Breakthrough (2)

I barely dodged the blow aimed straight for my chest.

"Fuck—! That was close..!"

SLAM!

The ground cracked where I stood a second ago. Dust sprayed into the air.

"Damn it! Is this even fair? How the hell am I supposed to beat this thing!?" I shouted, voice raw with panic.

The beast in front of me wasn't just some mutated mutt. This was a Dragonic Wolf. One of the worst kinds. They say beasts from the unexplored North devoured the corpses of dragons… and their blood got corrupted. Twisted. The result? Abominations like this one—dragon blood running through its veins, scales hidden beneath its fur, claws like blades, fangs like spears.

And it wasn't just strong. It was smart. Fast. Its golden eyes locked onto me with terrifying intent.

I dodged again, barely keeping my legs from giving out.

I'd been doing this dance for over an hour. My body was shaking. My arms and legs felt heavy. Sweat soaked through my shirt, dripping from my chin.

"Ha… Ha…" My breathing was ragged. Every inhale stung. My chest rose and fell slow, like my body was forcing itself to calm down… to survive.

SLAM!

Another attack scraped the floor inches from me.

'Shit… this bastard's playing with me.'

It wasn't even going all out. Just watching. Testing. Laughing inside that damn wolf brain of his.

This wasn't a fair fight. Not by a long shot.

"I need to be at least Sword Elite level to even land a hit!" I hissed, barely leaping out of the way again.

My mind raced. Blood rushed in my ears. If I didn't do something—anything—I was dead.

"I guess I don't have a choice…"

My voice was low, almost a whisper. I clenched my right fist. Mana started to surge down my veins, focusing into my arm.

"1st Circle Magic – Strengthening Spell: Noitanimoba!"

A glowing circle burst around my right arm. My muscles pulsed, veins bulging. Power surged through me—but it came with a cost. I felt my mana gauge dip—fast.

'24% gone… from just one spell.'

I grit my teeth, backing off to put distance between me and the beast.

SLAM!

The wolf's claw crushed stone, missing me by a hair.

"Time to end this, you son of a bitch," I growled, channeling what little mana I had left into my blade.

My sword began to glow faintly, the energy wrapping around it—Sword Ki. Not quite aura. It's like a lesser version of it. Only Royal Swords and above could control it properly. But it was better than nothing.

I took a stance. Focused. My legs stabilized. My arms stopped shaking.

Deep breath.

"Heaven Slaying Arts: First Form—Fate Defying Slash!"

SLASH!

My sword cut through air, then into flesh—or so I thought.

I froze.

'It… didn't even go halfway into his neck…?!'

My eyes widened. Before I could react, the wolf moved.

RIPPP!!

"ANGH—!!"

I screamed as pain exploded in my shoulder. My vision blurred. My world spun.

My arm… my left arm…

Gone.

Just gone.

Blood spurted like a fountain. My knees buckled.

"Ha… Ha…." My breath came in short bursts. My eyes trembled. I turned to look—my limb was missing. Torn off like paper.

The wolf loomed closer.

Am I scared?

'Don't tell me I'm scared of this bastard… right?'

I scoffed, barely able to stand. I wanted to move. To fight. But I couldn't. My body didn't listen anymore.

"I-I'm not… scared…"

My voice cracked. My feet shuffled back weakly.

"No…"

My legs gave out. I crashed down.

CRASH!

"Ha… Is this where I stop?" I whispered, eyes heavy. "Just… l-like this?"

My fingers lost strength. The blade slipped from my hand.

Blood covered everything. My body started to shut down. My mind fading…

And then—

Darkness.

I fell into the void. Unconsciousness swallowed me whole.

This was the end.

Or so I thought.

---

My eyes snapped open.

But they weren't normal anymore.

My sclera turned black. My irises glowed yellow. My pupils were sharp—almost beastlike.

I wasn't in control.

I couldn't even feel fear anymore.

"Ha…"

My body pushed itself upright, limbs twitching, aching—but moving.

I grabbed my sword again. The steel felt heavier. Colder. The air around me thickened. Something had changed.

I looked down at the wolf.

No fear. No hesitation.

Just hunger.

"Ha…"

The predator now stared at prey.

---

End of Chapter

---