Sam charged at Varak, determination coursing through him like wildfire. His heart pounded as the distance between him and the demon commander closed. This is it, he thought, one final push, and it will all be over. For the first time since the battle had begun, Sam could see a glimmer of victory, like a light piercing through the darkness, cleansing the world of its impurity.
Just as Varak's immense axe came into view, Sam activated Void Step, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye. Varakâs eyes flared with fury, his frustration palpable. It was clear that Samâs disappearing act was wearing on him, his composure cracking.
"You coward! Fight me like a manâ" Varakâs shout was cut off mid-sentence as Sam's sword struck hard at the left side of his leg. The demon commander let out a guttural growl, swinging his weapon wildly, but his attack met nothing but air, sending a cloud of dust swirling up from the ground.
Sam reappeared behind Varak, who was now glaring furiously at the ground as if it had betrayed him. Sam seized the moment and slashed at Varakâs upper arm, the blade cutting into his tough, demonic skin. Though the wound wasnât deep, it was enough to stagger the giant.
Varak roared in rage, swinging at Sam with bone-crushing force, but again, Sam vanished before the blow could connect. His attacks, while powerful, were growing sloppier, fueled by an uncontrollable fury that blinded him to Sam's tactics. Heâs losing control.
Sam reappeared behind Varak once more and struck his back, landing another solid hit. Varak snarled in pain, whirling around, only to be met with another swift strike. This time, the blow landed with a satisfying crack, sending the demon commander stumbling forward.
Varak groaned, his body quaking as he dropped to one knee. Blood poured from his wounds, staining the battlefield. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he tried to remain upright, his strength ebbing away with each passing second.
Sam stepped back, watching as Varak struggled, savoring the feeling of victory that was so close he could taste it. Itâs almost over.
"System," Sam called out, his voice calm despite his pounding heart. "Analyze Varak's health."
The holographic screen blinked to life.
Health: 322/3,000
A grin spread across Samâs face. Varak was barely hanging on, his once-terrifying strength reduced to nothing more than a flickering candle. Before the system could continue offering an analysis of Varakâs other stats, Sam shook his head, cutting it off.
"Thatâs enough, I donât need to hear the rest." He waved off the system with a smirk, almost amused by its eagerness. He couldnât help but tease it, saying, "Hey now, donât be too sad. Youâre making me tear up a little."
The system remained quiet, almost sulking, and Sam let out a small laugh. But he had no time for banter now. His attention turned back to Varak, who was on his hands and knees, his demonic form trembling.
Sam took a breath, his voice steady. "Letâs finish this. Any last words, Commander? Or will you meet your end silently?"
Varak's chest heaved with labored breaths, his eyes burning with a strange mix of anger and resignation. For a moment, it seemed as though the demon would remain silent, but then his lips parted. His voice, though weak, carried the weight of centuries of bloodshed and pain.
"You amaze me, boy," Varak growled, his eyes locking onto Samâs. "Iâve never fought anyone quite like you before. You... you remind me of him."
The mention of âhimâ caught Sam off guard. His curiosity piqued, but before he could ask who Varak was talking about, the demon commanderâs gaze softened, his mind drifting somewhere far away, beyond the battlefield.
----------------------------------------
VARAKâS PAST: FROM MAN TO DEMON
Once, Varak had been humanâa young boy born into a peaceful village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests. He remembered the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air as his mother cooked breakfast. The sound of his fatherâs laughter echoing in the fields as they worked together under the sun. His sister, Mara, always at his side, full of life and mischief. They were a small family, but they were everything to him. They were happy.
But happiness never lasted long in their world.
One fateful evening, marauders descended upon their village like a swarm of locusts. The sky had been painted crimson by the setting sun, an omen Varak hadnât noticed at the time. He was only ten. By the time he realized what was happening, it was too late. The marauders were in the village, slaughtering the men, women, and children indiscriminately. His father had fought, but the attackers were ruthless. They cut him down without mercy, and Varak was forced to watch as his mother screamed, pleading for their lives.
