*BANG*
The Berserker launched itself towards Derrick in a mad dash, causing the ground beneath to crack from its monstrous strength.
Derrick had been ready, but this power was beyond anything he had foreseen.
In a mere second, the gap between them had disappeared, with the beast now swinging its large and heavy arms at the necromancer.
"IMMOBILIZE HIM"
As both of their shadows were merged into one another, it meant the creatures hiding in Derrick's shadow were allowed to restrain the opponent.
However, the only thing they could do was slow down the incoming heavy and murderous strike. It was simply too strong.
With a massive tumble to the right, Derrick barely avoided the attack, which instantly pulverized his previous spot.
If he had been a second too late, he would have died.
A distance of 50 meters now separated them.
"Human, this thing is scary! You better go all out, or we're all going to die here!"
"I second the lizard"
"Kekeke I'll cut off those antlers you're so proud off"
Drako and Cernunnos started bickering in Derrick's head, giving the necromancer a long face. His life was on the line and his servants were more occupied with their little quarrel than helping him...
"You bastards... I've had enough! I'm summoning you both. It's time to earn your keep"
The two voices instantly died, solemn at the idea of 'dying' for the little scuffle. This wasn't good...
Still, the two creatures appeared in front of Derrick without delay, radiating their might and power.
They had been the rulers of their domains, meaning that even if their opponent was stronger than them, admitting defeat was not an option.
When the Berserker noticed it had missed Derrick, it became confused. It had felt a force restricting its movements, but it hadn't seen anyone interfere.
Nevertheless, it turned to face Derrick once again, only to be met by two monsters giving off strong bloodlust.
One was a gigantic black dragon without wings and the other was a tall half-deer, half-bear hybrid. Their shadowy composition emitted black mist, filling the area with eeriness and dread.
The Berserker, shocked that two strong opponents had appeared, roared to the sky again.
This time, however, was because of another reason : It was simply pumped to have met other strong challengers!
Its already boiling blood got even hotter, with its bloated body resuming its expansion, finally stopping at three times its original frame. The little bit of armor that had managed to hold on had finally given in, exposing its ripped and overwhelming body.
The veins were now gorged with so much blood that they looked like rivers ready to overflow.
Finally, its bloodshot eyes were filled with battle intent, ready to crush these new enemies.
"This fucker can still get stronger?! What a troublesome fellow... Guess I can't hold back either. Drako and Cernunnos, you'll attack first and try to limit its movements. It's time to test my spells"
Derrick had decided against summoning his newly acquired Undead Warriors, as he knew that they would be mince meat in front of such a terrifying foe. It was the same thing for Io, which had hidden in his shadow directly after arriving here.
Instead, he had decided to experiment. He knew that his spells were quite weak, but also that he wouldn't have another chance to raise their proficiency in such a setting.
The eyes of the two summons lit up, finally exploding towards the threat.
"Oi, Lizard! You better not get in my way! If you make me suffer, I won't forgive you!"
"Kekeke, we're in this situation because you're pathetically weak! Go eat some grass while I show what true power is!"
Even with their bodies on the line, the two creatures still couldn't let go of their grievances, willing to settle it with their skills and abilities.
The Berserker was beating its chest violently, ready to rumble with both of them simultaneously.
Derrick had to say that its arrogance really was unmatched.
When they saw they had been dismissed in such a vulgar way, Drako and Cernunnos roared and instantly closed the remaining distance, smashing into the two fists of the Berserker.
The impact almost blew it away, but it somehow managed to hold on, sliding and thrusting its feet into the ground.
Derrick was flabbergasted. This guy was unbelievable! Just imagining the impact it would have on the battlefield made him go mad with greed.
Shocked that they had both been stopped, the two monsters unleashed their skills. Drako used his poisonous tongue and Cernunnos, his bear strike.
They would make it pay for its insolence!
Sensing the immediate threat, the Berserker bounced back, narrowly dodging the strike that aimed for his head and the tongue that aimed for his waist.
It didn't think much, but it recognized the aura of death when it came.
As it was about to counter-attack, a large black scythe tore across the space in its direction, making it avoid it and retreat once again.
Its red eyes showed a hint of a surprise when it realized that the attack had come from the necromancer, who now stood in front of it.
The spell Derrick had just used was, of course, the Reaper's Blade.
It had nowhere near enough attacking power to injure the Berserker, but it still packed quite a punch.
Around him was also the Veil of Darkness, providing him with a bit of safety. It was also quite welcome considering his opponent.
When he saw that the spell hadn't connected, Derrick immediately followed up with a Banshee's Cry while sending instructions to his partners.
"Use my opening to attack! And in case you didn't get the memo, we aren't killing the guy, so restrain your strikes!"
While grumbling, the two creatures waited and saw a thin woman materialize over Derrick. She had white hair and her face looked serene. Her most striking feature, however, was her four arms.
In an instant, she opened her gray eyes and an ear-piercing scream that shook the surroundings ensued. Its pitch was so high and strident it even made Derrick grimace.
The Berserker reflexively covered its ears, trying to cut off the noise.
Even though the spell couldn't hurt it physically, its mental aspect was far more potent than what the book had let on.
Unaffected by the scream, the two beasts seized the opportunity and leaped forward, pinning the unguarded Berserker to the ground.
It was beyond enraged. How dared they ambush it! Its body resumed its unbelievable expansion, thus making its strength surge as well.
It appeared rage was an emotion that fueled its growth, which Derrick duly noted.
"Human, hurry up and make this thing submit! We won't be able to hold on for much longer"
"The lizard's right! Come here and end this!"
Derrick decisively walked forward and took out his Dark Forest Guardian Bow. With its attacking power, he had no doubt it would be able to do the job.
Once over the hulk of muscles, Derrick gave it an approving gaze.
"I know you can't understand me, but I want you to join me"
In response, the beast tried to free itself and trash the pathetic weakling in front of it. Who was he to ask for such a thing?
The necromancer's face changed and became ice-cold, making the Berserker feel a hint of fear.
Without ceremony, Derrick took out an arrow from his back and readied it.
"Last chance"
The beast still wasn't convinced by this pathetic display, so it roared and spit on Derrick, trying to humiliate him as well.
Derrick simply unloaded the arrow straight in its right leg, creating a sonic boom that shook the ground.
It was the first time Derrick used it, and it was proving to be a formidable weapon.
The only response he got from the Berserker was a painful hurl. It couldn't believe what was happening. It was the king of the battlefield, the mighty warrior that looked down on these miserable ants...
Derrick felt that it was still uncooperative, making him unleash three more arrows in the remaining leg as well as its two arms, convincingly pinning it to the ground.
The only way to win its acknowledgment was to make it submit, and he intended on doing just that.
The Berserker finally broke down and accepted the verdict. Its bones had been shattered by the impact, with its muscles being nowhere near functional anymore. It had been defeated, and utterly at that.
With a low growl and a face filled with grievances, the huge body slowly started regressing to its original state, making the now frail Thomas reappear into the world.
What was most incredible, however, was the fact that all his injuries healed up in the process.
After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and pain invaded every cell of his body, making him wish for a quick death. Still, what he saw completely overwhelmed the pain.
Watching over him was the man who had shaken his beliefs and, ultimately, his life.
"You're finally awake! Let's go back to the village... You've caused quite a commotion"