The Rocktrap kept advancing.
Each of its steps echoed through the narrow tunnel.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
I struggled to catch my breath, while it showed no hesitation.
"I can't keep this up… I need a plan."
My eyes landed on the sharp rocks along the tunnel walls.
Maybe the narrow space wasn't a disadvantage… Maybe I could set a trap.
Suddenly, the Rocktrap accelerated.
It lunged at me!
Speed Boost: +20%
"NOW!"
I dodged to the left at the last moment.
My foot slipped — I almost collapsed.
I barely steadied myself, bracing against the wall.
Stamina -3
The Rocktrap slammed into the stone wall ahead.
Its armored shell struck the rock with a burst of sparks.
"Here's my chance!"
I swung my sword with full force, aiming for its joint.
Critical Hit!
Damage Dealt: 20 HP
The Rocktrap shrieked in a metallic screech and stumbled back.
Cracks spread across its armor.
But…
That only enraged it further.
Enemy Status: Enraged
Attack Speed Boost: +30%
"Great. The more I hurt it, the crazier it gets!"
Its tail whipped toward me with violent speed.
This time, I couldn't avoid it.
The sharp tip slammed into my leg.
Stamina -10
"Ahh!"
I dropped to one knee, pain pulsing through my leg.
Movement was getting harder.
"Stay standing… Stay standing!"
The Rocktrap loomed over me.
Its mandibles trembled, saliva dripping from its mouth.
Every step made the narrow tunnel shake.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"I can't match its strength… I can't match its speed… Then…"
My gaze locked onto loose rock protrusions on the side walls.
"Maybe…"
The Rocktrap lunged again, wild and reckless.
I ducked and slid left just in time.
Stamina -4
The monster crashed into the rock again, staggering.
"Just a little more!"
I retreated deeper into the passage.
The Rocktrap charged right after me.
Distance: 4 meters… 3 meters…
My back hit the wall.
The Rocktrap launched forward at full speed.
"NOW!"
I slammed my shoulder into a large boulder beside me.
The stone shifted, dropping right in front of the creature's head.
Collision: Successful!
The Rocktrap stumbled, momentarily exposed.
"This is it!"
I gripped my sword tightly with both hands.
With all my strength, I struck at its leg joint once more.
Critical Hit!
Damage Dealt: 25 HP
The creature trembled, its dark fluids leaking from the cracks.
Still, it wasn't over.
It lunged wildly, blindly trying to slam into me again.
"Fall… damn it!"
I took one final step back.
Raising my sword, I brought it down with full force, striking directly at the fracture on its head.
Fatal Strike!
Enemy Defeated.
The Rocktrap convulsed and collapsed.
Its legs twitched one last time before it crashed onto the ground with a heavy thud.
For a moment, I stayed frozen.
Panting, my breath sharp and ragged.
Battle Completed!
EXP Gained: +30
Combat Skill Increased: +3
Loot Acquired: Rocktrap Core (Common)
"I can't believe it… I actually earned EXP."
"And my combat skill increased!"
"Finally, the system gives me something back."
But my body was reaching its limit.
My breathing was uneven.
Pain throbbed in my leg.
Each breath burned in my chest.
My head was spinning.
My feet felt weightless.
My vision darkened.
"No… not now… don't black out now…"
I tried to stay on my feet.
I failed.
My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the side.
As my body hit the cold stone floor, only one thought flashed through my fading mind:
"Please… someone… Kai… find me."
My eyes closed.