He remembered how cold the steel looked as it pierced her chest, her body crumpling to the ground like a broken doll. Mara... Mara had been dragged away, her screams seared into his memory like a branding iron.
That was the moment something snapped inside Varak. All the fear, all the grief, it twisted into something darker, something uncontrollable. In his rage, he had fought back against the marauders. His small body had been no match for them, but it didnât matter. He fought with the fury of someone who had nothing left to lose, and as he struck one of the marauders with a rock, his mind had gone black.
When he awoke, the village was gone. Burned to the ground. His hands were drenched in bloodânot his own. The corpses of the marauders lay around him, mangled beyond recognition. And as he stared at his reflection in a pool of blood, he saw it. His once-human face had changed. His skin was darkened, his eyes glowing red with unholy power. He had become something elseâsomething monstrous.
Varak had sought out power after that day, power to make sure no one ever hurt him again. He fought, killed, and devoured his enemies, rising through the ranks of the demon army until he became one of the most feared commanders in the realm. But that dayâthe day his family was torn from himânever left him. It was the day he became a demon, not just in form, but in soul.
----------------------------------------
Back in the present, Varakâs voice wavered, the weight of centuries pressing down on him. "I became what I am because of that day. You fight like he did... the one who took everything from me. I see his spirit in you."
Sam, though prepared to strike, hesitated. Who was Varak talking about?
But it didnât matter. Whatever Varakâs past had been, whatever had driven him to this moment, Sam couldnât afford to show mercy. Not now.
With a deep breath, Sam lifted his sword, his eyes cold as steel. "Iâm not him. Iâm me. And this ends now."
Varak closed his eyes, accepting his fate. "So it does."
With a final, swift motion, Samâs blade descended, cutting through the air and silencing the demon commander forever.
Sam stood over the defeated body of Commander Varak, his sword still in hand, trembling from the intense fight. Blood dripped from his blade, and his body screamed in exhaustion. He staggered backward a few paces and finally let himself fall to the ground, gasping for breath. Every muscle in his body ached, his mana was nearly drained, and his vision blurred with fatigue. It's finally over, he thought, letting the sword drop beside him with a clatter.
He closed his eyes, allowing his heart to slow, his breathing to steady. For the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to relax. But just as his body began to calm, a sound pierced the silenceâan unnatural, bone-chilling screech. Sam's eyes flew open, and his body went rigid with fear.
He looked back at Varakâs fallen body and froze in horror. The commanderâs chest, where Sam had dealt the killing blow, convulsed. Black mist began to swirl around him, thick and suffocating, as if the very air had turned dark. Varakâs body twitched, and then, through the thick haze, Sam saw it: the demonâs eyes snapped open, glowing with a terrifying, otherworldly light.
"No... no, no, no, this canât be happening..." Sam muttered, his voice shaking. His mind screamed at him to get up, to run, but his legs refused to move. Instead, his body betrayed him, trembling uncontrollably. I killed him. I saw him die!
Varak let out another blood-curdling screech as his muscles twisted and reformed, growing larger, more defined. His skin darkened to a deeper shade, his horns regrew, longer and sharper than before, curving back with a malevolent grace. Black flames licked the edges of his wounds, sealing them shut, and with every passing second, Varak became something more monstrousâmore powerfulâthan Sam could have ever imagined.
A few glistening tears trailed down Varak's cheek, remnants of something vaguely human before they were consumed by the beast he had become. His transformation complete, he stood taller, his aura radiating an overwhelming sense of dread. His power was palpable, suffocating.
Samâs breath hitched. He could feel his body reacting to the sheer terror of the sight in front of himâsmall, involuntary cuts started appearing on his skin, like his fear had become something physical, something that hurt. His trembling hands tried to reach for his sword, but even that seemed too heavy now.
What is happening? Samâs mind raced in panic as his heart pounded. Heâs supposed to be dead! I killed him!
In his desperation, Sam called out, his voice shaking. âSystem! Whatâs happening?!â
The system, usually so calm and composed, stuttered in response. "IâI didnât expect this... I didnât anticipate... The demon god has bestowed his power upon Varak!"
