MTLNOVEL Chapter 8: Chapter 8: The Beast's Trial
Athenor moved through the dense forest with quiet, deliberate steps, his grip firm around his weapon. The past few weeks had been spent hunting Draugr, testing himself against their predictable yet relentless attacks. He had improved—his strikes had become more refined, his movements more instinctive—but he needed more.
Hunting Draugr alone had lost its challenge. He needed something greater to push himself further.
The air felt strange today. It was heavier, charged with something unnatural.
Athenor's instincts sharpened as he crouched behind a thick tree trunk. His sharp eyes scanned the clearing ahead. The usual background noises—the rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds—were gone.
Then, the ground trembled.
A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the air, vibrating in his chest. Athenor gritted his teeth. This wasn't a Draugr. This was something far worse.
From the shadows of the trees, it emerged.
A massive Ogre stomped forward, its enormous form covered in hardened, stone-like flesh. Its yellowed fangs jutted out from its mouth as it exhaled heavy, labored breaths. Its dull, glowing eyes locked onto Athenor, and the beast let out a thunderous roar, sending birds scattering into the sky.
Athenor's muscles tensed. This was it.
This was the kind of battle he had been waiting for.
The Ogre swung its massive arm, smashing a tree trunk to splinters as it charged. Athenor's instincts screamed at him to move, and he rolled to the side just in time to avoid being crushed. The impact of the Ogre's strike sent debris flying, forcing Athenor to shield his face with his forearm.
His heart pounded. The sheer power behind that attack… if it landed, he wouldn't walk away from it.
But this was his chance to prove himself.
He tightened his grip on his weapon and dashed forward, aiming a powerful swing at the Ogre's side. The impact connected, sending a loud crack through the air, but the monster barely flinched. Its thick, stone-like hide absorbed most of the force.
The beast snarled and retaliated with a wild backhand swing. Athenor managed to dodge—but barely. The wind from the blow sent him stumbling. He couldn't afford even a single mistake.
His mind raced. If raw strength wouldn't be enough, he needed to think.
Athenor observed the beast carefully. Despite its overwhelming power, its movements were slow, almost sluggish. And when it attacked, it overcommitted, leaving brief openings.
That was it.
He needed to wear it down, force it to attack recklessly and strike at the right moment.
Taking a deep breath, he charged in again, swinging his weapon at the Ogre's knee. The monster roared in pain as the hit connected, its massive leg buckling for a moment.
It was working.
The beast staggered but quickly retaliated, slamming its fists into the ground in an attempt to crush him. Athenor leapt back, narrowly avoiding the earth-shattering blow. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, nearly throwing him off balance.
He had to keep pressuring it.
Athenor continued his assault, darting in and out of the Ogre's reach, striking at its joints and weak spots. The beast grew more frustrated, its attacks becoming wilder, sloppier.
Finally, the moment came.
The Ogre lifted both arms for a devastating overhead smash—but it was too slow.
Athenor surged forward and struck with everything he had. His weapon crashed into the side of the Ogre's skull with a sickening crack. The beast's roar turned into a strangled gasp as its massive body wavered.
He didn't stop.
With a final, powerful swing, he struck its jaw, sending the monster toppling to the ground. The earth shook as it collapsed, its breath coming in weak, ragged huffs.
Athenor stood over the fallen beast, panting, his arms burning with exhaustion. But he had won.
The system's familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[You have defeated an Ogre.]
[+2% Template Integration.]
Current Integration: 21%
He clenched his fists, feeling the new surge of strength flowing through his body. His progress was slowing—Draugr barely gave him anything anymore, and stronger enemies were becoming necessary.
But this fight had proven one thing.
He was ready for even greater challenges.