Chapter 14: Combat Challenge

Liam entered the arena, facing the first Combat Puppet. The wooden puppet stood imposing, intricately carved with impressive details. Its robust appearance and empty eyes contrasted with Liam's agile posture.

The atmosphere in the arena heated up as Liam positioned himself in front of the puppet. Both maintained a defensive stance, ready for the imminent confrontation. Liam studied the opponent's structure, analyzing potential openings.

The puppet lunged with a swift strike, but Liam easily dodged, showcasing his agility. 'I'm faster than it.' Liam thought.

After dodging, Liam decided to test the defensive capabilities of the puppet. With a quick spin, he delivered a precise blow to the puppet's back, making it stagger forward.

[-20]

Liam then received feedback from the system and quickly interpreted it. Above the puppet's head appeared:

Wooden Combat Puppet

Durability: 80/100

'Hmm, so it has durability. I'll have to put in a bit more effort.' Liam decided to step up the pace.

The puppet regained balance and turned towards Liam with its blank eyes. With a quick frontal attack, it tried to hit the human in front of it. However, Liam's agility proved superior. With a nimble dodge, he avoided the attack and responded with a series of rapid strikes.

Each punch and kick from Liam targeted the most exposed surface of the Combat Puppet, aiming to wear down its durability. The puppet, programmed to react to attacks, tried to counter, but Liam's expertise kept him one step ahead.

Fascinated spectators watched Liam's skill as the durability of the Combat Puppet rapidly decreased. With a series of four precise moves, Liam delivered the final blow, causing the puppet to collapse on the ground. The audience applauded Liam's victory in the first challenge.

"It's time to move on to the next phase. Viper, are you ready to face two Combat Puppets at once?" Garret announced, his voice resonating through the arena.

Liam nodded with determination, ready to prove his skill once again. He positioned himself in the center of the arena as two new wooden puppets advanced toward him. The spectators watched with interest, eager to see how he would handle this new challenge.

The Combat Puppets approached Liam, each assuming a defensive posture. Their movements were predictable, but still represented a significant threat if not handled carefully.

Liam carefully observed the puppets, studying their movement limitations and weak points. He noticed that, although the puppets were agile, their joints had a certain stiffness, making them vulnerable to precise attacks.

With this insight, Liam adopted a strategic approach. He moved swiftly, dodging the puppets' attacks while looking for opportunities to strike. His movements were fluid and calculated.

Identifying the key points on the puppets, Liam adjusted his strategy. Instead of relying solely on brute force to knock down the puppets, he targeted the joints and critical areas, efficiently reducing the opponents' durability.

One puppet attempted a frontal attack. With a quick spin, Liam dodged and delivered a precise blow to one of the puppet's joints, causing a significant reduction in durability.

[-40]

The affected puppet staggered briefly, giving Viper an opening to attack the second opponent. The second puppet attempted a lateral attack, but Liam, now aware of its capabilities, easily evaded. He focused his blows on the shoulder joint, once again causing a significant reduction in durability.

[-40]

'So hitting joints reduces durability much more… Interesting.' Liam reflected amid the small challenge of facing two opponents weaker than him.

The weakened puppets desperately tried to stay active. Viper continued to target their joints, taking advantage of the strategic edge.

With a final calculated strike, Liam hit the critical joint of one of the puppets, causing it to collapse. Using its body as a springboard, he landed behind the other puppet, swiftly hitting its neck and following up with a sweep.

Soon, Instructor Garret initiated the next phase, and four Combat Puppets stepped forward.

Liam observed the four Combat Puppets approaching, each with the same robust appearance and vacant eyes.

Among Liam's thoughts, 'If I focus too much on dodging, I'll end up exhausted for the next phases. I need to wrap this up quickly.' With this consideration in mind, he decided to adopt a more aggressive approach.

The puppets advanced slowly, their stiff joints revealing the predictability of their movements. Liam analyzed the situation, choosing the most efficient strategy to deal with the puppets.

With a swift move, Liam approached the first puppet, delivering a precise blow to a critical joint, causing an instant decrease of 40 in durability.

[-40]

The puppet staggered, and Liam seized the opportunity to attack the second one. With a precise kick, he targeted another joint, reducing durability by another 40.

[-40]

Amid agile movements, Liam continued attacking the joints, alternating between precise strikes and normal blows to optimize effectiveness. He noticed the resistance of the puppets, but his calculated strategy was wreaking havoc.

With a determined thought, 'Two down, two more to go,' Liam moved on to the remaining puppets. He dodged an attack, hit a joint, delivered a normal blow, and so on. Each move was calculated to maximize damage.

[-20] [-40] [-20]

The weakened puppets tried to react, but Liam's dexterity prevailed. He knew he needed to end the confrontation before fatigue set in.

With a series of rapid and precise movements, Liam hit the remaining joints, toppling the last puppets to the ground.

