The air crackled with energy as the king stepped forward, his towering figure casting an imposing shadow. His crimson eyes gleamed with an unshakable confidence, and his aura radiated pure dominance. I gripped my weapons tightly, my own aura flaring in response, creating a collision of energies that made the entire floor tremble.

  The king smirked. “You’ve proven yourself worthy by defeating my subordinates, but now you face me—Grozan, the Goblin King. Prepare to meet your end.”

  “I’m not the type to back down, Grozan,” I replied with a grin. “Let’s see if you can back up all that talk!”

  Without another word, we charged at one another. Grozan wielded a colossal battle axe infused with dark energy, its edges glowing ominously. I activated my “Triune Battle Manifestation,” summoning my dark and silver aura around me like a protective shell.

  Our first clash sent shockwaves across the room, cracking the stone floor beneath us. Sparks flew as my daggers met his axe, the sheer force of his strike pushing me back a few steps.

  “You’ve got strength, I’ll give you that,” I said, steadying myself.

  “And you’re faster than I expected,” Grozan admitted, a hint of respect in his voice. “But speed alone won’t save you.”

  He swung his axe in a wide arc, unleashing a devastating wave of energy. I dodged it with a swift leap, countering with a flurry of strikes aimed at his midsection. Grozan blocked them with surprising agility, his armor absorbing most of the impact.

  “Not bad,” he said, chuckling. “But you’ll need more than that to bring me down.”

  “You haven’t seen anything yet,” I shot back.

  I activated “Shadow of Death,” summoning tendrils of dark energy to bind his movements. Grozan, however, broke free with brute force, his aura erupting like a volcano. He retaliated by summoning massive stone pillars from the ground, each one aimed to crush me.

  “Trying to corner me, are you?” I taunted, weaving through the falling pillars with ease.

  “Corner you? No,” he said with a grin. “I’m just warming up.”

  Grozan stomped the ground, causing an earthquake that disrupted my footing. Taking advantage, he swung his axe with incredible speed. I barely managed to block it, the impact sending a jolt through my arms.

  “You’re strong, Grozan,” I admitted, breathing heavily. “But strength alone won’t decide this fight.”

  “And what will?” he asked, genuinely curious.

  “Skill, strategy, and willpower,” I replied, launching myself into the air.

  I conjured “Black Hole,” sending it hurtling toward him. Grozan countered with an explosive burst of energy, nullifying my spell in an instant. The resulting explosion engulfed us both in smoke and debris.

  As the dust settled, we stood facing each other, both slightly wounded but unfazed.

  “You’re holding back,” Grozan said, his tone almost playful.

  “So are you,” I replied, smirking. “Let’s change that, shall we?”

  Our auras flared to their maximum intensity, creating a storm of energy that shook the entire dungeon. This was just the beginning of a fight that would test both of our limits.

  The air between us shimmered with raw energy, thick and suffocating as Grozan and I locked eyes, neither willing to back down. I tightened my grip on my daggers, their edges glowing faintly as I infused them with my aura.

  “Let’s see if your barriers can withstand this,” I muttered under my breath.

  Without wasting another moment, I launched myself at him with lightning speed. My daggers became a blur as I struck from every angle, aiming for his vital points. Each swing was precise and relentless, a dance of speed and power that left no room for hesitation.

  Grozan raised his hand, and an immense golden barrier materialized around him, crackling with defensive magic. My daggers clashed against it, sparks flying with each impact.

  “Impressive speed,” Grozan remarked from behind his barrier. “But no matter how fast you are, you can’t break through this.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” I replied, gritting my teeth.

  I enhanced my strikes with “Void of Oblivion,” dark energy swirling around my daggers as I continued my assault. The barrier flickered under the pressure, tiny cracks forming along its surface. Grozan frowned, his eyes narrowing.

  “You’re persistent,” he admitted, reinforcing his barrier with another surge of energy.

  “And you’re stubborn,” I shot back, leaping back to avoid his counterattack.

  Grozan slammed his axe into the ground, sending a shockwave toward me. I dodged it effortlessly, closing the distance between us in an instant. I feinted to the left before darting to the right, aiming for an opening in his defenses.

  He responded by summoning another barrier, this one layered and radiating with dark energy. My daggers bounced off it, the force pushing me back.

  “Is that all you’ve got?” he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.

  I wiped the sweat from my brow, smirking back. “Not even close.”

  Charging forward, I activated “Shadow of Death,” tendrils of dark energy lashing out toward him. Grozan swung his axe, cutting through the tendrils with ease, but it gave me the opening I needed. I appeared behind him, my daggers slicing through the air.

