In a blinding flash of brilliance, Ivan and Vagorai clashed, the resounding impact of their swords hitting each other nearly deafening, causing an enormous shockwave to ripple through the surroundings.
In that intense moment, Ivan truly grasped the overwhelming power difference between him and the Goblin King. Just from that single clash, Ivan's hands felt like they were on the verge of shattering. His entire arm pulsated with pain as they shot back from each other, both preparing for another clash of swords.
However, Ivan quickly realized that engaging the formidable beast in a direct contest of strength would be futile. He knew he had only one advantage over this monstrous foe: his speed. It was the key to his survival, a chance to outmaneuver and strike swiftly, avoiding a head-on confrontation.
As his feet began to glow, Ivan disappeared in a blur of motion, launching his relentless onslaught with his sword, much like before. Just as he had anticipated, the Goblin King struggled to keep up with Ivan's incredible speed, leaving him at a slight disadvantage in the face of Ivan's agile and precise attacks.
As the battle raged on, Ivan's increased strength allowed him to pierce the Goblin King's defenses more effectively, but it still wasn't enough to deal significant damage. Ivan had already realized that merely inflicting numerous cuts with his poisoned blade didn't drastically increase the poison's effect.
His disadvantage became more apparent as the battle prolonged. If the fight continued any longer, Ivan knew he would undoubtedly lose. Despite the odds, he pressed on with his relentless onslaught, hoping to find an opportunity to exploit.
However, unwittingly, Ivan had fallen into a pattern with his rapid attacks, a pattern that the cunning Goblin King quickly deciphered. With newfound understanding, the Goblin King moved at full speed and deliberately headed into the path of Ivan's blade, anticipating a fatal blow.
In that crucial moment, Ivan lost focus. The sudden counterattack from the Goblin King caught him off guard. His reflexes were not quick enough to evade the deadly trajectory of the Goblin King's sword, and in that instant, Ivan realized that it was too late to avoid the impending doom.
Ivan knew that if he were to receive an unblocked hit from the Goblin King, he would meet an instant demise. Confused and left with no other viable options, Ivan stretched out his hands, attempting to block the incoming blade.
With a wince, Ivan closed his eyes, bracing himself for one of two outcomes: to be cleaved through and perish on the spot or for his impromptu plan to somehow work.
A moment passed, and when Ivan opened his eyes, he was relieved to find that the latter had occurred.
[Player has created a new skill]
[Skill: Temporal Shield is active]
[Skill Developer has leveled up]
[Temporal Shaper class has leveled up]
Vodarai's sword was now barely moving as it reached the proximity of Ivan's hand, which emitted a mesmerizing golden glow. The Goblin King stared in bewilderment at the unexpected turn of events.
Ivan wore a triumphant smirk on his face. He hadn't really expected his plan to succeed, but it did. Utilizing his temporal shaper abilities, he had shifted the temporal dimensions from his legs to his hands. When the Goblin King's sword entered the proximity of this temporal dimension, Ivan had drastically slowed down time within the tiny dimension, causing the part of the blade inside to move as slowly as a snail.
"What nonsense is this?" The Goblin King exclaimed, utterly perplexed as he attempted to retract his sword from within Ivan's palm, but all his efforts were in vain.
Time being slowed in the Temporal dimension had a cascading effect, causing the blade's exit from the proximity of the dimension to decelerate as well. As a result, although Vodarai could move the rest of his sword, the portion within the proximity of Ivan's Temporal dimension remained firmly stuck, impeding the weapon's removal.
"Well, isn't this interesting," Ivan remarked with a hint of amusement, witnessing Vodarai's futile struggle to retrieve his sword.
Growing increasingly frustrated and impatient, Vodarai, while still trying to pull his sword free, clenched his fist and launched a devastating punch at Ivan.
However, the outcome was no different. Ivan raised his other hand to block the incoming punch, and the moment Vodarai's fist entered the proximity of the temporal dimension, time around it dramatically decelerated. As Vodarai struggled to retract his fist, he encountered the same unyielding resistance—it was firmly stuck.
As Ivan quickly attuned himself with the new skill, he swiftly figured out more ways to utilize it. He disabled the Temporal dimension around his hands, causing Vodarai, who had put all his strength into escaping the temporal grasp, to be sent flying back with extreme force, losing his bearings completely.
Seizing the opportunity, Ivan launched himself at the Goblin King with all the force he could muster, aiming for a devastating knee strike to the goblin king's jaw. The impact was thunderous, and Vodarai groaned in pain as blood spurted through his teeth. With a heavy thud, he collapsed to the ground.
In the heat of the moment, Ivan prepared to follow up with another fierce attack. He launched himself into the air, his sword aimed directly for the goblin king's eye, ready to descend with all his might.
However, just as Ivan's sword was about to reach its target, a sickening thud echoed through the forest, accompanied by the sound of his own bones cracking. The Goblin King had retaliated with a powerful smack, sending Ivan hurtling away.
[HP: 16 (-84)]
Blood dripped from Ivan's mouth as he struggled to stand, his chest heaving with strained breaths. With shaking hands, he managed to drink his last health potion, desperately trying to regain his strength.
"Enough of this, I'll end your life now," Vagorai declared with a menacing tone as he approached the injured Ivan.
But then, suddenly, the ground erupted in raging flames, engulfing the Goblin King in searing heat. Vagorai let out low groans of agony, unable to defend against the unexpected assault.
The blue notification that appeared before Ivan drew his attention to Iris, who stood several meters away.
[Iris skill: Solar Flare is active]
"Told you I was saving my mana," Iris muttered, her eyes gleaming with determination as the flames subsided, revealing Vagorai's once-unpenetrable skin now burnt and deformed.
For Ivan, who was slowly recovering from the blow, this meant one thing—a chance.
[Skill: Chrono-Speed is active]
Despite his injuries, Ivan launched himself at Vagorai with newfound speed. His sword sliced through the burnt skin and flesh with ease, leaving deep and decisive cuts.
"You fought well, please die now," Ivan muttered with gritted teeth. With a swift and powerful swing, he thrust his sword into the Goblin King's throat and decisively sliced his head clean off.
[Vodarai, the Goblin King, has been slain]
[Boss battle has ended]