Samâs breath caught in his throat. The demon god?
The systemâs voice trembled slightly, which sent a fresh wave of fear through Sam. "Every godâwhether human, angel, or demonâhas the ability to bestow power upon individuals who catch their eye. They grant a second life to those who show exceptional strength or potential. Varak... Varak has been given this power by the demon god himself. He has been reborn, stronger than ever."
Samâs entire body went cold. His already shaky grip on the situation shattered entirely. Stronger than ever? He could barely defeat Varak the first time. Now this?
His body, utterly spent from the battle, finally gave out. Sam collapsed onto the ground, his face pressing against the cool earth. His breaths were shallow, his mind on the brink of complete breakdown. He couldnât even gather enough strength to move. How do I fight this? I canât even stand!
Trembling, he forced his mouth to move, his voice barely above a whisper. "System... analyze Varak... please..."
The holographic screen flickered into view, but what Sam saw on it made his heart stop. His vision swam, and for a brief moment, everything went dark. He passed out for several seconds, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
When his eyes fluttered open, the stats were still there, staring back at him, more terrifying than anything heâd ever faced:
Demon Commander Varak Stats
Health: 6,200/6,200
Mana: 2,800/2,800
Strength: 593
Agility: 351
Sense: 254
Reaction Speed: 707
Reaction Time: 620
Intellect: 320
Perception: 420
Stamina: 600
Sam blinked, his mind struggling to process the numbers. Six thousand... His health is over six thousand. His strength... everything... Itâs... itâs impossible.
He was stronger than before. Faster. His reaction speed alone had nearly doubled. Samâs body shook uncontrollably. His hands clutched the dirt beneath him as he tried to steady his breathing, but the terror was all-consuming. I canât win this. Iâm going to die here.
Varak took a slow, deliberate step toward Sam, his eyes glowing with the cruel amusement of a predator toying with its prey. The ground shook beneath his immense power. Sam, barely able to lift his head, could do nothing but watch.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
In that moment, for the first time, Sam truly felt itâthe helplessness of knowing that no matter how hard he fought, no matter how desperately he wanted to survive, death was looming, and it was wearing Varakâs face.
Varak's voice, now deeper, more guttural, rumbled like distant thunder. "You thought you could defeat me, boy?" His laughter echoed, filling the air with a sound so dark, it made Samâs blood run cold. "You may have won a battle, but this war... this war was never yours to win."
Samâs vision blurred again, darkness creeping at the edges. His body was screaming for rest, but rest was a luxury he couldnât afford. I canât win... But I canât give up. Not now.
As his consciousness faded in and out, Sam clung to one final, desperate hope: there had to be a way. There has to be a way.
But as Varakâs shadow loomed over him, that hope was slipping away fast.
Sam's heart pounded in his chest like a war drum. Varak's terrifying transformation had sucked all hope from the air, leaving only the cold bite of dread. His body quivered from fear, from exhaustion, and from the overwhelming realization that he was completely outmatched. He couldnât stop staring at Varakâs stats on the holographic screen.
6,200 health. 707 reaction speed. 593 strength. The numbers burned into his mind, making everything else seem distant, foggy.
"I'm going to die." The thought gnawed at him, growing louder with every beat of his heart. It echoed in his mind as Varak took a slow, deliberate step toward him, his glowing eyes filled with the promise of destruction.
Varak vanished.
Before Sam could even register what had happened, the massive demon was upon him, swinging his massive axe faster than anything Sam had ever seen. The world slowed down for a brief moment, but not in the way it had before during fights. It wasnât clarity; it was the sheer, crushing force of Varakâs speed.
"Move!" The command screamed through Samâs mind, but his body lagged behind. His limbs were sluggish, heavy. Too slow. Iâm too slow.
The axe came down with a horrifying whistling sound, like death itself cutting through the air. Samâs eyes widened, his muscles finally responding in a burst of adrenaline-fueled desperation. He rolled to the side, just as the blade struck the ground with an ear-splitting crash. The force of the blow sent shards of rock and debris flying everywhere, some of it cutting into his skin.
Pain exploded through him, but he was alive. Barely.
