Chapter 6:Abnormal monsters
Lucian approached the edge of the swamp, his boots sinking slightly into the soft, wet ground. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of decay and mud. The stagnant water bubbled ominously, and the faint sound of movement put him on edge.
Just as he was about to take another step, a loud roar echoed from the murky depths. A hulking figure emerged, dragging itself out of the swamp. The creature was covered in slimy mud, its body adorned with grass, sticks, and patches of moss. Its glowing red eyes fixed on Lucian with murderous intent.
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Oh, great. A mud monster. Just what I needed today." He laughed nervously, trying to back away. "Hey, uh, buddy. I didn't mean to trespass or anything. Is this your swamp? I'll just… be on my way."
The swamp demon roared again, louder this time, shaking the trees around them. Lucian sighed, his flames flickering to life. "Guess not."
The swamp demon lunged, its massive, mud-covered arms swinging with surprising speed. Lucian barely dodged, the attack splattering mud everywhere. A chunk landed on his face.
"Gross!" Lucian wiped it off, grimacing.
Before he could react, the demon's hand morphed into a massive spike, aiming for his chest. Lucian sidestepped, flames igniting around his fist as he countered with a fiery punch. The blow landed, but instead of burning the demon, the flames fizzled out, swallowed by the mud.
"What the—?" Lucian stared in disbelief.
The demon grinned wickedly, its body shifting and flowing like liquid. Its arms extended into sharp tendrils, whipping toward Lucian. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Okay, fire's a no-go," he muttered. "Let's try something else."
The demon roared again, its form shifting into a towering figure of solid mud. Its fists slammed into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent Lucian stumbling.
"You hit hard for a pile of dirt," Lucian said, shaking his head as he stood. He raised his hands, white flames giving way to crackling blue lightning. "Let's see how you like this."
The swamp demon lunged again, swinging its hardened fists. Lucian dodged the first blow and parried the second, his lightning-coated hand sending a jolt through the demon's arm. The creature howled, its body rippling as the electricity disrupted its form.
"Looks like I found your weakness," Lucian smirked.
The demon snarled, its body shifting again. This time, it dissolved into a swirling mass of sand, reforming behind Lucian. He barely had time to turn before a massive fist slammed into his side, sending him flying into a tree.
"Okay, that hurt," Lucian groaned, pushing himself up. He winced as he felt a sharp pain in his ribs.
The demon charged, its body shifting between mud and sand as it closed the distance. Lucian raised his hand, a bolt of lightning arcing from his palm and striking the demon square in the chest. The creature stumbled, its form flickering, but it didn't stop.
"Persistent, aren't you?" Lucian muttered, rolling to his feet.
He dodged another swing, his movements becoming more fluid as he adapted to the demon's attacks. He struck back with quick, precise punches, each one laced with electricity. The demon howled in pain, its body struggling to maintain its shape.
The swamp demon tried to retreat into the swamp, but Lucian wasn't about to let it escape. He slammed his hands together, generating a massive surge of lightning that spread out in a wave, electrifying the water around them.
The demon screeched, its body convulsing as the electricity coursed through it. Lucian charged, delivering a powerful lightning-infused punch to its chest. The impact shattered the demon's form, sending chunks of mud flying in every direction.
The demon tried to reform, but Lucian didn't give it a chance. He unleashed a final bolt of lightning, striking the creature's core. With a deafening roar, the swamp demon exploded into a shower of mud and water, leaving behind a faint, glowing orb.
Lucian collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. "That was… messy."
The system's familiar voice chimed in:
Ding… Quest Complete!
Reward: Oath of Loyalty Contract, Divine Boost Pill, 50 Faith Points
Lucian smiled weakly, wiping mud off his face. "Totally worth it."
Lucian's boots crunched against the forest floor as he moved forward, his confidence growing with every step. The thrill of victory still buzzed in his veins from the swamp demon fight. "I'm not weak anymore," he muttered to himself with a grin. "I'm finally getting somewhere."
That grin faded when a strange, guttural laughter reached his ears. He froze, turning toward the source of the sound. A small clearing opened up ahead, and in it stood a group of goblins and werecoyotes.
