Sam darted around swiftly between the trees, using their trunks as cover while he dodged the relentless assault of roots and vines. His breath came in ragged gasps, and sweat continue to dripped from his brow, but he forced himself to keep on moving without any stop. Everytime he glanced back, he saw the twisted forms of roots snaking closer, threatening to ensnare him. His mind raced as he tried to devise a plan. The debuff Mi had somehow cast on him from out of nowhere was really frustrating, it's limiting his ability to move more than 50 meters away from him, making him unable to devise any plan to escape unless he gets rid of this debuff.

As he zigzagged through the forest, Sam spotted Jason's shield lying on the ground. Without hesitating, he swiftly scooped it up. He might need it for defense or to execute whatever plan he could come up with. The shield would definitely help him blocking that disgustingly strong yellow beam, which had nearly killed Jason earlier.

Sam's stamina was burning fast as he maintained his hit and run tactics, darting between the trees and firing his rifle whenever he had a clear shot at Mi. But none of his bullets managed to pierce that annoying energy shield, and each bullet only seemed to fuel that damn shield of his, making it slowly glow more brighter. Seriously, what the fuck is up with that shield? It's disgustingly tough and can store the energy from enemy attack, that's straight up cheating!

"It's useless," Mi's voice echoed through the forest, laced with mocking condescension. "Whatever you're doing, it's futile even if you use all of your useless tricks. You're only delaying the inevitable."

Sam gritted his teeth, deep in his mind he knew Mi was right. Right now he was stalling, buying time as much as he can to think of a way to Pierce that seemingly impenetrable energy shield. His mind raced, considering and discarding plans in quick succession. His current weapon seemed inadequate against his magical defenses. Desperation began to creep in, but then he remembered something, skill selection. Sam immediately open his notification window, when he saw the skill selection he quickly scanned the description.

[Deadshot (Rare)]

-A skill that transforms the user's precision and lethality to a certain levels depending on the user understanding and firearm proffiency. When activated, the skill sharpens the user's focus and steadies their aim, allowing their aiming and shooting capability more smoothly.

This skill is particularly potent if used properly and when wielding a "specific" type of gun within its optimal range, whether it be at close quarters or over long distance. Deadshot automatically adjusts for environmental factors, wind speed, and even the target's movement, ensuring that each shot strikes with maximum force with minimal resistance.

The impact is capable on rendering almost all type of defenses useless against the enhanced penetration power of the user's bullets. Add a minor bonus to the effect of Sense when using ranged weapons.

[Berserk (Rare)]

-An active skill that unleashes the raw, untamed fury and unyielding spirit of the user, transforming them into a rampaging berserker. When activated, it channels the user's rage, spirit, and adrenaline to significantly boosting their physical strength, speed, and resilience. While in a berserk state, it will allows the user to withstand damage that would otherwise crippling and fatal.

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The user will also become less aware of pain and fatigue, driven purely by a primal instinct to destroy everything in their path. The user's battle sense sharpen, and their strikes will hit with bone crushing force, capable on shattering shields and defenses with ease.

The drawback of this skill is that the user prone to losing their rationality the longer they stay in berserk state, and will leave them vulnerable for 5 minutes after skill deactivation. adds a miniscule bonus to strength and endurance.

One skill stood out from the two options: Deadshot. It promised increased accuracy and power, perfect for critical hit. Berserk, on the other hand was far too risky and immediately out of the window for his current predicament.

*Gained Skill* [Deadshot (Rare)]

After selecting his new skill, Sam started to formulate a plan. He knew he couldn't fully utilize the skill with his rifle due to it's long shooting range. Sam fired his rifle and noticed nothing changes, Mi shield still stand strong.

'If only not for this fucking debuff, I would've been able to sniped his ass from afar!' Sam thought, gritting his teeth in frustration.

Now, he needed a close, precise shot to maximize Deadshot's effect. With renewed hope, he continued his hit and run tactics, ducking and weaving through the forest, avoiding the roots, vines, and occasional fireballs that Mi hurled at him.

The yellow shield around Mi glowed even brighter, and then, a magic circle appeared in front of Mi's staff, shooting a beam toward Sam.

Anticipating the attack, Sam raised his shield. The impact was staggering, pushing him back with tremendous force. His feet skidded on the ground, and the beam slammed him into a tree, pinning him there. Sam gritted his teeth in pain, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He held the shield up desperately, every single of his muscle straining to keep the deadly energy at bay. After what felt like an eternity, the beam finally ceased, and Sam collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.

Footsteps crunched on the forest floor, and Mi's voice followed. "I told you, you're only delaying the inevitable. A bloody fool indeed. But don't worry Persona, I won't kill you just yet, not that fast. I already swore to torture you and show you the deepest pit of hell! Mi's eyes burned with hatred as he approached. "No matter how much you beg, I won't give you the sweet release of death!"

Mi pointed his staff at Sam, the tip glowing ominously. "Any last words?"

Sam, battered and leaning against the tree, suddenly smirked. With a swift motion, he sprang up, twisting his body to deliver a powerful left hook. Mi blocked it effortlessly with his shield, a resounding boom echoing through the forest.

Mi's mocking smirk widened. "Yet another foolish attempt in your futile struggle. No matter what tricks you use, I can see through them all, you're too you to deceive me."

"Hah! Overconfident bastard." Sam said, his voice steady.

Unbeknownst to Mi, Sam had used the left hook attack as a distraction. He masked his movement to pull out the revolver, in his right hand he had already drawn his revolver, aiming it straight at Mi's chest.

"Bang," Sam whispered, pulling the trigger.

Mi didn't react much as he fully confident in his shield, unfortunately, that confidence shattered completely when the bullet pierced through, hitting him square in the chest. Mi's eyes widened in shock as he stumbled backwards, falling to one knee.

Blood seeped out from the wound, his face contorted with pain and confusion. "How the hell did you pierce my retribution shield?!" He demanded, clutching his chest as he attempted to heal the wound with his glowing hands.

Sam's gaze was freezing cold. He aimed the revolver at Mi's head, his voice release a low growl. "Dead men tell no tales." He pulled the trigger, and the bullet pierced Mi's skull, ending his life with a final sickening thud.

Sam took a moment to catch his breath, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. But then, in not so funny timing, as if the world loathe him relaxing just for a a little bit, suddenly a loud boom echoed through the air, shaking the ground. It came from the direction of Kaya's ongoing battle.

Almost losing his balance, Sam steadied himself and immediately ran toward Kaya and Gabby without second thought, hoping they were okay.