Overconfidence

With his new Elemental Mastery points, Enzo became too hard for the Chieftain to deal with. It was amazing how much Elemental Mastery made a difference.

Enzo grinned mockingly at the Chieftain. He had long given in completely to his instincts and was fully embracing the emotions that came along with it.

They had kept trading blows, but for every 10 points of HP Enzo lost, the Chieftain lost 100.

It wasn't too long until Enzo had started toying with the Chieftain, and even though his mana had recharged enough for another [Space-Void Burst], he hadn't used it.

Port watched from the sidelines, his small stature dwarfed by the imposing figures battling before him. His weathered face creased with worry as he observed Enzo's cocky demeanor. The young Void Dragon's overconfidence was palpable, radiating off him in waves as he toyed with the Chieftain.

"Damn it all," Port muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. He'd seen this before, too many times. The intoxicating power of the Void, coupled with youth and inexperience, always led to the same tragic end.

Enzo laughed, a harsh sound that echoed through the arena. He dodged another of the Chieftain's attacks with ease, his movements fluid and graceful. But Port could see what Enzo couldn't - the trap slowly closing around him.

Port's heart sank. He'd had such high hopes for this one. Enzo had shown promise. Someone had a natural affinity with Earth and, more importantly, Space. Who knows, maybe he had other untapped Elemental affinities. But now, watching him squander his potential, Port realized he'd failed yet again.

"If only he had more time to grow," Port whispered, his voice thick with regret. "He may have had a chance in the Heavenly Trials and restored the Dragon Clan to its former glory."

The old butler's eyes misted over as he remembered the long line of Void Dragons he'd served, many falling to the same fate. The tower claimed too many young Void Dragons, its siren call of power too strong to resist.

Port's shoulders slumped. He'd lost count of how many times he'd stood in this very spot, watching another Dragon succumb to their own hubris. Each time, he'd sworn he'd break his oath and act. Each time, he'd been wrong.

As Enzo continued to showboat, Port felt the weight of centuries press down upon him. Another Void Dragon was lost, and another hope for salvation was snuffed out before it could truly ignite.

Enzo was cocky, overconfident, and that was the moment it came back to bite him.

He had just landed yet another half-hearted blow, sending the Chieftain below 5% health, when the Chieftain's eyes glowed red.

The Goblin Chieftain let out a primal roar that shook the very foundations of the tower. Its wounds began to close, and its posture straightened as new strength flooded its body.

[Chieftain Health: 1565/2750]

Enzo paled and stumbled back, his focus returning to him at that moment.

He was no longer controlled by his instincts and could think clearly.

He knew he had screwed up big time.

The Chieftain had activated its [Chieftain's Rage] ability, which meant it was over level 75.

He remembered this from his previous life - a last-ditch effort that would temporarily restore the Chieftain's health and mana to 50%, but he would lose 1% every second until either the Chieftain died or his opponent did.

Realizing the danger, Enzo decided to switch to a defensive strategy. He backed away, hoping to outlast the Chieftain's temporary power boost. However, the Goblin Chieftain had other plans.

The Chieftain had a lot more energy and charged at Enzo. His speed wasn't something Enzo could keep up with, and he faltered.

The Chieftain swung his club in a vicious arc, bashing against Enzo's left side.

[Health: 160/1070]

Enzo let out an indignant roar, but even though his instincts screamed at him to fight back, he wasn't completely a Beast.

He was still a human.

Humans were a cunning, intellect-driven race. Although they weren't at the top physically, every race knew them as the thorn in their side, and the few powerhouses the humans had were some of the most feared in the multiverse.

Enzo came up with a plan, a plan no Dragon would ever use, but a human would.

His instincts screamed at him not to do this, but he only grinned maliciously at them in his heart.

'My emotions and instincts do not control me. Only I control my actions.'

Enzo found enough strength to back away from the Chieftain, and when he had enough room to spare, he lowered his head and spoke.

"Sovereign Chieftain, this Dragon is truly unworthy to fight you. Please allow this one to serve you."

The Chieftain closed the distance but paused. The Chieftain's expression looked so pained as his tiny brain tried to process the information that this Dragon, who was three times his size, had elements greater than its own and a pressure that terrified its very soul bowing to him.

It only took two seconds before the Chieftain regained his bearings and realized that no matter what, if he didn't kill Enzo, he was dead.

But in a battle, two seconds was a lifetime.

Enzo charged up his [Space-Void Burst] and released it with the last of his mana.

It tore through the air, the energy distorting the air as it flew toward the Chieftain.

Eyes wide with disbelief, confusion, regret, and anger the Chieftain fell, the last of his health drained away by the burst and his suicidal technique. A slew of notifications bombarded Enzo as he passed out cold.

He had only a few health points remaining, but his massive regeneration would heal him up, so he let himself fall into a deep sleep.

Port's jaw dropped as he witnessed the sudden turn of events. His weathered face, once etched with worry, now displayed a mix of shock and disbelief. He blinked rapidly as if trying to clear his vision, unsure if what he'd just seen was real.

"Impossible," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

The old butler had served countless Void Dragons over the centuries, but never had he seen one so young exhibit such control over their emotions during combat. It went against everything he knew about their nature, especially in the heat of battle.

Port's mind raced, trying to make sense of what he'd just witnessed. Enzo's actions defied all logic. The young Dragon had not only managed to overcome his instincts but had also executed a cunning strategy that no normal dragon would consider.

"There's more to this one than meets the eye," Port mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. His initial disappointment in Enzo had transformed into a burning curiosity.

As he watched Enzo collapse from exhaustion, Port's brow furrowed. The level of emotional control displayed by the young Void Dragon hinted at experiences far beyond his apparent years. It was as if Enzo possessed wisdom and cunning that should have taken decades, if not centuries, to acquire.

Port's eyes narrowed as he contemplated the implications. "What secrets are you hiding, young one?" he wondered aloud, his voice a mix of intrigue and concern.

The old butler had seen many things in his long life, but this... this was unprecedented. He realized that Enzo was no ordinary Void Dragon.

As he made his way toward the unconscious Enzo, Port's mind whirled with possibilities when Enzo's body shimmered, and a human appeared in place of his body.

There were no claws, no scales, and his eyes were circular like a human's.

"How is this possible?!"