The Fungal Titan loomed over Arayn, its towering form a grotesque mass of fungi and twisted roots. Then, with a deep rumble, the monster unleashed its ability, [Mycelium Growth]. The ground split open. Minions clawed their way out, their bloated bodies twitching as if eager to explode.

Soren stood hidden within his [Camouflage Barrier], the distortion of his shield blending him into the environment. From the magic circle before him, he summoned three demon frogs. The creatures leapt into the fray, tearing into the fungal minions.

As the spores erupted around them, the tide turned. The frogs' movements faltered, their attacks growing sluggish. One by one, they collapsed, their bodies convulsing as the poison seeped through their veins. Within moments, they lay lifeless.

Soren’s lips tightened in frustration as he glanced at the remnants of his summons. He raised his hand, ready to summon another batch.

"Don’t waste your time," Arayn said, not even sparing a glance in Soren’s direction as he cleaved through another minion without making them explode. "Use your long-range attacks instead. Support me from a distance."

Amidst the chaos, Arayn moved. He severed a minion in two, the halves crumbling into ash before they could detonate. Another creature lunged at him, but Arayn was faster. His blade slashed upward, cleaving it apart midair.

Malzareth absorbed their souls greedily, its glow growing brighter with each kill. The Fungal Titan roared in frustration, summoning more minions, but Arayn’s [Demonic Aura] was suffocating. A weight pressed down on the battlefield, slowing the monsters down.

Arayn grinned as he sliced through another minion, Malzareth vibrating with satisfaction in his hand. The crimson blade seemed to sing with each kill, as if it thrived on the chaos around him. It was a feast, and Arayn was savoring every moment.

The Fungal Titan towered in the distance, summoning wave after wave of its spore-ridden soldiers. It bellowed its frustration, the sound echoing across the battlefield, but Arayn ignored it. Why rush the climax? He had no intention of striking down the mother-class monster just yet. These minions were fuel. Their souls fed him, each kill adding to his lifespan.

Another minion charged at him, its fungal limbs twitching as if ready to burst. He sidestepped effortlessly, swinging Malzareth in a sharp arc. The creature’s body crumbled mid-motion, its soul siphoned into the sword before it could even detonate.

"Keep them coming," Arayn muttered. His aura radiated outwards, a suffocating force that slowed the movements of the freshly spawned minions. They staggered toward him, their bodies trembling under the oppressive weight of his presence. It was almost too easy.

The Fungal Titan roared again, its frustration mounting as it continued to summon reinforcements. The ground split open in rapid succession, dozens more minions clawing their way to the surface. Arayn tilted his head, observing them like a hunter sizing up prey.

"Still not enough," he said, the corners of his mouth curling upward.

He moved again, faster than the eye could follow. Malzareth carved through the crowd, leaving behind a trail of disintegrating bodies. The blade drank deeply, its glow intensifying with every soul it claimed. One after another, the minions fell, their explosions snuffed out before they could pose a threat.

Soren’s voice echoed from within his barrier. "You’re enjoying this too much, Master."

Arayn laughed. "Why shouldn’t I? They keep throwing fodder at me. It’s perfect."

Soren shook his head, though Arayn couldn’t see it. "I'm tired, Master."

Arayn didn’t respond. His attention was fixed on the Titan, watching as it raised its massive arms to summon yet another wave of minions. He adjusted his grip on Malzareth, the blade pulsing as if eager for more. "I guess it's time to end this," he said.

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Step by step, Arayn advanced toward the Titan, Malzareth carving through the minions that dared to block his path.

As he closed in, the Fungal Titan bellowed, its massive body trembling. Suddenly, its body swelled, releasing a wave of spores. Arayn’s instincts kicked in, and he leapt back just as the spores detonated, sending a fiery blast rippling through the clearing. He landed gracefully, gripping Malzareth tightly as the shockwave passed.

"Tch, not bad," he muttered. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled a [Cursed Fang], it streaking toward the Titan. The projectile struck, but before it could pierce deep, another burst of spores detonated on impact, neutralizing the attack. Arayn narrowed his eyes, assessing the situation as he stayed out of the Titan's range.