  Grozan twisted just in time, his barrier absorbing the blow. He retaliated with a swing of his axe, the sheer force sending me skidding across the floor.

  “You’re better than I expected,” he said, his tone laced with respect.

  “Flattery won’t save you,” I replied, getting back to my feet.

  Our battle continued, a blur of speed and strength. Each clash of our weapons echoed through the dungeon, shaking the very walls. Sweat dripped from my forehead, but I refused to back down.

  Grozan unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, each one powerful enough to obliterate the stone floor. I dodged and weaved through them, countering with bursts of “Black Hole” magic that disrupted his attacks.

  Despite the relentless pace, neither of us showed any signs of stopping.

  “You’re good,” Grozan admitted, his breathing heavy. “But this isn’t enough to defeat me.”

  “Then I’ll just have to try harder,” I replied, my aura flaring brighter.

  The room filled with an intense glow as we prepared for the next phase of our battle, neither willing to give an inch. The fight was far from over.

  The dungeon floor trembled beneath our feet, the force of our clashing auras carving cracks into the stone. My daggers hummed with energy, and Grozan’s axe glowed with a fiery intensity. Neither of us spoke now; the battle demanded every ounce of focus.

  With a roar, Grozan charged at me, his massive frame moving with surprising speed. His axe swung in a deadly arc, splitting the air with a sound that made the ground quake. I ducked under his strike, the blade missing me by a hair’s breadth, and retaliated with a flurry of slashes from my daggers.

  The strikes came fast, enhanced by my lightning-infused aura. Grozan raised a barrier to block them, but my daggers struck like a storm, faster than his barriers could keep up. Cracks appeared on the magical shield, and for the first time, Grozan’s confident expression faltered.

  “You’re persistent,” he growled, reinforcing his barrier with another burst of energy.

  I grinned. “You have no idea.”

  I leapt backward, gaining distance, and extended my hand. A surge of dark magic swirled around me as I unleashed “Shadow of Death.” The tendrils of dark energy shot toward Grozan like vipers, aiming to bind and consume him.

  Grozan responded with a deafening shout, his aura flaring brighter. The tendrils collided with his barrier and dissipated, but not without leaving deep cracks behind.

  “Enough of this!” Grozan bellowed. He slammed his axe into the ground, summoning a wave of molten energy that raced toward me.

  I jumped high into the air, avoiding the wave, and twisted mid-air to launch “Phoenix Blaze.” A radiant flame erupted from my daggers, streaking toward Grozan like a meteor.

  Grozan raised his axe, splitting the fireball in two. “You’re resourceful,” he admitted, “but you’re still far from matching me!”

  He lunged at me again, his axe cloaked in golden energy. Our weapons clashed, sending shockwaves through the room. The sheer force pushed me back, my feet sliding across the ground.

  “Let’s see how you handle this!” he shouted, spinning his axe in a wide arc. The golden energy expanded, forming a massive blade of light that surged toward me.

  I crossed my daggers, forming a shield of dark and silver aura to block the attack. The impact sent a jolt through my body, but I held firm.

  “I’ve handled worse,” I shot back, forcing the energy away.

  Grozan growled, his eyes narrowing. “Then let’s turn up the heat.”

  He slammed his foot into the ground, summoning dozens of energy spikes that erupted from the floor, aiming to skewer me. I danced around them, my speed allowing me to avoid the deadly onslaught.

  I closed the distance between us in an instant, my daggers glowing with a mix of light and dark energy. My strikes came in rapid succession, each one aimed at breaking through his barriers.

  Grozan blocked and parried with his axe, but I could see the strain in his movements. His barriers were weakening, and his breathing was heavier.

  “Admit it,” I said between strikes. “You’re starting to feel it, aren’t you?”

  He smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. “Don’t get cocky, boy. I’m just getting started.”

  He unleashed a massive shockwave, forcing me to retreat. The energy blast left a crater in the floor, dust and debris filling the air.

  I emerged from the dust, my aura burning brighter than ever. “Then let’s see what you’ve got.”

  The dungeon shook as we charged at each other again, our weapons clashing in a burst of energy and sparks. The battle raged on, neither of us willing to back down, and the room became a warzone of raw power and determination.

  The air between us shimmered with raw energy, the dungeon groaning under the weight of our combined power. Grozan’s grin widened as he swung his colossal axe with a force that split the air. I dodged, my lightning-quick reflexes barely keeping me out of harm’s way. The blade slammed into the ground, creating a shockwave that sent chunks of stone flying in every direction.

  “You’re relentless,” I said, wiping a streak of sweat from my brow.

