Fallen Realm Online: Rise of The Fallen Monarch

******

Staring at the crimson negative digits hovering above the Springfox's head, Xylen was caught between disbelief and despair.

'This... this… is this even a damage?' His heartbeat stuttered, his jaw unhinging as his mind struggled to process the sheer insignificance of his attack.

Even the Springfox froze momentarily, looking flabbergasted.

Just a moment ago, it had detected a faint hint of danger from Xylen when he activated Corrupted Power.

In fact, instinct had urged it to retreat; however, pride had made it dismiss the warning. After all, its first impression of Xylen was nothing more than that of a feeble nuisance—an insect unworthy of concern.

Yet… after all that spectacle… his attack was nothing more than child's play, barely even noticeable.

Eventually; 

"Ek-ek-ek-ek!"

The Springfox released a shrill, mocking chitters, ridiculing Xylen's pitiful attempt.

Hearing this, deep humiliation washed over Xylen, but more than that—horror clenched his gut.

That attack had been a full-force strike, his absolute best... and yet—

He became anxious, wondering what to do now, when suddenly, the Springfox's derisive laughter faltered.

In the following second, a glint of cold malice flickered in its eyes before it took a menacing step forward, poised to retaliate when—

-2.5 HP

Another damage notification flared above its head.

'Huh?'

The Springfox paused, its blood-red pupils narrowing dangerously. Meanwhile, Xylen…

His pulse quickened as he instantly recognized the source of this effect—Infernal Wound. A ruthless affliction that drained 5% of the enemy's health over five seconds.

However…

What truly unsettled Xylen, however, wasn't the sudden this—it was the minuscule damage inflicted.

A quick mental calculation confirmed his worst fear—the Springfox still had just over forty Health remaining, while he, on the other hand, had only seconds to finish it off, but with the negligible damage he was able to deal… could he still manage to kill it?

The answer was obvious, and realizing this, Xylen swallowed hard, a sudden shudder crawling up his spine.

But just then,

-2.7 HP

The damage ticked again, slightly higher this time. But instead of feeling relieved, frustration gnawed at Xylen.

'What the hell is this pathetic number for fuck sake?!' He did not know whether to cry or yell.

The first tick of damage had been from Infernal Wound, while the 0.2 boost was from Corrupted Power... but even so—

Xylen couldn't help but sneak a gaze toward his own HP bar.

In the very next heartbeat, his soul nearly fled his body.

4!

He had only 4 HP left—meaning he had just three seconds to kill the Springfox and cancel Corrupted Power. But… could he do it?

Xylen knew the answer.

Without hesitation, he yanked open the last health potion Lilith had given him and downed it in a single gulp before instantly flinging the bottle aside.

A split-second later—

Shadow Leash!

Xylen roared at the top of his lungs, instantly lunging forward and hacking at the still-stunned Springfox, gambling on a desperate strike—

-2.7 HP

-2.7HP

Two crimson numbers instantly flashed above the beast, and seeing this, Xylen's eyes gleamed like burning torches.

'It worked!'

His entire being buzzed with excitement, so overwhelming that, for a fleeting moment, he nearly forgot the peril he was in.

As for the Springfox—

The moment the Springfox felt the damage to its health doubling, its crimson pupils darkened into black pits of wrath.

And then—

"Raaaaaahhhhhh!"

A monstrous roar tore through the air just as Xylen was about to unleash another Shadow Leash, and In the next second, an oppressive force exploded outward, so suffocating that Xylen's knees almost buckled under its weight.

[ ALERT! ]

A flashing red warning instantly seared into Xylen's vision.

The Springfox has entered a Frenzied State! Its attacks are now swifter and deadlier!

[ ALERT! ]

The Springfox has entered a Frenzied State! Its attacks are now swifter and deadlier!

[ ALERT! ]

The Springfox has entered a Frenzied State! Its attacks are now swifter and deadlier!

Three consecutive warnings flashed, and seeing this, Xylen's blood ran cold.

'This is bad!'

He screamed in his mind, and without thinking, he stopped his attack and… he ran.