Sam charged at Varak, determination coursing through him like wildfire. His heart pounded as the distance between him and the demon commander closed. This is it, he thought, one final push, and it will all be over. For the first time since the battle had begun, Sam could see a glimmer of victory, like a light piercing through the darkness, cleansing the world of its impurity.
Just as Varak's immense axe came into view, Sam activated Void Step, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye. Varak’s eyes flared with fury, his frustration palpable. It was clear that Sam’s disappearing act was wearing on him, his composure cracking.
"You coward! Fight me like a man—" Varak’s shout was cut off mid-sentence as Sam's sword struck hard at the left side of his leg. The demon commander let out a guttural growl, swinging his weapon wildly, but his attack met nothing but air, sending a cloud of dust swirling up from the ground.
Sam reappeared behind Varak, who was now glaring furiously at the ground as if it had betrayed him. Sam seized the moment and slashed at Varak’s upper arm, the blade cutting into his tough, demonic skin. Though the wound wasn’t deep, it was enough to stagger the giant.
Varak roared in rage, swinging at Sam with bone-crushing force, but again, Sam vanished before the blow could connect. His attacks, while powerful, were growing sloppier, fueled by an uncontrollable fury that blinded him to Sam's tactics. He’s losing control.
Sam reappeared behind Varak once more and struck his back, landing another solid hit. Varak snarled in pain, whirling around, only to be met with another swift strike. This time, the blow landed with a satisfying crack, sending the demon commander stumbling forward.
Varak groaned, his body quaking as he dropped to one knee. Blood poured from his wounds, staining the battlefield. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he tried to remain upright, his strength ebbing away with each passing second.
Sam stepped back, watching as Varak struggled, savoring the feeling of victory that was so close he could taste it. It’s almost over.
"System," Sam called out, his voice calm despite his pounding heart. "Analyze Varak's health."
The holographic screen blinked to life.
Health: 322/3,000
A grin spread across Sam’s face. Varak was barely hanging on, his once-terrifying strength reduced to nothing more than a flickering candle. Before the system could continue offering an analysis of Varak’s other stats, Sam shook his head, cutting it off.
"That’s enough, I don’t need to hear the rest." He waved off the system with a smirk, almost amused by its eagerness. He couldn’t help but tease it, saying, "Hey now, don’t be too sad. You’re making me tear up a little."
The system remained quiet, almost sulking, and Sam let out a small laugh. But he had no time for banter now. His attention turned back to Varak, who was on his hands and knees, his demonic form trembling.
Sam took a breath, his voice steady. "Let’s finish this. Any last words, Commander? Or will you meet your end silently?"
Varak's chest heaved with labored breaths, his eyes burning with a strange mix of anger and resignation. For a moment, it seemed as though the demon would remain silent, but then his lips parted. His voice, though weak, carried the weight of centuries of bloodshed and pain.
"You amaze me, boy," Varak growled, his eyes locking onto Sam’s. "I’ve never fought anyone quite like you before. You... you remind me of him."
The mention of “him” caught Sam off guard. His curiosity piqued, but before he could ask who Varak was talking about, the demon commander’s gaze softened, his mind drifting somewhere far away, beyond the battlefield.
----------------------------------------
VARAK’S PAST: FROM MAN TO DEMON
Once, Varak had been human—a young boy born into a peaceful village nestled between rolling hills and dense forests. He remembered the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air as his mother cooked breakfast. The sound of his father’s laughter echoing in the fields as they worked together under the sun. His sister, Mara, always at his side, full of life and mischief. They were a small family, but they were everything to him. They were happy.
But happiness never lasted long in their world.
One fateful evening, marauders descended upon their village like a swarm of locusts. The sky had been painted crimson by the setting sun, an omen Varak hadn’t noticed at the time. He was only ten. By the time he realized what was happening, it was too late. The marauders were in the village, slaughtering the men, women, and children indiscriminately. His father had fought, but the attackers were ruthless. They cut him down without mercy, and Varak was forced to watch as his mother screamed, pleading for their lives.
