Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang Bang ——!

The muffled thud of rods echoed as blow after blow landed on Layton’s sturdy frame, each strike reverberating through his armor. His clothing quivered with each impact, but he remained still, a towering wall of muscle and resolve. Dus had rained down countless strikes, yet the realization was sinking in — this man was unyielding. Layton's Strength and Durability far exceeded anything Dus could handle.

Dus himself had poured almost everything into Agility, his quickness honed by years of dodging death. With 20 points invested in Agility, but only a mere 7 in Strength, he had always relied on outmaneuvering enemies, not overpowering them. And yet, here he was, hammering away at a stone.

"Stop this madness! Your attacks are useless against me!" Layton shouted, raising his shield. His voice was steady, commanding. "You’re running out of stamina. If you don’t stop, you’ll regret it!"

Dus barked out a laugh, though deep down he knew Layton was right. His stamina, only bolstered by a modest 8 points in Endurance, was nearly drained. His high Agility sapped his energy with every strike, and now, exhaustion loomed over him. But there was no way Dus would back down now.

'To stop now? To beg for forgiveness?' Dus, Rod Hero, 'would never!

With a quick step back, Dus kicked up a cloud of dust. His eyes locked on Layton, a challenge burning in them. "Let's see if you can tank this!" he growled, gripping his rod tightly. He knew his strength paled in comparison, but he'd never abandon his pride.

"No matter what tricks you pull, come at me!" Layton called out, raising his shield in anticipation.

Dus smirked, drawing the rod behind his back. "Let me show you what a real Rod Hero can do! This next strike will—"

Before Dus could finish, a long, black rod shot up from the ground, striking him squarely in the mouth. "Cough! Cough! Cough!" he staggered back, spitting out dirt as he broke the offending rod with a quick snap.

'Who?!' Dus whirled around in confusion, searching for the culprit. His eyes darted wildly, heart pounding. 'Who’s sneaking up on me?!'

"Enough noise already," a cold voice whispered in his ear, chilling his spine.

Dus reacted instinctively, swinging his rod backward with all his might— Bang! A shockwave rippled out from the force, but it was useless. The figure behind him had already caught the rod effortlessly, standing unharmed.

Dus blinked, his breath catching in his throat. It was Anyi.

In the blink of an eye, Anyi had appeared behind Dus, clutching his weapon as if the attack had been a mere trifle. His face remained expressionless, his movements smooth, calculated.

'How... how is this possible?!' Dus was frozen in disbelief. He had been attacking Layton for what felt like hours, and yet this newcomer had intercepted his blow in a heartbeat. Dus couldn’t even perceive when Anyi had moved. Could his Agility be that much higher than his own?

'He must have at least 10 points more in Agility than I do! But to take my attack so effortlessly...' Dus's mind raced. 'His Strength must be even greater, and yet his Durability is low!'

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“Get off!” Dus roared, yanking his rod free. In a flash, he recalled the weapon into his inventory, white light flashing as the rod vanished from Anyi’s hand.

But Dus wasn’t done yet. He hurled another rod at Anyi’s head — Poof! — black slime erupted from Anyi’s collar, forming a protective barrier that absorbed the blow with ease. The weapon sank into the slime like it had struck a pool of mud, its power utterly neutralized.

Dus leapt back, drawing another rod. He mustered all his remaining strength and launched a vicious kick toward Anyi’s abdomen.

'Boom!' The impact reverberated, but this time it was Dus who was sent flying, his body hurtling backward. A wicked smile crept across his lips as he tumbled through the air.

'Let’s see if you can handle this!

...

Huh.'

Dus landed hard, sitting dazedly on the ground, his eyes locked on Anyi. The young hero stood motionless, completely unshaken by Dus’s kick. Not even a flicker of discomfort crossed his face.

'Why?! If his Strength and Agility are higher than mine, could his Durability be even greater than my Strength? That would mean… no points in Endurance?'

But Dus’s thoughts were cut short as the reality of the fight sank in. He was nearing the end of his stamina, while Anyi hadn’t even broken a sweat.

Gripping his rod, Dus attempted to rise for another attack. He wouldn't go down like this, not without one final effort. But before he could act, Anyi’s voice boomed.

"Enough."

In an instant, black slime lashed out from Anyi’s sword, weaving itself into a net that bound Dus's limbs. He struggled against it, but the slime flowed effortlessly with his movements, absorbing his strength like quicksand. There was no escape.

"Enough of this nonsense. It ends now," Anyi declared with quiet authority.

Layton, standing nearby, let out a breath, lowering his shield slightly. His muscles relaxed, though his gaze remained wary.

“End?!” Dus barked, still fueled by defiance and the remnants of his anger. “If you’re so brave, let me go, coward!”

But Anyi ignored his outburst, turning to Layton. "Mr. Layton, explain."

Layton, ever composed, glanced at Dus and spoke calmly, "He wanted to hurt people."

Anyi nodded, taking in the scene. From the debris and chaos around them, it was clear Layton had acted first, but Dus's behavior spoke volumes. Even in a brief exchange, Anyi could sense that Dus was more skilled in combat. Layton wouldn’t have managed to land a single blow unless the circumstances were unusual.

If Layton had caught Dus off guard the first time, Dus certainly wouldn’t have fallen for it a second time — unless there was more to the story.

Anyi shifted his gaze to the man before him. "Dus Oaks," he began, his tone even but laced with authority. "The people call you the 'Rod Hero,' do they not?"

Dus’s anger flared, but he couldn’t help but glance around, as Anyi had instructed. His eyes swept over the onlookers—people cowering in the corners, whispering fearfully, their eyes wide with terror. Some looked at Anyi and Layton with respect, admiration even. But when their gazes fell on Dus, there was only fear.

Fear of him.

And why wouldn’t they be afraid?

Anyi’s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and cold. "I see fear in their eyes, Dus."

Dus looked up, his defiance faltering under Anyi’s unwavering stare.

"A hero is meant to be a symbol of courage, one who stands against monsters." Anyi’s words were measured, each one striking deeper. "But your strength, the strength that should make monsters tremble, instead makes these innocent people afraid of you."

"Does the power granted to you by the Kami give you the right to terrorize the weak? Is that what makes a hero in your eyes? To be feared by the very people you’re meant to protect?"

Anyi’s voice grew colder, each word a condemnation. "You don’t deserve the title of 'Hero.' Nor do you deserve to be called 'sama.' You’re no hero. You’re just a bully."

...

Upstairs, Miruku listened, her heart pounding as Anyi's words echoed through the walls. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she clasped her hands over her mouth to muffle her sobs.

'So… so cool…' she thought.

In her mind, she replayed the scene, imagining herself standing beside Anyi as she chastised the "Bad Hero."

"You don't deserve the title of Hero!"

Ah! So handsome! So strong!

Her cheeks flushed as she wiped away the tears, caught up in the whirlwind of admiration. 'Ah, Anyi, you're amazing!'