Chapter 28: Clash of Blades
Srabon's vision blurred as he struggled to sit up, the taste of blood sharp in his mouth. The Goblin King loomed over him, his massive form blocking the torchlight and casting a long, ominous shadow. Mira crouched beside Srabon, her bow drawn and an arrow aimed at the Goblin King's eye.
"Stay down," Mira whispered, her voice tight. "He's too strong."
Srabon wiped the blood from his mouth and shook his head. "We can't back down. Not now."
The Goblin King chuckled, his yellow eyes glinting. "Is that all you've got, little chief? I expected more from the so-called 'ruler' of the village."
Magnus staggered to his feet, his axe dripping with goblin blood. "You talk too much," he growled, charging forward with a roar.
The Goblin King sidestepped Magnus's strike, grabbing the warrior by the throat and lifting him off the ground. "Pathetic," the Goblin King sneered, tightening his grip as Magnus choked, his face turning red.
"Magnus!" Mira shouted, releasing her arrow. It flew straight toward the Goblin King's eye, but he caught it mid-air with a swift, casual swipe.
"Did you really think that would work?" he said, snapping the arrow in half and tossing it aside.
Srabon gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet. His muscles ached, but he couldn't give up now. The system notification flashed in his mind:
[New Skill Unlocked: Adrenaline Surge - Temporarily boosts strength and speed. Duration: 3 minutes.]
"Adrenaline Surge!" Srabon shouted, feeling a sudden rush of power flood through his body. His muscles tightened, and his vision cleared. He sprinted forward, his sword blazing as he swung at the Goblin King.
The Goblin King released Magnus, turning just in time to block Srabon's strike with his massive forearm. The force of the clash echoed through the chamber, sending shockwaves through the ground.
"You're stronger than you look," the Goblin King said, pushing Srabon back with a grunt. "But still not strong enough."
Srabon stumbled but regained his footing quickly. Mira fired another arrow, this time aiming for the Goblin King's leg. The arrow struck true, embedding itself in his calf. The Goblin King roared in pain, swiping at Mira, but she rolled away just in time.
Magnus caught his breath, raising his axe. "Now! While he's distracted!"
Srabon charged again, his sword slashing through the air. The Goblin King parried, their weapons clashing with a deafening ring. The two warriors exchanged blows, sparks flying as steel met steel.
"You're persistent," the Goblin King sneered, blocking another strike. "But persistence won't save you."
With a powerful swing, the Goblin King's fist collided with Srabon's gut, knocking the wind out of him. Srabon doubled over, gasping, and the Goblin King brought his knee up, slamming it into Srabon's face. Srabon flew backward, skidding across the ground.
"Srabon!" Mira screamed, running to his side. "Are you okay?"
Srabon coughed, blood dripping from his nose. "We... can't... give up."
Magnus roared, charging again, his axe raised high. But the Goblin King caught the axe mid-swing, wrenching it from Magnus's grip and tossing it aside. With a swift, brutal kick, he sent Magnus crashing into the wall.
"You're all so weak," the Goblin King said, stepping forward. "And now, you die."
Srabon's eyes burned with fury as he forced himself to stand. "Not yet."
The system chimed again:
[Adrenaline Surge - 60 seconds remaining.]
Srabon clenched his fists, summoning every ounce of strength left in his body. "Mira... get ready."
Mira nodded, drawing her last arrow and aiming it at the Goblin King's head. "Now!"
Srabon charged forward, his sword raised, and Mira released her arrow, aiming for the kill shot.