He remembered how cold the steel looked as it pierced her chest, her body crumpling to the ground like a broken doll. Mara... Mara had been dragged away, her screams seared into his memory like a branding iron.
That was the moment something snapped inside Varak. All the fear, all the grief, it twisted into something darker, something uncontrollable. In his rage, he had fought back against the marauders. His small body had been no match for them, but it didn’t matter. He fought with the fury of someone who had nothing left to lose, and as he struck one of the marauders with a rock, his mind had gone black.
When he awoke, the village was gone. Burned to the ground. His hands were drenched in blood—not his own. The corpses of the marauders lay around him, mangled beyond recognition. And as he stared at his reflection in a pool of blood, he saw it. His once-human face had changed. His skin was darkened, his eyes glowing red with unholy power. He had become something else—something monstrous.
Varak had sought out power after that day, power to make sure no one ever hurt him again. He fought, killed, and devoured his enemies, rising through the ranks of the demon army until he became one of the most feared commanders in the realm. But that day—the day his family was torn from him—never left him. It was the day he became a demon, not just in form, but in soul.
----------------------------------------
Back in the present, Varak’s voice wavered, the weight of centuries pressing down on him. "I became what I am because of that day. You fight like he did... the one who took everything from me. I see his spirit in you."
Sam, though prepared to strike, hesitated. Who was Varak talking about?
But it didn’t matter. Whatever Varak’s past had been, whatever had driven him to this moment, Sam couldn’t afford to show mercy. Not now.
With a deep breath, Sam lifted his sword, his eyes cold as steel. "I’m not him. I’m me. And this ends now."
Varak closed his eyes, accepting his fate. "So it does."
With a final, swift motion, Sam’s blade descended, cutting through the air and silencing the demon commander forever.
Sam stood over the defeated body of Commander Varak, his sword still in hand, trembling from the intense fight. Blood dripped from his blade, and his body screamed in exhaustion. He staggered backward a few paces and finally let himself fall to the ground, gasping for breath. Every muscle in his body ached, his mana was nearly drained, and his vision blurred with fatigue. It's finally over, he thought, letting the sword drop beside him with a clatter.
He closed his eyes, allowing his heart to slow, his breathing to steady. For the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to relax. But just as his body began to calm, a sound pierced the silence—an unnatural, bone-chilling screech. Sam's eyes flew open, and his body went rigid with fear.
He looked back at Varak’s fallen body and froze in horror. The commander’s chest, where Sam had dealt the killing blow, convulsed. Black mist began to swirl around him, thick and suffocating, as if the very air had turned dark. Varak’s body twitched, and then, through the thick haze, Sam saw it: the demon’s eyes snapped open, glowing with a terrifying, otherworldly light.
"No... no, no, no, this can’t be happening..." Sam muttered, his voice shaking. His mind screamed at him to get up, to run, but his legs refused to move. Instead, his body betrayed him, trembling uncontrollably. I killed him. I saw him die!
Varak let out another blood-curdling screech as his muscles twisted and reformed, growing larger, more defined. His skin darkened to a deeper shade, his horns regrew, longer and sharper than before, curving back with a malevolent grace. Black flames licked the edges of his wounds, sealing them shut, and with every passing second, Varak became something more monstrous—more powerful—than Sam could have ever imagined.
A few glistening tears trailed down Varak's cheek, remnants of something vaguely human before they were consumed by the beast he had become. His transformation complete, he stood taller, his aura radiating an overwhelming sense of dread. His power was palpable, suffocating.
Sam’s breath hitched. He could feel his body reacting to the sheer terror of the sight in front of him—small, involuntary cuts started appearing on his skin, like his fear had become something physical, something that hurt. His trembling hands tried to reach for his sword, but even that seemed too heavy now.
What is happening? Sam’s mind raced in panic as his heart pounded. He’s supposed to be dead! I killed him!
In his desperation, Sam called out, his voice shaking. “System! What’s happening?!”
The system, usually so calm and composed, stuttered in response. "I—I didn’t expect this... I didn’t anticipate... The demon god has bestowed his power upon Varak!"
Sam’s breath caught in his throat. The demon god?
