Jolly Knight Vs. NPC: Part 8

"GAH!"

[You received -300 HP Damage]

[You received -300 HP Damage]

[You received -300 HP Damage]

Eidos found himself in a dire situation, locked in a relentless battle against Marie, one of the formidable Jolly Knights. The exhilaration of the fight had given way to a growing sense of despair as he struggled to keep up with her overwhelming magical onslaught. Each dodge, each parry, each evasive maneuver weighed heavily on him, draining his stamina and resolve.

As he darted and weaved, narrowly avoiding a torrent of magical projectiles, doubt gnawed at Eidos's heart. His mind filled with self-deprecating thoughts, echoing the expectations he believed others had for this battle.

"This is the outcome that everyone expects, even me," he thought, his thoughts as heavy as his labored breaths. "There's no way I can defeat one of the Jolly Knights. I already showed them everything I had."

[You received -300 HP Damage]

In that moment of vulnerability, Eidos's mind conjured an image he had tried to bury deep within his memories – the face of his deceased sister, Edea. Her gentle smile, the warmth of her embrace, and the promise they had made to protect each other flashed vividly in his mind.

Gritting his teeth, Eidos berated himself for his momentary lapse of resolve. He knew that giving in to defeat was the easy way out, but it was a path he could not tread. His sister's memory, along with the countless friends and family he had lost, fueled a fire within him. He couldn't let their sacrifices be in vain. He had to be stronger, not just for himself but for their memory.

With renewed determination, Eidos refocused his energy, pushing aside the doubt and despair that had threatened to overwhelm him. He remembered the countless battles he had fought, the challenges he had overcome, and the growth he had achieved along his journey.

Eidos knew that he couldn't defeat Marie with raw power alone, but he had something that set him apart – adaptability and versatility. He had displayed his ability to wield multiple weapons and skills, surprising not only Marie but also the rest of the Jolly Knights. 

As Eidos continued to clash with Marie, his movements became more fluid, and his attacks more unpredictable. He seamlessly transitioned between weapons and skills, keeping Marie on her toes and preventing her from gaining the upper hand.

The fight raged on, the odds still stacked against him, but Eidos had found his resolve once more. With his sister's memory as his guiding light and the determination to become stronger burning within him, he faced Marie with unwavering determination. He might be the underdog, but he refused to surrender. This battle was far from over, and he was ready to give it his all.

"I cant sti--"

But then, a stark reality dawned upon him. Despite his unwavering determination and unyielding will, the truth became painfully clear: in the face of overwhelming power, his resolve alone was futile.

*

"SUPER NOVA," 

A colossal fireball appeared and hurtled toward Eidos, time seemed to slow. In the face of such overwhelming power, his unwavering determination and resolve suddenly felt insignificant. 

Eidos desperately considered his options, but it was clear that there was no way he could match the sheer magnitude of Marie's magic. He couldn't summon a counterattack in time, and the destructive force of the approaching fireball was too great for him to evade.

In that fleeting moment, he thought of his sister Edea once more, and the pang of regret and sorrow pierced his heart. He wished he could have fulfilled the promise they had made to protect each other.

But just as despair threatened to consume him. Eidos remembered a skill he had acquired during his journey, one that he hadn't revealed to the Jolly Knights – a skill that allowed him to sacrifice his own life force to create a protective barrier. But he has doubts that the KingsWolf shield alone is not enough to protect him from that attack.

But then a brilliant idea ignited in his mind. He smiled and summoned his new found determination, gambling everything he had on this silly idea.

With determination bordering on recklessness, Eidos swiftly invoked the skill, channeling all of his remaining strength and life energy into creating a powerful barrier. The air around him shimmered with a bluish glow as the barrier formed just in time.

The fiery explosion of Marie's "SUPER NOVA" engulfed Eidos, and the force of the blast sent shockwaves rippling through the training ground. The Jolly Knights shielded their eyes from the blinding light and heat, fearing the worst.

But when the dust and smoke cleared, a sight that left them in awe and disbelief greeted their eyes. Eidos, battered and bruised but alive, stood within the protective barrier, which had absorbed the brunt of the explosion.

His armor and weapons were seemingly scorched, and his body ached from the ordeal, but Eidos had defied the odds and survived the devastating attack. He had proven that even in the face of overwhelming power, sheer determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to sacrifice could lead to unexpected triumphs.

[HP: 50/5200]

"I did it! It actually worked!"

Amidst the lingering smoke, Eidos stood, a triumphant grin gracing his face as he admired his own arms. Rather than a single shield, both of his hands now wielded one.

"I've successfully equipped two weapons at once! the gods didn't interfere"

Eidos lowered the barrier, revealing his defiant gaze. Despite the odds, he remained standing, a testament to the indomitable spirit that drove him to become stronger, for his sister and all those he had lost.

The Jolly Knights watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of admiration, and astonishment. Eidos had faced the impossible and lived to tell the tale.

Raiza's voice boomed with stern rebuke, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Mari! What are you thinking? Are you trying to kill Eidos?"

Marie's face lost its color; she hadn't intended to harm Eidos, but the thrill of the battle had consumed her to the point where she hadn't realized how serious she had become.

Seraphina, her eyes wide with worry, instinctively reached out her hands, ready to channel her healing magic to mend any injuries Eidos might have sustained. But before she could take a single step, Eidos raised his right hand, his gesture a plea for her to stay her magic.

"Lady Seraphina, please stop," Eidos spoke with a gentle and reassuring smile, his unwavering gaze still fixed on Marie. "The match is far from over."

[You gain 100 HP Due to Regeneration]

[HP: 150/5200]