Chapter 58 - "I Have To"

I had already taken down four demons, but there were still eleven left, and I could feel myself getting tired. Even so, I was doing alright for now, both in terms of energy and health.

One thing that kept bugging me was the MP stat. It used to be useful for using the advanced breathing techniques after the fourth form, but now it seemed pointless. Why have a stat if it doesn't do anything anymore?

Anyway, I needed to focus on the battle at hand instead of getting lost in these thoughts. The demons on this floor weren't as strong as the ones I faced before, but their speed was incredible. Luckily, I could keep up with them because I had invested a lot in my agility. Plus, my sense stat had boosted my awareness, so even if I couldn't outrun them, I could dodge their attacks and strike back thanks to my quick reflexes and sharp senses.

Standing amidst the dim chaos of the sixth floor, I watched as defeated demons faded away into shadows. I quickly took in the scene around me. There were still eleven demons left, and they circled me like predators, their gazes locked onto mine with an unsettling intensity. They were getting smarter, learning how I fought. Despite the fatigue creeping in, I couldn't let myself be distracted. I needed to stay sharp.

I gripped my sword tightly, its familiar weight giving me confidence. These demons were relentless and coordinated, moving with incredible speed. I had to stay ahead of them, keep them guessing, and jump on any chance I got.

Just as I braced myself for the next attack, two demons lunged at me at the same time, claws out and eyes gleaming with malice. Their speed was shocking, but I was ready. With a quick burst of agility, I sidestepped, barely dodging their attack. The air whistled as their claws sliced through the space where I'd just been.

I took advantage of the moment, quickly swinging my sword upward. My blade cut through the air with deadly precision, hitting the nearest demon and forcing it back with a snarl.

But I couldn't pause. Another demon rushed at me from behind, moving almost too fast to see. I spun around, lifting my sword to block its attack. The impact sent a jolt through my arms, but I stood my ground.

"Third Form: Loathsome Moon, Chains!" I shouted, my voice echoing around me. My sword moved smoothly, creating a series of crescent-shaped slashes that spiraled toward the demons. The crescents darted through the air, closing in on two demons and catching them in their path.

The demons struggled against the chains, their movements slowed. I seized the moment, swiftly slicing through their defenses and cutting their necks in one fluid motion. The shadows swallowed them up before they even hit the ground.

[Enemies Defeated: 6/15]

A third demon didn't seem bothered by the loss of its comrades. It lunged at me with lightning speed, claws ready to strike at my throat. I ducked just in time, feeling the air rush above me as its claws missed. In one sweeping motion, I swung my sword wide, forcing the demon back and creating a small gap between us.

The demon growled in frustration, eyes glowing with a sharp intelligence. It was learning from every clash. I couldn't let my guard down, not even for a second.

With the brief space I'd created, I honed in on the demon, my senses on high alert and adrenaline surging through me. The demon charged again, its movements like a deadly dance keeping me on edge. I felt the fatigue trying to creep in, but I shoved it aside, staying focused on the fight.

It lunged for my heart, claws sharp and deadly. I sidestepped, using its speed against it. My sword flashed in the dim light as I sliced through its side with precision. The demon howled in pain, vanishing into shadows before it could hit the ground.

[Enemies Defeated: 7/15]

The rest of the demons regrouped, their eyes filled with a cunning that sent chills down my spine. They were relentless, working together to attack. I couldn't let them take control. I had to outthink and outmaneuver them.

With renewed resolve, I gripped my sword tighter, ready for whatever came next. The battle was far from over, but my determination burned fiercely. Every move, every choice was critical now. I had to be quicker, smarter, and more relentless than ever.

The demons closed in, eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. Their steps were calculated, a deadly dance threatening to overwhelm me. Adrenaline coursed through me, sharpening my senses. This wasn't an ordinary fight; these demons were unlike any others. Their speed nearly matched mine, and they moved as one.

I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart. With a burst of speed, I charged the nearest demon, sword ready. "Fourth Form: Crescent Moon," I whispered, my voice lost in the chaos.

My blade moved gracefully, creating multiple curved slashes that layered like a rising vortex. The crescents spiraled through the air, ensnaring the demons. In a swift strike, I cut through their defenses, slicing their necks simultaneously.

[Enemies Defeated: 9/15]

The remaining demons didn't hesitate, quickly closing the gap despite the losses. I couldn't expect them to feel fear or hesitation.

I pivoted, narrowly dodging a clawed attack aimed at my throat. The demon's breath was hot and foul, eyes gleaming with malice. I swung my sword wide, pushing it back and gaining a brief reprieve.

With the space I gained, I focused on the next wave. They moved with deadly grace, their attacks unrelenting. I had to stay sharp, predicting their moves before they acted.

Another demon lunged at me. I sidestepped, using its momentum against it. My blade flashed, cutting through the demon's side with a decisive stroke. It howled in agony, dissolving into shadows before touching the ground.

[Enemies Defeated: 10/15]

[Fatigue : 45/100]

The battle was taking its toll. Each move reminded me of my growing fatigue. My breaths came in heavy gasps, heartbeat pounding in my ears. But the fire within me burned bright, driving me to see this through to the end, No I have to see this through to the end.