The shadows twisted, and Barbara's skeletal wings spread wide, releasing a chilling gust of cursed energy. Her hollow eyes gleamed with malice, a cruel grin curling on her lips.
Krad's muscles tensed. He felt it. The faint pull of the Moon Eater's presence, like a whisper at the back of his mind. Power. It begged him to let go. To awaken. But Krad clenched his fists, forcing the temptation down.
No.
He wouldn't be a slave to that power.
Not again.
"I don't need you," Krad growled under his breath, planting his feet firmly on the cracked stone floor. "I'll win on my own."
Barbara's laugh echoed like nails scraping against bone. "Foolish. You reject the strength that could save you."
Krad didn't respond. He had made his choice.
System!
Battle Initiated
DING!
Opponent: Barbara, The Cursed Elf Fairy
Threat Level: S-Extreme
Her skeletal claws twisted, dark tendrils slithering from her fingertips. The air thickened, and a ghostly hum reverberated through the ruins.
"Come, vessel," she sneered. "Let me carve regret into your soul."
With a scream that shattered the silence, Barbara lunged.
Krad's eyes locked onto her every movement. His pulse quickened. He saw the way her twisted wings flicked, the slight shift in her feet. Anticipating. Calculating.
There!
Evade!
In an instant, his body blurred, an afterimage lingering where he once stood. Barbara's claws slashed through the air, tearing apart nothing but mist. The cursed tendrils twisted wildly, striking at the illusion.
But Krad was already behind her.
"Too slow!"
Barbara snarled, her wings flaring in frustration. She spun, black energy crackling along her limbs. But Krad had no intention of standing still.
Evade!
Again, his body flickered. Another ghostly form of him remained in place, deceiving her. The subtle glow of the skill's effect lingered for half a second, and Barbara's cursed strike once again hit empty air.
Her shriek echoed. "You think mere tricks will save you?!"
Krad's chest heaved, sweat trailing down his brow. Every second counted. He could feel the strain on his body. Evade wasn't an ultimate attack. It wasn't flashy. It didn't deal massive damage.
But it was enough.
Barbara shot forth a volley of cursed tendrils, the shadows twisting into jagged spears. They hissed through the air, aiming straight for him.
Evade!
Krad ducked low, the afterimage left behind as the tendrils pierced through it. A half-second window. It was all he needed.
He charged forward, closing the gap. Barbara's glowing eyes narrowed in disbelief.
"Why won't you kneel?!" she screeched.
Krad grit his teeth. "Because I'm not afraid of you."
With a sharp pivot, he used the momentum of his dodge to strike. His fists connected with Barbara's side, sending a shockwave through her corrupted form. The impact caused the dark energy surrounding her to waver.
Barbara staggered. "You!"
But Krad was relentless.
Evade!
Each time she retaliated, he slipped through her attacks, leaving nothing but echoes. The ruins became a blur of shadows and afterimages. Barbara's frustration grew with each failed strike.
"You pathetic insect!" she roared. "You cannot defeat me!"
Krad didn't respond. His breathing was ragged. His legs burned. But his determination remained unshaken.
He didn't need overwhelming power.
He just needed one opening.
Barbara lunged once more, her cursed energy surging with raw malice. But Krad's eyes caught it. The hesitation in her movement. The moment her body tensed just before the attack.
Evade!
He shifted, the afterimage lingering once more. But this time, Krad didn't retreat.
Barbara's claws passed through the illusion. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Impossible!"
Krad was already upon her. His fist ignited with the sheer force of his will.
"You're not taking anyone else!"
With one, devastating punch, he struck her chest. The impact echoed like thunder, cracks splintering through the cursed energy that clung to her.
Brutal Hit!
Damage Inflicted: 900
Barbara screeched, her skeletal wings thrashing as she stumbled back. Dark energy pulsed from the cracks in her form, leaking like mist. But even as the blow landed, Krad's heart sank.
She's still standing.
A guttural laugh escaped her cracked lips, eyes burning with malice. "Fool. Did you think your mortal fists could bring me down?"
