Without a moment's hesitation, he blinked forward, his body a blur. In an instant, his foot shot upwards in a brutal Dragon's Tail—an axe kick that came crashing down from high above, mimicking the sweeping arc of a dragon's tail. The sheer force of it whipped through the air, and I could feel the weight of the kick before it even reached me.
I stood my ground, bracing myself as the kick descended. The blow was powerful enough to break stone, but I gritted my teeth and absorbed the impact with a solid stance, my arms raising to block the full force. The shockwave rattled my body, but I pushed back, refusing to yield.
As soon as the kick was blocked, the next move came without warning—Heaven's Uppercut. He channeled all his might into the strike, his body launching upward like a dragon rising into the sky. His fist, burning with fiery dragon-infused energy, shot upward with the intent to launch me into the air.
The impact was immediate and overwhelming. The punch hit me square in the chest, lifting me off the ground and sending me flying into the air. My vision blurred as the shockwave sent ripples through the air, the world spinning.
Before I could recover, the Bǎi Lóng was already on top of me. He launched himself after me, spinning in mid-air, and his foot connected with my side in a vicious hook kick. The force of it sent me crashing back into the trees, the trunks snapping beneath my weight as I collided hard with the bark.
I felt the sting of the impact, but I refused to stay down. Every part of me screamed for me to rise again. This battle wasn't over.
I grinned through the pain, standing tall despite the barrage of blows. His power was overwhelming, but I loved the thrill of a challenge. So many skills worth copying—too many to count—but I had to choose carefully.
Before I could make a decision, the Bǎi Lóng glared at me with renewed fury. In a blur, he vanished once more, and my heart raced.
I wasn't going to let him get the drop on me this time.
I activated Colossus Form, feeling my muscles harden like stone. Strength surged through me, my body becoming an immovable force. His next attack was inevitable, and I would be ready.
Moments later, he reappeared, moving faster than a flash, his body a blur as he delivered his Dragon's Tail—a brutal, sweeping axe kick aimed straight at my head.
But this time, I didn't flinch. The force of his kick collided with my hardened form, but I stood my ground. I absorbed the blow as if my body were made of pure granite. He may have shattered the air with his power, but I remained steadfast, unyielding.
Without wasting a second, I launched into action. I grabbed his leg mid-kick, lifting him off the ground with ease. My roar echoed through the forest as I hurled him against the nearest tree with a force that could have shattered it. The impact was deafening.
I could hear his labored breathing as he staggered to his feet, but I knew the fight wasn't over. I had to finish this, and once he was down, I'd be able to copy one of his powerful skills.
He stared at me, fury in his eyes. I could see the moment his body tensed, preparing for the next strike. I didn't give him a chance. With my enhanced strength, I pushed forward, grabbing him and lifting him into the air once more.
When the Bǎi Lóng fell, I knew it would be my time.
I just had to win first. Once I did, I would finally gain access to his skill and take that power for myself.
I didn't hesitate. I surged forward, throwing a barrage of rush punches, each one landing with brutal force, aiming to break through his defense. My fists connected, but it wasn't enough to faze him. His eyes locked onto mine, and before I could follow up with another strike, he moved with terrifying speed.
Dragon Rush. He charged at me like a battering ram, fists extended, slamming into me with crushing force. The impact blasted me backward, my feet skidding across the forest floor. I grunted, barely managing to stay upright. My head spun, but I knew I couldn't let up now.
I held my ground, gritting my teeth, and threw a heavy hook aimed at his jaw. He blocked it effortlessly, his forearm intercepting my strike. Without missing a beat, I slammed my knee into his ribs, driving the force of my attack into his side. I heard him groan, a sound that spurred me on.
But before I could land another hit, he retaliated. His elbow shot out like a sledgehammer, aimed right at my face. I tried to evade it, but his speed was too much. The edge of his elbow collided with my cheek, the impact sending a sharp pain through my skull.
Instinctively, I countered, driving my fist upward in a quick uppercut, landing solidly beneath his chin. He staggered back, but not for long. He recovered faster than I expected, and with a quick step back, he launched himself at me again, his fists flying in a deadly Crimson Hook.
The first hook caught me squarely on the side of the head, knocking me sideways. My vision blurred, but I fought to stay focused. I tried to right myself, but before I could react, the second punch came in with devastating force, crashing into my midsection. The blow sent a shockwave of pain through my entire body, and I was knocked off my feet, the force of it enough to leave me gasping for breath.
I hit the ground hard, the world spinning around me as I struggled to breathe. The sting of his punches still echoed through my chest, but I refused to stay down. My body ached, but my will to fight burned brighter than ever.
The world spun as I hit the ground, my body aching with the aftershock of the brutal Crimson Hook. My vision blurred, and I gasped for air, the pain in my chest searing through me like a wildfire. I could feel the weight of the blow press on my ribs, and the world felt distant. But beneath the pain, I felt something else stir—a deep-rooted instinct to survive.
I couldn't let this be the end.
I lay there, feigning weakness, my body still reeling from the hit. The Bǎi Lóng loomed over me, his eyes narrowed as he prepared to move in for another attack, confident that I was down for good. But I wasn't done yet.