He tried to scramble to his feet, but his legs gave out beneath him. His breaths were coming in ragged, panicked gasps, and his vision swam. Varak laughed darkly, already raising his axe for another strike.
"Iâll toy with you a little longer, boy," Varak taunted, his voice thick with malice. "After all, whatâs the point of this new power if I donât savor the fear in your eyes?"
Samâs mind was breaking. He could feel it, like the last remnants of his sanity slipping through his fingers. I canât do this. I canât survive this.
His body hurt. His soul hurt. And worst of all, his mind screamed at him to give up, to surrender to the inevitable. Every time he tried to stand, his muscles refused to respond, and the crushing reality of his helplessness sent his mind spiraling into darkness.
"System..." His voice was barely a whisper, a pathetic plea for help. "Do something. Anything."
The system flickered into view, its usually calm tone now frantic. "Sam... Iâm... analyzing options..."
Options? There were no options. He was going to die. He knew it. The system knew it. Everyone knew it.
Varakâs axe came crashing down again, and this time, Sam barely managed to roll out of the way. His entire body screamed in agony as he forced himself to move, his breath coming in panicked gasps. I canât keep dodging like this. One hit. One hit and itâs over.
Suddenly, the system blared in his mind. "Defensive skill acquisition activated."
Sam blinked through his tears of exhaustion and fear. "What?"
"Skill unlocked: Fortress Skinâreduces physical damage by 50% for 60 seconds."
The words hit him like a lifeline thrown into stormy seas. He didnât know how, but he activated it immediately, feeling a strange sensation wash over his bodyâlike his skin had become tougher, denser. But there was no time to think. Varak was already lunging at him again.
This time, the axe struck his side with enough force to throw him across the ground like a ragdoll. Pain exploded through him, but it was dulled, muted by the new skill. Sam gasped, clutching his ribs where the blow had landed, but he was alive. The skill worked.
But Varak wasnât done.
He was moving again, faster than Sam could comprehend, and the only thing keeping him from being torn to pieces was the dull, defensive aura of Fortress Skin. The demonâs strikes rained down like a relentless storm, but Samâthrough sheer willpower and terrorâmanaged to react just in time, rolling, dodging, avoiding fatal blows by mere inches.
The system's voice crackled in his mind again. "New skill unlocked: Iron Resolveâtemporarily enhances physical defense and fortitude under extreme stress."
Without thinking, Sam activated it. His body surged with newfound resilience, his trembling hands gripping the dirt as he tried to stand. Varakâs next strike hit him hard, but he didnât crumble. The force sent him skidding backward, but he remained on his feet. His bones didnât shatter like he expected.
But he wasnât fast enough to avoid every blow. His body screamed in pain as Varakâs relentless assault continued, his skin bruising and his muscles aching. But the system kept throwing skills at him, each one designed to prolong his survival, to keep him alive just a little longer.
"Skill unlocked: Barrier Wardâcreates a temporary shield, blocking incoming attacks."
Sam felt itâthe energy gathering around him, a faint shimmering barrier forming just in time to block another one of Varakâs deadly strikes. The axe collided with the barrier, sending shockwaves through the air, but the shield held, if only for a moment.
"I canât keep this up," Sam thought, panic setting in once more as Varak growled, his attacks becoming more frenzied. "Iâm just delaying the inevitable."
His body was barely holding on. Every breath felt like fire in his lungs, and his vision wavered, black spots creeping into the edges of his sight. The defensive skills were helping, but they werenât enough. Varak was too strong, too fast. And Sam knew he couldnât keep dodging forever.
"System, please," he whispered, voice breaking with desperation. "Is there anything else?"
The system hesitated. "Analyzing... analyzing... Sam, Iâm detecting one final defensive skill, but... itâs risky."
Sam swallowed hard, knowing he didnât have a choice. "Do it."
The system's voice quivered as it activated the skill. "Skill unlocked: Last Standâincreases all defenses to their maximum limit for 30 seconds. After the skill ends, you will be left vulnerable for twice that duration."
