CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36 – TRUE MONSTER (PART 3)

Chapter 36 – True Monster (Part 3)

Jack closed the distance as fast as he could, using his Aether to boost his agility even further. He knew he needed every bit of speed he could muster at that moment. He had to strike before the monster could do anything—or even react.

In a split second, he reached the target and thrust his sword forward, aiming for the monster’s exposed back. His eyes were sharp and focused, and his breathing completely controlled, maximizing his abilities and composure.

The sword cut through the air, piercing the monster’s flesh and drawing blood. At the same time, the Undead turned to look behind it. The sword dug several inches into its flesh before the creature roared and reached out to grab Jack.

Everything happened before any normal person could even react—the move, the attack, and the counter—all occurring in quick succession. At this level, where each side is several times stronger than an average human being, things moved way faster. A single small mistake could be the difference between life and death.

Jack clenched his teeth and quickly pulled his sword out as he ducked under the monster’s arm. Then, he jumped back to create distance. His attack worked!

’I need to run! I could barely leave a mark on its body. Its skin is as tough as I expected.’

Even with his Song of the Night, which should easily harm any creature below level 15, he still struggled to pierce its skin.

Still, Jack was at least glad it could do that much, even if not as effectively as he wished.

"ROAAAR!!"

However, even when his timing was perfect and his dodge successful, that didn’t put him completely out of danger. After all, this was no ordinary monster.

The creature suddenly pushed off the ground, leaving a crack in the tiles as it launched forward at full force, closing the distance in mere moments.

Jack’s eyes widened slightly in shock before he quickly raised his sword. He had no time to react properly—he hadn’t even landed yet. It was the worst possible timing.

BANG

"AGH!"

The hit sent Jack flying several feet back. He crashed into a broken table, rolled across the ground, and barely managed to land on his feet. Holding his side, he winced in pain. He had slammed straight into the table in an awkward position, leaving a deep bruise in that spot.

"That hurts..." he whispered as he spat out saliva and looked up at the monster.

’How did it instantly go from completely stationary to full speed in a moment? It didn’t do that earlier.’ He frowned. Did it deliberately hide that ability to take me by surprise? Or is this just bad luck?

He couldn’t tell when his enemy was a walking contradiction. It looked bestial but wasn’t stupid; it acted like every other Undead and yet displayed primal critical thinking. Every action it took could be a moment of genius or mere instinct—he couldn’t tell.

Standing up, the Undead roared and grabbed a table, throwing it at Jack. The latter swung his sword, slicing the object in two as each half flew past him. But from behind that cover, the monster suddenly emerged and attacked.

’I knew that.’ He clenched his teeth and immediately used Red Lightning.

Sizzle.

His arm sparked with a bright light as he swung it. The red lightning slammed into the creature’s body, rendering it completely motionless for a second as it screeched in pain. Then, Jack used Mind Manipulation as he leaped into the air, kicked the monster to the ground, and stared deep into its eyes.

His cold, emotionless gaze—like that of a demon—made the creature hesitate and freeze.

[Your skill Mind Manipulation has leveled up!]

Jack ignored the notification and stabbed his sword into the monster’s throat. ’I need to sever it!’

However, before he could swipe and finish the job, the creature snapped out of its stun and grabbed his leg. Jack tried to pull away, but the monster swung him with full force, slamming him into the ground.

The boy cried out in pain. But the monster didn’t stop—it pulled him again and slammed him down, cracking the floor with ease. Each hit sent shockwaves of pain through his entire body.

"S... stop!!" Clenching his teeth, Jack’s lightning manifested again, and he blasted it straight into the monster’s face.

"ROAAAAAR!!!" The creature instinctively released him, screaming from the sheer pain. Its face burned, and its eyes boiled violently. Even an Undead couldn’t withstand that kind of agony.

"Hah... Hah..." Grabbing his sword, the boy forced himself to stand and limped out of danger. His side throbbed with pain, and blood trickled down his forehead from a deep gash.

’Dammit. Not even a mix of Red Lightning and Mind Manipulation could buy me more than a second to attack.’ He cursed inwardly. ’This thing is very resistant to both.’

Rushing up the stairs, he glanced back and saw the monster already on his trail. Its burning, half-melted face looked even more terrifying than before. Continuing up the staircase, Jack ran into one of the rooms and slammed the door shut.

"Hah... Hah... Hah..." He took several deep breaths, trying to ignore the pain searing through every part of his body. Pressing his ear against the door, he listened quietly as the heavy stomps echoed from the hall.

Then it stopped—seemingly confused.

’What should I do? I’m badly injured... I only have enough Aether left for maybe one strong attack... I need to make it count.’

A sense of real threat crept into his mind, one he quickly forced away. There was no time for fear—only calculation.

"Mmmm, someone’s in trouble," Liliana whispered with an amused smile. "It’s broken one of your ribs, Jack."

"Shut up," Jack replied coldly as he pulled a healing potion from his pocket and stared at it. After hesitating for a second, he clicked his tongue, uncorked it, and chugged the liquid down.

It was sweet and slightly fruity, but not strong—a pleasant taste, considering the situation. It didn’t take long before Jack felt its effects: a spreading warmth that eased the pain throughout his body.

The numbness faded, replaced by a faint sense of relief.

’Okay. I can manage with this.’ He took a deep breath.

"Hehe, isn’t it amusing, Jack? This sense of despair you’re facing," the demoness purred. "Many can’t handle it... and it’s death that awaits them."

"..."

"Which side are you going to be on? The ones who thrive in despair—or the ones who die in it?"

Her words dripped with amusement and a strange sense of thrill. One glance at her eyes told him everything—she was enjoying this. Jack’s suffering. His danger. His desperation.

’She isn’t a demon for no reason...’ he thought with narrowed eyes.

"Neither," Jack said flatly. He didn’t seem that disturbed by her attitude. After all, Jack could see beyond her friendly and amicable personality; she was a twisted demon. One who wanted to enjoy herself. Not even for a second did Jack fall for her facade.

"Ohoh?"

"I don’t need to conform to your sick fantasies," Jack replied. "I’ll do whatever the hell I see as right. Don’t classify me in your small game, Liliana."