The goblins were squat and green, their beady eyes glinting with malice. Some wielded crude swords, others rusty clubs. Beside them, the werecoyotes growled low, their canine forms radiating feral energy. They were armed too, carrying jagged blades and spiked weapons.
Lucian sighed heavily. "Of course. Why not?"
Ding… Quest Issued!
Defeat the small pack of goblins and werecoyotes (0/19)
Reward: 10 Faith Points per kill, 20 for the chief, E- Class Battle Gauntlet (Upgradeable), Strategic Insight Lesser Vision of Eyes Truth
Failure: Permanent decrease in stats by -5
Lucian's lips twitched into a crooked smile. "Sorry, guys. Looks like it's you or me, and the system says it can't be me."
Eyes of Truth Activated
Ding…
Names: Demonic Minions Goblins and Werecoyotes
Rank: Low-Level Demon (E+)
Description: It's a green shorty and an ugly-looking dog. You think you're their match? You might survive if you know skilled swordsmanship and strategic fights, because these guys do.
Skills:
Skilled Swordsmanship
Sword Slash
Club Smash
Strategic Fighting
Lucian blinked at the information. "Seriously? Why can't I ever fight something normal?" He groaned, summoning his weapon. The magical ring on his finger glowed, and a sleek black sword with crimson edges materialized in his hand.
"Alright, Mediodis, let's give them a proper welcome."
The goblins charged first, their shrill war cries echoing through the forest. Lucian met them head-on, his blade flashing as he deflected their crude swords. A goblin swung its club toward his head, but Lucian ducked and countered with a precise slash, cutting it down.
Another goblin came at him from the side. Lucian twisted, parrying its blade and kicking it backward. As it stumbled, he followed up with a clean, downward strike. The goblin fell, lifeless, to the ground.
A werecoyote leaped at him next, its claws aimed for his throat. Lucian rolled to the side, barely avoiding the attack. The beast snarled, spinning around to slash at him with its blade. Lucian blocked the strike, sparks flying as their weapons clashed.
The werecoyote growled and lunged again, but this time Lucian was ready. Lightning crackled around his free hand, and he thrust it forward, sending a jolt of electricity into the creature's chest. The werecoyote yelped in pain, collapsing in a smoldering heap.
The remaining goblins and werecoyotes circled him, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust. Lucian's breath came heavy, but his grip on Mediodis didn't falter.
"Alright, who's next?" he taunted, wiping blood from his cheek.
Three goblins rushed him simultaneously. Lucian sidestepped the first, slashing it across the chest. He blocked the second's attack, locking their blades together before shoving it back and delivering a killing blow. The third goblin tried to take advantage of the opening, but Lucian spun, his blade cutting through its neck in one fluid motion.
A werecoyote lunged from behind, its jaws snapping inches from Lucian's shoulder. He pivoted, slamming the hilt of his sword into its snout. As it reeled back, he swung his blade upward, cutting deep into its torso.
Another goblin came at him, swinging a club wildly. Lucian raised his sword to block, but the force of the blow sent him stumbling. Before the goblin could strike again, he kicked it in the stomach, sending it sprawling. With a roar, he brought his blade down, ending the fight.
The last few goblins and werecoyotes hesitated, glancing at their fallen comrades. Lucian smirked, his sword dripping with blood. "What's the matter? Losing your nerve?"
With a cry of desperation, the remaining enemies charged. Lucian met them head-on, his movements a blur of speed and precision. He dodged and parried their attacks, his blade cutting through them one by one.
The final werecoyote snarled, its claws swiping at his face. Lucian ducked, thrusting his sword into its chest. The beast let out a choked growl before collapsing to the ground.
Lucian stood over the pile of bodies, breathing heavily. His armor was scratched, and blood dripped from several minor wounds, but he was alive.
Ding… Quest Progress: 19/19 Enemies Defeated.
Reward: E- Class Battle Gauntlet, Strategic Insight Lesser Vision of Eyes Truth, Faith Points Earned: 190.
Lucian wiped his brow, sheathing Mediodis. "oi man fucking bloody , but effective. Now, where's that chief hiding?"