  Grozan laughed, his deep voice echoing through the cavernous room. “And you’re stubborn. This is why I enjoy fighting someone like you!”

  Without warning, I darted forward, my daggers glowing with a silver hue as I infused them with “Eternal Tides,” a powerful water-based magic. A stream of water spiraled around the blades, cutting through Grozan’s barriers like paper.

  “Impressive,” he admitted, stepping back as his golden shield cracked under my assault. “But you’ll need more than tricks to bring me down!”

  He swung his axe upward, summoning a torrent of molten lava that surged toward me like a tidal wave. I leapt high into the air, the heat scorching the soles of my boots, and retaliated with “Cyclone of Destruction.” A massive tornado of wind and debris erupted from my outstretched hand, colliding with the lava and dispersing it in a violent explosion.

  The room filled with smoke and ash, obscuring my vision. But I felt Grozan’s presence, his aura like a beacon in the darkness.

  “Too slow!” he shouted, appearing behind me with his axe raised.

  I spun around just in time, crossing my daggers to block the strike. The force of the impact sent a jolt through my arms, but I held firm.

  “Not bad,” I said, pushing him back.

  He chuckled. “You’re full of surprises, boy. But so am I.”

  Grozan slammed his axe into the ground, summoning a ring of golden light that expanded outward. The energy hit me like a freight train, throwing me backward into a wall.

  Groaning, I pushed myself up, shaking off the dust. “All right, Grozan. If you want to play rough, let’s play rough.”

  I activated “Void of Oblivion,” dark tendrils spiraling around me as the ground beneath us began to crack. The void surged toward him, aiming to swallow him whole.

  Grozan countered with a burst of radiant energy, his aura shining like the sun. The two forces collided in a blinding explosion, the sheer intensity shaking the dungeon to its core.

  “You’re persistent,” he said, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.

  “So are you,” I replied, summoning “Dragon’s Breath.” A torrent of fire erupted from my daggers, streaking toward him like a blazing comet.

  Grozan raised his axe, absorbing the flames into his weapon. “You’ll have to try harder than that!”

  He charged at me, his axe glowing with the energy he had absorbed. I met him head-on, our weapons clashing in a storm of sparks and magic. The force of our blows created shockwaves that rippled through the room, sending debris flying.

  As the battle raged on, I noticed something. Grozan’s movements were slowing, his strikes losing their earlier precision.

  “You’re tiring,” I said, dodging another swing.

  He smirked, his eyes narrowing. “And you’re bleeding.”

  I glanced down to see a deep gash on my arm, blood trickling down to my fingertips.

  “Fair point,” I said, wiping the blood on my cloak.

  But I wasn’t done yet. I summoned “Heaven’s Grace,” a healing magic that closed my wound and restored my energy.

  Grozan raised an eyebrow. “Impressive. But healing magic won’t save you.”

  “Maybe not,” I said, “but it’ll give me the edge I need.”

  I lunged at him with renewed vigor, my daggers a blur as they struck his barrier again and again. Cracks spread across the golden shield, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of doubt in Grozan’s eyes.

  “Your defenses are breaking,” I said, a grin spreading across my face.

  “Then I’ll just have to go on the offensive,” he replied, raising his axe.

  The dungeon floor shattered as he unleashed a massive wave of energy, forcing me to leap into the air. But I was ready.

  With a burst of dark and silver aura, I activated “Triune Battle Manifestation,” my suit forming around me in a swirl of magic. My daggers glowed brighter, their edges sharper than ever.

  “Let’s finish this,” I said, landing in front of him.

  Grozan grinned, his axe glowing with golden light. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

  The fight wasn’t over yet, but I could feel the tide turning. The air crackled with energy as we clashed again, our battle pushing both of us to our limits.

  Grozan’s golden axe glowed like a miniature sun, its brilliance blinding as he raised it high. The dungeon trembled under his aura, cracks spreading across the stone floor.

  “You’ve fought well,” Grozan said, his voice resonating with power. “But this is where you falter!”

  With a mighty swing, he unleashed a crescent of golden energy, cutting through the air like a blade of light.

  I moved, faster than thought, my daggers igniting with dark flames as I countered. The collision of our attacks created a shockwave that shattered the ground beneath us, throwing debris into the air.

  “You talk too much,” I said, pushing against his force. My aura flared, a mix of dark silver and gold intertwining around me. “Let’s see if you can back it up!”

  Grozan grinned, his eyes alight with excitement. “You’re full of surprises, human. But so am I.”

  He slammed his axe into the ground, summoning a series of golden spikes that erupted from the floor, aiming to skewer me. I dodged, weaving between the deadly pillars with ease.