True to its cowardice, the monster began summoning more minions. Arayn smirked, unimpressed. He charged forward again, Malzareth glowing as he swung in fluid arcs. The minions fell easily, their bodies crumbling before they could even explode.

"This thing’s strategy is clear," Arayn said, his voice carrying a note of disdain. "When someone gets close, it spews explosive spores. If you keep your distance, it hides behind its minions. This monster is really a coward."

He stepped back. "Let’s see if you can block all of my fangs."

With a snap of his fingers, Arayn summoned dozens of [Cursed Fangs]. The crimson fangs floated in the air, circling him like a whirlwind. At the same time, the Titan emitted a thick cloud of spores.

Arayn unleashed his fangs, sending them hurtling toward the Titan in a blinding barrage. Explosions erupted mid-air as the fangs collided with the spores, flashes of fire and energy lighting up the battlefield. Yet some of the fangs broke through, streaking toward the Titan. They struck its massive body, detonating on impact and tearing chunks of its fungal mass apart.

The Titan roared, staggering from the blows. Arayn took the opportunity to end the fight. He raised his hand, dark-red energy coiling around it like a serpent. "Time to finish this," he said, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

With a push, he unleashed [Inferno Torrent]. A wave of energy surged forward, piercing the Titan. The monster’s roars turned into desperate, choking wails before it finally crumbled, its remains disintegrating into ash.

[You have leveled up]

[Name: Arayn Azael

Class: Demonic Acolyte

Level: 19

Strength: 27

Dexterity: 26

Constitution: 38

Intelligence: 40

Wisdom: 24

Charisma: 30]

Arayn lowered his hand, Malzareth vibrating with satisfaction. "Thanks for the meal. My sword and I are satisfied," he muttered, turning away as the ash scattered.

Arayn glanced at his status window, his eyes scanning the glowing numbers. His dexterity and wisdom had both risen further, a pleasant result of the Wisp of Demon Souls buff. He couldn't help but smirk, satisfied with the progress.

Soren, still hidden within his [Camouflage Barrier], deactivated the shield, his figure appearing as he approached Arayn.

Arayn turned toward him. "What level are you now?"

Soren hesitated for a brief moment, then answered, "Level 10."

Arayn nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Not bad. You’ll stop being a newbie once you hit level 11. But for now, your power’s enough to be useful."

Soren let out a soft smile. "I didn’t expect to grow stronger this quickly."

Arayn’s lips twisted into a small grin. "It’s thanks to the Wisp of Demon Souls buff. But now that it’s worn off, it’s time to head back to town."

Soren nodded, a faint look of disappointment crossing his face as the effects of the buff faded. Arayn started walking, his pace unhurried.

As Arayn stepped out of the forest, the first light of morning bathed them. The thick smoke that had once choked the sky was gone, and the fires had been extinguished, leaving only faint wisps trailing upward.

Soren walked up beside him, glancing at the town with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "Looks like it’s not burning anymore," he said. "Glad we spent the night in the forest. Wouldn’t have wanted to deal with that chaos up close."

Arayn stopped, his demonic sword resting against his shoulder as he stared at the town's heart. Without speaking aloud or using any tool, he reached out with his thoughts. "Darius, is Saria dead?"

Far within the town’s center, inside the neutral zone, Darius turned his head as though hearing a voice whispered directly into his mind. "She’s alive, but her fate is in 346!$94's hands now."

A sly grin crept onto Arayn’s face. "I think I know what’s going on," he muttered to himself, the pieces of a greater plan falling into place in his mind.

Turning to Soren, who stood quietly behind him, Arayn motioned toward the town with a casual wave. "Come on. I’ll need your power for my scheme."

Arayn led the way as he and Soren slipped past the ruined gates. As they navigated the shadowed streets, Arayn’s mind reached out to Darius. "Where is Saria?"

A faint whisper echoed in his thoughts, "She’s near the eastern district, close to the old bell tower."

Arayn nodded to himself and veered into a narrow alley, the space between the crumbling walls barely wide enough for the two of them. He stopped, leaning against the wall and gestured for Soren to follow.

Soren, trying to match Arayn’s quiet composure, glanced around the dim alleyway. "What's my task, Master? I will do anything for you," he asked.

Arayn’s lips curled into a sly smirk, his crimson eyes glinting faintly in the shadows. "I want you to...."