The moment Rudra Sen moved, the entire battlefield changed.
Until now, the hunter had been defending against Devika and the controlled Rakshak scout. His movements were calculated, precise, and patient. But this time, there was no hesitation.
He dashed forward like a streak of silver lightning.
And his target was clear.
Arivaan.
The sudden shift caught Devika off guard.
"Arivaan—!"
Her body reacted instantly as the command system forced her to move.
Flames erupted from her palms again as she launched forward to intercept Rudra Sen.
But the hunter had anticipated that.
He changed direction mid-step.
His sword flashed.
CLANG!
Devika's flame attack split apart as the blade cut through the air.
Rudra Sen didn't slow down.
Instead, he slipped past her defense and continued toward Arivaan.
From the edge of the street, Arivaan watched calmly.
"So he figured it out."
Of course he did.
Hunters survived by identifying the real threat quickly.
And Rudra Sen had realized something important.
Devika and the scout were not the problem.
Arivaan was.
The floating panel flickered before Arivaan's eyes again.
Primary Target: Devika AgnivarnaSecondary Target: Rakshak Scout
Assimilation: 84%
The power inside him pulsed steadily.
Stronger than it had been even minutes earlier.
But Rudra Sen was already closing the distance.
Ten steps.
Eight.
Six.
Arivaan raised a hand slightly.
"Devika."
Her body stiffened again.
"Yes."
"Block him."
Devika immediately turned and launched another wave of fire toward the hunter.
But Rudra Sen had already anticipated that command.
Instead of attacking through the flames—
He leapt upward.
The hunter's body moved with incredible agility as he jumped onto the wall of a nearby building and pushed off again.
For a brief moment, he was above the battlefield.
Then he descended toward Arivaan from above.
Sword raised.
Devika's eyes widened.
"He's going straight for you!"
Arivaan smirked.
"Looks like it."
The controlled scout lunged forward as well, attempting to intercept.
But Rudra Sen twisted in midair.
His sword struck the scout's weapon.
CLANG!
The force of the impact knocked the scout aside.
The hunter landed lightly on the ground just a few steps away from Arivaan.
Too close.
Devika rushed forward again.
But Arivaan raised his hand.
"Stop."
Her body froze instantly.
Rudra Sen noticed immediately.
"You're limiting her movement."
Arivaan shrugged.
"I'm adjusting my strategy."
Rudra Sen stepped forward slowly.
"You're cautious now."
"Of course."
The hunter's eyes sharpened.
"You realized something."
Arivaan nodded.
"That you're faster than expected."
Rudra Sen replied calmly,
"And that means your control isn't enough to defeat me."
Arivaan chuckled.
"Maybe."
But instead of attacking—
Arivaan simply stepped backward.
One step.
Two.
Rudra Sen frowned slightly.
"You're retreating."
"Not exactly."
Arivaan glanced upward.
The rooftop scouts were still watching the battle carefully.
They had not intervened yet.
Because their orders were clear.
Protect civilians.
Avoid unnecessary chaos.
Which meant—
They were hesitant.
Arivaan smiled slightly.
"Hunter."
Rudra Sen didn't respond.
"You're being careful."
"That's my job."
Arivaan tilted his head.
"You're trying to end this fight quickly."
"Yes."
"Because the longer it continues…"
"…the stronger I get."
Rudra Sen's eyes narrowed slightly.
That was exactly correct.
The hunter had already noticed the subtle changes in Arivaan's control.
Devika's attacks were becoming sharper.
More coordinated.
The controlled scout moved more naturally now.
Which meant the villain's ability was adapting.
Learning.
Evolving.
Rudra Sen took another step forward.
"This ends now."
Arivaan smiled.
"I agree."
The floating panel flickered again.
Assimilation: 85%
Arivaan felt the strange power pulse inside his mind.
The connections with Devika and the scout felt clearer now.
Stronger.
Almost effortless.
Then he spoke again.
"Devika."
Her body straightened.
"Yes."
"Flame storm."
Her eyes widened.
That was one of her strongest techniques.
A wide-range attack.
Dangerous even for experienced fighters.
But the command forced her body to obey.
Devika raised both hands.
Fire gathered around her like a growing storm.
The temperature of the entire street surged upward.
Rudra Sen's expression hardened.
"You're risking civilians."
Arivaan shrugged.
"Only if you let it spread."
The flames expanded rapidly.
Devika's power roared outward in a massive wave of heat.
The entire street began glowing orange.
Rudra Sen dashed forward instantly.
His sword shone with bright silver light again.
He slashed downward with incredible force.
The blade cut through the expanding flames.
The clash created another violent explosion.
The street trembled.
Dust and sparks filled the air.
For several seconds, visibility disappeared completely.
When the smoke finally cleared—
Rudra Sen stood in the center of the street.
Breathing heavier now.
His armor slightly scorched.
Devika stood several steps away.
Her flames flickering again.
And Arivaan…
Was gone.
Rudra Sen's eyes sharpened instantly.
The hunter turned quickly, scanning the rooftops and surrounding alleys.
Then he noticed movement above.
Arivaan stood calmly on the rooftop of a nearby building.
Looking down at the battlefield.
Smiling.
"You're impressive, hunter."
Rudra Sen replied coldly,
"You ran."
Arivaan shook his head.
"No."
He glanced again at the glowing panel.
Assimilation: 86%
Then he looked back at Rudra Sen.
"I repositioned."
Because the battle was far from over.
And the next phase of the hunt…
Was about to begin.