  “Nice trick,” I said, leaping onto one of the spikes. “But you’ll need more than that to stop me!”

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  I launched myself at him, my daggers spinning as I infused them with “Void of Oblivion.” The dark energy spiraled around the blades, creating an aura of destruction.

  Grozan raised his axe, blocking my strike. The force of our clash sent tremors through the dungeon, and for a moment, neither of us moved, locked in a contest of strength.

  “You’re strong,” Grozan admitted, his grin widening. “But strength alone won’t be enough.”

  He pushed me back with a burst of golden light, forcing me to retreat.

  “Let’s test that theory,” I said, summoning “Cyclone of Destruction.” A massive tornado of wind and debris erupted around me, its force ripping through the dungeon and hurling chunks of stone in every direction.

  Grozan stood his ground, his aura shielding him from the storm. “Impressive,” he said, “but I’ve seen better.”

  He stepped forward, his axe glowing brighter than ever. “It’s time to show you the true power of a king!”

  With a roar, he unleashed a wave of golden energy, sweeping across the room like a tidal wave. I barely managed to avoid the attack, my suit absorbing some of the impact.

  “You’re persistent,” I said, landing on a nearby ledge.

  “And you’re reckless,” Grozan replied, his grin never fading.

  I activated “Dragon’s Breath,” a torrent of fire erupting from my daggers and streaking toward him. The flames engulfed him, the heat intense enough to melt the stone beneath his feet.

  But when the fire cleared, Grozan stood unharmed, his golden aura shimmering like a shield.

  “You’ll have to do better than that,” he said, stepping forward.

  “Fine,” I replied, my aura flaring. “Let’s turn it up a notch.”

  I charged at him, my daggers glowing with a mix of light and dark energy. The room seemed to darken as I unleashed a flurry of attacks, each strike faster and more precise than the last.

  Grozan parried with his axe, his movements fluid and controlled. But I could see the strain in his eyes, the cracks forming in his defenses.

  “You’re getting tired,” I said, dodging another swing.

  “And you’re getting annoying,” he shot back, summoning another wave of golden spikes.

  I dodged, my movements a blur as I closed the distance between us. With a burst of speed, I struck, my daggers slicing through his armor and drawing blood.

  Grozan roared, his aura flaring as he swung his axe with all his might. I met his attack head-on, the force of our clash creating a blinding explosion of light and dark energy.

  When the dust cleared, we were both breathing heavily, our auras flickering but still strong.

  “You’re tough,” I said, wiping a trickle of blood from my lip.

  “And you’re stubborn,” Grozan replied, his grin as fierce as ever.

  The fight was far from over, but I could feel the tide turning. My power was growing, my aura intensifying with each passing moment.

  “Let’s finish this,” I said, my daggers glowing brighter than ever.

  “Agreed,” Grozan replied, his axe gleaming with golden light.

  We charged at each other once more, our battle pushing both of us to our limits. The dungeon trembled under the weight of our power, the air crackling with energy as our clash reached its peak.

  The dungeon shook, the very foundation of the ancient stone walls quivering under the intensity of our battle. Grozan’s golden aura illuminated the surroundings like a second sun, while my own energy surged with a dark and silvery glow, crackling in the air between us. Neither of us was ready to relent.

  “You’re persistent, human,” Grozan said, his voice filled with grudging respect. “But even your best attacks won’t be enough.”

  I grinned, my fingers tightening around my daggers. The air was thick with the tension of our confrontation, and I could feel the weight of each strike, the heat of each attack, as our magics clashed in midair.

  “You’ll see soon enough,” I replied, pushing my aura to its limits.

  Grozan raised his hand, his aura expanding outward. “Golden Surge!” His voice boomed, and a massive golden wave of light erupted from his palm. It tore through the dungeon, expanding and consuming everything in its path. The floor cracked, stone pillars shattering into dust, as I barely dodged the destructive force.

  I summoned my own power in response. “Void of Oblivion,” I muttered under my breath. The air grew still as I pulled the dark energy around me, creating a rift in space that devoured the golden surge with its emptiness.

  “Impressive,” Grozan sneered, unfazed by the void, and his body pulsed with energy. “But it’s time to end this!”

  With a roar, he raised his axe high, channeling his full might. “Heaven’s Wrath!” His voice reverberated with power, and a bolt of blinding golden lightning shot from the heavens, striking the ground beneath me. The force was enough to turn the air itself into fire, the light searing through the dungeon’s walls as I struggled to keep my footing.

