BAAAM!


    Guz hurled his massive warhammer toward me as an opening strike. The weapon spun violently through the air, its trajectory locked onto me like a predator eyeing its prey. A flicker of panic rose within me—I had experienced firsthand the devastating impact of this skill before. I knew exactly what was coming.


    [Windstride Casted.]


    The moment my spell activated, a surge of wind wrapped around my legs, propelling me backward with supernatural speed. I barely had time to reposition myself before the warhammer hit me in the chest, sending a shockwave rippling across my body.


    Storm Bolt. A skill that could not be dodged. It not only inflicted damage but also stunned its target for a few crucial seconds. Even worse, once the hammer struck, it would return to its wielder’s hands, allowing for relentless follow-up attacks.


    I had to keep my distance. If Guz managed to catch me in his brutal chain of attacks, it would be over in seconds. Without hesitation, I retaliated, launching Wind Cutter directly at his exposed head—the one part of his body unprotected by his thick armor.


    The blade of air howled through the battlefield, forcing Guz to momentarily break his charge. But even with his massive build, he was surprisingly fast. He adjusted his stance and barreled forward, his warhammer raised, eager to crush me.


    And so the battle took on a vicious rhythm.


    Guz would unleash Storm Bolt, aiming to pin me down, then close the gap with frightening speed to deliver a devastating blow. I, in turn, would cast Windstride once the hammer was thrown at me, making additional distance between us just before the Storm Bolt impact. Each time, I would answer with a Wind Cutter, aiming for the cracks in his defenses.


    The crowd that had gathered around us roared with excitement. Adventurers, merchants, and even nobles had paused their routines to witness the spectacle.


    “Come on, is that all you’ve got?” I taunted, a smirk creeping onto my lips. “No wonder your warhammer is so big—you’re probably compensating for something.”


    Guz’s face turned red with fury. His attacks grew wilder, more reckless. His once-precise swings became desperate, his massive warhammer cutting through the air just inches from my body.


    Perfect.


    The more enraged he became, the sloppier his movements got. His stamina was draining fast—his once-mighty swings now slower, his breath heavy and ragged. Meanwhile, my attacks, though individually weak, were wearing him down piece by piece.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    “AAARGH! I’LL KILL YOU, YOU LITTLE RAT!” Guz bellowed, his voice trembling with frustration.


    The spectators erupted into cheers and jeers. Some mocked the warrior, while others cheered for me.


    “Pathetic! Can’t even land a hit on a druid?”


    “Haha! What kind of warrior are you? All brawn, no brains!”


    Even my fellow druids, who had been watching anxiously before, now called my name with unrestrained excitement.


    “Eryndor!”


    “Erynd! Show him what you’ve got!”


    I could hear my name echoing in all directions. What had started as a simple duel had turned into a grand event.


    But I wasn’t done yet.


    I actually didn''t want to reveal this hidden effect to the public, but there''s no other way to win this match.


    “Hey, Guz,” I called out, raising my hand. “Try taking this.”


    Another Wind Cutter shot forward—only this time, something felt different.


    [Wind Cutter has reached maximum stack. Hidden effect activated—Tornado Slash casted.]


    The air around Guz erupted into a swirling storm. Violent gales engulfed him, cutting deep into his exposed flesh. Gasps rippled through the audience.


    They had never seen this before.


    Neither had Guz.


    For the first time, uncertainty flashed in his bloodshot eyes.


    ***


    A deafening roar of wind drowned out the crowd’s cheers. Dust and debris filled the battlefield as my storm raged, obscuring Guz from view.


    Then, slowly, a towering figure emerged from the chaos.


    His skin had transformed. Once raw and bloodied, it now gleamed like reinforced steel, thickened into overlapping layers of hardened flesh.


    His team looked on, utterly bewildered by Guz''s condition. Fletcher, eyes wide with curiosity, spoke up, “Is this some kind of new skill?” The wizard, equally stunned, chimed in, his voice filled with awe, ''I’ve never seen this before.”


    “Now you die, druid,” Guz growled.


    His voice was different—lower, heavier, laced with something dark. His pupils had dilated, glowing an eerie crimson. His lips curled into a twisted grin, saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth. He looked… rabid.


    His entire body pulsed with an ominous energy. Dark red veins slithered across his arms and legs like tendrils of corruption. His movements, once sluggish, became unnervingly fast.


    Before I could react, Storm Bolt struck me square in the chest.


    Pain erupted through my body.


    The world blurred.


    Shouts of terror filled my ears.


    “Eryndor, watch out!” Orin screamed


    “Erynd! Erynd! Get up!” Instructor Vallen’s voice was desperate.


    I staggered, barely able to focus.


    Then—


    CRAAAACK!


    A sickening sound thundered through the battlefield at the same time as the warhammer had been swung.