Before Krad could react, her twisted wings flared. The shadows beneath her warped, slithering like serpents. Then...
Night Pulse!
A shockwave of corrupted energy exploded outward. Krad's body tensed. He sprang to the side.
Evade!
His form flickered. The ghostly afterimage of himself lingered just long enough to deceive the blast, but the force still grazed his shoulder.
He gritted his teeth. "Tch."
The price of relying on skill alone was beginning to show. His breathing was uneven, his body trembling from the constant strain. Every time Evade activated, it drained more than just stamina.
Then...
DING!
System Alert!
Remaining Skill Uses: 4/10
Cooldown Initiated Upon Depletion
A sharp knot twisted in Krad's chest.
"Four left…"
Barbara's grin widened. "Ah… your Player System tires. How pitiful."
Krad clenched his fists. The looming pressure of the system warning gnawed at the back of his mind. Each dodge pushed him closer to the limit. He couldn't afford to waste a single move.
Then...
A soft voice echoed across the battlefield, light and innocent, like the chime of a child's laughter. It was surreal, almost out of place amidst the ruin and corruption.
"Player 143…"
His eyes darted around, scanning the misty air. "Wait---what the hell? Is there a kid here?!" He spun around, frantically searching. "Oi, little guy, it's dangerous! Where are you?!"
Barbara paused mid-step, her skeletal wings twitching. Her glowing eyes narrowed. "A child? Are you kidding me idiot?"
Krad ignored her, still looking around. "Seriously! Who brings a kid to an S-Extreme boss fight?! Tsk, irresponsible parents!"
"Pffft!" The voice burst into laughter. "You really are an idiot, huh?"
He stiffened. "What?"
"I'm not a kid, dummy! I'm your system!"
He froze.
"Hah?"
"You heard me!" the voice huffed. "I'm the super-intelligent, hyper-efficient, totally adorable system that's been managing your interface. And by the way, I've been keeping track of your terrible decision-making. Nice job wasting half your Evades."
Krad's eye twitched. "Why do you sound like a bratty kid then?!"
"It's my user-preferred voice setting! Blame past-you for thinking it would be 'less stressful.' Genius choice, huh?"
Krad facepalmed, groaning. "Of all the dumb things I could've done…"
Barbara snarled, her patience clearly thinning. "Are you seriously arguing with your own system?! I'm right here!"
"Shush, Boney!" the system chirped, clearly unfazed. "Grown-ups are talking."
Krad's mouth fell open. "You're not even a grown-up!"
"And you're not even winning!"
Barbara screeched, dark energy pulsing wildly. "I will shred you to pieces!"
The system's voice chimed brightly. "Oop! That's your cue! Remaining Evades: Four! And remember! Your mana is depleting rapidly. Continuous use of Evade is not advised."
"I know," he growled through gritted teeth.
"Be warned idiot. The strain on your body may result in system backlash. Severe mana exhaustion is likely."
"Yeah? I'll deal with it."
"The more you rely on Evade, the faster your mana burns. Without mana, Evade will fail. And if you push further…"
Krad's fingers twitched. "…Then what?"
A pause. Then, the system's voice dropped to an ominous whisper.
"Then, the unknown power will awaken."
His breath caught. The whispering presence stirred once again, brushing against the edge of his mind. That power. That hunger.
No. Not again.
Barbara's laughter rang through the air. "You hesitate. You fear what lurks inside you." Her claws gleamed with dark energy. "But fear will not save you."
With a sickening screech, she launched herself forward. The air twisted. A black mist trailed her movements, and for a moment, her form split. Illusions of her cursed self closing in from every side.
Night Mirage!
"Shit!"
Krad's eyes darted. Left. Right. Behind. All illusions. But which one?
He needed to gamble.
Evade!
His body flickered just as the clawed hands swiped through the empty space he had occupied. But Barbara's laughter continued. The illusions did not disperse.
"Idiot," the system warned. "Three Uses Remaining."
Damn it!
The illusions twisted, distorting like shadows in a flickering flame. His sweat dripped. If he wasted another Evade…
Think, Krad. Think!
