CHAPTER 30: THE PROTAGONIST AWAKENS SOMETHING HE SHOULDN’T HAVE

I can feel every fiber in my arm muscles straining, vibrating, and tearing from the impact. Even with my boosted stats, the power running through me is pushing my body to its limit... but I can’t dwell on that. If I lose focus for even a heartbeat, this fight is over.

Glorius’s lips curl into a wild smirk as we remain locked in place, neither of us able to overpower the other. Around us, the crowd stirs, the noise spilling into my ears. I catch Powder’s booming voice cheering for me, Roxy’s quick, ragged breaths, and the frightened whispers of the clerk siblings. The girl hides behind her brother, both of them frozen, eyes wide.

Why can’t I gain the upper hand?

I break the lock, dropping into a low squat, then spinning upward in a violent whirl. A miniature cyclone erupts around me, carrying my blade in a sweeping arc. The idea came from watching dust storms: those wild, twisting winds that seem impossible to break. Now, I’ll make that storm my offense.

Glorius leaps as if my movements are written plainly before him. His massive frame soars upward, almost brushing the ceiling eight meters above. From my vantage, he must have risen nearly six meters before leveling his blade in both hands. A sudden spray of spit arcs down toward me. I twist aside to avoid it, but that single instant of distraction is all he needs.

By the time my focus snaps back, he is already descending like a falling star. His bulk drops with crushing force, the pressure building around me until it feels like gravity itself has thickened, pinning me to the floor. Every muscle strains, my movements slowing under the weight, and I know if I don’t act now, that blade might split me in two.

My scythe isn’t built for defense, so dodging is my only choice. I plant the blade’s edge against the ground and launch myself sideways, avoiding the spot where his strike would have split me. But in the very next heartbeat, steel flashes at my chin, and a burning sting cuts across it.

He spun mid-air, completely changing his trajectory at the last moment. I didn’t see it coming. He’s a monster... insane... how can anyone move like that?

Warm blood trickles down my neck, the cut deep enough to scrape bone. The pain flares hot, but it only feeds the fire in my chest. Rage takes the reins. While he lands and tries to steady himself, I take the single second I’m given and strike with everything I have.

Glorius smiles at me as if victory is already his. I can see it in his eyes: he’s underestimating me. A moment ago, there was fear in his gaze, but after our first clash, that fear has faded, replaced by a dangerous surge of confidence.

He braces his sword to the right, ready to block. I know if my blade meets his, it will be nothing but sparks and an ear-splitting crash. So I twist my body, letting the spin’s momentum carry through, and slam the dull side of my scythe straight into his face.

His eyes finally widen in surprise. He tries to sidestep, but I’m faster this time. Take that for underestimating the author himself, you prick. The thought makes me laugh inside, and to my own surprise, I’m actually enjoying this fight far more than I should.

The impact sends him flying into the shattered pile of rubble, the sound of splintering wood and stone echoing through the hall. Gasps ripple from outside, followed by a moment of stunned silence. I poured all my hatred into that one strike, and it landed perfectly.

But I don’t let myself believe it’s over. This is the protagonist, and no one beats the protagonist so easily.

I heave a sigh of relief. At least I survived that fatal strike. But then everything changes.

The gem in my chest reacts. Until now, it’s been nothing more than an ornament, never revealing a single thing about itself. Yet right now... it’s screaming at me. Telling me to dodge. Move. Now.

I let instinct take over, and thank the heavens I do, because a shadow explodes from the rubble. Glorius rockets toward me like a lightning strike. If I’d been even a second slower, I’d be dead. His speed... it’s unreal. I can’t keep up. It’s as if he’s matching the guild master himself.

A guttural growl tears from his throat. His back is hunched, blade hanging low in one hand. His frame swells grotesquely, muscles ballooning as if he’s drunk a lake in one gulp, the golden armor straining around him. His green eyes are lifeless now, replaced by the wild gleam of a predator. My entire body locks up. This isn’t human anymore.

Golden flames erupt across his body, swirling like a living inferno. His breath comes in heavy bursts, and each exhale spits fire from his throat.

Is this... the end? He’s suddenly on another level entirely.

A system screen flashes before my eyes.

[A second anomaly detected: The protagonist has unlocked a power not intended for them.]

[Recalculating...]

[You have reached the point of no return. The system will now attempt to alter the plot by sacrificing your free Chapters.]

[You have lost 10 free Chapters. Privilege mode is now active. You will begin earning Mythical Coins from readers.]

[You now have greater control over your Author Powers. Use them to fight Glorius. In this state, he will remember nothing.]

[Good luck, Author. The story’s fate is in your hands. Do not kill the protagonist—only knock them out.]

The world around me stills.

What? What the hell just happened? I don’t have time to think. The gem screams again, and I throw myself aside as another slash rips the air where I’d just stood. Without it, I’d be in pieces.

Glorius turns slowly, moving with the raw aggression of a beast. There’s no strategy in his movements, only explosive violence.

Fine... readers, I’m sorry. This is my incompetence at work. I swear I’ll give you a stronger story from here on out, and I’ll never let myself be cornered like this again. But for now...

Let’s go all out.

The streets are empty. Everyone’s already fled. Even the guild master whisked the twins far away the moment Glorius’s aura changed. That old man really is quick.

Blood mist bursts from my index finger, and my golden quill manifests in its place. Without wasting a breath, I draw a barrier around us, sealing the world away. This way, nobody can spy on my author abilities.

Now it’s just me... and the caged beast.

And between the two of us, I’m not so sure which one is truly trapped.

I smirk, feeling a dangerous thrill burning in my chest.