"Next phase, 8 Combat Puppets. Viper, are you ready?" Garret announced, his voice echoing through the arena.

Liam stood in the center of the arena, prepared to face the new challenge. Eight Combat Puppets approached slowly, their joints creating a mechanical sound as they moved.

Among Liam's thoughts, 'Eight at once? This will be interesting.' He decided to maintain his aggressive strategy, knowing he needed to end the fight quickly to conserve energy for future phases.

The puppets surrounded Liam, assuming a formation aiming to overwhelm the player. However, Liam remained calm, analyzing the opponents' movements.

With a swift move, Liam attacked the nearest puppet, targeting a crucial joint and delivering a quick punch. His precise strike caused a significant reduction in the first opponent's durability.

[-40] [-20]

Next, he spun, avoiding a frontal attack from two puppets, and took the opportunity to hit both joints, causing considerable damage.

[-40] [-40]

The puppets tried to react, but Liam's speed and dexterity were formidable. He continued his attacks, moving between the puppets like a shadow, hitting joints and weak points with precision.

[-40] [-40] [-20] [-40]

"Viper is demonstrating incredible agility! His movements are almost unpredictable for the puppets, as if he has eyes on his back!" commented one of the spectators.

Liam, among his thoughts, 'I can't let myself get surrounded.' Focused on keeping his movements fluid, he dodged charges and responded with precise attacks.

[-40]

The weakened puppets tried to coordinate their movements to overcome Liam, but he was one step ahead. With a series of quick blows, Liam knocked down two more puppets, reducing the count to four.

[-40] [-40] [-20]

The audience was ecstatic, applauding Viper's skill. Gar

ret watched attentively, impressed with the protagonist's dexterity.

Liam realized the battle was far from over. 'I still have four ahead. I need to intensify my attacks.' He focused his efforts on two puppets, targeting critical joints.

Liam mastered the art of defeating puppets, with two precise strikes to their joints and a quick blow that would cause damage and give him momentum to create space and escape when necessary.

[-40] [-40] [-20]

[-40] [-40] [-20]

Two puppets remained. They attempted a joint attack, but Liam, with a quick dodge, avoided the strikes. Taking advantage of the opening, he hit the remaining joints.

[-40] [-40]

The arena fell silent for a moment before erupting in applause. Viper had won the challenge of the eight Combat Puppets.

"Spectacular, Viper! You showed impressive mastery and strategy. Are you ready for the final phase?" Garret asked, acknowledging Liam's skill.

Liam, taking a deep breath, nodded determinedly in response to Garret's question. "I'm ready. Let's do this."

Garret, with an approving smile, announced the final phase with enthusiasm. "For the final phase, Viper will face a unique challenge. An Advanced Combat Puppet, programmed to test your abilities to the fullest. This will be an intense confrontation, so be prepared!"

The arena became even quieter as a single Advanced Combat Puppet entered. Its appearance was more imposing, with refined details and a more intimidating posture. The empty eyes seemed to reflect the complexity of the approaching challenge.

Liam, focused and alert, studied the opponent attentively while secretly murmuring the mantra of his ability, preparing for the challenge ahead.

'Inhale the power of the present, exhale the distractions of the past. With each breath, find the calm at the center. Inhale deeply, feel the internal energy. Exhale gently, release the concerns. In the now, I stand, focused and strong, like the constant flow of the river of life.'

The Advanced Combat Puppet assumed an aggressive stance, moving with a combination of speed and cunning. The arena pulsed with anticipation as spectators awaited the start of the final confrontation.

The Advanced Combat Puppet attacked with speed, demonstrating remarkable dexterity. Liam dodged the blows with agility but soon realized this opponent was different. Each movement was calculated, and the accuracy of the attacks increased significantly.

Liam, adapting to the intensity of the combat, focused on observing patterns and openings in the behavior of the Advanced Combat Puppet. The enemy's durability was unknown, making the challenge even more intriguing.

The Advanced Combat Puppet unleashed a series of combined attacks, testing Liam's reflexes. Viper, however, showcased his skill by dodging while finishing his mantra.

After an intense sequence of attacks, Liam saw an opportunity. He identified an opening in the defense of the Advanced Combat Puppet and lunged with a strike to its elbow joint.

[-40]

Advanced Combat Puppet

Durability: 260/300

The impact of Liam's 'Serpent's Strike' hit the elbow joint of the Advanced Combat Puppet precisely. The durability decreased, but there were still 260 points remaining.

The audience was surprised by the resilience of the Advanced Combat Puppet. The battle was far from decided, and Liam knew he needed to explore his abilities further.

The Advanced Combat Puppet, now aware of Liam's skill, intensified its attacks. Its movements were fast and coordinated, surpassing Liam's agility at times. Liam, remaining calm, skillfully dodged.