With every strained breath I took, I subtly pressed my palms against the dirt, my fingers curling into the soil. A surge of energy coursed through me as I activated Verdant Renewal, pulling from the earth beneath me, absorbing its life force, its ancient strength. The roots of the world seemed to pulse, their vitality feeding into my body.
My wounds began to close, slowly at first, like cracks in the ground healing over with time. The energy from the earth seeped into my muscles, my bones, mending and strengthening them. I could feel the warmth spreading through my chest, the pain beginning to ebb away, though the bruises still throbbed with intensity. But I didn't need complete recovery—I just needed enough to get back on my feet.
I kept my focus, even as the Bǎi Lóng seemed to think I was still down. My heart began to beat steadier, and my vision cleared. The sensation of the earth's energy flowed into me like a rising tide, reinforcing my strength with each passing moment.
By the time the dragon spirit took a step forward to strike again, I was ready. My body still ached, but now, I was stronger than before—resilient, and no longer so easy to break.
As the Bǎi Lóng dashed forward, his speed overwhelming, I wasted no time. With a swift, calculated movement, I executed a speed undersweep aimed at tripping him up. But the dragon was quick—he backstepped just in time, narrowly avoiding my strike.
Before he could counter, I slammed my elbow straight into his stomach, the brutal impact causing him to grunt in pain. But I didn't stop. Without hesitation, I followed up with a backflip kick, my foot landing cleanly against his jaw, sending his head snapping back.
I landed a little farther away, gaining some distance as I let my muscles tense, readying myself for the final blow. This was it. I was going to end it with Ragnarok Reel—my most powerful attack.
With a growl of determination, I swung my arm in a massive, apocalyptic hook lariat. The air crackled with raw energy as the force of my blow crashed into him like a storm against the mountainside. The dragon was knocked off his feet, his body crashing to the ground. He fought to stay standing, but it was clear—he was finished.
He stumbled back, a slow grin forming on his face as he gazed at me, still standing strong. Despite the pain, despite the damage, there was respect in his eyes.
"A powerful warrior indeed," the Bǎi Lóng smiled through clenched teeth. His voice was raspy, yet filled with admiration. But his body had no more strength left to carry him. He crumpled to the ground, unable to resist the gravity pulling him into defeat.
I stood over him, chest heaving with exertion, watching as the light slowly faded from his eyes. And then, with a small grin, I felt the power surge within me.
"I copy your Dragon's Tail."
[System Notification: Skill Acquired]
You have acquired the skill: "Axe Kick of the Dragon's Tail"
Description: A brutal, sweeping axe kick that comes down from high above, mimicking the arc of a dragon's tail. This kick can break through stone and is capable of knocking opponents flat on their backs.
Looking down at the fallen Bǎi Lóng, I couldn't help but feel a deep respect for the battle he'd put up. Despite everything, he had been a warrior, and now, his skill would live on through me.
"You fought with honor," I said, my voice filled with respect. "Your skill... it will be mine now."
With that, I turned away, feeling the raw power of the Axe Kick of the Dragon's Tail coursing through me. The next time I unleashed it, it would be a force to be reckoned with.
The sun was dipping lower in the sky, the warmth of the day slowly giving way to the coolness of the evening. I sat down, letting the tension in my muscles relax, knowing I needed to recover before the final hunt tonight.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the ground beneath me. The earth was alive, pulsing with energy, and I could feel it—its ancient, quiet power. I took a deep breath, letting the air fill my lungs, and activated Verdant Renewal.
A faint green glow started to form around me, shimmering softly as the energy from the earth began to flow into my body. My muscles, battered and bruised from the previous fight, slowly started to heal. The deep wounds in my flesh mended themselves, the pain that had been gnawing at me for hours gradually fading away as the earth's energy soothed my body.
It was slow but steady, the healing process comforting in its steady rhythm. My mind calmed as I felt the earth's embrace, grounding me, allowing me to center myself. The familiar sensation of vitality returned as my strength was replenished.
One last hunt.
I had to be ready. The Bǎi Lóng had been powerful, but there was still more out there. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. This was the time to prepare—to be at my best.
As the healing process continued, I gathered my focus, preparing mentally for the task ahead. When I stood again, I would be stronger, faster, and more determined than ever before.
Tonight, nothing would stand in my way.
I focused my energy and called out to the system, "System, activate Celestial Spin."
System: "Activating Celestial Spin..."
A brilliant light enveloped me as a massive, spinning roulette wheel appeared before me. The symbols on it flashed by rapidly, each one a potential prize. The energy in the air buzzed with anticipation.
The wheel slowed, clicking with each passing moment, and finally, it came to a halt.
The prizes materialized in front of me:
5 Skill Scrolls – A selection of powerful abilities to add to my arsenal.
3 Rare Equipment Items – Mysterious, high-quality gear that would undoubtedly aid me in my quest.
A Card – An unknown item, its purpose shrouded in mystery, but it felt like it held untold potential.
I grinned, knowing the challenges ahead would be more than manageable with these new treasures at my disposal. The hunt was about to begin.
