Staggered

Sizing up the Herculean Limestone Armor, it was obvious at a glance that the biggest issue will be that almost 14-meter-long crystalline battle axe standing by its side. The armor has a much longer reach, so getting within striking distance before getting hit will be the primary objective. Closing my eyes, I began to feel the familiar warm sensation seep out my dantian and permeate my being. It felt twice as strong as when I circulated demonic energy at level 0. Grabbing onto my sword, I allowed the energy to flow through my fingertips and onto the hilt. Dancing sparks of crimson violet began to waltz across the blade toward the tip, dimly reflecting off the armor. It shined much brighter than in the previous battles exemplifying that the more demonic energy utilized the better.

Dashing forward toward the axe-wielding armor my eyes narrowed as I focused on the axe in its hand. As I stepped within its striking distance it took a slow heavy step that caused a slight smirk to appear on my face. Thankfully it is moving slowly or this would have been a much more difficult battle. Those were my thoughts until my eyes widened in horror as the steadfast axe instantaneously appeared on my right shoulder. Instinctively I blocked and used my arm to support the back of the blade causing me to slide back from the force of the blow. The armor was much faster than expected whilst wielding the battle axe but at least our strength is about even while I'm not using Demon's Rage.

Slightly knocking the axe away I shot forward toward the armor trying to close the gap. The Limestone Armor reacted quickly attempting to slice me in half but I was able to avoid the assault by leaping over the axe and into the air. Brandishing my blade I poured more demonic energy into the sword causing the sparks to lash out like incandescent arcs as I swung the blade down with all my might. Instead of crashing into the thick helmet of the Limestone Armor, sparks began to fly as the illuminated blade ground against the handle of the crystalline battle axe. Sweat began to drip down my chin and visible cracks began to form on the blade spreading like spider webs.

The blade shattered, scattering countless fragments that flickered like dying flames as the Limestone Armor rammed the handle of the crystalline battle axe into my chest using its remaining momentum. The force of the blow sent me rocketing through the air and into the draped castle wall. Dust and debris clouded my vision as I pried my body out of the indentation. Looking at the hilt in my hand it was clear that the blade could not handle such an intense influx of energy. Tossing the hilt aside and spitting blood onto the floor I began to crack my neck and knuckles.

Just as I was about to call forth the Demon's Rage in my individuality something clicked In the back of my head. The blade was flooded with much more demonic energy than my body was because of my intentions. In that case, it should be theoretically possible to focus a majority of the demonic energy circulating through my body toward my hands and feet. This should enhance my movement speed and striking power making it easier to get up close and personal. An audible gasp was heard deep in my eardrums disrupting my thoughts.

Martial insight acquired

+10 exp

Ember's voice exhibited a sense of shock as it spoke, "Even if your intelligence stat is abysmal and you made questionable decisions about your individuality that was quite an astute hypothesis! You must be naturally gifted when it comes to martial insights and combat to have acquired even one in such a short period." I could only shake my head as I listened to Ember simultaneously berate and commend me. This was, however, a good thing as it proves my conjecture. After resting for a moment as my demonic energy restored itself I was ready to take on the gargantuan Limestone Armor.

Letting the demonic energy course through my being I began to focus on its flow, bending it toward the hands, legs, and feet. I thought about the way the colossal figure took sturdy steps but swung with a speed that caused the blade of the crystalline battle axe to blur as the demonic energy began to coagulate around my legs. The scene of the handle of the crystalline battle axe shattering my blade without taking a scratch of its own replayed through my eyes as energy molded to my hands. I need to be strong enough to shatter any defense and swifter than the eye can follow.

As more demonic energy poured from my dantian, the ecstatic feeling of wanting to crush my enemies began to surface, causing my blood to boil again. Exhaling deeply I shot forward using my right foot to propel myself toward the towering Limestone Armor. A loud whistling could be heard as the crystalline battle axe cut through the air. Before the blade could reach me I was already kicking off the ground with my left leg, barreling toward the armor. As I appeared in front of the armor my left arm was cocked back and slammed into the chin of the helmet. The hulking Limestone Armor did not even stumble from the Impact of the blow. Without missing a beat I grabbed the gauntlet of the armor with the lowest grip on the handle and smashed my heel into its wrist.

I was unable to sever the gauntlet from the arm but that was never the point. As the grip on the crystalline battle axe loosened, the weight of the Limestone Armor shifted, causing it to slightly stagger. As it lost balance for a brief moment I slammed my right foot on the ground before using the momentum from the hips to deliver a sidekick to the helmet of the armor. As the armor fell over I leaped forward, straddling its chest as the remaining demonic energy flooded my fists. Loud booms could be heard resounding within the partially destroyed castle hallway. My skin tore and blood began to drip from my knuckles as I rained down a flurry of fists. Soon the familiar sound of Ember's voice rang with congratulations.

Limestone Armor defeated

+10 exp