The ground trembled as the Beastlord stepped forward.
He was a towering figure, clad in dark, battle-worn armor etched with the marks of countless battles. His massive battle-axe rested on his shoulder, its edge shimmering with raw power.
Leon wiped the sweat from his brow, still feeling the aftereffects of his battle against the Master of Beasts and Shadows.
But there was no time to rest.
Ding!
⟪ Second opponent selected: The Beastlord. ⟫
⟪ Victory will unlock enhanced physical strength, endurance, and close-combat mastery. ⟫
Leon's grip on his sword tightened.
The Beastlord gave him a single look—then charged.
BOOM!
Leon barely had time to react.
Axe met sword. The shockwave sent cracks through the ground.
Leon gritted his teeth. The sheer force behind the Beastlord's attack was overwhelming. Each swing was like a mountain collapsing.
Faster. Stronger. Heavier.
Leon's arms burned with each block.
The Beastlord didn't slow. He fought like a raging beast—wild, yet controlled. Every attack forced Leon back.
"Dammit—!" Leon cursed as he barely dodged an overhead swing. The axe crashed into the ground, leaving a deep gash in the stone.
This wasn't just about strength.
This was about endurance.
The Beastlord wasn't trying to defeat him in a single strike.
He was testing how long Leon could last.
A Battle of Endurance
Leon's breathing became sharp and controlled.
He adjusted his stance.
The Beastlord lunged again.
Leon dodged.
Then—he attacked.
His blade flashed toward the Beastlord's side.
CLANG!
The Beastlord blocked, his axe moving with terrifying speed.
But Leon wasn't done.
His body flickered. He struck again—faster this time.
One attack.
Two.
Three.
Each strike was deflected, but Leon could feel it.
The rhythm was shifting.
His strength wasn't equal to the Beastlord's.
But his speed was.
Ding!
⟪ Beast Synchronization Activated! ⟫
Leon felt Fenrir's presence surge within him. The instincts of a predator sharpened his mind.
The Beastlord swung again—but Leon moved first.
He ducked under the axe, his blade slicing forward.
A direct hit!
The Beastlord grunted as a deep cut appeared across his chest.
Leon didn't stop.
He pressed forward, his blade flashing like lightning.
The Beastlord swung—Leon sidestepped.
The Beastlord tried to overpower him—Leon slipped away.
It was a battle of attrition.
And Leon was winning.
The Beastlord took a step back, his chest rising and falling.
For the first time—he hesitated.
Leon's eyes narrowed.
"Now," he whispered.
With a final burst of speed, Leon dashed forward.
His blade glowed, infused with the energy of his beasts.
And then—
He struck.
BOOM!
The Beastlord staggered.
For a moment, he stood still—then his form began to shatter like glass.
Ding!
⟪ You have defeated the second opponent! ⟫
⟪ Progress: 2/3 ⟫
⟪ Your physical strength and endurance have greatly improved. ⟫
Leon exhaled sharply, his body aching from the fight.
Two battles down.
Only one remained.
His gaze shifted.
The Beast Sovereign stood still, his golden eyes locked onto Leon.
A slow, knowing smile crossed his face.
Leon clenched his fists.
The final battle was about to begin.
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