The system’s voice trembled slightly, which sent a fresh wave of fear through Sam. "Every god—whether human, angel, or demon—has the ability to bestow power upon individuals who catch their eye. They grant a second life to those who show exceptional strength or potential. Varak... Varak has been given this power by the demon god himself. He has been reborn, stronger than ever."
Sam’s entire body went cold. His already shaky grip on the situation shattered entirely. Stronger than ever? He could barely defeat Varak the first time. Now this?
His body, utterly spent from the battle, finally gave out. Sam collapsed onto the ground, his face pressing against the cool earth. His breaths were shallow, his mind on the brink of complete breakdown. He couldn’t even gather enough strength to move. How do I fight this? I can’t even stand!
Trembling, he forced his mouth to move, his voice barely above a whisper. "System... analyze Varak... please..."
The holographic screen flickered into view, but what Sam saw on it made his heart stop. His vision swam, and for a brief moment, everything went dark. He passed out for several seconds, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
When his eyes fluttered open, the stats were still there, staring back at him, more terrifying than anything he’d ever faced:
Demon Commander Varak Stats
Health: 6,200/6,200
Mana: 2,800/2,800
Strength: 593
Agility: 351
Sense: 254
Reaction Speed: 707
Reaction Time: 620
Intellect: 320
Perception: 420
Stamina: 600
Sam blinked, his mind struggling to process the numbers. Six thousand... His health is over six thousand. His strength... everything... It’s... it’s impossible.
He was stronger than before. Faster. His reaction speed alone had nearly doubled. Sam’s body shook uncontrollably. His hands clutched the dirt beneath him as he tried to steady his breathing, but the terror was all-consuming. I can’t win this. I’m going to die here.
Varak took a slow, deliberate step toward Sam, his eyes glowing with the cruel amusement of a predator toying with its prey. The ground shook beneath his immense power. Sam, barely able to lift his head, could do nothing but watch.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
In that moment, for the first time, Sam truly felt it—the helplessness of knowing that no matter how hard he fought, no matter how desperately he wanted to survive, death was looming, and it was wearing Varak’s face.
Varak's voice, now deeper, more guttural, rumbled like distant thunder. "You thought you could defeat me, boy?" His laughter echoed, filling the air with a sound so dark, it made Sam’s blood run cold. "You may have won a battle, but this war... this war was never yours to win."
Sam’s vision blurred again, darkness creeping at the edges. His body was screaming for rest, but rest was a luxury he couldn’t afford. I can’t win... But I can’t give up. Not now.
As his consciousness faded in and out, Sam clung to one final, desperate hope: there had to be a way. There has to be a way.
But as Varak’s shadow loomed over him, that hope was slipping away fast.
Sam's heart pounded in his chest like a war drum. Varak's terrifying transformation had sucked all hope from the air, leaving only the cold bite of dread. His body quivered from fear, from exhaustion, and from the overwhelming realization that he was completely outmatched. He couldn’t stop staring at Varak’s stats on the holographic screen.
6,200 health. 707 reaction speed. 593 strength. The numbers burned into his mind, making everything else seem distant, foggy.
"I'm going to die." The thought gnawed at him, growing louder with every beat of his heart. It echoed in his mind as Varak took a slow, deliberate step toward him, his glowing eyes filled with the promise of destruction.
Varak vanished.
Before Sam could even register what had happened, the massive demon was upon him, swinging his massive axe faster than anything Sam had ever seen. The world slowed down for a brief moment, but not in the way it had before during fights. It wasn’t clarity; it was the sheer, crushing force of Varak’s speed.
"Move!" The command screamed through Sam’s mind, but his body lagged behind. His limbs were sluggish, heavy. Too slow. I’m too slow.
The axe came down with a horrifying whistling sound, like death itself cutting through the air. Sam’s eyes widened, his muscles finally responding in a burst of adrenaline-fueled desperation. He rolled to the side, just as the blade struck the ground with an ear-splitting crash. The force of the blow sent shards of rock and debris flying everywhere, some of it cutting into his skin.
Pain exploded through him, but he was alive. Barely.
