The reflection's hands thrust forward, the churning vortex of void and radiance, tearing through the air toward Adam's chest. He didn't hesitate. His body twisted, wings snapping open, carrying him sideways as the beam screamed past, close enough to sear the scales along his ribs. The mirrored floor where he'd been standing vaporized, leaving a smoking crater that reflected nothing.
Adam landed in a crouch, his chest heaving. A low, dry laugh escaped his throat. "Haha… seems like I underestimated you."
The reflection didn't respond. It simply stood there, crimson eyes fixed on him, hands already raised for another strike.
Adam straightened, rolling his shoulders. Dark energy began to coalesce behind him, not in his palms, but in the air itself. Spears of shadow materialized one after another, a dozen, then two dozen, then more, each one humming with contained power, each one aimed at the reflection.
"Shadow Lance."
