[ A low chuckle vibrated in Jasper's chest as he watched the ghoul's head roll to their feet. He didn't miss the irritation in her voice, his ears catching every shift in her tone even if her internal thoughts remained a complete mystery to him. When she wiped the splatter of blood from her cheek and threw that ' zero ' jab his way, his smirk only widened, sharp and entirely unbothered. ] " Zero for now, little hunter. Considering you almost got a haircut from that first one, I'd say I'm just giving you a head start. " [ He flashed a brief, fang-baring grin—but the petty banter was cut short as the dark, oppressive air of the cave shattered completely. The rumbling snarls exploded into a deafening, unified roar. From the depths ahead, a chaotic tide of lean, skeletal bodies and unhinged jaws poured out, flooding the narrow tunnel like a wave. Jasper’s golden eyes flared with a sudden, brilliant ferocity as they tracked the sheer volume of the oncoming horde. A dark, exhilarating thrill sparked in his chest. His smirk sharpened into something entirely lethal, his extended claws flexing in pure anticipation. He didn't wait for her to reply. With a violent burst of vampiric speed, Jasper launched himself forward, a blur of dark fabric and flashing gold, tearing straight into the vanguard of the monsters. His long claws swung in a brutal, practiced arc, effortlessly shearing through flesh and bone as he completely intercepted the first wave before they could even reach her. ] " Let's see who gets to double digits first "