The shadow’s fist drove toward Jack’s sternum, purple-and-black lightning wreathing the strike with force that would have pulverized ribs and possibly stopped his heart from the impact.

Jack’s left hand snapped up, Arc Reversal activating automatically as his palm intercepted the blow.

The technique reflected kinetic energy, sending the shadow’s own force back through its arm in a golden burst that should have fractured bone and torn muscle.

The shadow absorbed the reflected damage, purple-and-black veins across its visible skin glowing brighter as it triggered Overcharge.

The technique converted incoming lightning, turning Jack’s counter into fuel for stronger attacks.

Its free hand slammed downward, palm striking stone as it activated Thunder Stomp.

The shockwave radiated outward from the impact point, a force sufficient to fracture the obsidian floor and send cracks spreading across the altar’s surface.

Jack activated Lightning Steps repeatedly, the technique carrying him backward fifteen meters before the shockwave could catch him.

He landed in a crouch, his mind processing the fight while his hands moved to summon Oscar from dimensional storage.

The sentient spear materialized in his grip, black metal humming with anticipation as consciousness interfaced with Jack’s intent.

{FINALLY! I was wondering when you’d take me out. Oh, this is going to be GLORIOUS! Your shadow looks particularly murderous today. Very attractive quality in an opponent, really gets the blood pumping! Well, metaphorically speaking, since I don’t actually have blood, but you understand the sentiment!}

"Shut up, Oscar," Jack stated flatly, his eyes never leaving the shadow.

{I’m just saying, if we’re going to engage in mortal combat with your inner darkness, we should at least appreciate the aesthetic! Look at those silver veins! Absolutely RADIANT! Makes my metal shine pale in comparison!}

The shadow laughed, the sound carrying genuine delight as it extended its own right hand.

Purple-and-black mana coalesced, forming a spear that matched Oscar’s dimensions but inverted its coloration.

Where Oscar was black metal with golden accents, the shadow’s weapon was translucent darkness with purple highlights.

"There we go!" the shadow exclaimed, spinning the conjured spear casually. "Now we’re talking! Let’s see if you remember how to fight like the demon you are instead of pretending to be some cautious little human."

{Ooh, he’s got spirit! I like him!}

"I said shut up."

{You know, I’ve been thinking, and bear with me here because this is brilliant. What if you just let me do ALL the talking during this fight? You focus on not dying, I provide the witty commentary! It’s a perfect division of labor!}

Jack’s jaw clenched as the shadow charged, its spear driving toward his throat in a Piercing Strike that would have punched through if it landed cleanly.

The thrust was perfect, weight distributed correctly, angle calculated for maximum penetration, speed optimized to prevent easy deflection.

Jack parried with Oscar, metal intercepting the shadow’s shaft to redirect the thrust past his head.

The weapons rang against each other, the sound echoing across the chamber.

The shadow didn’t retreat. It continued forward, using the failed thrust’s momentum to spin into a horizontal slash aimed at Jack’s ribs.

"Too slow!" the shadow taunted, its red eyes blazing. "You’re thinking! Analyzing! That’s your problem! You’re still trying to be the tactical genius instead of just ACTING! Demons don’t hesitate! They take what they want through overwhelming force!"

{He makes an excellent point! Very philosophical for a murderous reflection! Though I should mention that the spear-work is actually quite sophisticated despite the aggressive delivery. Notice how he’s maintaining perfect form while lecturing you? That’s skill!}

Jack stepped inside the slash’s arc, his own spear driving upward toward the shadow’s exposed armpit.

{Left shoulder would be better! More vital organs in that general region!}

"I already know that," Jack growled, adjusting his thrust mid-strike.

The shadow blinked, Abyssal Step carrying it two meters away before the attack could connect.

It landed already spinning, the spear whipping around in an arc that targeted Jack’s legs.

"See? THAT’S what I’m talking about!" The shadow’s grin widened as Jack vaulted over the sweep.

"You’re still holding back! Still measuring every strike! You’ve killed hundreds, no, THOUSANDS, and you’re still pretending like you need to justify each death!"

Jack stabbed downward mid-air, Oscar’s tip driving toward the shadow’s skull.

The shadow raised its spear vertically, blocking the descending thrust while simultaneously gathering purple-and-black lightning in its free hand.

The electrical discharge launched upward, catching Jack where dodging was impossible.

The corrupted lightning struck his chest, forcing him to tumble backward to crash against the chamber’s curved wall.

[HP: 148,234/151,775]

{Oof! That looked unpleasant! You know what would help? If you LISTENED to my tactical advice instead of dismissing it! I’ve been doing this for DECADES!}

Jack pushed off the wall, and Oscar gripped tightly as he assessed the shadow’s position. "Your advice is rarely helpful."

{RARELY?! I am a FOUNTAIN of wisdom! A WELLSPRING of strategic genius! Just last week, I suggested that brilliant maneuver with the...}

"That was my idea."

{...Which I helped refine into its final form! See? Collaborative effort!}

The shadow was already moving again, spear held in a reverse grip as it closed the distance with Spear Barrage. Six thrusts in rapid succession, each targeting vital points with precision.

Jack deflected the first three with Oscar, black metal blurring through defensive patterns.

The fourth thrust slipped past his guard, scoring across his right shoulder to draw blood.

[HP: 146,892/151,775]

"You’re SOFT!" the shadow snarled, its attacks intensifying.

"You killed Mira without hesitation, slaughtered the Council, wiped out the Thorne clan, but you’re STILL holding something back! Like you’re afraid of what happens if you embrace being the demon you’ve already become!"

{Again with the excellent points! Your shadow is remarkably insightful for a magical construct! Though I should mention... DUCK!}

Jack ducked, the shadow’s horizontal slash passing over his head by centimeters.

{See?! THAT’S why you need me! Constant vigilance! Unwavering attention to... oh wow, is that Aishra watching from somewhere? No? Shame. She has EXCELLENT scales. Very lustrous. Makes a spear think inappropriate thoughts.}

"Focus, Oscar."

{I AM focused! Focused on how tragically ALONE I am despite being a magnificently crafted weapon! Do you know how frustrating it is to be sentient but incorporeal?! I can OBSERVE all these attractive demons but can’t DO anything about it! It’s TORTURE!}

Jack caught the shadow’s fifth thrust on Oscar’s shaft, using the contact to lever the weapon away. "Actually, I’ve been thinking about that."

{About my crippling loneliness?! FINALLY! I’ve only been complaining about it for...}

"I might have a solution. To your... problem."

Oscar’s consciousness went completely silent for three full seconds, which was possibly the longest Jack had ever experienced without commentary.

{...You’re serious.}

"I’ve been working on something. Might let you... interact with Ashira."

{INTERACT?! As in PHYSICALLY?! As in I could actually TOUCH...}

"We’ll discuss details after this fight."

{AFTER?! Why not NOW?! This is the most important conversation we’ve EVER had! Your inner darkness can WAIT!}

"No, it can’t," the shadow interjected, its purple-and-black spear driving toward Jack’s sternum with force that made the air scream.

"Because we’re having a VERY important discussion about how Jack Kaiser needs to stop being a coward!"

Jack parried, but the shadow followed through with a headbutt that caught him on the chin despite Oscar creating distance with the parry.

Stars exploded across his vision as pain spiked through his jaw.

{That was rude! Very unsportsmanlike! Though tactically sound! I respect the commitment to violence!}

The shadow grabbed Jack’s weapon hand, its other hand seizing his throat as it leaned close enough that their faces were inches apart.

"You’re a DEMON," the shadow hissed, red eyes blazing into Jack’s yellow-orange gaze.