Chapter 15 – Slaughter in the Red Gate
Blood splattered across the ruined ground as Maximus swung his Crimson Blade, its sharp edge slicing through the thick hide of another mutant beast. A grotesque, six-limbed abomination howled in agony before crumbling to the ground, its head severed in a single stroke.
Ding! You have killed a Mutant Aberration (Tier 1).
Ding! You have killed a Savage Hound (Tier 0).
Ding! You have killed a Corrupted Ogre (Tier 1).
The notifications kept ringing in his ears, yet he ignored them. There was no time to check his gains.
Breathing heavily, he pushed forward, his body drenched in blood—both his and that of the countless monsters he'd slaughtered. His Berserk Rage was still active, his muscles burning from the insane strain.
Yet the monsters didn't stop. If anything, they were increasing in number.
"This won't end unless I kill the boss," Maximus muttered, eyes scanning the battlefield.
But the problem was—there were too many bosses.
Several towering figures stood among the monstrous horde, each exuding an overwhelming presence. They weren't mindless beasts like the others; they were intelligent, coordinating their forces against him.
His grip tightened around his blade. He couldn't waste time. He had to eliminate them one by one.
---
Maximus cut his way toward the closest boss, a Brutal War Chief—a massive, armored ogre wielding dual battle axes. Black runes glowed on its flesh, enhancing its brute strength.
Brutal War Chief (Tier 1 Boss)
Abilities: War Stomp, Berserker Might, Aura of Ferocity
The ogre roared, raising its axes high, but Maximus was already moving.
His Crimson Blade ignited with Aura Blade, the red glow intensifying as he slashed straight through the ogre's knee.
The War Chief howled, staggering as black blood gushed from the wound.
Maximus didn't hesitate. He copied its ability, a familiar surge of power rushing through his body.
Ding! You have copied Berserker Might (B-Rank).
His strength doubled, his muscles bulging with newfound power.
"Perfect."
With a feral grin, Maximus activated Metal Reinforcement on his sword and launched himself forward. The ogre tried to defend, but he was faster. His blade flashed, carving deep wounds into its chest.
With Berserk Rage, Berserker Might, and Aura Blade stacking together, his strikes became lethal.
The boss collapsed in just five minutes.
Ding! You have killed a Brutal War Chief (Tier 1 Boss).
Ding! +1,000 EXP
Ding! You have leveled up to Level 3!
Maximus didn't stop.
He quickly allocated his unassigned stat points, prioritizing Strength and Agility—anything to maximize his damage and speed.
---
Before he could move to the next boss, three figures suddenly blocked his path.
A Crimson Lizard King, a Shadow Stalker, and a Bone Crusher Behemoth—three different Tier 1 bosses.
They weren't just acting randomly. They were working together.
"Tch… They're receiving orders."
Maximus' mind worked rapidly. He was exhausted, but he couldn't stop now.
The Shadow Stalker was the fastest, vanishing into the darkness.
The Bone Crusher Behemoth was the tankiest, its rock-like skin resistant to slashes.
The Crimson Lizard King had fire-based abilities, launching explosive fireballs.
And worst of all—they weren't fighting alone.
The remaining mutant creatures swarmed him, acting as fodder to wear him down.
Maximus gritted his teeth, drinking a health potion. His clone copies were thinning out, overwhelmed by the endless tide of monsters.
"I need to kill them fast."
He focused on the Crimson Lizard King first, dashing toward it with all his strength.
---
The Lizard King hissed, flames erupting from its maw as it launched a powerful fire breath attack.
Maximus dodged, rolling to the side before retaliating. His Aura Blade carved through its scales, but the boss was far from weak.
The Bone Crusher Behemoth charged from behind, its massive fists slamming down.
Maximus barely evaded, flipping backward, but then—
A Shadow Dagger struck his side.
The Shadow Stalker had landed a hit.
Blood dripped down his side. His breathing grew ragged.
"Damn it…"
His MP was running low from overusing abilities. His stamina was almost depleted.
The three bosses pressed in at once.
Maximus gulped another mana potion.
His vision blurred slightly from exhaustion, but he forced his body to move.
He activated Berserker Might again.
His power surged once more. He rushed the Lizard King, ignoring his wounds, and slashed.
The boss howled as his blade dug into its throat—
Ding! You have copied Fireblood Physique (A-Rank).
Ding! You have killed a Crimson Lizard King (Tier 1 Boss).
Ding! +1,000 EXP
Maximus' body burned with energy.
His new ability—Fireblood Physique—enhanced his resistance to fire and increased his regeneration when injured.
Perfect timing.
---
As he fought off the remaining two bosses, something changed.
A massive presence loomed over the battlefield.
A four-armed, three-eyed demon emerged—a higher-ranked being from the Red Gate.
Name: Xathrul the Executioner (Tier 2 Demon Boss)
Abilities: Infernal Command, Blood Pact, Hellfire Chains
Maximus' heart pounded.
"This thing… It's on a whole different level."
Xathrul's crimson eyes locked onto him, filled with intelligence and amusement.
"You are strong, human," it spoke. "But you are nothing before the might of the abyss."
Maximus could barely stand. His body was breaking down, yet his mind refused to surrender.
He had to kill this thing.
---
The Final Clash
Maximus activated every buffing ability he had left.
Metal Reinforcement. Berserk Rage. Berserker Might. Fireblood Physique. Aura Blade.
He charged.
The demon laughed and met him head-on.
Their weapons clashed, creating shockwaves that shattered the ground.
Maximus dodged its Hellfire Chains, barely avoiding the searing heat. He countered, stabbing straight for its chest.
The demon blocked with one arm and punched with another. Maximus felt bones crack.
His vision blurred, his body begging to shut down.
But he kept going.
---
The fight continue time seems to passed hour later when
The demon raised its blade for the final strike—
Maximus moved first.
Using all his remaining power, he dodged, spun, and sliced through the demon's neck.
Splurt!
Ding! You have killed Xathrul the Executioner (Tier 2 Demon Boss).
Ding! +3,000 EXP
Ding! You have unlocked the title: Demon Slayer.
Ding! Demon Slayer Effect: +50% damage against demons. Increases loot drop from demons(You're the first human in this world to kill a demon and a boss raising it to 50% increase!).
Maximus panted heavily. His body swayed.
But before he could rest—
A terrifying presence emerged from the Red Gate.
A gigantic hand reached out, radiating unfathomable power.
"You dare… kill my son?" a voice thundered.
Maximus' eyes widened.
A Demon Lord.
Then—
BOOM!
A massive explosion engulfed everything.
---
Far away, Sophia clutched her hands together.
"Maximus…" she whispered, staring at the distant explosion.
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Please… be alive."