Sam felt the surge of power rush through him. His body felt like it was encased in steel, unbreakable, unyielding. Varak's axe struck again, but this time, Sam didnât move. He didnât need to. The axe crashed against him, and for the first time, Varakâs eyes widened in shock as his attack was completely absorbed.
For a moment, Sam felt invincible.
But he knew the truth: this was only temporary. Thirty seconds. Thatâs all I have.
Varakâs face twisted into a snarl as he realized what had happened. "You think that pathetic skill will save you, boy?" His voice dripped with rage as he readied another strike, faster, stronger. But Sam stood firm, his heart racing, knowing that his time was running out.
And when it did, there would be nothing left to protect him.
Sam felt the surge of power like a flood of adrenaline crashing through his veins. The weight of exhaustion lifted, replaced by an overwhelming sense of invincibility. His vision sharpened, and every detail of Varak's monstrous form was suddenly clear. The demon, snarling with fury, took a step back in surprise. For the first time, Varakâs confidence wavered as Sam stood tall, no longer retreating or scrambling to survive.
But Sam knew the truth. Thirty seconds. That's all I have. This wasn't salvation; it was a brief respite before the inevitable. His heart pounded in his chest as he gripped his sword tighter. If he was going to make these seconds count, he had to give it everything he had.
Varak, recovering from his brief shock, sneered. "No tricks can save you now, boy!" He lunged, his massive axe swinging down with the force to split mountains.
Sam braced himself, his instincts screaming to dodge, but he stood his ground. The axe connected with his chest, a thunderous crack reverberating through the air. Instead of feeling the crushing blow, Sam barely registered the impact. The skill had hardened his body to the point of near invulnerability. He smiled grimly, knowing this borrowed strength wouldn't last.
Twenty-nine seconds.
Sam countered with a swift upward slash aimed at Varak's torso. His movements were faster now
than he'd ever been before, his muscles moving with a precision and speed he didn't even know he possessed. His blade sliced into Varak's chest, but it barely left a mark. The demon's skin was like armor, tougher than anything Sam had ever encountered. The hit was enough to stagger Varak, but the reality was clear: this power boost wasnât enough.
Twenty-eight seconds.
Varak roared, more in annoyance than pain, as Sam leapt back, creating distance. Sam's breathing was already labored, his mind racing for a strategy. I need to be smarter about this, not just stronger. He activated his Analyze skill again, trying to find any weak spot, any advantage.
Twenty-seven seconds.
His heart sank. Varakâs health had barely dropped.
Varak's Stats: Health: 5,932/6,200 Mana: 2,700/2,800 Strength: 593 Agility: 351 Reaction Speed: 707
Even with his enhanced abilities, Samâs attacks were doing minimal damage. His mind screamed at him to retreat, to run, but there was nowhere to go. Varakâs stats were beyond anything he had ever faced before.
"Why won't you just stay down!" Sam muttered under his breath, frustration boiling over. Every instinct screamed that this battle was hopeless. But there was no way out. If he failed, he would die here, and possibly for the last time. Sam wasn't sure how many chances he had left, and the terrifying realization hit him: This might be the end.
Twenty-six seconds.
Varak moved, his reaction speed making him a blur. Sam barely had time to twist out of the way as the demon's axe came crashing down again, leaving a deep scar in the earth where Sam had stood. The sheer force of the swing kicked up dust and rocks, blinding Sam temporarily. He blinked furiously to clear his vision, but Varak was already upon him.
Sam dodged left, then right, using his Void Step skill to teleport short distances, trying to outmaneuver Varak's brutal attacks. Each time, he narrowly escaped death. But the strain on his body was growing unbearable. His limbs screamed in protest, muscles tearing with every move.
Twenty-five seconds.
Sam's mind raced. He had to take risks. His only chance was to use his brief window of strength to try something drastic. With a grunt, he dove towards Varak's flank, aiming for the demon's legs. He slashed low, hoping to destabilize his enemy, but Varak saw the move coming. He jumped back with incredible agility, and Samâs blade met only air.
Varak grinned viciously, âIs that all youâve got, human? Youâre wasting your time.â His voice dripped with mockery.
