The troll's roar shook the forest.
Flames crawled across its thick gray skin where the torch had struck, and for the first time since the battle began, the monster showed real pain.
It swung its massive arm wildly, forcing the nearest adventurers to scatter.
"Keep the fire on it!" Bren shouted.
"Don't let it heal!"
Alex moved quickly, circling to the troll's side. His heart pounded as adrenaline surged through him. This wasn't like the ogre.
This thing was faster. Stronger. And worst of all… it didn't stay injured.
He watched as a deep cut along the troll's side slowly began to close, the flesh knitting itself back together.
"Unbelievable…" Alex muttered.
Kael appeared beside him, blade already drawn.
"Focus," Kael said. "Watch its movements."
The troll lunged again, targeting one of the adventurers holding a torch.
The man barely raised his weapon before the troll's claw slammed into him, sending him flying across the ground.
"Damn it!" Bren cursed.
"Cover him!"
Two adventurers rushed forward, drawing the troll's attention away while another dragged the injured man back.
Alex clenched his jaw. They couldn't keep taking hits like that.
The system flickered again.
Combat Analysis in Progress
Enemy Trait Identified: Regeneration (High)
Weakness Confirmed: Fire
Suggested Strategy: Continuous Burn + Coordinated Strikes
Alex narrowed his eyes.
Continuous burn…
That meant they couldn't just hit it with fire once. They had to keep the flames on it constantly.
"Kael," Alex said quickly.
"We need to keep it burning."
Kael nodded.
"I noticed."
"But torches aren't enough."
Kael glanced toward the other adventurers.
"They brought oil."
Alex's eyes lit up slightly.
"Then we use it."
Before Kael could respond, the troll charged again. This time—toward Alex.
"Move!" Kael shouted.
Alex reacted instantly. His body moved before his mind could catch up.
Combat Instinct activated.
He stepped to the side just as the troll's claw slammed into the ground where he had been standing. The impact sent dirt and debris flying. Alex's heart raced. That was close.
"Too close," he muttered.
The troll turned toward him again, its glowing eyes filled with anger. It had chosen him as its target.
"Of course it did," Alex said under his breath.
He tightened his grip on his sword.
"Come on then."
The troll roared and charged. This time, Alex didn't run. He waited. At the last possible second— He moved. A quick step to the side.
Then he struck. His blade cut across the troll's arm. The wound opened— Then immediately began to close.
"Not enough," Alex said.
"Then make it enough."
Kael's voice came from behind him.
A moment later, a flask of oil flew through the air. Alex reacted without thinking. He struck it mid-air. The blade shattered the flask— Oil splashed across the troll's upper body.
"Now!" Kael shouted.
One of the adventurers hurled a torch. The flame hit the oil— And the troll ignited.
Fire spread rapidly across its body. This time, the creature didn't just roar. It screamed.
A loud, furious sound filled with pain. The regeneration slowed. The wounds stopped closing.
"Now's our chance!" Bren yelled.
"All attack!"
The adventurers surged forward. Blades struck again and again, this time leaving real damage. Alex moved with them. His strikes were faster now. More precise.
Each movement guided by instinct.
The system flashed again.
Skill Activation: Combat Instinct
Efficiency Increased
Reaction Speed Enhanced
Alex felt it. His movements were sharper. Cleaner. Faster than before.
He dodged another swing from the troll and stepped in close. This time, he aimed for the same spot he had hit before. His blade cut deep into the creature's arm.
The fire prevented the wound from closing.
Blackened flesh split open. The troll staggered.
"It's weakening!" someone shouted.
"Keep going!"
But even weakened, the monster was still dangerous. With a sudden burst of strength, the troll slammed its arm into the ground.
The shockwave knocked several adventurers off their feet. Alex stumbled but managed to stay upright.
"Don't let it recover!" Bren shouted.
Alex gritted his teeth. They needed to finish this. Now.
The system flickered again.
Condition Met
Skill Evolution Available
Alex's eyes widened.
Now?
In the middle of the fight?
But he didn't have time to think about it.
Because the troll, burning and enraged—
Turned its full attention toward him again.
And this time… It wasn't holding back.