The troll stood barely upright. Flames still clung to its massive body, spreading slowly across blackened flesh. Deep wounds covered its torso and arms, and for the first time since the battle began, its regeneration had almost completely stopped.
But it was still alive.
Still dangerous.
Alex stepped forward, his breathing steady but heavy. Sweat ran down his face, and his muscles burned from the constant movement.
The system's message echoed in his mind.
Final Strike Opportunity Detected
He tightened his grip on his sword. One chance. Kael moved beside him.
"You see it too?" he asked quietly.
Alex didn't look at him.
"Yeah."
Bren raised his weapon again, rallying the others.
"Don't let it recover!" he shouted.
"Hold it in place!"
The remaining adventurers moved quickly despite their injuries. Two shield-bearers forced themselves up and rushed forward, raising their shields.
The troll growled, lifting one heavy arm to strike— But the shields slammed into its legs first. The impact staggered it.
"Now!" Bren roared.
Flames surged again as another flask of oil was thrown and ignited. The fire flared brighter. The troll roared in pain. And in that moment— Alex moved. Everything sharpened.
Battle Awareness activated fully.
The world slowed.
He saw it clearly.
A single point.
Just below the troll's chest.
A deep wound that hadn't healed.
A weak spot.
That's it. Alex dashed forward. The ground blurred beneath his feet. The troll turned toward him, raising its arm— Too slow. Alex stepped inside its reach. His body moved perfectly.
No hesitation.
No wasted motion.
He drove his sword forward with everything he had. The blade pierced deep into the weakened flesh. Straight into the troll's core.
For a second— Everything stopped.
Then— The troll let out a final, broken roar.
Its massive body trembled. Then slowly… It collapsed. The ground shook as the creature hit the forest floor.
Silence followed.
No movement.
No sound.
The flames crackled softly as they consumed what remained of the monster.
Alex stood there, his sword still in his hand.
His chest rose and fell as he caught his breath.
The system flickered brightly.
Enemy Defeated
Forest Troll Eliminated
Reward Calculating…
A moment later— Rewards Granted
Level Up!
Level 7 → Level 9
Skill Improved: Battle Awareness Lv.1 → Lv.2
Bonus Reward: Minor Strength Increase
Alex blinked. Two levels? That was more than he expected. Kael walked up beside him, looking down at the fallen troll.
"Well," he said calmly.
"That was unpleasant."
Alex let out a tired laugh.
"Yeah… that's one way to describe it."
Behind them, the other adventurers began to recover. Some sat on the ground, catching their breath. Others checked on the injured.
Bren approached, his weapon resting on his shoulder. He looked at the troll, then at Alex.
"You did it," he said.
Alex shook his head slightly.
"We all did."
Bren smirked.
"Maybe."
"But that last strike?"
He pointed at the troll.
"That was yours."
Several of the other adventurers nodded in agreement. One of them laughed.
"Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Alex smiled faintly but didn't respond. His attention was already shifting.
The system flickered again.
New Status Available
Hidden Progression Updated
Next Phase Approaching
Alex's expression changed slightly.
Next phase?
Before he could think further— Kael spoke again, his tone quieter now.
"Something's wrong."
Alex looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
Kael's eyes moved across the forest.
"It's too quiet."
Alex frowned. Now that he focused on it… Kael was right. There were still no sounds.
No wind.
No animals.
Nothing.
Then— A faint noise echoed through the trees.
Not loud.
Not close.
But unmistakable.
A low… distant growl. Alex's grip tightened on his sword again.
"Tell me that's not—"
Kael didn't let him finish.
"It is."
Alex sighed.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
Because somewhere deeper in the forest…
Something else had just noticed the fight.
And it was coming closer.