  I leaped back, barely evading the full force of the attack. But the blast still left my body aching, my energy draining from the near-perfect strike.

  “Is that all you’ve got?” I grinned, wiping away the trickle of blood from my lip.

  Grozan’s golden eyes narrowed with fury. “You’re far more troublesome than I anticipated.”

  “Good,” I said, charging my daggers with dark energy. “Then I’ll make sure to give you everything I’ve got!”

  With a growl, I activated “Eternal Despair,” a spell that created a massive aura of shadow, engulfing the space around me. The ground cracked beneath my feet, and dark tendrils lashed out toward Grozan. He swung his golden axe, cutting through the tendrils, but his power was being drained by the sheer magnitude of the dark energy.

  “You’ve forgotten one thing,” I said, my voice cold. “Darkness devours light.”

  I released the full force of the spell, and the tendrils wrapped around Grozan, dragging him into the abyss. His aura flared in an attempt to break free, but the shadows closed around him, suffocating him in their grip.

  “Is this your final attack?” Grozan’s voice boomed from within the shadows. “You think you can defeat me so easily?”

  The shadows parted slightly as Grozan unleashed another burst of golden energy, pushing back against my dark power. The entire dungeon trembled as our two powers collided, creating a storm of light and darkness that sent shockwaves through the cavern.

  “No,” I said, my voice filled with quiet determination. “I won’t stop until I take you down!”

  With that, I surged forward, using the speed and precision of my daggers to strike at Grozan’s chest. I infused them with “Soul Devourer,” channeling the energy to consume his life force with each strike.

  Grozan staggered back, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “You… You dare use such a spell?”

  “I dare do a lot of things,” I muttered, gritting my teeth as I pressed forward. “You’re not invincible.”

  Grozan roared in fury, his body glowing brighter as he activated his most powerful magic. “Golden Cataclysm!”

  The entire dungeon seemed to implode as a massive burst of golden energy erupted from Grozan. The shockwave sent me flying backward, my body slamming into the stone walls. The air around me shimmered with heat and light, as if the world itself was being torn apart.

  I struggled to get back to my feet, but Grozan’s power was overwhelming. He was on the verge of his full strength, and I could feel the strain on my body.

  “You’re out of your league, human,” Grozan said, his voice cold and triumphant. “You’ve fought bravely, but this is where your journey ends.”

  I grinned through the pain, my body still aching from the earlier blasts. “You’ve got one thing wrong,” I said, “this is just the beginning.”

  With a final roar, I unleashed “Heaven’s Descent,” a spell that summoned a torrent of light, dark, and silver energy crashing down onto Grozan. It was the culmination of everything I had, a strike that fused all my power into one devastating attack.

  Grozan’s eyes widened in shock as he raised his axe to defend himself. “You… You can’t—!”

  But the explosion of energy overwhelmed him. The force of the attack sent him flying backward, the golden light flickering as he struggled to maintain his ground.

  I stood tall, my body trembling from the sheer effort of the battle. Both of us were exhausted, but neither willing to back down.

  “Is that your full power?” Grozan panted, his expression faltering.

  “I think we’ve only scratched the surface,” I replied, preparing for whatever he had left.

  The dungeon rumbled again, and the ground beneath us seemed to quake. Neither of us was willing to give up. The clash between light and dark had reached a boiling point, and the end of this battle was nowhere in sight.

  The dust in the dungeon hung thick in the air, and the clash of our powers reverberated through the stone walls. Grozan’s golden aura was flaring up like an angry storm, his body seething with an intensity I had never seen before. I could feel the pressure of his presence, a force that would break lesser men. But I, too, had my limits—and they had been tested over and over again. Now, it was time to push beyond them.

  Grozan’s eyes narrowed as he reached for his massive axe, the golden weapon glowing brighter as he prepared for his final attack.

  “You’ve fought well, human,” Grozan growled. “But it’s over now.”

  Without warning, Grozan hurled his axe through the air, the blade cutting through the space between us with lightning speed. The very air seemed to scream in protest as the massive weapon spun toward me, aiming for a killing blow.

  I didn’t flinch. With a swift motion, I raised my daggers and blocked the incoming strike. The impact was deafening, sending shockwaves through my body as I gritted my teeth, struggling to hold my ground. The sheer force of Grozan’s attack pushed me back, my boots skidding across the stone floor.

  But I stood firm, the daggers humming with energy as I met his assault head-on. The powerful clash between the golden axe and my blades created an explosion of light and dark energy. It was like a battle between two forces of nature, each unwilling to bend.

  “You’re not getting away that easily,” I growled, my arms aching but my resolve unwavering.

