As we charged toward the colossal Eight-Headed Serpent, a foul, suffocating stench suddenly filled the air. An overwhelming wave of nausea hit me, and I watched in horror as my teammates collapsed one by one, overcome by the toxic fumes.

“What... what is this?” I gasped, feeling my own strength slipping away.

The serpent let out a guttural laugh, its reptilian eyes gleaming with malice. “My soporific gases can break even the strongest of wills. Soon, you’ll all drift into an eternal sleep.”

I gritted my teeth, fighting the numbness spreading through my body. I couldn’t afford to fall here- not when my friends needed me. Desperately scanning my interface, I found two skills that might help.

Interface :

[Poison Resistance – Level 1: Activated]

[Sleep Resistance – Level 1: Activated]

Relief flooded through me as the effects of the toxic gas slowly began to fade. I looked around at my unconscious teammates, then turned my gaze to the monster towering above us, its grotesque heads swaying mockingly.

"How could you create something so vile?" I demanded, anger building in my chest.

The serpent hissed with amusement. "I was designed this way by my creator. A demon forged me to be the perfect instrument of destruction."

The word "demon" sent a surge of irritation—and hatred—through me. "You disgusting, stinking beast! I'll crush you with my own hands!"

My voice was sharp, tinged with a darkness I didn't recognize. My will to defeat this creature burned hotter, transforming into a fiery, almost murderous resolve. I felt mana surging through my body, ready to erupt.

"Oh?" the serpent hissed, a wicked grin curling its lips. "You must be one of those humans who despise demons. How delightful—it will make your defeat even more satisfying."

A low growl escaped my throat as I tightened my grip on my weapon. "Prepare to face my wrath, you filthy worm. I'll destroy every last one of your wretched heads!"

[Mana Amplification - Level 2: Activated]

A torrent of energy coursed through me, amplifying my speed and reflexes beyond their limits. The world around me seemed to slow, as though I were moving in a dimension of my own.

[Lightning Reflexes - Level 2: Passive Activated]

My movements became fluid, precise—almost effortless. I dashed toward the serpent, evading its snapping jaws with ease.

"What... what is this?" the creature hissed, its heads swiveling frantically to follow me.

A dark smile spread across my face.

"Let me show you the true meaning of terror, monster."

[Flame Surge - Level 3: Activated]

Concentrating my mana, I unleashed an intense wave of heat, the air itself crackling as the temperature surged past 10,000 degrees Celsius. The serpent's scaled hide began to smoke and sizzle, twisting under the searing heat.

The beast let out a deafening roar of agony, its heads writhing chaotically. "Impossible!" it shrieked. "My scales are supposed to be indestructible!"

I didn't give it the satisfaction of a response. My fury drove me forward, unrelenting. "You dared to attack us, to threaten us, and worse still-you serve the whims of a demon!"

With a superhuman leap, I landed on one of the serpent's heads, raising my gleaming blade. "Die, you vermin!"

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In a swift motion, I severed one of its heads, the grotesque mass hitting the ground with a sickening thud. The serpent roared in pain, thrashing wildly in a futile attempt to dislodge me.

"You filthy creature! I'll burn you to ashes!" it bellowed, its fanged maw snapping dangerously close to me.

But it was no match for my enhanced speed and agility. Leaping from one head to the next, I struck them down one by one. Each severed head tumbled to the ground, leaving the serpent screaming in agony.

By the time I landed back on the ground, the serpent was reduced to a mutilated trunk, its lifeblood pooling around its massive body. Its eyes, once filled with malice, now reflected pure hatred—and fear.

"What... what are you?" it gasped, its voice reduced to a ragged whisper.

Standing over the dying creature, I stared down at it with cold contempt. "I am your worst nightmare. An avenger sworn to eradicate every last trace of demons from this world."

With one final swing of my blade, I severed the serpent's final head. Its body convulsed violently before collapsing into stillness, its existence snuffed out.

Panting heavily, I scanned the battlefield. My teammates still lay unconscious, victims of the serpent's toxic fumes. I needed to help them—fast.

I hurried to their sides, examining them for any signs of life. Relief washed over me as I realized they were still breathing. But how could I wake them?

An idea struck me. [Emergency Healing - Level 2: Activated]

Channeling my mana, I allowed a soothing warmth to flow from my hands, enveloping my friends in a gentle, golden glow. Slowly, their tense features relaxed, and their eyes began to flutter open.

"What... what happened?" Liam muttered groggily, sitting up and rubbing his head. "Feels like I got trampled by a herd of orcs..."

"The serpent," Seraphina murmured, blinking as she regained her bearings. "It must've knocked us out with its gas..."

Kenzo pushed himself upright, glancing around the battlefield. His eyes widened as they landed on me. "Griffith? What... what happened to you?"

I looked down at myself, noticing for the first time my torn and bloodstained clothing. "I... I defeated it."

"You what?" Liam exclaimed, staring at me in disbelief. "You mean to tell me you took down that monster by yourself?"

I quickly explained how I had activated my mana amplification and resistance skills, which allowed me to withstand the serpent's toxic gases and fight back. Their expressions shifted from shock to amazement.

"Incredible," Seraphina whispered, her eyes shining with admiration. "You managed to defeat such a terrifying creature on your own?"

Kenzo nodded, a newfound respect evident in his gaze. "I always knew you had potential, Griffith. But this... this was extraordinary."

Liam snorted, his tone laced with mock sarcasm. "Alright, fine, you're amazing. But don't expect us to throw you a parade or anything."

I raised an eyebrow at him, but Seraphina placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "Don't mind him, Griffith. He's just a little jealous."

Kenzo chuckled. "What matters is that we're all alive, thanks to you. Great job, Griffith."

I felt my face heat up at their praise. "Thank you, everyone. But this isn't over. The serpent revealed something... disturbing."

Their smiles faded as I recounted the serpent's words.

"So that monster was created by a demon..." Liam muttered, his brows furrowed in thought.

Seraphina shivered. "It's terrifying to think about. If demons can create such abominations, what else might they be capable of?"

Kenzo nodded grimly. "It means we need to be more cautious than ever. Who knows what other horrors are waiting for us in this dungeon?"

I clenched my fists, a wave of hatred surging through me. "It doesn't matter. No matter what they throw at us, I swear I'll destroy every demon in our path. Even the Demon King himself, if it comes to that!"

My companions stared at me, startled by the intensity of my words.

"Griffith..." Seraphina began hesitantly.

But I didn't let her finish. "We don't have time to waste. Let's move forward and wipe out every trace of demonic influence in this dungeon!"

Without waiting for their response, I marched into the dark corridors ahead, my resolve burning like a flame that could not be extinguished.

Hesitant but determined, my friends followed close behind. They shared my goal, even if my newfound rage gave them pause.

This fight wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about vengeance - about ensuring that no demon, no matter how powerful, would ever threaten our world again.