Chapter 319: The Challenger

Weakpoint Creation was the third Gift Regis had awakened and the only one among them capable of being used offensively.

The Gift itself did not inflict damage.

Instead, it created a minuscule red dot on a chosen target, whether living or nonliving.

Any attack that struck this weak point would bypass all defenses and unleash three times its normal power.

Splurt—

The abomination’s two eyes widened in disbelief as it watched the seemingly normal sword pierce through the defenses it had put up.

’W-What happened!? He didn’t use any magic spell, right? No, I’m sure he didn’t. Otherwise, I would have already detected it! How could an ordinary sword not enhanced by anything... damage me!?’

Numerous thoughts instantly welled up in its thoughts.

The shock and confusion it felt were like a storm that ravaged through its mind, before ultimately turning to hatred and anger.

"Y-You!!!"

For the first time since its transformation, the abomination moved.

Its four legs gradually accelerated like a warhorse charging into battle as it used tremendous force to wrench its three claws free from its opponent’s hold.

Feeling the pulsing strength increasing in the three limbs, Regis had no choice but to let go of them.

’I had already executed my plan, so holding on won’t do me any more good...’

A provocative smirk appeared on his lips, "I almost thought you were shitting yourself from fear, since you were not moving..."

Before Regis could continue, he saw something that made his skin crawl, ’This is gonna be a problem...’

The reason for this was the stars that had begun to shine on both sides of the abomination’s chest, as it was, after all, a fusion of two people.

On the left side of its chest shone five blue stars tainted by demonic power.

The fifth star possessed only three points, signifying that one of the fused individuals was at the Early Stage of the Five-Star Realm.

On the opposite side shone four tainted stars, each bearing six points, signifying that the other had reached the Peak Stage of the Four-Star Realm.

This meant that the highest power the abomination could muster in one attack was at the Early Stage of the Five-Star Realm.

However, one must remember that being tainted by demonic power could drastically enhance its overall capabilities.

In addition to this, having two reserves of energy meant that it would not run out of mana anytime soon.

’An abomination like this only grows stronger with time...’

Having fought several abominations before, Regis knew that the moment multiple creatures or people were fused into a single monster, they had to be killed as quickly as possible.

Otherwise, as time passed, the synchronization within the abomination’s internal chaos would gradually improve, allowing the forced fusion to become increasingly stable.

At first, it would possess only overwhelming physical capabilities.

Eventually, however, its intelligence would grow, and it would gain access to the aura arts and magic spells of the individuals that comprised it.

And at this moment, his fears proved true.

The stars shining on the abomination’s chest signified that it had already begun gaining access to the abilities of the individuals fused within it.

Despite the increasing worry in his chest, Regis smiled in a carefree manner, "Oh? You look like a true challenger now. Come, do your best!"

"How dare you act so arrogantly in front of me!? You’re just a mere human!"

The nerves on both of the abomination’s faces bulged as its expression contorted in hatred, "I’ll kill you!"

"I’d like to see you try," Regis replied lazily.

Crack—!

The abomination answered with a strike.

Its elongated limb moved like a whip, its unnatural flexibility allowing the claw to snap toward him at a terrifying speed.

Regis did not have enough time to react as he instinctively crossed his arms and blocked the blow.

Spurt—!

The skin on his arms was shredded, but was instantly healed by his Instant Regeneration in the next moment.

However, the abomination’s assault did not end there.

What followed a moment after was the other two remaining uninjured limbs that Regis met with both of his hands.

The claws clenched his hands as it quickly became a contest of strength with the abomination trying to push him away.

Then, under Regis’s gaze, the abomination’s injured limb suddenly twisted and deformed.

Bones erupted from the severed wrist and slithered outward like living snakes.

They intertwined and fused together, rapidly forming a grotesque bone sword.

Blood dripped from the blade while torn fragments of flesh clung to its surface, making it look as though it had been forged from a corpse.

What followed was a chant from the male head of the abomination, whose handsome elven features had been twisted and tainted by demonic corruption.

[Thorned Rose]

In an instant, the bone sword radiated tainted mana, causing blood-red roses to bloom across its surface.

Deep crimson petals intertwined with vibrant green stems lined with thorns, adorning the grotesque bone blade and lending it a strange, unsettling beauty.

Seeing the rosy bone blade slashing towards his stomach, Regis’s pupils dilated, ’Fuck!’

He immediately performed a backflip, using the motion to strike the bone blade upward in the process.

Crack—! Crack—!

However, due to the claws’ tight grip and his own unstoppable momentum, the force caused the bones in his arms to crack and break.

Even so, the dislocated and shattered bones snapped back into place almost instantly thanks to Instant Regeneration.

’Hurts like hell...’

Regis complained in his mind, but his Gold-grade Tranquility kept his mind stable.

Before he could continue thinking, he noticed something in the air where the rosy bone sword had slashed through earlier.

Rose petals floated in the air, seemingly suspended in place without moving.

’What—’

Swoosh— Swoosh— Swoosh—-

The dozens of rose petals immediately cut through the air as they shot towards Regis.

Seeing him not dodge, the abomination laughed brazenly, "Why aren’t you dodging anymore? Have you given up already? What a pity, since I’m just getting started!"

"Me? Dodge?"

Confidence radiated from Regis’s voice.

Shkkk—! Shkkk—!

The first two rose petals carved deep gashes into his skin.

However, the petals that followed failed to inflict any further damage, managing only to tear through his clothes.

The abomination’s eyes widened, "What...?"

"I didn’t dodge, simply because there’s no need to do so."

As the familiar sensation of Perfect Adaptation washed over him, Regis casually shrugged.

"Is that the best you can do? "

The confident smirk on his face widened.

"Because from what you’ve shown me so far, you’re not even worthy of challenging me yet."