I was met with his fist immediately after he arose from his throne. Unbearable pain attacked as my back crashed into the stone wall.
"Iron!" Alexei cried helplessly.
"I'll be fine, just stay focused!"
Alexei tried shooting arrows at Barbog but they were deflected off his rough skin. As soon as he began reaching for her, my sword shot through the air and stabbed into his arm. Alexei tore apart the handle of her bow. The limb lengthened into a sleek obsidian spear. The spear stabbed deeper into the demon's arm.
Blood gushed out profusely. As she bought time, I summoned another sword and rushed in for another attack. However, the other hand of the demon grabbed me by the head and slammed me, sending the shards of resin debris everywhere.
The hand detached from his body, freeing me of his hold. My consciousness slowly began slipping away. My vision, stained with blood. My limbs ached with an indescribable pain. It felt like my body was falling apart.
"Iron, hurry! This spear can't keep up much longer!" Alexei carefully fought against the demon. Her strength, slowly faltering with each strike.
["Why are you holding back?"]
A carefree voice spoke in an irritated tone. This wasn't the same voice from whenever I came into Oorlog though.
["Some fights have to be fought with your full body and mind. Your true strengths are birthed from your ideals!"]
A mix of red and white sparks swallowed my body. The unbearable pain subsided, my limbs could move, and my consciousness came back to me. A katana, mixed with the same colors of the sparks, materialized in my hand.
["I am your Universe, Oblivion. Tackle challenges with a clear mind and fight for what you want to protect."]
The sparks disappeared at those very words. Alexei had just run out of power to wield her spear, rendering her powerless. The stunned gazes of both fighters fixed on me as I rose.
["The mind is the hilt."]
My vision focused on the white strings unraveling from differing points of the demon's body. Breathing became lighter with my full attention on killing.
[Effect, 'Pugnacity', has activated.]
["Intelligence is the blade."]
There were multiple weaknesses he had. His right arm, left thigh, and the skull masking his face.
[Ability, 'Weak Point', has activated.]
Within a few steps, I was already on top of Barbog's shoulder. Oblivion severed the arm without order.
["And strength is the result."]
"Gaaaaaaaah!!!"
With both of its shoulders removed, I ripped apart the skull mask with my bare hands. A hollow shadow of where a face should have been, lingered behind the shattered mask. Screams of sorrowful agony echoed through the castle. The body of the demon slowly deteriorated in darkness.
"Sorry it took me so long, Alexei." I said in a resolute voice.
[You have slayed Lesser Demon King Barbog!]
[The effects of Oblivion have deactivated.]
Alexei's mouth gaped open in awe. "That was incredible! Some of your hair turned pink and white, and all of a sudden you went, boom, and bam! And then…" Alexei dramatically mocked the battle.
[Multiple rewards have been earned!]
[100 coins have been earned!]
[20 stat points have been earned!]
[Title, "Lesser Demon Slayer", has been earned!]
[Celestial Communication Channel has now opened.]
[Oblivion's gift has been received!]
These nonstop messages were giving me a migraine. Alexei could also be seen rubbing her temples. No harm in checking these things out now, is there?
[Scarlet Insignia has been gifted.]
_______________________
[Item Profile]
Item: Scarlet Insignia
Class: Armor
Rank: S+
Ability: [Scarlet Ignition-Low]
Description: A long white coat with red lining with the embroidery of living flames on its side.
_______________________
My cloak was replaced instantly after I received the gift. The half-buttoned coat draped around me with ease. Damn, if only I had a mirror to check myself out.
"Woah! That totally suits you well, Iron!" Alexei exclaimed as she tugged at my coat. "I got something new too, but it's taking a while to get here…" Alexei's expression became sullen.
"Don't get upset. Your new outfit will get here soon."
"That's not it. I can't find a proper way to thank you! I was totally dead back there, but you swooped in with your flashy powers and saved me. I'll try my best not to falter next time!"
"Are you serious?" I chuckled. "Without you pulling that spear stunt, we would have both been dead. I wouldn't have been able to use Oblivion if it weren't for you."
[Journey urges you to follow its lead.]
[Journey of A New World haste you to visit Maldorai Village!]
"We should get going now, Alexei."