Outside the Spring Flower Pavilion,
Tarra drew her sword and unleashed a swift attack it was just a basic attack for her.
And then inside the pavilion, Sage Delman sensed immense danger from behind, but it was too late. Before he could react, Tarra's attack had already struck him. The next moment, he felt blood gushing from his legs.
Then, he collapsed to the ground.
That's right—his legs had been severed!
His face twisted in horror. He was a Martial Warrior Stage 1, yet someone had managed to attack him so effortlessly. What kind of monster possessed such terrifying skill?
Delman quickly stopped the bleeding using his internal strength and became hyper-alert.
In the distance, Xenon approached confidently, exuding arrogance. Without hesitation, he leaped and delivered a powerful kick straight to Delman's face.
Despite his efforts to dodge or block, Delman could do nothing. Xenon was no ordinary Martial Apprentice Stage 9.
Delman's body was sent flying, crashing through multiple walls.
Xenon smirked and turned toward Flare. She was extremely weak, barely able to stand, her face deathly pale.
"Here, eat this." Xenon handed her a spiritual fruit—a spirit fruit that its known for its powerful healing propertiee. It was also a key ingredient in crafting healing potions.
After that, Xenon immediately turned his attention back to Sage Delman.
Delman's first instinct was to flee. It wasn't Xenon he feared—it was the mysterious master who had severed his legs in an instant, leaving him utterly helpless. He was certain that being was watching at this very moment.
With determination, Delman used his hands to propel himself upward, activating his martial skill.
Even without his legs, it didn't matter! They could be reattached later. Right now, survival was all that mattered.
"[Berserk Claws!]" Delman roared, activating his ultimate skill. Massive, monstrous claws formed over his hands, their jagged edges radiating a dark energy.
With a wild slash, he tore through buildings, leaping and crawling forward. Everything his claws touched was obliterated. Even unfortunate workers and residents caught in his rampage were shredded into pieces, their blood painting the surroundings in gruesome red.
As Delman was about to escape the pavilion, Xenon suddenly appeared in his path, having caught up instantly.
Without hesitation, Xenon launched another devastating kick, but this time, Delman blocked it with his massive claws.
A powerful shockwave erupted from the collision.
"Damn it… If only I wasn't injured," Delman muttered angrily.
On the other hand, Xenon sighed, cracking his knuckles.
"What a pity… If only I had special skills instead of just brute strength and kicks."
Without wasting time, Xenon attacked again. Delman didn't counter; he only focused on dodging and defending, desperately looking for an opening to escape. But Xenon refused to give him a chance.
The battle intensified, shaking the entire second floor of the Spring Flower Pavilion. Xenon's fists landed consecutively on Delman's face, forcing him to activate another skill.
"[Claw Shield!]" Delman roared. His claws expanded, forming a massive shield. When Xenon struck, the impact sent him bouncing back.
Yet Xenon only grinned.
He resumed his relentless assault, enjoying the sight of Delman's desperation.
"Bastard! Who the hell are you!?" Delman shouted in fury.
"You're just a Martial Apprentice Stage 9! How are you this strong!?" he demanded, his voice laced with disbelief.
Xenon simply laughed.
"If you can stand, I'll tell you," he teased.
"Bastard!!" Delman's rage only grew.
[+200 Hate Points, +100 Hate Points, +100 Hate Points!]
Xenon dashed forward again, blocking every possible escape route. He continued to beat and kick Delman as if he had unlimited energy, while Delman could only defend.
Finally, Delman had enough. He prepared to unleash an all-out attack to finish Xenon—
Slash!
A deep, brutal wound suddenly tore across his back. Blood sprayed everywhere as he coughed violently.
His body trembled in horror.
"W-who… Who did that…?" he choked out weakly.
Xenon smirked.
"Oh? What's wrong? Is your back feeling itchy?"
Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, Xenon pulled out a scorching-hot metal whip.
Where did he even get that? No one knew.
Without hesitation, Xenon lashed Delman with the burning weapon.
Delman's agonized screams filled the air. Even with his Claw Shield, the whip's searing heat tore into his flesh.
From a distance, Flare watched in disbelief.
Yet, deep inside, she felt immense satisfaction.
Watching Delman suffer like this… It made her heart feel at peace.