Chapter 381: Complete the Mission
[Killer Coded] was the bane of all Players. While giving him a natural superiority in Stats, it also gave him a chance to steal additional Stats. However with the unknown cost, a risk lingered around the Skill. This was why the Young Miss made him seal the Skill. If the cost was something that would incur a loss greater than what he would gain—wouldn't that just be a waste?
The second part of the opportunity was an opening to land a single hit. For this he had two choices, use a Skill that would reduce the difficulty of the fight. Or aim for a critical weak point and deal massive damage.
His choice was quick to make!
He rapidly jabbed his thumb in two specific locations. Dot stepped back in surprise and swung their sword instinctively.
Hank parried the attack to the side and delivered a swift, but shallow, cut to Dot's side.
His first attack was a key point in this battle. The Skill he had used was [Sealing Acupuncture], if successfully executed the victim would be unable to use any Skills for five minutes!
Hank had spent weeks to perfect the execution of this Skill. For being able to poke two specific spots in the middle of battle was not easy!
Now his preparation was complete, all that was left was for [Ill-Omen Winds] to take effect and the fight was done!
[Ill-Omen Winds] was part of a feature known by very few. Certain individuals the game deemed worthy enough were granted a unique Skill upon joining. This unique Skill was unable to be replicated, and was exclusive to them alone.
[Ill-Omen Winds (Passive):
Haunting winds surround you, whispers of the dead who curse your being. Your very being has death clutching to it. Your presence brings an Ill-Omen, granted by the wind.
Effects:
- Grants 1 stack of "Ill-Omens" on a target per successful attack.
- Once the target gains 10 stacks of "Ill-Omens", they are immediately killed.
- When the user takes any form of damage all stacks of "Ill-Omen" are removed.
Restriction:
- Effects only Players]
A sure fire path to victory! The combination of [Killer Coded] and [Ill-Omen Winds] made Hank the ultimate killing machine! Stacked together with his near-perfect stealth ability. Anyone unfortunate enough to be his target faces only a single outcome: death!
What unnerved Hank was the fact the strange pressure was still present. It successfully removed his advantage of 20%, making his Stats equal to Dot's.
Clearly such an ability wasn't a Skill. Hank was confident in close quarter combat, so he believed the nullification of the 20% buff was not a game changer.
He was now on equal footing with Dot. It was time to eliminate his target!
Dang~Clang~!
Hank slipped past an incoming strike and delivered a stab in return. Dot flinched and attempted to counter attack, but Hank reacted faster. His dagger swiped across Dot's arm. As his body moved he couldn't quite believe it. His speed, his strength! It was incredible! Dot was simply walking around with this much power?
This amount of strength could corrupt anyone! Truly you feel like nothing can stop you!
Meanwhile things weren't going too well for Travis. He wasn't able to use a single Skill, the nullification even affected his equipment. The ability White Phantom used was no small issue either. He could tell they were on equal footing.
The changes stunned him, even against Opportunity Strikes he wasn't placed in such a predicament. Facing such a checkmate move. . .
"Dual daggers. . ."
Dimitrin truly was the perfect person to train with. The amount of times they switched their weapon midway. It evolved Travis' fighting capabilities further.
Compared to Dimitrin, nothing seemed dangerous.
Clang~
Travis blocked a blow, "You caught me off guard, but that was your only chance."
He swung quickly, White Phantom reacted almost immediately but was a split second too late! Abe created a thin scratch on White Phantom's cheek. A dark energy faintly flickered around the wound for only a moment.
Abe's ability of doing Abyss Damage was a property of him, not a Skill. Therefor it wasn't nullified. Every successful scratch will slowly have Travis' regain the advantage!
He thrust Lumen forward, contrary to his expectations White Phantom did not dodge. Instead they lifted their dagger and let Lumen glide across. Travis' winced as a blade pierced his arm. The battle against Opportunity left him exhausted, making his senses and reaction time dulled.
He needed a bit of distance, to be this close wasn't optimal. With a small leap back he managed to gain a bit of distance for only a moment. White Phantom kept close to him as much as possible. Travis swung, but his arm was grabbed by White Phantom. In a smooth motion Travis' arm was locked and he was pinned to the ground.
"This won't work again!"
Using his strength he lifted White Phantom up and slammed him onto the ground. For a brief moment the grip on him loosened and Travis escaped. He needed to maintain an optimal distance!
He constantly retreated back, White Phantom closely following. Both exchanged blows, their blades constantly clashing. They dashed across the fields at extreme speeds, neither side leaving an opening.
Travis was being pushed back! Try as he might he couldn't break past White Phantom's defenses. His every move was being read! Jumping slightly he placed his feet onto a tree. Using it as a vault he jumped to the side and delivered a swift kick to White Phantom's jaw.
He spun to maintain momentum and Abe made connection with White Phantom's chest. Another stack of Abyss Magic was inflicted onto White Phantom.
Not willing to let such momentum go Travis immediately switched to the offensive. Swinging his swords towards White Phantom's neck he aimed for a critical blow!
Clang~!
White Phantom spoke, "They really hype you up, but I have to say your combat abilities lack flourish!"
Both of Travis' attacks were blocked! White Phantom moved forward, his figure blurry. Travis leaned and stepped back. As soon as his foot touched the ground five wounds appeared on his chest.
White Phantom's figure returned to normal, "Your reflexes aren't half bad however, being able to dodge the sixth strike isn't an easy feat."
Hank delivered two more swift cuts. Dot's wounded self was no doubt finally catching up. Moreover the effects of Hank's daggers would be kicking in as well!
His daggers were created from a specific metal. Each wound he inflicted would make his victim slower, both physically and in reaction speed. A narcotic that induces a form of sleep. After creating another cut on Dot, Hank dodged an incoming attack and struck back. His dagger pierced Dot's side and Hank grinned.
This was the end!
His dagger arced through the air and stabbed into Dot's chest. Yet as he felt his dagger pierce flesh, something surprising occurred.
A sword was through Hank's stomach!
Thoughts raced through Hank's mind, there should have been no way he was attacked! According to his combat data Dot would've made no such move!
'He adapted already?!', it was the only reason he could think of!
However, the tenth strike was delivered! His [Ill-Omen Winds] would take effect! His mission was completed!
Dot spoke in a low tone, "You aren't used to this level are you?"
Hank felt the sword twist in his gut. This wasn't right, [Ill-Omen Winds] should've already taken effect!
His eyes widened, it couldn't be?! He was just a split moment too late? Was Dot's attack just a little faster? Hank stabbed Dot again, he couldn't fail this mission! Dot grunted and pushed him off, the two stumbled for a moment. Their wounds were heavy, it was enough to effect them physically.
Dot pointed his sword at Hank, "It's simple, this level of strength. You're unfamiliar with it. I've remained at this level for far longer than you. To put it simply: I have more experience."
Hank's knees weakened and one of them collapsed. He gripped the hole in his stomach, his breathing turning heavy.
He couldn't fail the mission!
Dot lowered his sword, "Give it up, that wound is far more dangerous than my own."
Hank weakly smiled, "Don't lie to me, you can't use your left arm properly. I made sure of that."
"I am just as good with my right. It will be enough."
Dot slashed Hank's shoulder, a deep gash forming. It was deep enough to essentially paralyze one of his arms.
Dot wasn't in much better shape, his breathing was heavy enough to be visible. Still his voice carried that air of confidence, "It's over. I will be finding Eternal Candle and obtain the answers I desire."
Hank's body trembled violently. He will not fail his mission!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone