After a brief rest on the battlefield, the sound of heavy footsteps breaks the silence. Jin and Ryo stand on high alert, ready for any incoming threat.
Jin (looking into the darkness):
"This doesn't sound like the remnants of the soldiers. These footsteps are heavier."
System (to Ryo):
"Alert: A powerful figure is approaching. Threat level: Extremely high."
Ryo (in a low voice):
"The system says the incoming threat isn't ordinary. We need to be prepared."
Before Jin can respond, a massive man in his middle age emerges, clad in gleaming black armor. A colossal sword rests on his back, and his sharp gaze, paired with the scars covering his body, speaks of his extensive experience in battle.
The large man (in a deep voice):
"You two were impressive… for children. But the game ends here."
Jin (defiantly):
"And who are you? Just another loudmouth?"
The large man (smirking):
"My name is Valder. I'm the supreme commander of this sector. And you… are nothing but obstacles."
Ryo notices Valder's calm demeanor and the precision in his movements, realizing this isn't an opponent to underestimate.
Ryo (to Jin):
"Don't underestimate him. This man has fought dozens of battles. His gaze says it all."
Valder (smirking):
"Your cleverness won't save you. Let's begin."
Valder draws his sword slowly, the ground trembling with each motion. Then, he suddenly attacks with speed that defies his massive frame.
Jin blocks the first strike, but the sheer force pushes him back several meters.
Jin (stunned):
"This man isn't normal… his strength equals ten men!"
Ryo tries to exploit Valder's speed against him, maneuvering carefully and looking for openings in his defense. But Valder seems to read their every move effortlessly.
Valder (mockingly):
"Is this all your strength? Disappointing."
Ryo decides to change his approach, using the system to analyze Valder's movements.
System (to Ryo):
"Potential weakness detected: left side of the chest, an old scar there."
Ryo (shouting to Jin):
"Jin! Focus on the left side of his chest! There's a weakness!"
Jin attacks aggressively while Ryo disrupts Valder's rhythm by using the environment to their advantage.
Valder begins to lose patience, and his attacks grow more violent, creating an opportunity for Ryo to execute a bold plan.
Ryo draws Valder's attention, giving Jin a chance to deliver a direct strike to his weak spot.
Jin (shouting):
"This is for everyone who's fallen because of men like you!"
Jin strikes the left side of Valder's chest with immense force, causing him to stagger for the first time.
But instead of falling, Valder bursts into loud laughter.
Valder (angrily):
"Good… very good. But this is just the beginning!"
Valder's body begins to glow with an unnatural energy, and his sword ignites with dark flames.
System (to Ryo):
"Warning: Valder is using a forbidden technique that drastically increases his power at the cost of his life."
Ryo (to himself):
"This isn't good. Jin, we need to end this quickly!"
Ryo and Jin realize their only chance is to work together. Jin keeps Valder occupied with relentless attacks while Ryo prepares for a finishing move.
Ryo (firmly):
"Jin, keep him busy for just a few more seconds!"
Jin pushes himself to his limits, ignoring his exhaustion and injuries.
In the critical moment, Ryo leaps from behind Valder, using his dagger to strike directly at the weak spot.
Ryo (shouting):
"This… is your end!"
Valder suddenly freezes, his body trembling before collapsing.
Jin drops to his knees, exhausted, while Ryo struggles to catch his breath.
Jin (looking at Ryo):
"Was that enough to satisfy you?"
Ryo (smiling):
"Not yet… but we've made progress."
The system displays a new message in front of Ryo:
"Congratulations. You have defeated a significant threat. But beware… this is only the beginning."
Jin (focused on the system):
"What did it say now?"
Ryo (calmly):
"It said the truth… the real hell hasn't started yet."