Of course, to defeat the boss, you must clear the mobs first. Rowe didn't hesitate to make his move; instead, he charged directly toward one of the remaining two gnolls, swinging the warhammer in his hand with force and precision.
"Chong!"
The gnoll met the attack head-on.
But Rowe followed up with another hammer strike, this one even faster. The gnoll couldn't react in time and was struck down with a pitiful scream.
Without pause, Rowe planted a foot on its back and smashed the vulnerable part of its neck. A crisp "click" sounded as the gnoll's spine cracked, and it died instantly.
At the same time, Hogg re-entered the fray.
"Qiangqiang!"
Rowe had just dispatched the gnoll, but before he could retreat, Hogg was upon him. Rowe swung his warhammer instinctively, clashing with Hogg's axe. Sparks flew with each strike.
The last remaining gnoll took this opportunity to sneak up behind Rowe, aiming to cleave into his back.
However, Rowe had been monitoring it carefully. Even while engaged with Hogg, he shifted his stance to prevent being flanked.
As the gnoll got within striking distance, Rowe suddenly struck Hogg with Judgment.
The Hammer of Judgment materialized in front of him. Hogg, caught off guard, instinctively raised his axe to block, and the hammer exploded in a burst of holy light and fire.
"Boom!"
But Hogg was no ordinary gnoll. As the leader, he possessed strength far beyond that of his underlings. The Hammer of Judgment only staggered him back a few steps, causing no significant harm.
Compared to the average gnoll, Hogg was practically a different species altogether.
Rowe had anticipated as much. Seizing the momentary distraction, he disengaged from Hogg and pivoted to strike the final gnoll.
Verrigan's Fist crushed into the creature's chest, flames bursting from the impact. The gnoll died instantly, its body turning to ash before it could utter a sound.
With all four ordinary gnolls eliminated, only the boss—Hogg—remained.
As a BOSS, Hogg moved with agility uncharacteristic of his kind. Watching his subordinates fall, his eyes flared with rage. "Human, you will pay the price!" he snarled.
He lunged forward, axe swinging with deadly intent.
"Chong!"
A fierce clang rang out as hammer met axe.
Within seconds, the two clashed dozens of times, exchanging blows in a flurry of movement across the open battlefield.
Then Hogg's throat shifted, his mouth parting slightly.
Rowe's eyes widened.
This was the prelude to Hogg's Roar—a devastating skill Rowe had experienced many times before. If it went off, he would lose the upper hand immediately.
Without hesitation, Rowe lifted his left hand.
Hand of Reckoning!
The divine spell struck Hogg, staggering him for an instant. Rowe followed up with two hammer strikes to the face.
Caught off guard, Hogg parried late, swallowing back the roar he was about to unleash. His expression was both startled and indignant.
The battle resumed. Hogg pressed in again, striking with his axe. Rowe blocked it—but then Hogg lunged, jaws opening to bite his neck.
Rowe's heart skipped.
Hogg's fangs were sharper than most blades—deadly enough to tear out a throat in one snap.
He twisted his body to evade and struck Hogg's chin with his elbow.
Hogg grunted, stumbling back half a step, baring his fangs again. "Hogg is invincible!" he roared.
Suddenly, his muscles swelled, veins bulging beneath his fur. His arms grew thicker, brimming with power.
"Chong!"
His next axe swing was a crushing blow that forced Rowe back several steps.
But Rowe remained calm. He knew Hogg's Miracle Rage form was powerful—but brief. Engaging him directly now would be a mistake.
Clang, clang!
Hogg unleashed a barrage of strikes, his axe a whirlwind of destruction. Rowe dodged and parried, forced on the defensive. Sweat rolled down his face as his rhythm faltered.
But then—Hogg's unnatural bulk began to shrink. His muscles deflated, and his power dwindled below even normal levels.
Now!
Rowe launched a counterattack, swinging Verrigan's Fist with precision.
Holy Light Strike!
"Chong!"
The impact of flame and holy energy knocked Hogg back several steps, nearly toppling him.
Blow after blow followed, with Rowe hammering down another Holy Light Strike. Then he stepped in for the kill.
Hogg's expression twisted in panic. His mouth opened again.
Rowe's face hardened.
Divine Protection!
Hand of Reckoning!
Judgment!
This time, Rowe layered his countermeasures perfectly. He knew Hogg had adapted to the first interruption and wouldn't be caught so easily again. So he doubled down—timing everything to perfection.
The magical assault left Hogg reeling, barely defending against the incoming Trial.
He let out another roar, struggling to hold on.
But Rowe advanced. Verrigan's Fist became a blur as he rained down blows.
Hogg staggered, drenched in sweat, barely defending himself. Finally, he turned and bolted.
His speed was impressive—even for a gnoll—but Rowe had anticipated this.
He tracked Hogg's route, raised his weapon, and struck the earth with force.
The Sword of Justice!
A glowing blade erupted from the ground. Hogg leaped to avoid being impaled, but one of his legs caught the blade.
"Ow—!"
He screamed and collapsed.
Rowe closed in instantly, leaping high and slamming down with holy fury.
Holy Light Strike!
Hogg rolled aside, desperate to escape, but Rowe pressed the advantage.
"Chong!"
Hogg raised his axe to block, but he was clearly overwhelmed. His arms trembled as he held the axe before his chest.
Rowe freed one hand and punched forward—another Holy Light Strike to the face.
Hogg howled. His grip weakened.
With both hands back on Verrigan's Fist, Rowe summoned divine power.
One final Holy Light Strike exploded against Hogg's chest.
"Boom!"
And with that, the battle ended. Hogg, the fearsome leader of the gnolls, was slain.
Rowe exhaled, chest heaving.
Hogg the Gnoll—infamous rookie killer in World of Warcraft.
Taking him down just before the Hunting Festival marked a major turning point in Rowe's journey.
He collected himself, then turned to examine Hogg's loot. After all, a BOSS always dropped something worthwhile.
"Hmm? What's this…" His eyes widened in shock.
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