  Grozan’s face twisted into a savage grin. “You’re stronger than I thought, human. But it’s too late. This battle ends now!”

  With a mighty roar, he channeled every ounce of his remaining strength into his axe, forcing me to take a step back. The weapon’s power was overwhelming, and I could feel my arms burning from the sheer intensity of the strike.

  But I refused to back down. As Grozan swung the axe down for the final blow, I leapt forward with a roar of my own, propelling myself with speed and ferocity. My daggers, infused with dark magic, met the golden weapon mid-swing, and I poured everything into the strike, hoping to end this once and for all.

  For a moment, time seemed to slow.

  I saw Grozan’s face shift, a flicker of realization in his eyes as his axe faltered in mid-air, unable to break through my magical defenses. And in that moment, I knew. It was over.

  With one final push, I redirected the force of his strike, using the momentum to my advantage. My daggers cut through the air, and I slammed them into Grozan’s chest, the impact shattering his defenses and sending a shockwave of energy cascading through the dungeon.

  His eyes widened in shock, and for the first time, I saw fear in them. The overwhelming power of my final strike coursed through his body, his golden aura flickering as the last of his strength drained away. The ground beneath us trembled as Grozan’s body collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

  The dungeon fell eerily silent.

  I stood over the fallen king of the hobgoblins, breathing heavily, my body trembling from the exhaustion of the battle. My heart pounded in my chest, and I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins as the weight of the fight settled in. Grozan had been a formidable opponent, but in the end, it was my will that triumphed.

  The bodies of the fallen hobgoblins lay scattered across the dungeon floor, their forms crumpled and lifeless. As I took a moment to catch my breath, I looked up at the mound of their corpses. The pile had grown high, a grim testament to the brutal battle I had fought. The pile of bodies rose like a mountain, with Grozan’s massive form at its base.

  I walked toward the peak of the mound, my boots crunching on the rubble and broken bones. At the top, I took a seat, breathing heavily as I surveyed the battlefield. The sound of my own breathing was the only thing I could hear in the silence that had descended on the dungeon.

  Looking down at the four mature female goblins who were bound by my magic, I couldn’t help but think about what to do next. They had been formidable opponents in their own right, each one of them unique and powerful in their own way. But now, with Grozan defeated, they were at my mercy.

  I stared at them, my gaze unwavering, as they struggled against the magical bindings that held them in place. Each of them was exhausted, but still very much alive. The thought of what to do with them swirled in my mind. They had been enemies, yes, but they were also powerful warriors.

  “What should I do with them?” I thought, my mind racing. The possibilities were endless, but the decision weighed heavily on me.

  I looked down at the four women, each with their own history and strength. They had fought me with everything they had, and yet, they were still here, still breathing. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to them than just enemies to be defeated.

  As I sat atop the mountain of bodies, my mind was filled with questions and thoughts about what would come next. This battle had been won, but the journey was far from over.

  The answers, it seemed, would have to wait.

  The air in the dungeon was thick with the remnants of battle. The bodies of the hobgoblins, including Grozan, lay strewn around me, a gruesome monument to the violent clash that had just transpired. The adrenaline that had fueled me during the fight had begun to subside, leaving me with a heavy, tired feeling. My breath was shallow, my body aching from the exhausting battle. But, as the last echoes of the fight faded, something else began to shift within me.

  I stood tall atop the mound of dead hobgoblins, my boots pressing into the rubble. My gaze was drawn inward, to my status screen. It had been some time since I had truly paid attention to it, but now, as the dust settled, I needed to understand just how much I had changed during the battle—and how much further I could go.

  With a thought, the screen materialized before me, glowing faintly in the dim light of the dungeon. The numbers on the screen made my eyes widen.

  Level: 45,000

  It was a staggering number. I had leaped by a significant margin from my previous level. The battle with Grozan and the other hobgoblins had been brutal, but it had pushed me to my limits, forcing me to draw out every ounce of strength I had. The result was clear: I was stronger now. Much stronger.

  But the numbers weren’t the only thing that caught my attention. Below my level, I saw something even more significant—the list of skills I had gained.

  Newly Learned Skills:

  Super Appraisal: A skill that allows me to assess the true nature, strength, and abilities of anything or anyone I encounter with perfect accuracy.

  Devour: A dark power that allows me to absorb the essence of a fallen enemy, enhancing my own strength with their power and abilities.

  Regeneration: A passive ability that significantly accelerates my natural healing process, allowing me to recover from injuries at an extraordinary rate.

  Physical Strengthening: A skill that enhances my physical strength, making me far stronger than normal humans.

