Haneul lunged forward, his hand wreathed in dark energy.
[Wraith Claw]
His spectral slash shot toward the Goblin King's throat, aiming for a critical strike—
CLANG!
A massive black sword intercepted his attack.
One of the elite knights had stepped in, blocking the blow effortlessly.
Before Haneul could react, the second knight moved. A heavy gauntleted fist smashed toward his chest.
BOOM!
Haneul barely managed to Eclipse Step away, flickering into existence a few meters back. He staggered, gripping his ribs. Even though he had dodged in time, the sheer force of the attack had sent a shockwave through his body.
The Goblin King remained seated on his crude throne, watching the battle with glowing red eyes, completely unfazed.
Haneul gritted his teeth. Tch. I can't even get close to it.
The two knights advanced, moving in perfect sync. Their armor clanked with each step, and their swords glowed with dark energy.
Haneul narrowed his eyes.
He had fought regular goblins before, but these weren't the same. These knights didn't attack recklessly. They protected the king.
If I don't get past them, I won't even touch the boss.
Haneul dashed forward. The knights reacted instantly, one raising its shield, the other preparing a downward slash.
He feinted left—then abruptly swung his Wraith Claw at the shielded knight's legs.
The knight didn't flinch.
Shit, they don't fall for simple tricks.
At that moment, the other knight swung.
Haneul barely dodged, but the sheer force of the attack grazed his shoulder, sending a sharp sting of pain through his body.
[-12 HP]
Haneul clicked his tongue. I need to break their formation!
His mind raced. If he couldn't overpower them individually…
Then he'd have to strike them at the same time.
Haneul exhaled sharply and focused.
If he timed it just right…
The knight with the shield took a defensive stance, while the sword-wielding knight raised his blade, preparing for another strike.
Haneul charged straight at the shielded knight—
Then suddenly used Eclipse Step.
He vanished from sight.
The shield knight braced for impact—
Only for Haneul to reappear behind the sword-wielding knight.
Before it could react—
[Wraith Claw – Phantom Rend]
His spectral attack tore through the knight's exposed back.
A horrid screech filled the air as the knight stumbled forward, its dark armor flickering like a glitched-out mess.
Haneul didn't stop. He phased through the stumbling knight, appearing at the shielded knight's side.
Then—he slashed with another Wraith Claw, forcing the shield knight back.
The two knights had been split apart.
Haneul's eyes gleamed.
That's it. I can separate them!
He rushed at the wounded knight, dodging its sluggish counterattack—
Then—
[Combination Attack Unlocked – Eclipse Fang]
His Eclipse Step activated mid-attack, causing his Wraith Claw to strike multiple times in a single instant.
The weakened knight let out a final scream before its armor cracked and shattered into black dust.
[Elite Knight Defeated – +500 EXP]
Haneul landed on one knee, panting.
That had taken a lot of energy, but he had won. One down.
But before he could recover—
A horrific sound tore through the cavern.
[Corrupted Goblin King Activates: King's Wrath]
A massive wave of dark energy pulsed outward.
Haneul barely had time to raise his arms before a shockwave slammed into him, sending him flying back.
His body hit the dungeon wall with a sickening crack.
[-80 HP]
His vision blurred. The air around him felt heavy—as if something was crushing his lungs.
The Goblin King rose from its throne, its red eyes burning like hellfire.
For the first time—Haneul felt like he might actually die.