I was surprised. The monster… he was still standing after that counter.
The sheer force of my blow should've leveled him.
But there he was, bloodied, breathing heavily, but alive.
"No way…"
I grinned. I'd transcended it to a higher rank, doubling its effectiveness and damage. It should've been over. But the fight wasn't finished yet.
The monster growled, the fury still burning in his eyes, as if the impact didn't faze him.
The monster growled, his body shifting slightly. I noticed a subtle glow around his form. Then the system notification rang in my head:
[System Notification]
The enemy has activated the skill: Iron Body
Effect: Temporarily hardens the body, reducing damage taken.
The enemy possesses the passive skill: Unbreakable Will (Passive)
Effect: Immune to stun and knockback effects.
"Figures…" I muttered under my breath, realizing why my attack hadn't dropped him. He was resisting the full impact.
The monster grinned, cracking his knuckles as if mocking me.
"You're tougher than I thought," I said, rolling my shoulders back.
"Alright then."
I cracked my knuckles, giving him a nod of respect.
"As a sign of respect, I'm gonna use my fists too. But don't expect me to pull any punches, 'cause I'm about to double it for you."
The tension in the air thickened, and the ground beneath us seemed to hold its breath as I prepared for the next round.
The monster lunged and use a fake straight punch he backed away and tackle me but I'm ready for it as soon as he charged I sidestep and punch his ribs so hard hearing the crack
The monster lunged at me with a feint, throwing a fake straight punch that I easily sidestepped. But before I could even react, he backed away and tackled me, using his weight and speed to slam into me.
I grunted, bracing for impact, but this time, I was ready.
As soon as he charged, I pivoted, sidestepping just in time to avoid the full brunt of his attack. In a single fluid motion, I turned and slammed my fist into his ribs. The sickening sound of cracking bone echoed in the air, and I could feel the force of the blow reverberate through his body.
He staggered, gasping for breath, his stance faltering for just a second.
He roared and lunged with an uppercut, but I dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow. His fist sliced through the air where my jaw had been a split second ago. Without pausing, he twisted into a brutal hook aimed at my temple.
Too predictable.
"Activate skill—Serpent's Vengeance."
My body moved like water, slipping under the arc of his punch. In that moment, everything slowed. My eyes locked onto his exposed ribs—the same spot I shattered earlier. I drove my fist forward, sharp and coiled like a viper striking its prey.
CRACK.
The blow landed flush. A crushing sound echoed as my fist sank into his fractured ribs, sending a shockwave through his body. His eyes widened in pain, the air knocked from his lungs as he stumbled back, clutching his side.
Now's the chance
I activated "Transcendent Copy."
[System Notification]
Skill: Savage Rush copied.
Effect: Increases speed and power with each strike, creating a devastating chain of blows.
But this wasn't enough. I needed more.
[System Notification]
Skill Transcended: Berserker's Wrath
Effect: A savage flurry of strikes with each hit sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Increases damage by 75%, and every strike creates a shockwave that knocks back and disorients enemies.
My vision tunneled. I couldn't hear anything but the blood roaring in my ears.
"Berserker's Wrath—ACTIVATE!"
A surge of power exploded through my veins like wildfire. My fists moved on instinct—faster, harder, louder. Each strike blurred as I roared out with every punch, my voice thundering across the battlefield.
"RAAH!"
"TAKE THIS!"
"BREAK!"
The ground trembled beneath my feet, cracks webbing out as my flurry of blows tore through the monster's defenses. My punches weren't just landing—they were detonating, sending shockwaves that screamed across the air. Each hit sounded like thunder crashing from the heavens.
The monster tried to stand his ground, but his eyes couldn't keep up. His guard shattered. He stumbled, reeled, was dragged by the storm I had become.
"YOU WANTED A MONSTER?!" I roared, slamming another fist into his gut so hard it echoed like a cannon.
"I'LL SHOW YOU ONE!"
I didn't even feel my body anymore—only rage, motion, fire. The world blurred into a storm of fists and fury.
And in the eye of that storm… I was the goddamn hurricane.
The storm raged in my veins.
I roared, fist clenched tight, the Berserker's Wrath spiraling out of control inside me. Every punch had been building to this—every strike, every crack, every bone I broke was leading here.
He was staggering, broken, barely standing. But not done.
Not yet.
"ONE. LAST. HIT!" I howled like a beast unleashed, twisting my whole body behind the final blow.
I didn't go for the face.
I drove my fist straight into his shattered ribs—the same spot I'd softened up earlier.
There was no scream.
No time.
Just an explosive BOOM—like thunder being born inside flesh.
And then—his upper body was just... gone.
An eruption of blood and bone exploded outward, his torso disintegrating from the sheer force. Flesh, ribs, spine—all of it, obliterated, torn apart in a shockwave that shook the battlefield.
The only thing left standing…
…was his lower half, twitching slightly before toppling over.
I stood there, panting like a madman, blood mist in the air, fists still humming with raw power.
"Yeah…" I muttered, spitting to the side.
"That's more like it."
