The Unyielding Foe

One of the effects of the "Hardening" skill was to stiffen the movements of anyone it touched. Even the Deer-Man couldn't escape its grip.

Akaya glanced at the side of the Deer-Man's face, the place where his tentacle had lashed with a powerful whip. There were no cracks visible.

(Even with the strength enhancement, my tentacles aren't doing much damage, Akaya thought.)

The Deer-Man rose, but sensing something was wrong, it froze.

(The effect of "Hardening" lasts ten seconds. Before the first effect wears off, I'll layer another "Hardening" on top of it.)

Akaya had no intention of waiting. Now it was his turn. With both fists hardened by the skill, he launched into close combat.

(The top priority is to reclaim the Anomaly Sphere. That's a Strength-S weapon. If I hit him with that iron ball, it'll pack five times the punch of my fists.)