The troll's burning eyes locked onto Alex.
For a brief moment, everything else seemed to disappear—the shouts of the other adventurers, the crackling fire, even the pounding of his own heart.
All that remained was the massive creature charging straight toward him.
"Alex!" Kael shouted.
But Alex didn't move. Not immediately. The system interface was still glowing faintly in his vision.
Skill Evolution Available
Combat Instinct → ???
Confirm Evolution?
Time felt like it slowed. The troll raised its massive arm, flames trailing behind it as it prepared to strike. Now or never. Alex made his decision.
"Yes."
Evolution Confirmed
Processing…
A sudden surge of energy rushed through his body. It wasn't like anything he had felt before. It was sharper. More intense. Like his senses were being pulled in every direction at once.
Skill Evolved
Combat Instinct → Battle Awareness Lv.1
Effect: Enhanced perception, predictive movement, and real-time combat analysis
The world changed. Alex could see everything. The way the troll's muscles tensed before it moved. The slight shift in its weight. The exact path its attack would take.
It was as if the fight had slowed down—while he moved at full speed.
The troll's arm came crashing down. Alex stepped aside effortlessly. The ground shattered where he had been standing.
Before the troll could react— Alex moved.
He darted forward, his body flowing naturally.
His blade flashed. A deep cut opened across the troll's side, slicing through already burned flesh.
This time, the wound didn't even begin to close. Alex didn't stop. He struck again. And again. Each movement precise.
Each attack placed exactly where it would do the most damage.
"Whoa…" one of the adventurers whispered.
"What just happened to him?"
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"He's adapting," he said quietly.
Bren raised his weapon.
"Then don't waste the opportunity!"
"Everyone—focus attacks where he strikes!"
The group responded immediately. The adventurers coordinated their movements, following Alex's lead.
Blades struck the same weakened areas.
Fire continued to burn across the troll's body, preventing its regeneration.
The creature roared in fury, swinging wildly.
But now— Alex could see it all.
Every movement.
Every attack.
Every opening.
He dodged effortlessly, weaving between the troll's strikes. It was like fighting a much slower opponent.
The system flickered again.
Battle Awareness Active
Prediction Accuracy Increasing
Alex stepped in close once more. This time, he aimed higher. His blade cut across the troll's shoulder, then down toward its chest.
The creature staggered backward.
"Now!" Bren shouted.
The adventurers surged forward together.
Weapons struck deep. The troll roared again, but this time the sound was weaker.
Its movements slowed.
The fire had spread further, consuming more of its body. And the constant attacks were finally taking their toll. Alex took a step back, breathing heavily. Even with the new skill, the fight was draining. But it was working.
"We're close," Kael said beside him.
Alex nodded.
"Yeah."
The troll swayed on its feet. Then, with one last desperate roar— It charged. Not at Alex.
Not at Bren. But at the group as a whole.
"Scatter!" someone shouted.
But it was too late. The massive creature raised both arms— And slammed them down with everything it had left. The ground shook violently. Several adventurers were knocked off their feet. Dust and debris filled the air.
Alex stumbled, barely keeping his balance.
When the dust began to settle— The troll was still standing.
Burning.
Wounded.
But not dead.
Alex narrowed his eyes.
"Seriously?"
Kael exhaled slowly.
"Trolls are stubborn."
The creature turned once more. Its movements slower now. Weaker. But its eyes still burned with rage. Alex tightened his grip on his sword.
"Then we finish it."
The system flickered one more time. Final Strike Opportunity Detected Alex stepped forward. This time… He wouldn't miss.