Infinite Realm

Just as Sato was considering approaching it, a crack formed on the 'plate' as a silver glow leaked from it. Following that, an eerie event occurred. A hand suddenly wriggled its way out of the crack as it followed the silver light to escape. 

As the hand exited the 'plate', an arm followed suit and then a shoulder, then a head, till an entire body managed to escape from. A black creature with a faceless head appeared before Sato.

The monster was entirely covered in jet-black scales and had no facial features apart from two gleaming red beads. At the point where its fingers were supposed to be, 5 long claws extended from the palm of each arm, looking as sharp as a brand new sword. Each claw was about 12 inches in length and similar to the creature, was black in colour.

The leg of the monster was shaped more like a goat's leg but the feet were more like a human's but with claws instead of toes. 

*Krrkk*

A weird jarring sound was produced from the creature but the origin was a mystery since the monster lacked any kind of vocal organ.

"A battle at last."

Sato gripped his sword tightly as he faced the monster. He was already getting a bit irritated that his journey so far had only been more of exploration than increasing his level. After seeing Otoki who was level 11, Sato became aware that the more he delayed his progress, the faster others would catch up to him. So his main goal was more on increasing his level than looking for resources.

The creature charged towards Sato as it swung its arms at him. The distance of fewer than 5 metres was easily covered within a second and Sato was forced to confront it upfront. But it wasn't like he didn't want to start with.

*Clang*

With the high-pitched sound reverberating from the collision of weapons, the fight officially began.

Sato blocked one claw with his sword while the other headed towards his head. With a simple nod of his head, Sato dodged it before moving back by two steps.

Once he created some space between him and the monster, Sato immediately brandished his sword at it, switching from the defense to the offense.

*Clang*

Similar to Sato before, the black creature was able to respond in time and blocked his attack. Sparks flew off from the collision as the two remained tied in strength despite their differing stances.

'It's strong, very strong. At least level 15 or even 16.' Sato narrowed his eyes. 

This was by far the strongest opponent he had faced when considering monsters. 

Unlike the Kobold King who was superior based on attributes, this creature was a worthy opponent based on its skills. Even though they had only exchanged two moves, the creature's response time and countermeasures were something a monster wouldn't usually do. Most monsters relied on their superior attributes to beat players in a blatant fashion but the creature was utilising its attributes in the most effective way.

The creature followed up immediately with another attack and Sato was continuously forced to block. 

He was up against a creature with two weaponized claws whereas he only had one sword in hand. If that wasn't enough, the monster was fierce in its attacks and its speed and strength were roughly on par with Sato's. These two factors made it a difficult opponent to take on even for Sato.

"Hmph."

Seeing the creature try to pull a sneaky move on him, Sato snorted in irritation as he struck his sword at the claw that sneaked towards him.

*Clang*

The claw was forced off course but seemingly not realising it, the creature still remained on the offensive with its other claw.

"So stubborn."

[Linear Strike]

Irked, Sato thirst his sword forward as he caught on to a loophole in the creature's defense.

-87 (???/??? ???)

*Crack*

A weird cracking sound, similar to a flat piece of wood broken apart, was heard as the sword penetrated into the body of the creature.

"Not done yet."

Though surprised by the feedback he got, Sato still pushed on with his attack, drawing his sword back and slashing out almost instantly.

-93 (???/??? ???)

*Crack*

Another crack formed on the creature's body as the cursed sword [Drakken] made its mark on the monster.

Ignorant of its injuries as if it was immune to pain, the creature lunged at Sato with both claws in an offensive posture.

'The heck?'

Surprised at the creature's nonchalance to its wounds, Sato cursed before immediately retreating. He already had an inkling that the creature was immune to pain especially after seeing it ignore his previous counter to its sneak attack.

Like a hungry leopard chasing after a meal, the creature pursued Sato even though he had already retreated. Because of this, Sato was forced to remain on the defensive as he tried to catch his breath. 

And so, with the black 'plate' floating in mid-air with silver-lined cracks, a gigantic black statue at one end and a mysterious demonic mural on the other end, the two fighters: Sato and the black faceless creature, began exchanging blows at a rapid pace. 

At times, Sato would be able to land a blow on the creature but it would use that opportunity to also attack him. As a result, Sato had already begun to incur injuries on himself.

*Clang* 

*Clang*

In just one second, the duo had clashed more than 3 times with the defending party managing to block the attack just in time.

*Whoosh*

A claw swept towards Sato with a forceful momentum but he was able to spot it in time just to retreat away.

[Black Flame Slash]

Sato swung his sword at the creature just as he retreated, sending a flaming black crescent at the creature.

*Bang*

The arc exploded upon contact, pushing the monster away and giving Sato some breathing space. However, that didn't last long as the creature charged once more at him.

In the red-coloured hall[1], black flashes swept through the air as three black-coloured weapons were swung around. One was done in a refined manner, aiming for critical spots and utilising every single opportunity, whereas the other was done in a seemingly rampant and aggressive manner, putting pressure on its victim.

"At this rate, I don't know who will die first. Me or you?"