He tried to scramble to his feet, but his legs gave out beneath him. His breaths were coming in ragged, panicked gasps, and his vision swam. Varak laughed darkly, already raising his axe for another strike.
"I’ll toy with you a little longer, boy," Varak taunted, his voice thick with malice. "After all, what’s the point of this new power if I don’t savor the fear in your eyes?"
Sam’s mind was breaking. He could feel it, like the last remnants of his sanity slipping through his fingers. I can’t do this. I can’t survive this.
His body hurt. His soul hurt. And worst of all, his mind screamed at him to give up, to surrender to the inevitable. Every time he tried to stand, his muscles refused to respond, and the crushing reality of his helplessness sent his mind spiraling into darkness.
"System..." His voice was barely a whisper, a pathetic plea for help. "Do something. Anything."
The system flickered into view, its usually calm tone now frantic. "Sam... I’m... analyzing options..."
Options? There were no options. He was going to die. He knew it. The system knew it. Everyone knew it.
Varak’s axe came crashing down again, and this time, Sam barely managed to roll out of the way. His entire body screamed in agony as he forced himself to move, his breath coming in panicked gasps. I can’t keep dodging like this. One hit. One hit and it’s over.
Suddenly, the system blared in his mind. "Defensive skill acquisition activated."
Sam blinked through his tears of exhaustion and fear. "What?"
"Skill unlocked: Fortress Skin—reduces physical damage by 50% for 60 seconds."
The words hit him like a lifeline thrown into stormy seas. He didn’t know how, but he activated it immediately, feeling a strange sensation wash over his body—like his skin had become tougher, denser. But there was no time to think. Varak was already lunging at him again.
This time, the axe struck his side with enough force to throw him across the ground like a ragdoll. Pain exploded through him, but it was dulled, muted by the new skill. Sam gasped, clutching his ribs where the blow had landed, but he was alive. The skill worked.
But Varak wasn’t done.
He was moving again, faster than Sam could comprehend, and the only thing keeping him from being torn to pieces was the dull, defensive aura of Fortress Skin. The demon’s strikes rained down like a relentless storm, but Sam—through sheer willpower and terror—managed to react just in time, rolling, dodging, avoiding fatal blows by mere inches.
The system's voice crackled in his mind again. "New skill unlocked: Iron Resolve—temporarily enhances physical defense and fortitude under extreme stress."
Without thinking, Sam activated it. His body surged with newfound resilience, his trembling hands gripping the dirt as he tried to stand. Varak’s next strike hit him hard, but he didn’t crumble. The force sent him skidding backward, but he remained on his feet. His bones didn’t shatter like he expected.
But he wasn’t fast enough to avoid every blow. His body screamed in pain as Varak’s relentless assault continued, his skin bruising and his muscles aching. But the system kept throwing skills at him, each one designed to prolong his survival, to keep him alive just a little longer.
"Skill unlocked: Barrier Ward—creates a temporary shield, blocking incoming attacks."
Sam felt it—the energy gathering around him, a faint shimmering barrier forming just in time to block another one of Varak’s deadly strikes. The axe collided with the barrier, sending shockwaves through the air, but the shield held, if only for a moment.
"I can’t keep this up," Sam thought, panic setting in once more as Varak growled, his attacks becoming more frenzied. "I’m just delaying the inevitable."
His body was barely holding on. Every breath felt like fire in his lungs, and his vision wavered, black spots creeping into the edges of his sight. The defensive skills were helping, but they weren’t enough. Varak was too strong, too fast. And Sam knew he couldn’t keep dodging forever.
"System, please," he whispered, voice breaking with desperation. "Is there anything else?"
The system hesitated. "Analyzing... analyzing... Sam, I’m detecting one final defensive skill, but... it’s risky."
Sam swallowed hard, knowing he didn’t have a choice. "Do it."
The system's voice quivered as it activated the skill. "Skill unlocked: Last Stand—increases all defenses to their maximum limit for 30 seconds. After the skill ends, you will be left vulnerable for twice that duration."
