Chapter 116: Berserker’s Might (part 3)

Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Berserker’s Might (part 3)

Meanwhile, Kyle was preparing to end the battle.

He had already used two of his three learned Berserker skills. Berserker’s Might enhanced his physical capabilities, while Raging Cleave allowed him to deliver powerful attacks capable of breaking through the Gravehorn Reaper’s defenses.

Only one skill remained.

Kyle adjusted his grip on the greatsword, his breathing growing heavier as he studied the monster’s movements.

The Gravehorn Reaper’s purple flame flickered inside its rib cage. It lowered its head, preparing to launch another charge, while the death energy surrounding its horns began to intensify.

Kyle recognized the movement.

’You’re going to use that attack again?’

He grinned fiercely.

’Then I’ll finish you before you reach me.’

The monster roared and charged.

Kyle’s third skill activated.

"Executioner Strike!"

The Berserker aura around his body surged toward his greatsword, concentrating into a devastating finishing attack. Unlike his previous skill, which focused on delivering a powerful cleave, Executioner Strike concentrated his strength into a decisive blow intended to break through an opponent’s defenses.

Kyle stepped forward to meet the charging monster.

His greatsword rose above his head.

The Gravehorn Reaper’s enormous horns rushed toward him, carrying enough force to crush a heavily armored warrior.

At the final instant, Kyle shifted his body and brought the blade down at an angle.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The greatsword struck the base of the creature’s damaged horn before cutting through the reinforced bone and plunging into its skull.

The Gravehorn Reaper’s charge was abruptly interrupted.

Its front legs buckled, and its massive body crashed into the ground with tremendous force. The impact sent a wave of dust and dead leaves across the forest floor.

Kyle landed beside it, his greatsword still embedded in its skull.

The purple flame inside the creature’s rib cage flickered violently.

The Gravehorn Reaper struggled to rise, but its damaged skull and shattered bones prevented it from doing so. Death energy gathered around its wounds, attempting to repair the damage, yet the creature’s movements gradually weakened.

Kyle pulled his greatsword free.

Then, without hesitation, he swung again.

CRACK!

The blade smashed through the creature’s exposed skull.

The dark purple flame inside its rib cage flared one final time before rapidly shrinking.

The Gravehorn Reaper’s enormous body convulsed.

Then it collapsed completely.

For several seconds, the Dead Forest remained silent.

Kyle stood over the fallen mini-boss, breathing heavily as his Berserker aura slowly subsided. Blood ran down his arm, and his armor had suffered considerable damage, but he was still standing.

He looked down at the monster that had killed his teammate.

"This is for him."

His voice was low, but every member of the Mad Wolves heard it.

None of them cheered immediately. The victory had come at a terrible cost, and the sight of their fallen comrade remained fresh in their minds.

Eventually, one of the Guardians approached Kyle cautiously.

"Captain... the monster is dead. We should check your injuries and make sure the area is safe."

Kyle remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"Do that. Have the mages inspect the corpse, too. I want to know whether there’s a magic stone or anything else worth recovering. But nobody approaches it until we’re certain it can’t move again."

"Understood."

As the Mad Wolves began regrouping, Kyle turned toward the place where their fallen teammate lay.

----

Inside Ragnar’s throne chamber, the demon lord watched the aftermath through his system interface.

His expression was thoughtful as he studied the corpse of the Gravehorn Reaper and the exhausted figure standing beside it.

"So he has three learned skills," Ragnar murmured. "A strength buff, a powerful cleaving attack, and a finishing skill."

He had already suspected that the adventurer’s extraordinary physical power came from his class, but seeing the three abilities in action had given him a better understanding of Kyle’s fighting style.

His skills complemented one another, allowing him to enhance his physical strength, break through an opponent’s defenses, and finish the battle with a devastating strike.

Ragnar rested his chin against one hand.

’If I fought him directly, I couldn’t afford to underestimate him.’

Ragnar’s attention shifted toward Kaelira, who had been watching the battle beside the throne.

"What do you think?" he asked. "Does his fighting style remind you of anything?"

Kaelira’s golden eyes remained fixed on the screen.

"Looks like a Berserker class, my lord."

Ragnar turned toward her.

"You recognize it?"

Kaelira nodded slowly.

"I remember fighting a human Berserker in my homeland. They are strange fighters. The more injuries they suffer, the more dangerous they can become. Their strength doesn’t always follow the usual rules of combat, and some Berserkers become even more aggressive when they’re pushed into desperate situations."

She paused, watching Kyle stand beside the fallen Gravehorn Reaper.

Ragnar nodded thoughtfully.

"So it’s the same as what I was thinking."

He was already familiar with the Berserker class. In fact, Ragnar was knowledgeable about a wide variety of classes, including their characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and the skills commonly associated with them.

The game Dungeon Maker had contained countless classes, and he had spent years studying its systems. Berserker was one of the more recognizable combat classes, known for its exceptional physical power and ability to turn a desperate situation into an opportunity for a counterattack.

Ragnar narrowed his glowing eyes.

"This guy is very dangerous, then. If his class allows him to become stronger as he gets injured, fighting him in a prolonged battle could be a mistake. The longer the fight continues, the more difficult it might become to predict his strength."

"That’s right, my lord," Kaelira replied. "However, Berserkers aren’t invincible. Their bodies still have limits, and injuries will eventually affect their ability to fight. The problem is that you can’t assume an injured Berserker is becoming weaker. Depending on his abilities, he might become even more dangerous before reaching that limit."

Veyra, who had been listening to their conversation, tilted her head.

"Then wouldn’t it be better to defeat him quickly before he gets the chance to become troublesome? If I were fighting him, I wouldn’t give him time to build up his strength."