  Night Vision: The ability to see clearly in complete darkness, allowing me to navigate without any light source.

  Enhanced Senses: My senses, including hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch, have been heightened to superhuman levels.

  Enhanced Memory: My memory has become near-perfect, allowing me to recall even the smallest details with perfect clarity.

  Poison Resistance: A resistance to all forms of poison, allowing me to endure toxic substances without ill effects.

  Fire Resistance: A resistance to fire and heat, allowing me to withstand extreme temperatures without being harmed.

  Water Resistance: A resistance to water and aquatic environments, allowing me to breathe underwater and move freely.

  Wind Resistance: A resistance to the effects of wind, enabling me to remain stable in strong winds or gusts.

  Earth Resistance: A resistance to earth-based attacks, allowing me to endure earthquakes, landslides, and other earth-related hazards.

  Electric Resistance: A resistance to electrical shocks, enabling me to survive powerful lightning strikes.

  Darkness Resistance: A resistance to the effects of darkness, preventing me from being overwhelmed by its oppressive nature.

  Demon King’s Aura: An aura that emanates a sense of overwhelming power, capable of instilling fear and commanding respect from those around me.

  Beast’s Strength: A skill that enhances my physical strength to the level of the most powerful beasts in existence.

  Spiritual Energy: A vast reservoir of energy that I can draw upon for various magical purposes, increasing my magical potential and power.

  Demon King’s Eye: A supernatural ability that allows me to perceive the true form of anything, seeing through illusions and detecting hidden entities.

  Instant Regeneration: An advanced form of regeneration that heals my body almost instantaneously, making it nearly impossible for me to remain injured for long.

  Enhanced Agility: A significant increase in my speed and agility, allowing me to move with the fluidity and grace of a predator.

  I stared at the list in awe. I had gained far more power than I had ever expected in such a short time. Each of these skills was a testament to the intense battles I had fought, each one a sign of my growth.

  The Demon King’s Aura and Demon King’s Eye were particularly intriguing. I had always known that my connection to darkness and the demonic forces was strong, but these abilities solidified my identity as something far more than a mere mortal. The aura itself was a reflection of my power, and I could feel it pulsing around me, an intimidating presence that could easily break the spirit of any weaker foe.

  Then, my eyes shifted to Devour, the ability to absorb the essence of my fallen enemies. It was a dark power, one that would allow me to grow stronger with each battle, taking the abilities of those I defeated and using them as my own.

  But it was the combination of Regeneration, Instant Regeneration, and Enhanced Agility that truly caught my attention. The combination of rapid healing and enhanced movement would make me nearly invincible in combat. With these skills, I could engage in prolonged battles, healing any damage I took and still overwhelming my enemies with superior speed and precision.

  I clenched my fists, feeling the surge of power within me. I was no longer the same as when I first entered this dungeon. The challenges had tested me, yes, but they had also shaped me into something far greater. This power… it was intoxicating.

  As I surveyed the battlefield, my gaze fell upon the four mature female goblins, still bound by my magic. They were weak now, exhausted from the battle, but their strength and skills were undeniable. I would need to decide what to do with them. They had fought hard, and I respected them for it. But their fate was now in my hands.

  I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment. The dungeon was silent, save for the distant echoes of my own thoughts.

  “What should I do with them?” I pondered again. The decision weighed heavily on me.

  In this moment of reflection, I realized something crucial. The journey ahead was far from over. With my new skills, I was powerful, but there were still countless challenges to face. And I would need allies, people who could help me shape the future that lay before me.

  As I opened my eyes and looked at the four women once more, I knew that my next move would determine not only my future but the path I would carve through this world. It was time to decide who would join me on this journey—and who would stand against me.

  But for now, I took one last look at the carnage around me and allowed myself a moment of silence.

  The battle was over, and the dungeon was silent. The atmosphere around me had changed—no longer filled with the adrenaline of combat, but instead with a quiet, eerie calm. The bodies of the defeated hobgoblins lay in piles, a grim testament to the brutality of the fight. I surveyed the battlefield, my eyes lingering on the four mature female goblins that I had bound with my magic.

  They were a striking sight—each of them exuding an aura of power, beauty, and mystery. Nata, Keiko, Bloody, and Sato. Despite their monstrous origins, there was something undeniably human about them. Their features were sharp, their eyes gleaming with intelligence, and their bodies... beautiful in a way that seemed almost too perfect. They possessed an allure that was both captivating and dangerous, and I couldn’t help but notice the power they carried with them.

