Vecna stepped into the fray, his crimson eyes locked onto the monstrous form of Fangor Brambleskinner. He wasted no time in initiating his offense, but in the back of his mind, he knew all too well that danger was imminent. He couldn't afford to relax for even a moment against an opponent like Fangor.
As he launched his attacks and spells, Vecna's mental discipline was unwavering.
He reminded himself with every move, every slash of his sword, and every spell he cast, that he was facing a Boss Monster in Fangor. While they were hard to be killed by a Solo Player, this didn't mean that they couldn't one-shot the player.
The Bosses had this advantage in a 1 VS 1, while the players had the advantage of greater numbers.
The 'Blood Shield' enveloped Vecna, providing a crimson barrier that protected him from immediate harm. It was a reassuring presence, but Vecna didn't allow himself to become complacent. Instead, he began a silent conversation with his mana pool.
'I should begin taking the fight to the next phase. This one is just a 'Base' form, wait until he gets overwhelmed and there is a conflict between his mana and demonic power.'
In the midst of battle, while his 'Blood Shield' held strong, he redirected his focus to his own vitality.
He knew that his HP could serve as a conduit for his Blood Spells. This strategic shift allowed him to maintain his relentless assault, channeling his energy into his spells and attacks without hesitation.
Thoughts swirled in Vecna's mind as he balanced offense and defense. He reminded himself that in this duel to the death, any lapse in concentration could be fatal.
Vecna's relentless assault continued with 'Blood Missile,' each casting accompanied by precision and focus.
[You have dealt 5,310 damage]
[You have dealt 5,186 damage.]
He maintained a long-ranged approach, carefully calculating his strikes to maximize damage while minimizing risk. Fangor, the monstrous Goblin Chieftain, found himself unable to land a single devastating blow on the elusive Vampire, and this frustration ignited his rage.
In a fit of anger and desperation, Fangor abandoned his physical approach and returned to his magical roots.
With a sinister incantation, he conjured 'Dark Mists' that enveloped the entire area.
This thick, magical mist obscured vision and made it nearly impossible for Vecna to target his adversary accurately with his long-ranged Blood Spells.
'Heh, this dumbfuck, actually has such a Spell under his arsenal. Interesting.'
Vecna's voice, cold and calculated, cut through the dense atmosphere. "Running scared, Fangor? Can't face me in a fair fight?"
Vecna's vampiric sight was rendered useless amidst the magical fog, but he didn't rely solely on it. His remaining senses, heightened far beyond human comprehension, allowed him to navigate through the darkness with uncanny precision.
Fangor, his monstrous form partially obscured by the thick 'Dark Mists,' let out a guttural growl of frustration. His bloodshot eyes scanned the mist-choked battlefield, searching for any sign of the elusive Vampire.
The Goblin Chieftain's response was a furious roar, his rage boiling over. "I'll tear you limb from limb, bloodsucker! No more games!"
"Try me, bitch. You haven't even managed to hit me once. At this rate, I'll lose by exerting my Vitality, skewering you."
Vecna's senses remained sharp as ever, even in the blinding mist. He heard Fangor's heavy footsteps, felt the vibrations in the ground as the Goblin closed in.
'That's right, approach me. Believe that I'm blind of your presence.'
As the mist shrouded the fiery chaos that had once surrounded them, Fangor seized the opportunity to close the gap. Vecna, aware that casting 'Blood Missile' and 'Blood Shard' without a clear target would waste his precious resources, halted his spells.
The moment of stillness was shattered as Fangor materialized from the dark mist, his monstrous form looming close. He swung his curved blade with a precision strike known as 'Vorpal Strike,' aiming directly at Vecna's vital areas.
"You can't hide forever, Vampire. You'll soon find that you shouldn't have ever crossed paths with Fangor Brambleskinner!"
The strike had the potential to bypass armor or resistances, a chilling danger that sent shivers down Vecna's spine.
'This feel nasty. Maybe, an Ultimate Attack. Let's be careful with that. No reason to act arrogant and get damaged.'
Sensing the imminent threat, as if the strike could One-Shot him past the protective 'Blood Shield,' Vecna acted with lightning speed.
'Shadowstep.'
With a precise mental command, Vecna summoned the shadows to his aid. Dark tendrils swirled around him, wrapping his form in a shroud of inky blackness. The shadows clung to him like a protective cocoon, obscuring him from view.
In that fleeting moment, time seemed to slow as Vecna's physical body disappeared from its original position. He felt an almost weightless sensation, as if he was suspended in the void between dimensions.
Fangor's 'Vorpal Strike,' fueled by his fury and desperation, descended upon the empty space where Vecna had stood just a heartbeat before. The Goblin Chieftain's blade struck the ground with tremendous force, sending a shockwave that rippled through the fiery remnants of his previous Fireball.
Vecna reemerged from the shadowy veil that had concealed him, his form materializing gracefully as if he had simply stepped out of the darkness
He materialized like a wisp of shadow, his figure coalescing not far from the battlefield. His expression remained as cold and composed as ever, a stark contrast to the chaos that surrounded him.