I clenched my fist, ready for whatever came next. I took a deep breath and, without hesitation, I used 1000 gold to try again.
I watched, holding my breath, as the wheel spun once more, but this time, the results were far less favorable. Nothing of value came through.
"Damn it," I muttered, frustration rising. "Alright, second time's the charm."
I sighed and pressed forward, investing 3000 gold. The system spun once more, and this time, the results were different.
The card materialized in my hands, glowing faintly before solidifying.
The card vanished instantly, and I could feel its power surge through me. My senses heightened, and suddenly, a new skill manifested inside my mind.
The description of the card appeared before me:
Skill Unlocked: Roar of the Dominator
Description:
The user unleashes a bone-rattling roar, infused with the power of dominance and control. The very air vibrates as enemies are struck with fear, their bodies locked in paralysis for a brief moment, unable to react to the overwhelming force. As the roar echoes, the user's inner power surges, enabling them to land a devastating critical hit followed by an additional attack with all their strength.
Effect:
Paralyzes all enemies within a medium radius for 2 seconds.
During this time, the user's next attack becomes a critical hit with maximum damage.
The user gains an additional one-time attack that also delivers maximum damage, exploiting the enemies' frozen state.
Cooldown: 1 hour.
I smiled as I felt the new power coursing through me. With the roar of a true dominator, I would crush my foes with an overwhelming force.
I clenched my fist tightly, ready to unleash the skill in battle.
"Time to show them what real power feels like," I whispered to myself, a grin forming on my face as I prepared for the next hunt.
I hid high in the trees, my gaze fixed on the monster below.
The Wildfang was a terrifying sight to behold. It resembled a massive wolf, its fur thick and glowing with an eerie, moss-covered sheen. Its eyes shone with an ethereal, golden light that pierced the darkness, while its claws shimmered with the raw power of the forest itself. The creature moved with unnatural grace, blending seamlessly with the trees and foliage, almost becoming a shadow in the moonlight.
It was a predator of the highest order, but I wasn't worried. I knew its abilities — most of them wouldn't affect me. However, there was one skill that I couldn't ignore. One that could turn the tide in its favor if I wasn't careful.
I crouched high in the trees, watching the Wildfang below. It was a massive beast, its moss-covered fur glowing eerily under the moonlight, its claws shimmering with the power of the forest. Its ethereal, golden eyes seemed to pierce through the shadows, and its movements were seamless, blending perfectly into the surrounding trees and foliage like a shadow.
But I was ready. The moment it turned its head, I leapt from my perch, my body twisting in mid-air as I descended upon the creature.
Just as the Wildfang noticed my descent, I unleashed a roar unlike any other.
Skill Name: Roar of the Dominator
The ground beneath me seemed to tremble as my roar reverberated through the forest, a bone-rattling force that shook the very air. The Wildfang's golden eyes widened in panic as fear gripped its heart. Its powerful body froze in place, paralyzed by the overwhelming pressure of my presence. For a brief moment, it could do nothing but stand still, vulnerable and helpless.
The air around us crackled as my own power surged with the roar. I could feel it building within me, amplifying every fiber of my being. Now was my chance.
I dashed forward, gathering all my might for the final strike.
Skill Name: Ragnarok Reel
I slammed my fist forward, my body twisting with unnatural force, as I executed a perfect hook lariat. The Ragnarok Reel tore through the air with an explosive, thunderous force, colliding directly with the Wildfang's chest. The impact was like an apocalyptic collision—raw power unleashed with catastrophic force.
The Wildfang's body shattered upon contact. Its thick fur and hardened muscles offered no resistance as my strike broke through its defenses like glass. The sound of bones cracking and flesh tearing echoed through the night as it was sent flying backward. The beast's body crumpled to the ground with a sickening thud, crumpling into a heap of twisted limbs and broken bones.
For a moment, everything fell silent. The mighty wolf that had once blended seamlessly into the forest was now a lifeless pile before me, its glowing eyes dulling as its energy faded away.
I stood over the fallen creature, breathing heavily from the intensity of the battle. My eyes narrowed as the familiar sensation of power surged within me. As the beast's essence dissipated, the energy flowed into me.
Skill Copied: Vengeful Rush
The moment the Wildfang was defeated, I felt the echo of its final attack resonate within my body. A new skill unlocked, a technique born from the very beast I had just crushed.
Vengeful Rush: The Wildfang's signature move surged within me, its essence imprinting itself on my body. I could feel the raw speed, the strength of the wolf's charge now coursing through my veins. The power to close the distance in a heartbeat, the unrelenting force that knocked enemies off their feet.
I could feel it—it was mine now.
Vengeful Rush
Effect: The user charges at an enemy with the speed and strength of the Wildfang, a lightning-fast blitz that sends them crashing backward. The momentum from the charge increases the damage of the user's next strike, leaving the enemy vulnerable to follow-up attacks. The impact can knock even the strongest opponents off balance.
The wolf's skill now belonged to me, a trophy from the battle I had won. With it, I had the power to move faster, hit harder, and shatter my enemies just as I had shattered the Wildfang.