Mike wiped his forehead as he sheathed his sword, the faint glow of its enchanted edge fading. The battle against the Horned Wolves had been brief, but it left the group more alert.
Brutus glanced at him. "Didn't think you'd use a sword instead of your fists."
Mike grinned, spinning the blade in his hand before resting it on his shoulder. "Gotta mix things up. Besides, this thing feels right."
His sword, Drakefang, was a weapon he had gained from a previous evolution reward—a sturdy, well-balanced blade with a faint magical aura. It wasn't anything too powerful, but with Mike's strength, it was deadly.
Kiera smirked. "Not bad, my lord. You actually look like a warrior now."
Mike raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what did I look like before?"
"A lucky idiot."
Loran chuckled, while Brutus grunted in amusement.
"Alright," Mike said, checking the path ahead. "No more delays. Let's keep moving."
The group continued forward, deeper into the wilderness.
---
Encounter: The Ravager Beast
The sun was starting to lower when the group entered a clearing. The air was heavy, and the forest had gone silent. Too silent.
Mike stopped. His instincts screamed danger.
Then—
THUD.
Something massive landed in front of them, shaking the ground.
A Ravager Beast—a monstrous, four-legged predator with thick, armored skin and a pair of glowing red eyes. Its mouth was lined with serrated teeth, and a deep growl rumbled from its throat.
Level: 15
Threat Level: High
Brutus gripped his axe. "That thing's no joke."
Mike smirked, drawing Drakefang. "Good. I was getting bored."
---
Battle: Mike vs. Ravager Beast
The monster charged.
Mike stood his ground, waiting—then sidestepped at the last second, slashing with his sword.
CLANG!
The blade scraped against the beast's hardened hide, barely leaving a mark.
"Great. Tough skin," Mike muttered.
The Ravager snarled and swiped with a massive claw.
Mike ducked, then countered with a diagonal slash. This time, the sword's edge cut into the softer flesh near its leg, drawing dark blood.
The monster roared in pain.
Brutus saw an opening. "My turn!" He charged, swinging his axe at the beast's hind leg. CRACK! The force shattered part of its armor, making it stumble.
Kiera leapt onto its back, jamming her daggers into the gaps in its hide.
Loran raised his hand, launching a blazing energy blast at the monster's exposed wound.
BOOM!
The explosion sent the beast crashing to the ground.
Mike didn't waste the opportunity. He rushed forward, sword glowing, and plunged Drakefang deep into the Ravager's throat.
SCHLIIIK!
The monster gurgled, shuddered—then fell still.
Silence.
Then—
[ DING! You have defeated the Ravager Beast! ]
✔ Boss Monster Defeated – +250 Evolution Points
Mike exhaled, pulling his sword free. "Damn. That felt good."
Brutus crossed his arms. "You're getting better with that blade."
Kiera flicked blood off her daggers. "Yeah. Still an idiot, though."
Mike grinned. "An idiot with a sword."
Loran chuckled. "Let's just keep moving before something bigger shows up."
Mike nodded. They were getting stronger.
And Ironwood Hollow was just ahead.
---
TO BE CONTINUED…