The world slowed.
Alex barely had time to brace himself as the creature's distorted blade swung toward him, a glitched blur of pure destruction. The attack was too fast. Too absolute.
And then—
It stopped.
Just an inch away from his torso, the jagged, flickering sword remained suspended in the air, frozen mid-swing. The abomination's corrupted form quivered, its face twisting into an expression of utter confusion.
Its fractured head tilted slightly as if trying to process why its blade had failed to cut down its prey.
It applied more force, its arm convulsing, attempting to push through the invisible resistance, but it was useless.
Alex, blinking in disbelief, let out a sharp exhale. His heart pounded in his chest, his lungs burned, but he was still standing.
'It worked,' he realized, relief washing over him.
The creature, however, screeched in frustration.
