Chapter 2 — Clash with the Demon King
The air shimmered with heat and dark energy as Ethan faced the Demon King. The ground beneath them cracked from the sheer force of their presence. Demons of all shapes and sizes swarmed around, but Ethan barely noticed. His focus was sharp, his senses amplified by the Goddess' blessing.
> [System Notification: Demon King Detected Threat Level: Extreme.]
Suggested Action: Activate Advanced Abilities.
Ethan's eyes glowed a deep crimson as shadows coiled around him. His body moved almost instinctively, faster than the eye could follow.
The Demon King raised his hand, and a wave of fire erupted, sweeping toward Ethan like a tidal wave.
> [System Notification: Incoming Attack Dodge Recommended.]
Ethan leapt into the air, his Shadow Bind tendrils lashing out, ensnaring a group of demons before they could block him. Then, he dashed forward, closing the distance in a heartbeat.
> [Skill Activated: Demonic Instinct Heightened Reflexes and Combat Awareness.]
The Demon King swung his massive sword, but Ethan phased through it with uncanny speed, striking the Demon King's armor. Sparks flew, black energy cracking against the demonic steel.
> [System Notification: Damage Dealt 5% of Demon King's Health.]
EXP +3000
The Demon King's eyes widened slightly mortals were rarely bold enough to land a hit. "Impressive… but futile!"
With a roar, the Demon King stomped the ground. Shockwaves radiated outward, throwing Ethan off balance. But even as he fell, the Goddess' system whispered to him:
> "Ethan… remember your strength. You are my chosen."
> [System Notification: Divine Motivation Strength +50%, Damage Resistance +30% for 10 minutes.]
Ethan rose to his feet, a grin spreading across his face. "You think that's enough to stop me? I fight for the Goddess… and I won't lose!"
He raised both hands, shadows bursting outward in a massive spiral. The tendrils struck the Demon King's sword, snapping it like a twig. The King staggered back, stunned a mortal had shattered his weapon.
> [Skill Unlocked: Shadow Wrath Unleashes devastating area attack, consuming dark energy.]
Ethan didn't hesitate. He summoned every ounce of power granted by the Goddess' system. Shadows coiled around the Demon King, binding him in place while dark energy surged, tearing through his armor. The battlefield shook as the Demon King's roar echoed across the mountains.
> [System Notification: Demon Lord Damage Exceeded 20%. Skill Upgrade Available.]
Ethan's heart raced. He had barely scratched the surface of his new abilities, but already he was changing the battlefield. He felt alive — stronger than ever.
The Demon King glared at him, fury blazing. "You… mortal… cannot defeat me!"
Ethan laughed, shadows swirling around him like a storm. "I already have. And this… is only the beginning. Goddess… I'll make sure the world knows your power through me!"
Lightning cracked across the sky, shadows flared, and the ground trembled. The Demon King's army hesitated, realizing that this mortal was no ordinary fighter he was something else entirely.
> [System Notification: Demon King Encounter Progress . Stage 2. Unlocking Hidden Potential.]
Ethan's eyes glimmered with unshakable resolve. "Come on… give me your best shot. I'm just getting started."
And with that, the clash between a mortal blessed by a goddess and the Demon King erupted into a storm that would shake the world itself.