The Kulix stretched its massive claw forward.
**CLANG.**
Jack blocked it effortlessly, his boots digging into the moon's surface.
Maizy shouted from behind the broken structure,
"Don't break anything, Captain Jack!"
Jack smirked.
"I'll try."
He stepped back and drew his sword fully from its sheath.
The blade **lit up with a deep red aura**, heat rippling through the air. Jack slashed forward, sending a sharp arc of energy toward the Kulix.
The attack hit—
And did nothing.
Jack's smile faded.
"…Shit. A mutated one."
The Kulix roared and lunged. Its claw closed around Jack and hurled him through the cave wall. Stone and debris collapsed as he crashed into a distant structure.
Jack pushed himself up, blood trickling from his face.
"Damn it…"
He inhaled deeply.
Then took a stance.
"**Diagonal Sword Art—**
**Second Cross.**"
Two glowing slashes formed an X and tore straight through the Kulix. The creature screamed as it staggered backward, collapsing to the ground.
Jack slid his sword back into its sheath.
"It's still alive," he muttered.
A sound came from behind.
Jack barely had time to react before something slammed into his face, sending him flying out of the cave and straight into a nearby building. The structure collapsed inward, dust filling the air.
Jack stood up slowly, half his face damaged—but he was smiling.
"…Now this," he said, voice calm,
"is why I fight."
Red aura poured from his sword and flowed into his body. A sharp screeching sound echoed as the energy restored him, flesh knitting back together unnaturally fast.
Jack cracked his neck.
"So… you were waiting for me."
He raised his blade.
"Thanks for the fight. But this ends now."
The Kulix rushed him.
Jack lifted his sword.
"You should listen fully before charging."
"**Diagonal Sword Art—**
**Fifth Cross.**"
Five intersecting slashes tore through the creature, draining its strength rapidly. The Kulix collapsed—but its remains began to move again, reshaping itself.
Jack's eyes lit up.
"You regenerate this fast? You're seriously entertaining."
The creature gathered energy, unleashing blue flames and sharp thorns mid-air.
Jack didn't flinch.
"**Sword Art—**
**Seventh Cross.**"
A massive wave of energy erupted.
When the light faded, the Kulix was gone.
A large section of the moon's surface had vanished, shockwaves rippling across distant structures. Monuments cracked—but the main building still stood.
Jack exhaled and sheathed his sword.
"I told you to die earlier," he said calmly.
"Little Kulix."
[End of Chapter 19]