> [System Voice: Skill Copy Available.]
"Select the skill you wish to copy from the fallen enemy."
Available Skills:
– Iron Body (Active)
– Unbreakable Will (Passive)
– Savage Rush (Active)
*[System Voice:]
"So… what'll it be, monster slayer? Choose your prize."
I cracked my knuckles, glancing at the list.
"So Ironclad Retaliation didn't make the cut, huh?" I muttered with a shrug. "Shame… that one hit hard."
My eyes locked on the final option, and a grin tugged at my lips.
"Fine. I'll take Savage Rush. Let's see how wild I can really get."
[System Voice: Skill copied. Transcending…]
New Skill Acquired: Berserker's Wrath.
Unleash a relentless flurry of high-speed, high-impact punches. Each strike tears through the air with explosive force, sending out shockwaves that destabilize the ground and disrupt enemy footing. The user's attack speed and power are drastically increased for 13 seconds, with every strike causing an area shockburst. The battlefield becomes a storm of fists and fury.
Cooldown: 30minutes
After that, I should be relaxed—but I'm not. Even before the fight, I felt it. Eyes on me. Not one. Maybe two. Watching. Waiting.
I already know their location. Looks like they're planning an ambush... but I'll strike first. I activate Whiplash—the chain snaps forward, hooking the nearest one to me.
I grab its throat, my grip tightening, but then I freeze. What I saw left me shocked—this wasn't what I expected.
She stumbled into my grip, gasping, her arm bleeding where the hook had torn through the soft flesh. I expected a grunt, a scream—anything. Instead, she looked up at me with wide, crystal-blue eyes, glassy with pain but calm. Too calm.
Her beauty hit like a sucker punch.
Short, midnight-blue hair framed a face too soft, too innocent… but her body? Sin wrapped in silk. The dark habit clung to her like it had no business being worn by someone like her—curves pressed against the tight fabric, legs bare where the robe split dangerously high, glinting with sweat. A thick strap hugged her upper thigh like a secret invitation. Every inch of her screamed temptation, contradiction—holy attire barely containing anything but sacred.
I'd hooked her thinking she was a threat. Now I wasn't so sure.
She looked like a fallen angel—bleeding, breathless, and watching me with something unreadable in those glacial eyes.
And for a second… I forgot the fight. Forgot everything.
Except her.
A blur of motion—then a crack of air.
A fist, laced in blue lightning, tore through the space where my face had been.
I twisted back just in time, the heat of it singing past my cheek.
She landed before me in a crouch, lightning still arcing across her arm.
Tall. Thick thighs locked in stance. That tight dragon-patterned qipao clinging to a body made for war. White hair whipping like a banner in a storm. And those eyes—glowing, molten gold, locked on mine like I was prey.
She didn't say a word.
Just cracked her knuckles—lightning sparking again—and stepped forward.
"How dare you touch Lilith, scumbag!" her voice cracked like thunder, her glowing fists crackling with violent arcs of lightning.
But before she could strike again, a calmer voice cut through the charged air.
"Stop, Zeyna. He's just being cautious of us," Lilith said, her tone soft but commanding, a glint of amusement dancing in her sultry gaze. She stepped forward, placing a delicate hand on Zeyna's arm—only barely restraining her power.
I scoffed, brushing dust off my shoulder.
Yeah, tits—shut up. You throw one punch and suddenly think you're the main character?" I smirked. "If you're done flexing for no reason, maybe let the grown-ups talk.
Zeyna's eyes widened for a second—then narrowed, burning with fury. Her fist clenched so tight I heard the leather of her glove strain.
"You little—!" she snarled, stepping forward like she was ready to swing again.
Lilith caught her arm, barely stopping her. "Zeyna. Enough."
I'm sorry," Lilith said gently, stepping forward, her voice like a calm breeze after a storm. "We didn't mean any harm. We were just… in awe of your battle. That monster you defeated—it usually takes five, maybe six skilled players to bring down. You handled it alone.
She paused, her icy-blue eyes meeting mine.
"That's why we'd like to propose an alliance… if you'll have us."
Lilith stepped between us, calm but firm, placing a hand over the torn flesh of her arm—the injury my Whiplash had left.
A soft violet glow radiated from her palm, dark and almost otherworldly. It pulsed once… then twice… and the wound began to close. The blood reversed its trail, flesh knitting itself perfectly until not even a scar remained.
I blinked. That wasn't your average healing magic. That was something... different. Something colder.
She looked up at me with those calm, icy-blue eyes.
"I'm a dark cleric. I use corrupted divine magic—still holy, just… twisted. Efficient." She gave a faint smile. "The pain lingers longer for enemies. But it soothes faster for those I choose."
Zeyna huffed beside her, crossing her arms, sparks still dancing around her fingertips.
"And her?" I asked, nodding toward the ticking time bomb in blue leather.
Lilith's smile widened slightly. "Zeyna's a battlecaster. Think of a mage… who punches things. Enchanted strikes, elemental bursts, pure chaos. And a temper to match."
