The Wyvern Lord's wings beat like thunder, sending waves of dust and leaves crashing outward. Its jaws opened, flame building at the back of its throat.
"Scatter!" Rowan roared.
The beast exhaled. A torrent of fire swallowed the clearing, charring trees black. Damian rolled aside, cloak singed at the edges, gripping his spear tighter.
This monster… if I hesitate, we're finished.
He charged, spear glowing faintly with mana he instinctively poured into it. With a shout, he lunged aiming straight for the Wyvern's chest.
Pierce!
Clang!
The spearpoint bounced off like it struck solid iron. Damian's arms jolted from the impact. The Wyvern snarled, tail whipping at him like a battering ram.
[Warning: Probability of Spear Penetration <12%. Recommend tactical adjustment.]
"Tch…" Damian clicked his tongue, dodging back as the tail gouged a trench into the earth. Not enough… then I'll switch!
He dropped low, hands flashing to his dual blades. The curved steel caught the firelight as he dashed forward, faster now, cutting across the beast's flank. Sparks flew. The blades couldn't pierce the scales either.
But Damian wasn't aiming for scales.
He sprinted, leaping high as the Wyvern snapped its jaws at Rowan. Landing on its back, he slashed both blades across its glowing eyes.
A shriek split the air. The Wyvern thrashed, blinded, crashing through trees. Damian clung on desperately, his AI chiming in his mind.
[Critical Weakness Exploited. Success Probability Rising—72%.]
"Then let's end this!"
He kicked off its neck, landing in front of its stumbling bulk. His hand shot to the greatsword strapped to his back. The steel hummed as he pulled it free, both hands steady.
The Wyvern lowered its head, blinded but raging. Damian took one breath.
Now.
He surged forward, ducking under its flailing jaw, and drove the sword upward with all his strength.
CRACK
The blade pierced through scale, bone, and into the Wyvern's skull. The beast gave one final roar that shook the heavens, then collapsed with earth-shaking force.
Smoke rose from its body. Silence followed.
Damian stood panting, sword still buried in the Wyvern's head, sweat streaking his face. Then
[Level Up Achieved: Level 3. New Ability Unlocked—Weapon Magic Infusion.
Efficiency increase: +150%. Physical attributes enhanced: +35%.]
He froze, eyes wide. Magic infusion… and that means…
"Damian!" Rowan's booming voice broke his thoughts. The big man slapped him on the back, nearly knocking him forward. "You insane bastard you actually killed it!"
Elara whistled, smirking despite a bleeding cut on her cheek. "Not bad, rookie. Guess carrying all those weapons wasn't just for show."
Damian smiled faintly, hiding the storm in his chest. I didn't just survive. I've grown stronger. This path… it's opening wider.
The Wyvern Lord's corpse burned faintly behind them, a reminder of what they'd faced and what still awaited.