Chapter 8

Hiding behind a wall, Sam breathed heavily. His heart pounded faster and faster. The devil that had just appeared was incredibly massive and intimidating. Even a single slap took away one-third of his health, which meant that three hits could end his life.

Reaching into his pocket, Sam retrieved a few medical pills. Ever since he realized that his body was game-like, he pondered what would be the most effective healing method. The answer was potions and medicines. He held some painkillers and nutrition pills in one hand and grabbed a bottle of water with the other. He then consumed the medicines.

[HP +...]

His health bar was quickly restored. Now, only a step away from death, he looked back at the direction of the clown devil. He could sense the intensity of the battle. It was evident that Himeno was having a tough time dealing with it.

Here he was, cowering behind cover like a coward, intimidated by a clown.

'What should I do? Fight or flee? If I escape, there's no guarantee no one would catch up to me. Even if I succeed, living with a guilty conscience is difficult. But if I take on that monstrous creature, I'll be torn apart.'

[Ding. Mission Triggered: Devil Boss Fight.

Engage in battle against the clown despite the odds.

Goal: Survive until the end of the battle.

+20,000 XP

+A skill book]

'Survive, huh? Even the mission doesn't think I can win.'

He clenched his teeth and his fist. Frustrated with himself, he slammed his fist against the wall, causing the stone to crack.

"I'll call that old man." He grabbed his phone and dialed Sai.

"Hey, you? Do you know what time it is?"

"You don't sound like you're asleep. Where are you? I need your help in a fight."

"Sorry, I have important matters," Sai replied, with a feminine voice audible in the background.

"Are you at the red light district?"

"None of your business."

Sam massaged his temple. "Listen, I'm facing a high-ranking devil. Just like you said, I'm paralyzed by fear, overwhelmed, and almost unable to move."

"Heh? It's your first battle, so it's okay." Sai chuckled. "It's a matter of choice. Go back and fight. Once you're in battle mode, you'll be so focused that your emotions won't distract you. And even if you think about it, you have no one to miss you when you die. So shake it off."

"Come back here, Sai..." The feminine voice in the background became clearer.

Sam hung up the call. "What an old bastard." He put the phone away.

'Guess I'll fight. Fine. I have a giant clown, and his powers are circus-themed.'

'I can't beat it head-on in a strength contest, so I need to rely on wits and speed.'

Opening the system, he checked his skills and affinities.

[Agility increased to 15]

[Wind Footwork upgraded to level 4]

[Speed increased by 40%

20 MP/Min]

'There are many clowns. I can make up for the points I lost.' He thought as he unsheathed his sword and headed back to the battle site.

-x-X-x-

"Just come out, little girl. I want to play," taunted the clown devil, leaping. The ground barely trembled as its massive body bounced like a baboon's.

Himeno was concealed behind a box. Thanks to her ghost hand, she managed to land a few solid hits on the clown devil's face. However, the damage was minimal.

"Come on, don't make me fart to get you out," grinned the clown. "Hehe. Did you catch the rhythm? It's so amusing. Fart to get you out."

"Farting would only release your crap," came Sam's voice. "But don't worry. Slicing your guts will yield the same result."

The clown's attention shifted to Sam, who approached with determination.

"Ho... I don't smell fear on you. Did you excrete it?" The clown noticed Sam's changed demeanor.

"You ignorant fool," Himeno emerged from her hiding spot. "Run away."

"No way." Sam advanced cautiously toward the devil, who seemed amused. Retrieving some metallic balls from its pocket, the clown began to juggle them, rolling the balls in the air.

Sam crouched and activated his Wind Footwork. With two levels upgraded and his agility boosted by four, his speed and attack velocity should be heightened.

"Observe this trick." The clown hurled its balls at Sam, creating a threatening barrage.

Sam's body blurred as he dashed forward, weaving between the devil's legs and slashing at one leg. The sharp blade sliced through the skin and flesh, causing the creature to kneel. The clown retaliated with a clenched fist, aiming a punch at Sam's back.

Anticipating the attack, Sam backflipped, swiping at the hand and causing blood to spurt.

"You know what, kid?" The devil's eyes turned red and black. "Let's play trampoline." It slammed the ground, creating a trampoline-like effect before rebounding into the air, launching Sam skyward.

As Sam soared, the devil opened its mouth, ready to catch him.

Meanwhile, Himeno extended her hand, her ghost hand gripping Sam's collar, saving him from falling into the mouth of the devil.

Trusting his partner, boss, or whatever she was, Sam gripped his sword tightly with both hands. Guided by the ghost hand, he changed direction. Swinging his sword, he caught the devil's eye and ear. As he descended to the ground, he rolled to cushion his landing.

[HP -30]

'Fall damage,' he thought as he got up and turned his gaze to the devil. One leg remained to be sliced, one eye to be blinded. The odds, previously against him, were shifting in his favor. Although his attacks might not have gone deep, he had to believe in his ability to triumph.

"Children, get him!" Numerous possessed clowns emerged from all directions.

"Boss, let's move away from here." Seeing a horde of XP sources headed his way, Sam smiled. He deactivated his movement skill to save MP, then sprinted in one direction. Many clowns chased after him, while the main devil rested.

Himeno let out a sigh. "Don't tell me what to do. Also, you should've gone for the heart." She aimed her hand at the main devil, and the wound deepened, causing more bleeding.

As for Sam, when he put a fair distance between himself and the clown, he turned and observed the possessed humans.

"Sorry, boys. I'll be back to you later." With his slightly increased attack speed, they wouldn't pose a significant challenge. However, he preferred not to waste time. While the main clown was preoccupied, he would capitalize on the opportunity to finish it off.

Activating his footwork, he dashed back. He located Himeno, who was hiding and aiming her arm at the devil while it used metallic balls as projectiles.

'Perfect opportunity.' He sprinted forward, ascended the clown's back, and upon reaching its neck, he thrust his sword. The clown collapsed. In that moment, Himeno emerged from hiding, placed her hand inside the clown's mouth, and crushed.

The devil's eyes instantly lost their life.

"Finally managed to crush its heart," Himeno plopped down on the ground. She then glared at Sam with annoyance. "You should've stayed hidden when I told you to. That slap could've killed you."

Suddenly, a burst of blood erupted from the devil's mouth, splattering over Himeno.

"Damn it. I need a bath," Himeno grimaced.

"Hahaha." Sam placed his hand on his belly and chuckled. "Sorry, that slap hit my ears, so I didn't hear you well."

"By the way, what was that?"

"What?"

"Your speed. You were like an elusive fly."

"Just adrenaline," Sam said. "And thank you for saving my life. If not for you, I'd be a meal."

"No problem," she replied.

[Ding. Mission Accomplished.]

[Ding. You've received a 50% bonus.]

[You leveled up.]

[You leveled up.]

[You've leveled up to level 9 (1,000/30,000)]

[+4 SP. +8 AP]

"By the way," Sam turned his head. "Our job isn't done yet." They hadn't dealt with the possessed humans. "You rest. I'll handle them."

"No need. Backup's here," she said.

"Still, we should help." Sam shrugged.