Twenty-three seconds.
Panic was starting to set in. Samâs attacks werenât enough, his enhanced power wasnât enough, and time was slipping through his fingers. Desperation took over as he launched another series of attacks, each strike faster than the last. He aimed for Varakâs head, his neck, anywhere that looked vulnerable, but Varak was too fast, too experienced. Each hit was blocked or dodged effortlessly.
Twenty-one seconds.
Samâs stamina was flagging. His sword arm was heavy, his lungs burned for air. Even with his enhanced abilities, Varak was toying with him. Sam knew that in a straight fight, this demon was leagues ahead. I need more time. I need more power!
Nineteen seconds.
Varak smirked and swung his axe again, this time a horizontal arc aimed to decapitate. Sam barely ducked in time, feeling the wind from the massive blade brush his hair. His heart pounded wildly in his chest. He needed to land a decisive blow, but how? Varakâs defense was nearly impenetrable, and Samâs stamina was running out faster than his borrowed time.
Then, the system spoke in his mind, startling him. "System Credits available: 47,826. Allocate 1,000 credits for 2 additional seconds to Void Step?"
Sam hesitated for only a split second before answering, "Yes, do it!"
Seventeen seconds.
A renewed surge of power coursed through him as the timer extended. This is my only chance. He used Void Step again, appearing directly behind Varak, aiming for the base of his spine. The sword struck, and this time, it bit deeper than before. Varak roared in genuine pain as blood sprayed from the wound. Sam gritted his teeth and pushed harder, but Varak twisted around and backhanded him with enough force to send him flying.
Sam crashed hard into the ground, skidding across the dirt, his vision blurring from the impact. He coughed, tasting blood in his mouth. Fifteen seconds.
Varak staggered slightly but remained standing. His wound was significant, but not enough to turn the tide. The demonâs eyes flared with rage as he stomped toward Sam, his monstrous figure looming larger with every step.
âYouâre starting to annoy me, human,â Varak growled, his voice dark and full of hatred. "Iâll finish this, and there wonât be enough left of you to regenerate."
Thirteen seconds.
Samâs body screamed in protest as he forced himself to stand. His legs wobbled, his vision swam, but he had no choice. This was itâthe final push. His hand trembled as he gripped his sword, readying himself for one last effort. I just need to survive long enoughâ¦
Varak raised his axe, preparing to strike the final blow. Samâs heart pounded in his ears. Every second felt like an eternity.
Ten seconds.
The system spoke again, âSystem Coins remaining: 46,826. Allocate 1,000 credits for 2 additional seconds?â
"Yes!" Sam barked, not hesitating this time. Every second was vital now.
The clock reset. Sam blinked behind Varak again, his sword slashing across the demonâs back. This time, the blade bit deeper, drawing a torrent of blood. Varak let out a howl of pain, and for the first time, Sam saw real fear in the demon's eyes. I can do this! I can win!
Eight seconds.
But Varak was still far from defeated. He spun around, faster than Sam could react, and slammed his fist into Samâs gut. The impact was like a sledgehammer, knocking the wind out of him and sending him sprawling. Sam gasped for air, his vision darkening as he struggled to breathe.
Five seconds.
The system chimed once more, âSystem Coins remaining: 45,826. Allocate 1,000 credits for 2 additional seconds?â
Sam barely managed to nod in response. Just a little more time.
He staggered to his feet, his sword slipping from his grasp. His entire body was shaking from exhaustion, every nerve screaming in agony. Three seconds.
Varak loomed over him, grinning wickedly. âNo more tricks, human. Your time is up.â
Two seconds.
Samâs hand shot out, grasping the hilt of his sword with the last of his strength. I have one shot left.
One second.
With a final, desperate roar, Sam used the last of his mana to launch himself forward, driving the blade straight into Varakâs chest. The demon screamed in fury and agony as the sword pierced his heart, black blood pouring from the wound. Sam collapsed to his knees, panting, his vision dark and his body completely spent.
The last thing he heard before everything went black was the systemâs cold, detached voice.
âTime expired.â