Sam felt the surge of power rush through him. His body felt like it was encased in steel, unbreakable, unyielding. Varak's axe struck again, but this time, Sam didn’t move. He didn’t need to. The axe crashed against him, and for the first time, Varak’s eyes widened in shock as his attack was completely absorbed.
For a moment, Sam felt invincible.
But he knew the truth: this was only temporary. Thirty seconds. That’s all I have.
Varak’s face twisted into a snarl as he realized what had happened. "You think that pathetic skill will save you, boy?" His voice dripped with rage as he readied another strike, faster, stronger. But Sam stood firm, his heart racing, knowing that his time was running out.
And when it did, there would be nothing left to protect him.
Sam felt the surge of power like a flood of adrenaline crashing through his veins. The weight of exhaustion lifted, replaced by an overwhelming sense of invincibility. His vision sharpened, and every detail of Varak's monstrous form was suddenly clear. The demon, snarling with fury, took a step back in surprise. For the first time, Varak’s confidence wavered as Sam stood tall, no longer retreating or scrambling to survive.
But Sam knew the truth. Thirty seconds. That's all I have. This wasn't salvation; it was a brief respite before the inevitable. His heart pounded in his chest as he gripped his sword tighter. If he was going to make these seconds count, he had to give it everything he had.
Varak, recovering from his brief shock, sneered. "No tricks can save you now, boy!" He lunged, his massive axe swinging down with the force to split mountains.
Sam braced himself, his instincts screaming to dodge, but he stood his ground. The axe connected with his chest, a thunderous crack reverberating through the air. Instead of feeling the crushing blow, Sam barely registered the impact. The skill had hardened his body to the point of near invulnerability. He smiled grimly, knowing this borrowed strength wouldn't last.
Twenty-nine seconds.
Sam countered with a swift upward slash aimed at Varak's torso. His movements were faster now
than he'd ever been before, his muscles moving with a precision and speed he didn't even know he possessed. His blade sliced into Varak's chest, but it barely left a mark. The demon's skin was like armor, tougher than anything Sam had ever encountered. The hit was enough to stagger Varak, but the reality was clear: this power boost wasn’t enough.
Twenty-eight seconds.
Varak roared, more in annoyance than pain, as Sam leapt back, creating distance. Sam's breathing was already labored, his mind racing for a strategy. I need to be smarter about this, not just stronger. He activated his Analyze skill again, trying to find any weak spot, any advantage.
Twenty-seven seconds.
His heart sank. Varak’s health had barely dropped.
Varak's Stats: Health: 5,932/6,200 Mana: 2,700/2,800 Strength: 593 Agility: 351 Reaction Speed: 707
Even with his enhanced abilities, Sam’s attacks were doing minimal damage. His mind screamed at him to retreat, to run, but there was nowhere to go. Varak’s stats were beyond anything he had ever faced before.
"Why won't you just stay down!" Sam muttered under his breath, frustration boiling over. Every instinct screamed that this battle was hopeless. But there was no way out. If he failed, he would die here, and possibly for the last time. Sam wasn't sure how many chances he had left, and the terrifying realization hit him: This might be the end.
Twenty-six seconds.
Varak moved, his reaction speed making him a blur. Sam barely had time to twist out of the way as the demon's axe came crashing down again, leaving a deep scar in the earth where Sam had stood. The sheer force of the swing kicked up dust and rocks, blinding Sam temporarily. He blinked furiously to clear his vision, but Varak was already upon him.
Sam dodged left, then right, using his Void Step skill to teleport short distances, trying to outmaneuver Varak's brutal attacks. Each time, he narrowly escaped death. But the strain on his body was growing unbearable. His limbs screamed in protest, muscles tearing with every move.
Twenty-five seconds.
Sam's mind raced. He had to take risks. His only chance was to use his brief window of strength to try something drastic. With a grunt, he dove towards Varak's flank, aiming for the demon's legs. He slashed low, hoping to destabilize his enemy, but Varak saw the move coming. He jumped back with incredible agility, and Sam’s blade met only air.
Varak grinned viciously, “Is that all you’ve got, human? You’re wasting your time.” His voice dripped with mockery.