Liam, feeling the intensity of the confrontation, quickly assessed his options. The Advanced Combat Puppet was a formidable opponent, and Liam knew he needed to employ his skills wisely.

The Advanced Combat Puppet, recognizing Liam's expertise, intensified its attacks. Its agility and precision were notable, challenging Viper's dexterity. Liam, maintaining composure, skillfully evaded the attacks while planning his next move.

The pace of the battle accelerated as the Advanced Combat Puppet unleashed a rapid series of strikes. Liam, using his 'Serpent's Dance,' enhanced his agility in response. His movements became more erratic and unpredictable, allowing him to dodge attacks with incredible ease.

Among the fluid movements, Liam identified another opportunity. He activated his 'Serpent's Strike,' concentrating mana in his fingers to empower a precise attack. With surprising speed, Liam directed the attack at the knee joint of the Advanced Combat Puppet.

[-40]

Durability: 220/300

Liam, amid precise movements, opted for a strategic approach. He began incorporating normal strikes, dodging and attacking with rapid punches and kicks. Each move was calculated, aiming to gradually wear down the Advanced Combat Puppet.

[-10] [-10] [-5] [-10]

'The puppet is agile and resistant. I need to be smart and use my abilities wisely.' Liam thought, adjusting his strategy to match the intensity of the battle.

The Advanced Combat Puppet attacked with a series of swift charges. Liam, utilizing his agility, skillfully dodged the strikes but could feel fatigue beginning to accumulate. 'This puppet's resistance is surprising. I have to stay calm and find an opening.'

Deciding to vary his strategy, Liam focused his mana on his feet, activating the 'Serpent's Dance.' His movements became more erratic, surprising the Advanced Combat Puppet with increased agility. The audience watched with fascination as Liam's fluid dance challenged expectations.

During the 'Serpent's Dance,' Liam seized the opportunity to attack with the 'Serpent's Strike.' His hand glowed with concentrated energy, and he delivered a precise blow to one of the Advanced Combat Puppet's joints.

[-40]

Advanced Combat Puppet

Durability: 145/300

The Advanced Combat Puppet recoiled briefly, showing signs of wear. The audience cheered for the thrilling turn in the battle.

Liam, while continuing to dodge the attacks of the Advanced Combat Puppet, pondered his next move. 'I need to make the most of the 'Serpent's Dance.' The next time I activate it, I must catch it off guard.'

The Advanced Combat Puppet, displaying resilience, launched a series of fast and coordinated attacks. Liam, in response, used his enhanced agility to skillfully dodge. However, the 'Serpent's Dance' was coming to an end, and Liam felt fatigue starting to weigh on him.

'I only have enough mana for one more ability, even with Ancestral Serenity activated, my mana recovery speed isn't sufficient.' Liam thought, carefully evaluating his situation. He understood the importance of choosing the right moment to use his abilities.

Liam then began to weave, dodging the attacks of the Advanced Combat Puppet while catching his breath. The audience watched with anticipation, knowing that something significant was about to happen.

The Advanced Combat Puppet, realizing Liam's strategy, increased the intensity of its attacks, trying to force an opening in the skilled player's game. Liam, however, demonstrated his expertise, skillfully dodging and frustrating the opponent's charges.

'This puppet's resistance is impressive. If I use 'Serpent's Dance' now, I can land a devastating sequence of blows and finish this battle.' Liam was focused, waiting for the

 ideal moment.

The Advanced Combat Puppet, determined to turn the tide, launched a series of rapid and coordinated attacks. Liam, using his agility and Ancestral Serenity to regain some mana, skillfully evaded, waiting for the right moment for his final strike.

With millimeter precision, Liam activated the 'Serpent's Dance' as soon as it became available. His movements became a frenetic dance, confusing the Advanced Combat Puppet, which tried to keep up with the unpredictability of the blows.

Liam, concentrating all the accumulated mana, delivered a rapid and powerful sequence of punches to the Advanced Combat Puppet's joint. Each blow was calculated to maximize damage, and the audience watched in awe as the player's skill was displayed.

[-10] [-10] [-10]

He dodged the counterattack and continued.

[-10] [-10] [-10] [-10]

The Advanced Combat Puppet, weakened and disoriented by the sudden burst of attacks, staggered briefly. Liam, despite being tired, was determined to finish the battle spectacularly.

With a swift movement, he concluded his sequence with a final 'Serpent's Strike,' directing the energy to a critical joint that was focused on during the previous sequence.

[-80]

The Advanced Combat Puppet, with its durability depleted, collapsed to the ground, inert. The audience erupted in applause, recognizing Liam's incredible skill.

Garret, with a satisfied smile, approached Liam in the center of the arena. "Viper, you are one of the few people who have completed the combat challenge in the city of Brulhart, and above all, YOU DIDN'T SUFFER A SINGLE ATTACK???"