As he reappeared, Vecna's crimson eyes remained locked on Fangor, his expression a mask of calculated indifference.
The goblin chieftain, Fangor, found himself momentarily off-balance, his 'Vorpal Strike' having missed its mark. He staggered back, his monstrous form twitching with a mixture of frustration and fury. The ground where his blade had struck still bore the mark of the strike, a testament to its destructive potential.
Vecna's reemergence had not only evaded the lethal blow but also placed him in a prime position to retaliate. His vampiric instincts were finely tuned, and he was acutely aware of the chance he had now to strike back.
'My Health Gauge fulfills the conditions of that ability. It's not that low right now, but I can't risk it further.'
[Health: 7,049/14,884 | Mana: 9,220/10,920]
His health had dwindled to around 62% of his full Health Points, a calculated tug of war between his keen senses that allowed him to navigate the dangerous spots he was putting himself in, while also not overdoing the sacrificing of his HP for his Blood Spells.
In what some might consider, dire spot, Vecna unleashed one of his Trump Cards, he kept in reserve just for such an occasion.
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"Bloodlust."
With a focused mental command, Vecna activated 'Bloodlust,' and an immediate transformation overtook him.
The effects of this ability were profound and visible to anyone who laid eyes on him. Blood-red energy enveloped his entire body, creating a pulsating aura of crimson power. It was as though his very essence had been ignited by his own life force, and the air around him seemed to vibrate with malevolent energy.
The aura of blood that enveloped Vecna wasn't merely a visual spectacle. It also had a tangible effect on his surroundings. Anyone who ventured too close to him would feel the oppressive weight of his presence, and the air grew thick with an almost suffocating sense of malevolence.
Vecna's crimson eyes blazed with intensity as he closed the distance between himself and Fangor, who could sense the danger posed by Vecna's newfound strength.
His high-speed movements left afterimages that the normal eye could barely follow. Fangor, sensing the imminent danger, knew he had to act quickly to defend himself.
In response to Vecna's lightning-fast strikes, Fangor invoked a defensive skill known as 'Mystic Shield.' With a wave of his massive hand, he conjured a shimmering magical barrier in front of him.
The shield had been adjusted to fit a Boss Monster of Fangor's caliber, and it was designed to deflect and stop incoming attacks, even those as swift and relentless as Vecna's.
Fangor, his voice resonating with an eerie authority, growled, "You won't break through so easily, bloodsucker!"
Vecna's retort was cold and calculated, "I don't intend to make it easy for you, Goblin pig."
Despite Vecna's relentless assault, the Mystic Shield held strong, frustrating the vampire's attempts to break through.
Blow after blow landed on the Mystic Shield, causing it to shimmer and ripple with the force of impact. Fangor grinned wickedly, the shield holding fast against Vecna's onslaught.
Fangor, now on the defensive, sought to turn the tide in his favor. He launched another attack, this time wielding the power of the Frost Element.
"Feel the chill of death!" he bellowed as he lunged forward with 'Frostbite Touch.' Frosty energy crackled around his outstretched hand as he aimed to freeze Vecna upon contact, slowing his movements and numbing his limbs.
"In your wildest dreams, pig," he snorted coldly, his crimson eyes locked on Fangor as he abruptly ceased his Blade Dance. His body twisted and contorted, taking on a nightmarish visage that would haunt anyone who dared to cross him.
With a swift and calculated movement, he halted his Blade Dance, bringing his foot down hard on the ground. This triggered his 'Earthshock' skill, designed for Crowd-Control purposes.
[You have dealt 1924 damage.]
The ground trembled beneath Vecna's stomp, creating shockwaves that disrupted Fangor's attack.
"You won't escape my wrath so easily, bloodsucker!"
The goblin chieftain lost his balance, stumbling backward with a furious roar. But before he hit the ground, Fangor channeled his rage into a devastating punch directed at the earth.
The force of Fangor's punch sent a shockwave racing back towards Vecna, whose cold countenance now wore a frown.
'Persistent pest. Can't you just fall nicely, like the pig you are?'
As the tremors from Fangor's powerful punch subsided, Vecna found himself momentarily off balance. The once-proud Chieftain's Hut lay in ruins, reduced to a pile of rubble, serving as a stark reminder of the fierce battle that raged on.
Not wasting a moment, Fangor capitalized on his advantage. With a wicked grin, he began to chant another incantation, invoking the power of the earth once more. This time, it was 'Vine Bind.'
Thorny vines erupted from the ground, snaking their way toward Vecna with malevolent intent. Their sharp barbs aimed to ensnare the vampire's legs, restricting his movement and preventing any escape.
Vecna, caught off guard by the sudden assault, struggled against the thorny restraints. His movements became increasingly restricted as the vines tightened their grip. It was a precarious situation, and he knew he had to break free before Fangor could capitalize on his vulnerability.
Noticing Fangor rising to his feet and charging towards him with a menacing look in his eyes, Vecna remained remarkably calm. With a mocking smirk, he taunted his foe, "You shall perish here, blood bug. No more tricks allowed."
