The sound was similar to the cries of the insect monsters.0

What was that?0

Something felt off, unsettling even. My thoughts raced, tangling into a web of questions. I couldn’t sort through them now, however, so I pushed them aside as Trozen closed in.0

Considering how many stats I gained per level, I should have the upper hand in raw numbers. Unfortunately, my lack of skills held me back. 0

I didn’t know which skills he had, but his muscles swelled unnaturally, and his movements became faster. Out of nowhere, his sword appeared and slashed down at me.0

He was on a completely different level compared to before. 0

Where did he even get that sword? 0

A sharp aura radiated from its blade as it approached me.0

I can’t block that.0

Recklessly swinging my war hammer would have left me in an awkward position—my hammer couldn’t match his sword’s speed. Trying to match him blow for blow would only put me at a disadvantage.0

Even if I could overpower him in a contest of strength, I wouldn’t be able to deflect the invisible follow-up strike from his shadow swordsmanship with our weapons interlocked.0

I retreated a step and leaned back, dodging the sword while sharpening my focus. Sensing the vibrations in the air, I anticipated the invisible strike’s delayed trajectory. He had launched it toward my legs, near my calf.0

Dodge and counterattack.0

I jumped straight upward, and the shadow sword narrowly missed me, grazing my shoe.0

As I prepared to strike mid-air, Trozen’s lips twisted...0