  However, I had no time to indulge in thoughts of their beauty. The true priority was what to do with them. I couldn’t allow them to roam free, but I couldn’t bring myself to simply discard them. I had already bound them, but for now, I decided to take them with me. Perhaps I could learn more from them, or perhaps they would become valuable assets in the battles ahead. For now, I would take them back to my mansion.

  I approached the fallen bodies, each of the women still unconscious but alive. With a snap of my fingers, I lifted them using my magic, making sure to keep their bodies safe and secure. They didn’t resist, their consciousness still far away in the aftermath of our battle. As I collected them, I noticed a few other figures scattered across the battlefield.

  A pair of human women lay unconscious near the corner of the dungeon, their clothes torn and stained with blood. I checked their status—Alma Milano and Felicia Milano, twin sisters. Their power levels were impressive, yet they were unconscious, perhaps after a battle of their own.

  Alma was a skilled cook, and Felicia was an alchemist—both highly valuable in their own right. Nearby, I spotted another woman—Spinel Fcans. Her status read “Alchemist” as well, and her presence intrigued me. She, too, was unconscious, her breath shallow but steady.

  I couldn’t leave them behind. They had been subjected to who-knows-what horrors, and I couldn’t leave them to suffer alone in the depths of this dungeon. I made sure to lift them gently, treating them with a level of care I hadn’t expected from myself. These women, like the mature goblins, were undeniably beautiful, each one possessing their own unique allure, but I couldn’t afford to let attraction cloud my judgment. They had potential, and for now, I would bring them back with me.

  Using my magic, I transported all of them—four goblins, two human twins, and the alchemist—back to my mansion, where they would be safe. It was time to regroup, to heal, and to prepare for whatever lay ahead.

  I laid them each down in separate rooms, careful to make sure they were comfortable. I couldn’t say what would happen next, but for now, they needed rest. I took a moment to glance at the quiet mansion, the peaceful setting a stark contrast to the chaos I had left behind.

  Finally, I went to my own room, tired from the battle and the teleportation, but satisfied with what I had accomplished. I sank into the bed, allowing my body to relax, and soon, sleep took me.

  The following morning, I awoke with a sense of heaviness. The events of the last few days lingered in my mind, and I could feel the weight of the choices I had made. As I stirred in bed, I noticed someone was sitting beside me—my mother, Mary. She was watching me with a concerned expression, her hand resting gently on mine.

  “You’re back,” she said softly, her voice filled with worry. “I’ve been so worried about you, Amahiko. It’s been five days. What happened? Where have you been?”

  Her words stung. Five days. Had it really been that long? Time had slipped away from me in the midst of all the chaos. I felt a pang of guilt, but I pushed it aside for now. I had my reasons, and I couldn’t afford to be distracted by the past.

  “I’m sorry, Mom,” I replied, offering a reassuring smile. “I got caught up in something important. I had to deal with a few things, but I’m fine now.”

  Mary’s eyes softened, though she still looked concerned. “I just wish you’d let me know. You’re all I have left.”

  I nodded, understanding the concern in her voice. “I’ll be more careful, I promise.”

  As I spoke, I noticed two other figures at the door—Shiori and Hina. They both seemed worried, their expressions a mix of relief and confusion.

  “Where have you been?” Shiori asked, her voice full of curiosity but laced with concern. “You’ve been gone for so long. We didn’t know if you were even alive.”

  Hina added with a softer tone, “We were so scared. Are you alright?”

  I sat up, taking a deep breath. I could see the worry in their eyes, but I also knew they would understand. “I had some... business to take care of. I couldn’t explain everything, but I’m okay now. I promise.”

  I paused for a moment, feeling the weight of their concern, and then I decided to share what had happened, though not all of it. “I captured some enemies. Some goblins and other creatures. I didn’t kill them... but they won’t be a threat anymore.”

  I didn’t mention the four mature goblins I had captured, nor did I talk about their beauty or power. I kept it simple, only telling them about the humans I had saved—the twin sisters Alma and Felicia, and the alchemist Spinel. I didn’t feel the need to go into detail about their appearances either. They didn’t need to know everything right now.

  “We’ve got some new people here,” I said, trying to keep the mood light. “They’re safe now, and we can rest easy for a while.”

  Mary, Shiori, and Hina exchanged looks, but none of them pressed further. Instead, they seemed to accept my words, even if they didn’t fully understand. They were all just happy that I was back.

  As I stood up from the bed, I took a moment to think about the events of the past few days—the battles, the new powers, the new people I had saved, and the decisions I had made. It was clear that my journey was far from over, and as I looked at the women in the rooms around me, I knew I had just begun to carve my path in this world.

  The future was uncertain, but I was ready for whatever came next.