The Goblin King's roar echoed inside the cave. Dyren activated [Berserk], and a green aura enveloped his body. He grinned widely. Clearly interested.
Dyren channeled Mana into his legs. As he pushed forward, his body shot ahead. In an instant, he was beside the Goblin King and slashed horizontally.
Clang!
The Goblin King's giant club blocked the attack, but his body was pushed sideways. The sound of cracking bones echoed. Dyren twisted his body and slammed his knee into the Goblin King's gut.
The Goblin King coughed up thick green blood. But he didn't fall. Instead, he grabbed Dyren's arm and slammed him to the ground.
Baam!
The ground cracked beneath Dyren. Dust filled the area.
However, before the Goblin King could strike Dyren again, Dyren's hand suddenly gripped the Goblin King's face.
"I told you. You're not my equal."
Dyren clenched the Goblin King's head tightly. Cracking sounds came from the skull.
But the Goblin King let out a fierce roar. His red eyes glowed brightly. In an instant, he released wild magic energy that blew Dyren back several steps. Dyren's grip was broken.
The Goblin King went berserk. His body grew slightly, muscles tensed, and his wounds healed faster.
"Oh, you're angry now, huh?" Dyren raised an eyebrow. "Funny. But you're still too weak for me."
The Goblin King swung his massive club at Dyren. Dyren ducked and, with a single motion, slashed at the Goblin King's leg.
Slash!
The Goblin King's right leg was severed. The monster screamed in pain but tried to stand with the rest of his strength. Limping, he lifted his club with both hands and swung it down.
Dyren dodged the attack. He even smiled.
"Pointless."
His fist punched upward.
Braak!
Dyren's fist smashed into the Goblin King's chest, lifting the massive body into the air and flinging it backward. The cave wall cracked as the Goblin King's body slammed into it.
Dyren slowly approached. His body bore few injuries, and a terrifying aura radiated from him.
The Goblin King tried to rise again. His breathing was heavy, blood dripped from his mouth and nose. Especially from his right leg.
"Surrender. But... it doesn't matter. I won't give you a choice," Dyren said coldly.
The Goblin King raised his club again, but before he could swing—
Slash!
His arm was cut off by Dyren. The club and his right hand fell to the ground.
"Aaarrrgj!"
The Goblin King screamed in pain. Green blood flowed, forming a pool. His gaze grew dull.
"Well then, let's end this."
With a slight motion, the Goblin King's head was severed. He was killed by a human—and a necromancer wielding a sword.
Something almost impossible to witness anywhere. Necromancers weren't one-on-one fighters. But Dyren did it.
Dyren walked over to the Goblin King's body. He placed his hand on the monster's chest.
[Summoning Undead – Activated.]
A dark green magic circle formed, creating a swirl of energy. The air trembled. The Goblin King's corpse quivered, then slowly rose. His eyes now glowed a dim green.
His body was restored, though slightly altered. He looked paler, and his eyes were nearly lifeless.
Upon rising, the Undead Goblin King bowed to Dyren.
"Good." Dyren smiled. "Finally, a free healing potion."
Dyren pulled out his dagger. He slashed his own palm. Dark red blood dripped—but the wound immediately healed.
He repeated the act, and the result was the same. The Goblin King's passive skill truly worked on him.
"This is really interesting," Dyren said.
***
Rashan and the others watched from afar, eyes wide open. They could only shake their heads in disbelief at what Dyren had done.
He slaughtered all the goblins alone. He faced the Goblin King and dozens of regular goblins. Even A-rank adventurers couldn't have done that.
"He... he's not just a necromancer. He's a monster..." Brux whispered.
"Indeed. He is the true definition of a monster."
Heavy footsteps echoed. As they turned toward the sound, they were shocked. It was Cerberus, holding a still-alive Goblin Shaman in its mouth.
Blood dripped from the Shaman's body. A few seconds later, the creature bit down harder. Bones snapped, and the Shaman died.
Rashan's party could only gulp. They knew the beast before them was Cerberus—an S-rank monster. Almost impossible to defeat by all adventurers in Velderath.
Unless Gorath joined and was in his prime. But sadly, that was impossible.
"Taming a Cerberus. This makes no sense. How is he still an E-rank adventurer?"
"Shouldn't he be at least rank A?"
Rashan shook his head. "No. He's already on par with an S-rank adventurer."
Vannel, Brux, and Jilkan swallowed nervously. They had seen S-rank adventurers fight before... and they were truly beyond logic. Incredibly powerful.
They were like miracles in human form—and Dyren resembled them.
***
Dyren turned toward Brux, Rashan, Jilkan, and Vannel. He gave them a big smile. Then, he closed his eyes. He stepped closer to each of them and... their wounds slowly healed. Without drinking any potion at all.
"Whoooorfh!"
Dyren patted Sniffy's head before dismissing the summon. Behind him, the Goblin King still stood. Not attacking, not moving—just standing silently, holding his large club.
Dyren tilted his head. Looking around. "Ah." He looked toward Rashan. "Can I take their corpses to the guild?" he asked.
Rashan, now mostly recovered, stood and surveyed the surroundings. Nearly a hundred goblins lay around. He gulped at the sight. Then, he looked back at Dyren.
"Of course. You can take them and sell them," he replied.
Hearing that, Dyren smiled broadly. "Really? Then let's split it. I'll take those here and..." he pointed deeper into the cave, "you guys can take the ones in there."
Rashan and the others quickly waved their hands. "No. We won't take a share. We didn't do anything. It's all yours."
"Take it. Consider it a gift from me," said Dyren.
Rashan looked hesitant. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
After finishing the mission, they all left the forest. They were heading back to the guild to report their results. However, as they exited the forest, their eyes widened. The city of Velderath was surrounded by a massive magical field.
A dark and evil aura emanated from within. "What is that?"
Dyren had a slight idea, being a reader of this novel. He recognized the signature of demon magic. "That's the binding spell of Demon General Durakh," Dyren replied.
Rashan and the others turned to him. "Demon General?"
Dyren clenched his fist. Suddenly, he had a bad feeling. "Damn. We have to hurry. Otherwise, Velderath will fall. Let's go!" he urged.
Rashan and the others nodded. "Yeah!"