Then it clicked.
The shadows.
Barbara's illusions cast no shadows. Only one did.
"There! Evade!"
Krad charged straight into the real Barbara. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Impossible!"
But Krad had no hesitation. His fist shot forward, striking her face with a bone-rattling impact. The illusions shattered, consumed by the force of the blow.
Merciless Hit!
Damage Inflicted: 1500
Barbara screeched, clutching her fractured jaw.
"Two left," Krad muttered, his legs trembling beneath him.
"Mana at 15%. Prolonged combat is ill-advised." The system's voice wavered.
He could feel it. His mana reserves dwindling with every dodge. One mistake, one failed Evade, and it was over.
Barbara's twisted form slithered upright once more. But this time, there was no mocking grin. Only rage.
"You will regret this, vessel." Her voice echoed, dark tendrils coiling around her.
"Final Phase Initiating."
A massive pulse of purple dark cursed energy erupted. The ground beneath them cracked. The air thickened with malice.
His fists trembled. But even as his legs threatened to buckle, his glare never wavered.
"Bring it on."
"Evade Uses Remaining: 2"
The dark pulse from Barbara's Final Phase spread like a plague. Cracks tore through the stone floor, releasing wisps of cursed mist. Her skeletal wings expanded wider, dripping with corrupted energy. A monstrous aura radiated from her, making the air itself feel heavier.
Krad staggered, his chest heaving. Sweat trailed down his face.
DING!
System Alert!
The Cursed Elf Fairy (Barbara) Final Phase Activated
Threat Level: S-Extreme+
"Great," Krad growled through gritted teeth. "As if he wasn't bad enough before."
Mana Remaining: 12%
Evade Uses Remaining: 2
Stamina: Critical
Barbara's laughter echoed like splintering glass. "Do you feel it, vessel? The weight of despair?"
The corrupted mist twisted around her, taking monstrous forms. Faceless wraiths that writhed and moaned. They clung to her presence like an army of tortured souls.
"I will consume your mind," she hissed, her glowing eyes narrowing. "And when I'm done, you will beg for release."
Krad didn't answer. He couldn't. The pounding in his chest was unbearable. His muscles ached. His vision blurred. Every Evade had drained him, and the mana burn was gnawing at his core.
But surrender?
No. That wasn't an option.
"I've come too far," he murmured, steadying his trembling hands. "You're not taking me down."
Barbara's grin twisted into something inhuman. "We'll see."
The cursed mist exploded outward.
Night Howl!
A deafening, ghostly wail erupted from Barbara. The corrupted wraiths howled in unison, sending a shockwave across the battlefield. The ground cracked further, jagged spikes of dark energy bursting from below.
Krad's eyes widened.
"Shit---"
Evade!
His body flickered just as a wave of spikes tore through the space where he stood. The afterimage of him lingered, shattered by the blast.
Successful Dodge!
Evade Uses Remaining: 1
Mana: 0
He landed on his knees, gasping. The intense dodge took its toll. His arms shook violently, and a stabbing pain surged through his chest.
Barbara didn't relent.
"Again!" she roared.
The mist shifted. Black tendrils lashed out from every direction. They twisted like serpents, aiming to crush him.
Krad tried to move.
But nothing happened.
Evade Skill Disabled. No Mana.
"No… No, no, no!" Krad's breathing quickened. "That can't be it!"
Barbara hovered above him, her skeletal wings spread wide. The mist coiled tighter. Her glowing eyes gleamed with wicked satisfaction.
"You're finished."
She raised her claws. A dark sphere of energy formed, pulsing violently.
Brain Corruption!
Krad's vision blurred. He saw the cursed magic spiral toward him, unstoppable. The air grew thick with malice. His instincts screamed. His body refused to move.
And then...
A sickening pulse struck his chest.
"ARGH!"
Krad's eyes shot wide. The corrupted energy burned through his veins, invading his mind. His limbs twitched uncontrollably as the overwhelming force knocked him flat. His thoughts scrambled, distorted images flashing through his mind.
System Alert!
You have been inflicted with Brain Corruption.