Twenty-three seconds.
Panic was starting to set in. Sam’s attacks weren’t enough, his enhanced power wasn’t enough, and time was slipping through his fingers. Desperation took over as he launched another series of attacks, each strike faster than the last. He aimed for Varak’s head, his neck, anywhere that looked vulnerable, but Varak was too fast, too experienced. Each hit was blocked or dodged effortlessly.
Twenty-one seconds.
Sam’s stamina was flagging. His sword arm was heavy, his lungs burned for air. Even with his enhanced abilities, Varak was toying with him. Sam knew that in a straight fight, this demon was leagues ahead. I need more time. I need more power!
Nineteen seconds.
Varak smirked and swung his axe again, this time a horizontal arc aimed to decapitate. Sam barely ducked in time, feeling the wind from the massive blade brush his hair. His heart pounded wildly in his chest. He needed to land a decisive blow, but how? Varak’s defense was nearly impenetrable, and Sam’s stamina was running out faster than his borrowed time.
Then, the system spoke in his mind, startling him. "System Credits available: 47,826. Allocate 1,000 credits for 2 additional seconds to Void Step?"
Sam hesitated for only a split second before answering, "Yes, do it!"
Seventeen seconds.
A renewed surge of power coursed through him as the timer extended. This is my only chance. He used Void Step again, appearing directly behind Varak, aiming for the base of his spine. The sword struck, and this time, it bit deeper than before. Varak roared in genuine pain as blood sprayed from the wound. Sam gritted his teeth and pushed harder, but Varak twisted around and backhanded him with enough force to send him flying.
Sam crashed hard into the ground, skidding across the dirt, his vision blurring from the impact. He coughed, tasting blood in his mouth. Fifteen seconds.
Varak staggered slightly but remained standing. His wound was significant, but not enough to turn the tide. The demon’s eyes flared with rage as he stomped toward Sam, his monstrous figure looming larger with every step.
“You’re starting to annoy me, human,” Varak growled, his voice dark and full of hatred. "I’ll finish this, and there won’t be enough left of you to regenerate."
Thirteen seconds.
Sam’s body screamed in protest as he forced himself to stand. His legs wobbled, his vision swam, but he had no choice. This was it—the final push. His hand trembled as he gripped his sword, readying himself for one last effort. I just need to survive long enough…
Varak raised his axe, preparing to strike the final blow. Sam’s heart pounded in his ears. Every second felt like an eternity.
Ten seconds.
The system spoke again, “System Coins remaining: 46,826. Allocate 1,000 credits for 2 additional seconds?”
"Yes!" Sam barked, not hesitating this time. Every second was vital now.
The clock reset. Sam blinked behind Varak again, his sword slashing across the demon’s back. This time, the blade bit deeper, drawing a torrent of blood. Varak let out a howl of pain, and for the first time, Sam saw real fear in the demon's eyes. I can do this! I can win!
Eight seconds.
But Varak was still far from defeated. He spun around, faster than Sam could react, and slammed his fist into Sam’s gut. The impact was like a sledgehammer, knocking the wind out of him and sending him sprawling. Sam gasped for air, his vision darkening as he struggled to breathe.
Five seconds.
The system chimed once more, “System Coins remaining: 45,826. Allocate 1,000 credits for 2 additional seconds?”
Sam barely managed to nod in response. Just a little more time.
He staggered to his feet, his sword slipping from his grasp. His entire body was shaking from exhaustion, every nerve screaming in agony. Three seconds.
Varak loomed over him, grinning wickedly. “No more tricks, human. Your time is up.”
Two seconds.
Sam’s hand shot out, grasping the hilt of his sword with the last of his strength. I have one shot left.
One second.
With a final, desperate roar, Sam used the last of his mana to launch himself forward, driving the blade straight into Varak’s chest. The demon screamed in fury and agony as the sword pierced his heart, black blood pouring from the wound. Sam collapsed to his knees, panting, his vision dark and his body completely spent.
The last thing he heard before everything went black was the system’s cold, detached voice.
“Time expired.”