Zeyna tilted her chin up proudly. "Damn right."
I couldn't help but smirk. This alliance might be fun after all.
Before I could respond, a loud grumble echoed through the clearing. Then another.
I blinked.
Lilith's cheeks turned slightly pink as she gently rested a hand on her stomach.
"Um… apologies. We haven't eaten since dawn…"
Zeyna clicked her tongue, trying—and failing—to act tough as her stomach betrayed her.
"Ugh, don't look at me like that. We were tracking that damn monster all day. Then you showed up and went all berserker god on it."
Then, they both looked at me.
Lilith tilted her head sweetly. "This isn't some kind of intimidation tactic, is it? Starving us into submission?"
Zeyna squinted. "You trying to flex so hard our stomachs cave in first?"
I raised a brow, folding my arms. "…You two seriously want to ally with me, and this is how you open negotiations?"
They nodded in unison.
With rumbling stomachs.
"…Fine. Let's eat first. Then we talk."
Welcome readers and author damn you..
Today I'm gonna cook : "Coq au Vin
Let's start
Welcome, everyone.
I say it out loud, smirking like I'm hosting a royal banquet, not surrounded by two battle-hardened girls blinking at me like I've lost my damn mind.
Lilith tilts her head, blinking. "Um… who are you talking to?"
Zeyna squints, raising a brow. "Is this another skill? Like—'Insanity Channeling'? Or are you just weird?"
I ignore them.
"Today's special: Coq au Vin. Fancy, I know. But trust me—it's just battle-seasoned chicken soaked in wine until it surrenders. Now pay attention."
Lilith whispers to Zeyna, "He's actually narrating. Like he's in a story. Or possessed."
Zeyna crosses her arms. "I knew it. He snapped."
Step 1: Gather Your Loot
"You'll need:
One whole chicken. Slay it. Or buy it. I won't judge.
Red wine. The deeper and bloodier, the better.
Bacon, mushrooms, pearl onions, garlic. Flavor bombs.
Herbs—thyme, bay, parsley.
Chicken stock. No, monster guts won't work. I tried."
Zeyna raises a hand. "Are we… supposed to write this down?"
Lilith pulls out a tiny notebook from her cloak. "I'm actually kinda curious…"
Step 2: Prep the Bird
"Pat the meat dry. Season it like you mean it. Light coat of flour. You're not summoning demons, just flavor."
"Is he flirting with the chicken?" Zeyna mutters.
Step 3: Sear the Beast
"Pan. Oil. Sizzle. Brown both sides. No shortcuts. That's how you get soul."
Lilith leans in, whispering, "He cooks like he fights…"
Zeyna: "Violently?"
Step 4: Summon the Flavor Gods
"Add bacon. Let it crisp. Onions, mushrooms, garlic—throw them in. Stir like you're crafting potions."
Lilith's stomach growls audibly.
Step 5: Wine Ritual
"Deglaze the pan with red wine. Add tomato paste. Bring the chicken back. Pour stock to cover. Herbs in. Simmer."
Zeyna sighs. "If he cooked like this for every kill, I'd forgive the madness."
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
"Low heat. Let it bubble for an hour. Good things take time—even rage-fueled chicken stew."
Lilith folds her hands in prayer. "I think I'm falling for this man."
Zeyna: "You're just hungry."
Final Words:
I grin, plating the dish.
"Nothing says 'don't mess with me' like gourmet after gore. Bon appétit, readers—whoever and wherever you are."
Zeyna slowly turns to Lilith. "…There's no one here."
Lilith shrugs, already eating. "Just let him cook."
I must've blacked out after dinner.
The fight, the feast… and maybe the wine I "sampled" a little too generously. Either way, I woke up to a strange warmth—no, two strange, soft, very warm weights pressing down on my face.
I opened my eyes—barely. Darkness.
Correction: Flesh-colored darkness.
My brain stalled.
The scent hit me next. Lilith's faint floral perfume, soft and powdery. And… Zeyna's spicier scent, wild and untamed like lightning bottled into silk.
"…What the—"
I tried to move my arms, but nope. One arm was pinned under Lilith's body, wrapped tight like I was some sort of plush offering to her slumbering goddesshood. The other was trapped beneath Zeyna's bare midriff, her toned body curled against me like I was her personal pillow.
I looked down—well, as much as I could look down from between the twin peaks planted on my face.
Huge.
How did either of them hide this under all those robes and armor?
I mumbled something, probably a prayer to stay sane.
Lilith shifted slightly in her sleep, letting out a soft little sigh—"Mmm…"—and pressed closer.
"Not helping…" I whispered.
Zeyna twitched and murmured something like, "Touch me again and I'll break your nose…" but didn't move away.
I was officially immobilized. Arms pinned. Face smothered. Blood rapidly draining from my brain… and going straight somewhere else.
"Is this heaven… or am I in actual danger?"
I tried to wriggle free—just a bit. Just enough to breathe. But all I got was more softness and a low moan from Lilith that sent a shiver through my spine.
No escape.
Guess I'll die like this.