"N-No," he gasped, clutching his head.
Voices. Whispers. Twisted laughter. Memories, but not his own.
And then...
A flash. A memory.
Mist's body crashing through the trees. His blood splattering against the shattered bark. The sickening crack of bone. Mist gasping, coughing, struggling to stand.
And the worst part...
The twisted satisfaction Krad had felt.
"N-No," Krad whispered, his hands clutching his head. The images kept coming. His silver fists slamming into Mist's ribs. The haunting glint of his horns gleaming under the fractured sky. Mist's desperate eyes still believing, still hoping to save him.
Then, the Astral Slash.
The blade of light.
The horns shattering.
But even that wasn't enough to erase the monstrous echoes of what Krad had done.
He staggered back, gasping. "I... I almost killed him."
Almost?
The voice within him sneered. It slithered through his thoughts like a venomous coil.
You held back. But what if you didn't?
Krad shook his head violently. "Shut up!"
You felt it, didn't you? That surge of power. The way your fists tore through him. You could have ended him.
"Stop!" Krad's voice cracked, his knees buckling. "I didn't want that! I-I wasn't myself!"
But the memories twisted further. Mist's pained groan. The shock in his eyes. The helplessness.
He was in your way. You did what had to be done.
"No!" Krad roared. His heart pounded, the Moon Eater's presence stirring once more. The silver traces along his veins pulsed, but he clenched his fists tightly, forcing the surge down.
Then, laughter.
Barbara.
She stood amidst the swirling shadows, skeletal wings spread wide. Her hollow eyes gleamed with twisted amusement.
"Do you see it now, vessel? The truth of your nature?"
Krad's gaze shot up, teeth gritted.
"What the hell did you do to me?!"
Barbara's grin widened. "I merely showed you what already resides within. That hunger. That rage. It festers, doesn't it? The Moon Eater does not slumber. It waits."
Her voice dripped with malice.
"And when the time comes... it will consume you."
Krad's fists trembled. The corrupted memories clung to him, threatening to pull him under. But through the storm in his mind, one thought remained.
Mist.
He was still there. Still fighting for his life.
And Krad wasn't about to let Barbara's twisted games break him.
"I won't lose to this," he growled. "Not to you. Not to the Moon Eater."
Barbara's laughter faltered, the faintest flicker of irritation crossing her face. "Bold words, vessel. But let us see how long your resolve lasts."
Krad staggered forward, his chest heaving. The weight of Barbara's corruption clawed at his mind, but his resolve burned hotter. The twisted laughter of the Cursed Elf Fairy echoed through the ruins, but her grin faltered as Krad's eyes gleamed with unwavering determination.
"I can't lose," he growled, his voice trembling but firm. "Hanan's waiting for me."
The name cut through the air.
Barbara's skeletal wings twitched. The cursed mist writhed around her, but her grin faded.
"And I promised her," Krad continued, his fists clenching tighter. "I promised I'd defeat the Goblin Lord Damos."
Barbara's hollow eyes flickered.
"And… and I'll take Bruwa back from Liyab," Krad growled, the edges of his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Even if she's a bad girl... for now."
A sharp jolt passed through Barbara's body. Her eyes widened, and the green core embedded in her chest pulsed faintly. The cursed mist around her shuddered.
"Hanan…" she whispered.
"Bruwa…"
Her voice cracked.
For the first time, Barbara's malicious facade wavered. Her claws lowered, trembling, as a distorted echo of something flashed across her face. But the shadows quickly twisted, pulling her back.
"No!" Barbara screamed, clutching her head. "You... You will not manipulate me!"
But it was too late. Krad's body moved on instinct. In a flash, he slipped through the tendrils of cursed mist.
She still trembling, barely registered Krad's approach. Her guard dropped.
"This is it!"
Krad's fist ignited with a fierce glow. All his strength, all his will. It surged through his body. His hand struck forward, glowing with the last remnants of his mana.
Fatal Hit!
The impact slammed into Barbara's chest, cracking the brittle bone that protected her core. The green crystal pulsed violently, glowing with unstable energy.