Broken stood amid the wreckage, surveying the battleground. The recent explosion had left a devastating impact on his foes. Ulrich and the two city guards had been thrown violently, their bodies now marked with deep gashes and burns. Despite the severe injuries, they struggled to their feet, visibly weakened and far from their former strength.
Broken knew he had to act swiftly while the advantage was still his. It would take time for his enemies to regain their full strength. He immediately switched his helmet to the Invincible Paragon one, enabling him to activate the powerful skill that came with the armor set.
Without wasting a moment, he dashed toward Ulrich, utilizing his speed to close the distance rapidly. Ulrich’s condition was dire; his body was severely burned, and one of his arms had been detached, yet he still attempted to fight back.
As Broken approached, he could see the determination in Ulrich’s eyes despite his grievous wounds. Broken surged forward, his dash leaving a blur in its wake. When he was within striking distance, he activated his skill with precise timing.
[Berserker Rage (Active Skill)]
The transformation lasted only five seconds, but during that brief window, 80% of his Constitution was converted into Strength-a staggering boost that pushed his Strength stat well over 1100.
[Name: Broken]
[Level: 115]
[Class: Unique – Super Novice | Unique – Royal Blacksmith | Unique – Rift Digger]
[Health: 8,320 | Mana: 4,988] freewebnvel.coɱ
[Strength: 1,121 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 354 | Constitution: 82 | Stamina: 610]
[Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]
[Available Stat Points: 0]
[Weight: 5,384/6,726]
Broken couldn’t help but smile at the sheer might now coursing through his form. Even though his Constitution had plummeted, the health and defensive capabilities conferred by the Invincible Paragon armor set more than compensated for the drop.
With this newfound strength, Broken expertly managed the weight of his equipment and returned to his normal movement speed. Now, he stood face-to-face with Ulrich, whose defiance remained despite his mortal wounds.
In one fluid motion, Broken spun his spear, its blade catching the light as it arced through the air. With precision and overwhelming force, he brought the spear down, cleaving Ulrich’s head from his shoulders.
Ulrich hadn’t been killed yet. Broken once again delivered repeated slices and thrusts at him. The demon’s eyes widened in shock for a split second before life drained from them, and his body crumpled to the ground in a lifeless heap.
[You’ve killed Elite – Bloodfiend Ulrich Lv. 215]
[You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Bloodfiend blood]
[You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Bloodfiend nail]
[You have obtained 1 Elite – Bloodfiend Demon Core Lv. 215]
The two remaining city guards launched their attacks, but their aggression only served to close the distance between them and Broken. Seizing the opportunity, he drove his spear into the ground, sending a shockwave that staggered both guards.
Without hesitation, Broken surged forward, aiming his spear at the neck of the nearest guard. The blade cut through flesh and bone with ease, ending the guard’s life in a single, precise strike. Immediately, five robust vines erupted from the earth, entangling the second guard and rendering him immobile.
With lethal efficiency, Broken dispatched the first guard, then turned his focus on the ensnared adversary. Relentlessly, he hacked and thrust with his spear, each blow finding its mark. The guard struggled briefly before succumbing to the onslaught, his decapitated body slumping to the ground beside his comrade.
Had he won? The question lingered only briefly as a notification appeared before his eyes, confirming his hard-fought victory.
[You’ve killed Elite – Bloodfiend Fredrik Lv. 217]
[You have obtained…]
[You’ve killed Elite – Bloodfiend Jochen Lv. 218]
[You have obtained…]
[You have obtained 1 Elite – Bloodfiend Demon Core Lv. 218]
Two Demon Cores! This was the first time Broken had acquired such rare items from demons.
He wasn’t entirely sure how he would use them yet, but he was certain these cores held extraordinary and uncommon potential. Their presence hinted at new possibilities and powers waiting to be unlocked.
With three demons now definitively vanquished, Broken’s gaze shifted to his remaining adversary: Tristan, the mage. Despite Tristan’s prowess, Broken felt a surge of confidence. He was not alone in this battle-Dendros and Polly stood ready to fight by his side.
“Ha ha ha ha!” Tristan laughed maniacally. His tattered robe hung off him, revealing skin that was turning red, much like the other demons. It was obvious now-he was either a demon or a half-demon-who could be sure? But his transformation wasn’t complete like Ulrich’s, who had fully morphed into a demon.
“You’ve got me impressed,” Tristan said, with an amused glint. “You actually managed to take down those foolish minions.”
“Shut up! I’ll kill you too!” Broken retorted, gripping his spear tightly. The Berserker Rage had worn off, and now, he could focus all his energy on this one adversary.
“Hahahaha!” Tristan laughed, his body clearly on the verge of transforming. “You have no idea how powerful I am. Soon, you will see!”
“Second form!” Broken shouted urgently. “I won’t give you the time to reach your second form!”
Five massive vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around Tristan in an attempt to immobilize him. But Tristan merely smiled, allowing the vines to bind him. From the ground, the ceiling, and every possible direction, black shadowy tendrils burst forth, writhing wildly and attacking indiscriminately. Dendros and Polly were besieged by the piercing tentacles that struck from every angle.
Ignoring the chaos around him, Broken sprinted forward, refusing to let this adversary complete his transformation. There was no room for hesitation or retreat. Every fiber of his being was focused on taking down Tristan before he could unleash his full power.
Despite their best efforts, the shadowy tendrils constantly hindered Dendros and Polly, reducing their ability to fight effectively. The oppressive darkness wore them down, inflicting a gradual but relentless toll. However, Broken was unaffected by the movement-slowing curse of the shadows, thanks to the special abilities imbued in his boots.
A smile broke across his face, knowing he still had his full mobility. Seizing the moment, he spun his spear, poised to strike, and dashed toward Tristan. With each step, the distance between them closed rapidly, and Broken felt the surge of adrenaline and determination in
his veins.
But as he closed in for the attack, Tristan’s own smile widened in sinister anticipation. “You’re just as foolish as Alora,” he taunted.
At that moment, shadowy tendrils materialized from all directions, thrusting at Broken with deadly precision.
Broken’s eyes widened as he adjusted his stance on the fly, his mind racing to counter each spear-like attack. He deflected some with swift movements of his spear while others grazed him, adding to the tension of the battle.
As Broken closed the distance, more shadowy tendrils emerged from the ground, their dark forms piercing and slicing into him from all angles. His Health dwindled rapidly, each assault bypassing even the formidable defenses of the Invincible Paragon. Despite his best efforts to fend off the relentless onslaught, Broken could feel his strength waning with each passing
second.
The tendrils seemed to multiply, their grip tearing through his armor. His Health plummeted sharply, the life force ebbing away as the tendrils continued their relentless attack. No skill or equipment in his arsenal seemed capable of halting the tide of shadowy violence.
And sure enough, in no time at all, his health dropped to zero.
But another set of notifications appeared before him.
“This is not over yet!” Broken exclaimed.