[12/22]
[En Vigor.]
The moment this skill is named out loud, no more noise would come from its speaker.
As they would have already died from the skill.
For a self buff skill to be applied to a monster that is honestly too strong for its measured opponent… it is overkill.
I faced the transformed monster. It's appearance was majorly shrouded, only glimpses of it seen as it swayed. The black smog at times turned red, from the blood that was still oozing, I imagine. Faint grunts and gasps were heard from it.
This was my opponent.
I checked my situation. First off, my externals: I was in plain grass. No leverage or uneven lands anywhere. Trees and plant growth were too far away to be considered, as if shrinking back from the High Warrior's aura.
Internals: I was at full health. That's good.
I had a quarter of my stamina left. Not so good.
I had weapons, but I did not think I would need, or be able to, switch them out in the coming fight.
My mana was sufficient. I only used it with my skills, which were constantly on cooldown, hence I was able to recover the resource quickly.
Thankfully, the cooldown period was short for most of my skills. I should be able to last without them for just a little time. Hopefully.
…
[Skills]
- [Daunting Throw Lv. 2]
Increases throwing strength by 12% for 30 seconds
Skill Mana cost: 50
Cooldown Time: {5 minutes 42 seconds}
- [Dash Lv. 2]
Increases movement speed by 6% for a distance of 100 yards]
Skill stamina cost: 5% of total stamina
Cooldown T: {1 min 12 sec}
- [Guard Lv. 10]
Your shield will absorb 10% more damage from the next attack
SM C: 120
SS C: 10% of total stamina
CD T: 15 min
- [Shield Bash]
Slam shield into enemy, doing 120% of your physical attack power.
SM C: 50
CD T: {4 min 31 sec}
- [Crescent Cut Lv. 10]
Cut upwards from one direction to the other like a crescent moon. 150% of your attack power is dealt.
SM C: 90
CD T: {4 min 36 sec}
- [Warriors Strike Lv. 10]
To defeat the opponent in front of you, all the power that you have harnessed will shine through with one final blinding attack.
Your weapon will be enchanted with a white light. Your next strike will do 160% of your attack power to whatever it touches.
SM C: 80
CD T: 8 minutes
…
My shield was over by the High Warrior. It was necessary for my survival— my win— to retrieve it. Without it, I will not be able to survive its onslaught. The only positive/benefit that I perceive from this monster's 'final form' was that it held no weapon.
'Which means it is confident that it can rip me to shreds with its hands only.' The dark thought floated in my mind, but I ignored it.
My mental state was oddly holding strong, considering everything before. I suppose the brunt of everything that had happened had not hit me yet. And the worse was yet to come.
But I needed to stay strong, and I was focused. Oblivious to my surroundings. Tunnel. Vision.
I understand that such a mindset was usually negative; actually, I entered horrible circumstances because of such behavior earlier. But right now, this was the perfect choice. The Enemy in front of me was the focal point of my world.
On the other hand, I could not tell what the High Warrior was doing. It was hard to see the monster's face, much less its eyes. It was facing my direction, though.
Suddenly, it tensed up. I could at least see this.
The muscles on the toned monster expanded to an abnormal degree as it widened its stance, spreading its arms and legs.
This would mark the beginning of the fight I was as ready as I possibly could be in the moment. I knew that all of my planning and suggestions would fall dead the moment I clashed with the Enemy. They were of THAT caliber. They were at a level that I could only focus on fighting, and nothing else.
…
It sprung. No grunt, roar, or moan. Just a thud as it kicked off the ground, flying right towards me. The smog trailed as the High Warrior made its mad dash.
It's hand, finally liberated from the surrounding smog, reached out to claw at me. Predicting its initial motion, I rolled under movement, ending up behind the Enemy. I slashed upwards as I rose, trying to nick and possibly even cut its back.
It turned around quickly and slapped away the sword with its hand.
'"Tch." My hand was feeing numb from the counter. I took some eyes back, regaining the proper footing, as the Hobgoblin swung both its arms this time. I hurriedly put my sword up to do my best to parry.
[You've lost 100 health.]
The system message flashed before my eyes as I was pushed back again.
"Almost there." I did not mind my comments being heard by the Enemy. I had a feeling that at this point, It was not capable of hearing me anyways.
It attacked again, and again, and again. Either I would just barely dodge, or feel the brunt of it with my sword.
['Sturdy Broad Sword' durability decreased by 5.] My sword was feeling the pain, as was I. My sword's durability, as well as my health, decreased from every movement of the Hobgoblin, and soon enough, I was unable to react fast enough and just kept the sword up, as a precaution.
*Whoosh!*
"Erk!"
Even the lifting of my sword was eventually too slow. The Enemy was able to move fast enough and create a gash on my side. I did not even bother looking at the system notification as I backed up once again.
Easily, the High Warrior closed the distance with its long reach.
'Now!'
This time, I did not disclose my thoughts. I guess I was still wary. After all, I reached my lifeline once again.
As the Hobgoblin swung its arm, I rolled backwards at the last moment picking up the shield left on the ground that I desired so much.
I was getting tired of being beaten black and blue by this monster. I was not able to damage it, as I was too wary of being hurt instead. But with my shield, I should— WILL— be able to fight back.
It is my last chance.