Despite the surprise attack, Maimou managed to dodge, stepping sideways just barely, his fur brushing against the incoming wind. The gust from Mav's swing ruffled his face, making him ponder what might have happened had the punch landed directly. "This human’s power is impressive—much stronger than most I’ve faced. I must be careful."

"Giving it your all already, huh?" he growled. "Then I'll do the same. No holding back like last time."

He stepped back from Mav and invoked "Yellow Enhancement," which enveloped his entire body in a bright, yellow flame.

Then, he activated "Double Resistance," causing the yellow flames to compress tightly around him. They coiled and condensed, forming a dense, searing armor that shimmered with blinding light. The compression of the flames amplified their brightness and generated a powerful, radiant pressure that distorted the air around him.

"What is this skill? I've never encountered it before," Mav thought. But with only eight seconds left on his current skill, he pressed on with his assault.

He closed the distance between them instantly and swung another punch at Maimou, connecting squarely with his chest. Oddly, Maimou made no effort this time to dodge or defend with Green Protection, instead bracing himself against the blow.

When Mav’s punch connected, a resounding thud echoed through the area. Maimou was thrust back, his fur singed and stained with blood, the force of the blow leaving a visible dent in his chest, blood spattering from his mouth. He felt his ribs crack and a shockwave of pain through his lungs. "His hit still has this much power despite my 90% physical resistance?" He thought.

Before Mav could launch another attack, Maimou invoked "Triple Resistance." The yellow flames around him flared wildly, expanding outward with a surge of energy. Then, as if guided by an unseen force, the flames compressed back around his body, enveloping him in an additional, tightly bound layer of intense yellow fire. The concentrated glow radiated a powerful aura, and the air crackled with renewed energy.

He swiftly cast "Blue Heal," restoring the injuries inflicted by Mav's previous punch. As the healing light enveloped him, he thought, "Triple Resistance is my ultimate skill, but it drains my mana quickly. But I have no choice."

Mav's eyes widened at the renewed intensity, but there was no time for hesitation; he had to act quickly. The countdown was ticking. He dashed forward again and landed another direct punch on Maimou's chest.

"That's strange. Why isn't he dodging or protecting himself?" Mav wondered, though he had no time to ponder.

When he looked where his punch landed, he saw no damage. "What?How?" he thought.

He punched again—still no effect. He rained a flurry of punches on Maimou, so fast they became a blur of yellow against the creature's chest. Despite this relentless assault, Maimou remained unharmed.

With only three seconds left, Mav stepped back to regroup. His frustration boiled over as his repeated punches failed to make an impact. Sweat trickled down his face, mingling with his growing desperation. "What the hell is going on? Why aren't my punches causing any damage?" he thought.

Maimou’s eyes gleamed with malicious delight as he noticed Mav’s confusion. His voice took on a mocking tone. "Surprised? Let me illuminate your ignorance before you’re finished off. My special skill, 'Resistance Stacking,' a precious gift from King Vasilias. It lets me amplify my physical resistance, making me able to double or even triple the 45% resistance I start with."

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His voice carried a mix of amusement and condescension. “Typically, I only need to double it against most foes, but you’re different. Your punches are surprisingly potent—even at a fraction of their full force. You should be flattered human; you’re the second to ever make me use Triple Resistance. Now, prepare to die."

"Special Curse, Level Reverse," he added.

As he finished speaking, the dark yellow flames enveloping Mav's body disappeared.

"Seems like it’s taking effect now," he grinned. "Check your skill, human."

Mav opened his status screen and checked his skills. His eyes widened at the sight:

Skill Name: Dark Yellow Transcendence (Maximum) lvl. -43/120

A cold wave of dread washed over him. "What the hell? Why is it in the negatives?" he thought.

Maimou bellowed with laughter. "My special curse, Level Reverse, reduces the level of any skill I’m hit by temporarily, based on how many times the attack lands on me. Thanks for the barrage of punches; now your skill is useless. My curse will only deactivate if I run out of mana or if you kill me, which I doubt is possible now," Maimou taunted.

Mav, overwhelmed and confused, thought, "Just what the hell is this monster?" Before he could react further, Maimou spoke again.

"It's my turn," he said, charging at Mav.

"Dark Green Invincibility," Mav whispered, activating his shield just as Maimou’s first hit landed, completely negating the attack.

"No damage, huh?" Maimou sneered, studying the flames surrounding Mav. "Then I’ll just rain punches on you like you did to me. Eventually, your shield will break, or you’ll run out of mana." He resumed his relentless assault, fists pounding against Mav’s protective flames.

"This is bad. What do I do?" Mav thought, his eyes fixed on Maimou’s blows.

"In eight seconds, I’ll be toast. I need to think of something," he told himself, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves.

8...

"Can I somehow use my Dark Green Invincibility in a different way?" he pondered.

7...

His mind raced as he formulated a new plan. “I need to adapt. I’ll have to change my approach.”

6...

"That's it," he tought. "But if it doesn't work... No. I have no choice, I have to try it."

Focusing his mind, Mav reversed the direction of his dark green flames outward, instead of just wrapping them around his body. The flames slowly enveloped Maimou’s surroundings, trapping him inside the dark green shield.

Maimou stopped his attacks, bewildered by the sudden appearance of the dark flames encircling him, which had previously only been around Mav’s body.

5...

"It worked," he thought, clenching his fist. "Now for the finishing touch." He quickly retrieved a low-tier mana potion from his item box, the glass cool against his skin. He drank deeply, feeling the mana surge back into his veins, restoring it to 120/120.

4...

He then addressed the now-confused Maimou. "Hey," he said, drawing his attention. "You should be flattered, Daimoniki; you’re the second to ever make me use this. As a reward, I’ll tell you my name: Mav Rose. Remember it, though you won’t live long enough to do so."

3...

"Now, prepare to die," Mav finished, echoing Maimou's own words back at him. Then, with a deep breath, he prepared to cast...

2...

"Dark Red Nuke."