After I finished sorting out my stats, I headed over to the stairs that had opened up after I beat all the demons on the fifth floor. It felt like a while had passed since then, with everything that was going on.
I made my way to the stairs, which looked just like the ones I had climbed before from one floor to the next. I started climbing at my usual pace, and soon enough, I could feel the demons on the next floor getting closer. I had been sensing them all along, but now the feeling was much stronger, and I could tell these demons were definitely tougher than the ones I faced before.
Finally, after a few more steps, I reached the sixth floor.
As I stepped onto the sixth floor, I found myself in a wide, open space. It looked mostly empty, with bits of debris and broken beams scattered around, like an unfinished construction site. The lighting was dim, casting long shadows across the area.
I could feel the demons nearby, their presence was stronger and more intense than on the previous floors.
Without much warning, the demons started appearing. These ones were tougher, ranging from levels 21 to 23. They came out of the shadows, each looking more threatening than the last. Their eyes shone with a predatory intent, locked on me.
The first demon charged at me, moving quickly and with purpose. I dodged to the side, narrowly missing its attack. Another one came at me from the opposite side, and I quickly countered, swinging my sword to fend it off.
These demons were definitely tougher than the ones I had faced before, not just in strength but in the way they strategized their attacks.
Just as I was getting ready for my next move, the demon I had dodged earlier came back at me with incredible speed. It was so fast that there was no way I could dodge or counterattack, so I had to quickly switch to defense. I brought my blade up in front of me just in time to block the demon's powerful strike. Suddenly, I realized that the other demons were closing in from behind. "So, the first demon was just a distraction?" I thought.
Before their attacks could hit me, I used my strength to push back the first demon with my blade as far as I could. Then I turned to face the oncoming demons. "Moon Breathing Second Form: Pearl Flower Moongazing," I said to myself. With quick reflexes, I turned towards the advancing demons, took a small breath, and brought my blade up. I activated the form, and the blade created crescent-shaped slashes around me, forming a defensive barrier. The demons' attacks struck the barrier simultaneously with such force that I was pushed back a couple of feet.
But there was no time to rest. The first demon, which I had pushed away moments ago, was already coming at me again. This time, I was ready. Instead of blocking, I used my speed and agility to dodge its attack as it rushed past me. "Now, it's my turn," I whispered to myself.
As soon as I said those words, the demon turned its head towards me, almost as if it could sense that I was about to launch my own attack.
As the demon turned its head towards me, I seized the chance. With a swift and decisive motion, I executed "First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace." My sword sliced through the air in a crescent arc, the blade glinting ominously in the dim light. The demon, caught off guard, couldn't react in time. My strike was precise, slicing cleanly through its neck. The demon's head hit the ground, and for a few moments, its body remained standing, before both the head and body faded away.
[Enemies Defeated: 1/15]
The remaining demons quickly regrouped, their eyes burning with renewed intensity. They were learning from each encounter, adapting to my tactics with a cunning intelligence that kept me on edge.
[Fatigue: 05/100]
[HP: 680/680]
The demons circled me like a pack of wolves, their eyes gleaming with a hungry look. Every step they took was calculated and precise, their movements a deadly dance that threatened to overwhelm me. I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, sharpening my senses and focus.
I gripped my sword tightly, feeling the familiar weight of it in my hand. This was no ordinary battle; these demons were unlike any I'd faced before. Their speed was nearly equal to mine, and they moved with impeccable teamwork. Their attacks were coordinated and relentless.
In an instant, two demons lunged at me from opposite sides, claws ready to strike. I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding their attack, and countered with a swift upward slash. The blade cut through the air with deadly precision, forcing them to retreat for a moment.
[Enemies Defeated: 1/15]
I knew I had to act fast. The demons regrouped, their eyes locked onto mine with an unsettling intensity. It felt like they could see right through me, predicting my every move. I couldn't afford to hesitate; I needed to outsmart them and strike before they could anticipate my actions.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. With a sudden burst of speed, I charged towards the closest demon, my sword ready for attack. "Third Form: Loathsome Moon, Chains!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the open space.
My blade moved with fluid grace, creating a series of chained crescent slashes that spiraled toward the demons. The crescents wove through the air, closing the gap between us and ensnaring two demons within their grasp. The demons struggled, their movements hindered by the chains. In a swift motion, I struck, my blade cutting through their defenses and slicing through their necks at the same time.
[Enemies Defeated: 3/15]
The remaining demons didn't hesitate, moving in quickly despite the loss of their companions. I guess I couldn't expect emotions from demons anyway.
I pivoted on my heel, narrowly avoiding a clawed hand aimed at my throat. The demon's breath was hot and acrid, its eyes filled with malevolent glee. I swung my sword in a wide arc, forcing it back and creating a momentary gap between us.
With the space I had gained, I focused on the next wave of demons. They moved with lethal grace, their attacks relentless and unforgiving. I had to stay sharp, anticipating their moves before they happened.
As another demon lunged at me, I sidestepped, using its momentum against it. This move was quickly becoming my signature style. My blade flashed in the dim light, cutting through the demon's side with a swift, decisive stroke. The demon let out a howl of pain, its body dissolving into shadows before it even hit the ground.
[Enemies Defeated: 4/15]
I could feel the toll of the battle weighing heavily on me. Each movement reminded me of the fatigue gnawing at my edges. My breath came in heavy gasps, and my heartbeat pounded relentlessly in my ears. But the fire inside me burned brightly, fueling my determination to see this through to the end.
[Fatigue: 30/100]
[HP: 660/680]
With four demons down, I knew I had to stay focused. The remaining demons regrouped, their eyes filled with a cunning intelligence that sent a shiver down my spine. They were learning, adapting to my tactics with every encounter.
I couldn't let them gain the upper hand. I needed to stay one step ahead, keep them guessing, and find a way to turn the tide of battle in my favor. With renewed determination, I tightened my grip on my sword, ready to face whatever came next.