Scythe & Shadows: The Reapers Awakening

The Dungeon Guardian's axe slammed into the ground, sending cracks rippling through the stone floor. Dust and debris exploded outward, but Yami was already gone—his body flickering like a shadow as he reappeared behind the hulking knight.

He spun his scythe in a tight arc, aiming for the gap in the armor's side.

CLANG!

The blade bounced off the black metal with a sharp, ringing noise.

Yami clicked his tongue. "Figures. Too easy otherwise."

The Guardian twisted its massive frame unnaturally fast, swinging its axe in a brutal horizontal sweep. Yami ducked just in time, feeling the wind pressure cut through the air above him. If that had hit, he'd be smeared across the dungeon wall.

"Alright, big guy," Yami muttered, gripping his scythe tighter. "Let's see what it takes to break you."

The Guardian didn't respond. It raised its axe high, preparing another devastating blow.

But Yami was already moving.

With a burst of black mist, he dashed forward, closing the distance before the monster could complete its swing. His free hand snapped up—shadowy chains shot from his palm, wrapping around the Guardian's arms.

"Let's see how you like being slowed down."

The chains tightened, locking the Guardian in place for a brief second.

A second was all Yami needed.

He jumped, flipping over the monster's head, and brought his scythe down with all his strength.

CRACK!

The Guardian staggered, a deep gash appearing across its helmet. A dark, smoke-like substance leaked from the wound.

Yami grinned. That worked.

The Guardian let out a metallic roar, its entire body glowing red as it suddenly ripped free from the chains.

Yami's eyes widened. "Oh, you're pissed now, huh?"

The monster slammed its fist into the ground, and black spikes erupted from the floor, shooting toward Yami like spears.

He barely managed to dodge, twisting midair as the spikes grazed his coat. Landing in a crouch, he skidded backward, eyes locked onto the Guardian.

"This guy's no joke," Yami muttered. "Guess it's time to test out something new."

He exhaled, letting the cold energy of the Reaper's Will flow through him.

A second scythe began forming in his other hand—this one smaller, lighter, meant for speed rather than power. The moment it fully materialized, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

"Dual Reaper Unlocked."

Yami's smirk widened. "Now we're talking."

The Guardian rushed at him again, its axe glowing with cursed energy. But this time, Yami didn't dodge.

He charged straight at it.

Two scythes. Twice the speed. Twice the reaping.

The real fight had just begun.