"Shift your taunts, you pig. You think you've got me? Don't make me laugh."
"In the end, it's you, dumb pig, that is only tricks. Its that power you're so proud off even yours to begin with?"
"SHUT UP, YOU BLOOD BUG!"
Vecna's taunts, while simple, were beyond effective against an already enraged opponent. Seeing how the monstrosity was charging at him, it made Vecna feel the adrenaline that his glands were producing in buckets.
'Fuck you, abomination. Making me use my MP all of a sudden.'
'Uncanny Grip!'
With a sudden surge of power, he tapped into the unique abilities of his Shadowed Talon. His vampiric claws began to tear through the thorny vines with unnatural strength, a result of his 'Uncanny Grip' skill doubling his Strength Stat.
Freeing himself from the vine's grasp, Vecna fixed his predatory crimson gaze on Fangor.
In a swift and fluid motion, he slashed his Shadowed Talon through the air, he chained this ability while activating his 'Blood Corruption' curse spell.
As Vecna's Shadowed Talon sliced through the air, the malevolent energy of 'Blood Corruption' surged forth. Fangor, feeling the creeping influence of the curse, could only watch helplessly as his defenses crumbled.
The magical barrier of his Mystic Shield weakened, its shimmering facade flickering like a dying candle in a storm.
[Critical!]
[You have dealt 31.764 damage.]
['Fangor Brambleskinner' Mystic Shield has been destroyed. The Enemy has entered 'Mana Backlash.']
For Fangor, every movement became an agonizing effort, as if the very air around him had turned thick and sluggish. His limbs moved through a molasses-like resistance, and his reactions dulled. The curse, fueled by Vecna's vampiric powers, sapped his vitality and strength.
Fangor's defenses weakened under the corrupting influence, and he felt his movements slow as if time itself conspired against him.
With his opponent cursed and vulnerable, Vecna unleashed the unique power of his Shadowed Talon once more—'Shadowstrike.' The strike hit Fangor from a wicked angle, shattering his Mystic Shield and splashing his blood across the battlefield.
As Fangor staggered back, clutching his chest, the pain etched across his face contorted into a twisted grin. His eyes, once filled with anger, now betrayed a strange mix of agony and elation. \
He chuckled, a guttural sound that echoed with the conflict raging within him.
"Foolish vampire," Fangor hissed, his voice an eerie blend of his former self and something darker, more sinister. "You've given me the taste of true power."
As he spoke, his body underwent a horrifying transformation. His goblinoid features twisted and elongated, taking on a more demonic aspect. His skin turned ashen, and dark, ethereal tendrils of energy began to snake around him.
"The Goblin Ancestor's mana," he continued, his voice a discordant harmony of two forces at odds, "and the Demonic Power I ingested... They clash within me. But now, one hungers for dominance."
Fangor's hands, now bearing claws that seemed to drip with malevolence, clenched into fists. He looked at Vecna with eyes that flickered between the goblin's rage and something altogether more sinister.
"The demon shall feast upon your essence, vampire," Fangor declared, his words laced with a chilling certainty. "And I shall become something far greater than you can imagine."
'Shut up, stupid creature. You're breaking my concentration.'
As Fangor Brambleskinner grappled with the clashing forces within him, the transformation continued unabated.
The Goblin Chieftain's body underwent a grotesque metamorphosis, his once-mighty form contorting and expanding with each passing moment. Dark, pulsating veins marred his ashen skin, and his limbs elongated into something more reminiscent of a demonic creature than a goblin.
Vecna, his crimson eyes locked on the unfolding spectacle, watched with a detached fascination. To him, this was not a battle but a scientific curiosity—an exploration of the deeper mysteries of existence.
He saw the clash of the Goblin Ancestor's mana and the Demonic Power as a canvas upon which nature itself painted a macabre masterpiece.
'So this is what happens when you mix water with oil inside Satisfy. Intriguing, but I wonder, what could you achieve if both were mixing together in unison.'
The air around Fangor grew heavy with dark energy, and his once-fierce countenance was now consumed by a sinister malevolence. His eyes glowed with an eerie, otherworldly light as his body went through its final transformation.
At last, the metamorphosis was complete, and Fangor stood before Vecna in his demonic form. He was taller, more imposing, and his features were a grotesque fusion of goblin and demon.
Horns adorned his skull, and leathery wings sprouted from his back, their edges lined with wicked spikes.
Vecna remained eerily calm, unfazed by the monstrous entity that now stood before him. The clash of powers within Fangor had birthed something new—a creature of chaos, neither goblin nor demon but a nightmarish hybrid.
As Fangor flexed his newly formed claws and spread his wings wide, he let out a bone-chilling roar that echoed through the battlefield. The ground trembled beneath him as he prepared to engage Vecna in a final, cataclysmic showdown.
'This creature is now a demon, right? Then… this fight suddenly became easier on me?'
[The Effects of the Title'Archdemon Vanquisher' has been triggered]