lucian had inherited Ghostfreak's full power, at a perfect, peak state.
And he could tear open that white outer layer, reveal his true form, and unleash everything.
"What is that thing?" The Shadow Death Guard's eyes narrowed.
He had fought countless battles in the arena, yet he had never seen a species like this. It looked wicked to the bone.
Ghostfreak let out a chilling grin and ripped his skin open, exposing a terrifying appearance.
An inverted skull, a purple eye glaring from the center. Two bone-white claws gleamed with a harsh, icy light.
His tail was patterned in black and white, and his body was fully intact, identical to Zs'Skayr's!
"This is what I really look like," Ghostfreak rasped, his voice like a fiend crawling out of hell.
Facing Ghostfreak's horrifying presence, the Shadow Death Guard snorted. Whatever the opponent, he wasn't afraid.
With that, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, drew on his [Shadow Force], and unleashed a swirling purple poisonous mist. It howled like a storm as it surged outward in every direction...