NOVEL NEXT Chapter 62: Muscle Memory?
Warlock Ch 62. Muscle Memory?
It wasn't much, but it was something. Damian didn't have time to hesitate. He had to keep moving, keep attacking, or this thing would tear him apart.
He dodged to the right, narrowly avoiding one of Havok's massive swings. The air was thick with tension, each second feeling like a fight for survival. Damian's muscles screamed with every movement, but somehow—against all odds—he knew what to do. His body moved on its own, as if it had done this a thousand times before. He ducked, rolled, sidestepped—everything felt instinctive, like muscle memory, but deeper.
No… muscle memory wasn't the right word for it. It was like… he knew what to do, even when he thought he was backed into a corner. Every time Havok came close to landing a devastating blow, Damian would react just in time, maneuvering out of the way with a precision that surprised even him.
'What the hell is this?' Damian thought as he dodged yet another crushing attack from Havok. The massive axe whizzed past his head, so close he could feel the air shift as it passed. 'How am I doing this?'
But there was no time to question it. He had to keep going. Keep fighting.
"[Dark Bolt]!" Damian shouted, thrusting his hand forward as a concentrated blast of dark energy shot toward Havok. The bolt slammed into the creature's chest, the impact sending a ripple through its armor.
[Havok] took 100 damage.
It was a decent hit, but nowhere near enough. Havok didn't even flinch. The creature's eyes flared with anger as it swung both axes down toward Damian with deadly force.
'I'm dead.'
Damian's body reacted before his mind could fully register the attack. He dove forward, rolling under Havok's legs and coming up on the other side just as the axes crashed into the ground where he'd been standing.
"Focus, Damian!" Cassius's voice cut through the chaos like a blade, sharp and commanding. He hadn't moved from his spot, his arms still folded across his chest, watching with an intensity that unsettled Damian. Cassius wasn't just watching the fight—he was analyzing him. Every move, every spell, every reaction.
Damian gritted his teeth. He didn't have time to think about what Cassius was doing. Havok was coming at him again, faster than before. The creature's axes blurred as they swung through the air, each strike aimed to kill.
Damian had no choice. He had to combine his movements with his magic if he wanted to survive.
"Fenrith, flank him!" Damian shouted, his mind racing. He needed a plan, something that would deal real damage. He couldn't just keep dodging forever. He had to go on the offensive.
Fenrith darted to Havok's side, its three heads snapping at the creature's legs, trying to distract it. At the same time, Damian rushed forward, closing the distance between him and Havok. He gathered what little Mana he had left, channeling it into his hands.
[Arcane Bolt]
The bolt of pure energy shot from his hands, zipping through the air and chaining between Havok's legs and chest, crackling with power as it surged through the creature.
[Havok] took 150 damage.
Havok roared in anger, its body shaking from the impact. But it wasn't enough to slow the beast down.
"Damn it!" Damian growled, frustration building inside him. He needed more. He needed a bigger hit.
Then it hit him—he could use [Dark Chains] to immobilize Havok, even if it was only for a few seconds. That would give him the window he needed to land a massive blow.
"Fenrith, now!" Damian shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
Fenrith leaped toward Havok's back, its jaws glowing with energy as it unleashed [Savage Bite] directly into the creature's exposed side.
[Havok] took 200 damage.
Havok staggered, its movements slowing just enough for Damian to make his move. He raised his hand, calling on the shadows around him.
[Dark Chains]
The ethereal chains erupted from the ground once more, wrapping around Havok's legs and arms, holding the creature in place. It wouldn't last long—Havok was too powerful—but it gave Damian the opening he needed.
"Alright, let's end this," Damian muttered, his hands glowing with dark energy as he prepared his final attack.
He sprinted toward Havok, leaping into the air.
[Curse of Agony]
The curse latched onto Havok's body, sinking deep into its armor and flesh. The creature howled in agony as the dark magic tore through it, dealing massive damage over time.
[Havok] took 400 damage.
The pain was evident in Havok's movements—its attacks grew slower, more erratic. Damian could feel the shift in the battle. He had the upper hand now.
With a final roar, Fenrith launched himself at Havok once more, biting down with all his strength.
[Fenrith used Savage Bite.]
[Havok] took 250 damage.
Havok staggered, its HP dangerously low. The creature's glowing red eyes flickered as its massive body trembled under the weight of the curse and Fenrith's relentless assault.
Damian saw his chance. He didn't hesitate.
[Arcane Bolt]
The bolt shot from Damian's hand, slamming into Havok's chest with devastating force. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, and for a moment, everything went still.
Havok let out one final, pained roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive form disintegrating into shadows as it faded away.
[Havok has been defeated.]
Damian stood there, panting, his body drenched in sweat. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath. His muscles screamed in protest, but there was a strange satisfaction bubbling up inside him.
He had done it. He had actually done it.
Damian stood in the middle of the training room, panting heavily, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to catch his breath. His muscles screamed in protest, his Mana reserves dangerously low, but he had survived. He had defeated Havok—a level 50 monster—and lived to tell the tale.
A familiar notification window flashed before his eyes.
[Congratulations! You have leveled up to Level 23.]