I'M NØT A HERØ

The moment my sword slashed across the wolf's side, it let out an ear-shattering howl. Its crimson eyes locked onto me, filled with a fury I had never seen before. The beast snarled, muscles tensing, its fur standing on end. The air around us became thick with raw killing intent.

I didn't hesitate.

"Ava, let's use Heavenly Dragon God!"

Ava: "Activating Heavenly Dragon God—Level 4."

Power surged through me. My body burned, not with pain, but with something primal, something unstoppable. My sword vibrated in my hands, engulfed in golden flames shaped like a dragon's maw. Lightning crackled around my body, fusing with the fire, creating a storm of destruction.

The wolf growled, its instincts recognizing the threat.

I shot forward like a bullet.

With Phantom Step active, my movements were nearly impossible to track. One second I was in front of the beast—the next, I was above it, my sword crashing down like divine judgment.

BOOM!

The entire dungeon shook from the impact. Flames and lightning erupted from my blade, engulfing the wolf. The force sent me flying back, skidding across the stone floor.

For a moment, everything was still. Smoke and debris clouded the battlefield. My chest heaved as I steadied myself.

Did I do it?

Then, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the smoke.

I felt it before I saw it—pure, unrelenting malice.

The wolf stepped forward, its body shifting, muscles expanding. Its fur darkened, its eyes glowing with an eerie golden light. Flames erupted from its back, its claws elongating into blackened steel-like talons.

It had evolved.

"Ava, what the hell just happened?"

Ava: "The boss has entered its final form. Power levels increased drastically. Caution is advised."

No kidding.

The beast launched at me, faster than before. I barely managed to use Phantom Step, appearing behind it just in time.

But it was already waiting for me.

A claw slashed through my side, sending blood spraying into the air. I gasped as pain tore through me. My body crashed against the dungeon wall, the impact nearly knocking me out.

My vision blurred.

I couldn't breathe.

The wolf advanced, its flaming aura distorting the air around it. This thing was on another level.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stand.

I couldn't die here.

Not now.

Not like this.

"Ava…" I coughed up blood. "Give me… something."

Ava: "Scanning… no potions left. Stamina is low. Blood loss critical."

Damn it.

The wolf lunged again.

I forced my body to move, barely rolling out of the way before its claws shattered the ground where I had been. It turned, eyes glowing with hunger. It knew I was weakening.

But I wasn't done yet.

I raised my sword, my hands trembling.

"Ava… one last push."

Ava: "Using remaining system power—overclocking Heavenly Dragon God."

Golden flames erupted from my body. My muscles felt like they had burst opened, but I ignored it. This was my last chance.

The wolf roared, launching itself at me.

I roared back.

Our attacks collided in a blinding explosion of fire and lightning. My sword clashed against its fangs, sparks flying in all directions. Every strike pushed my body past its limits, every movement feeling like it could be my last.

It was a battle of endurance.

A battle of will.

And I refused to lose.

With one final Phantom Step, I appeared above the beast, gripping my sword with both hands.

I swung down with everything I had.

A golden dragon roared to life, swallowing the wolf in its fiery maw.

A final, agonized howl echoed through the dungeon before silence fell.

I crashed to the ground, gasping for air. My vision faded in and out.

I had won.

But just barely.

Ava: "Boss defeated. New skills unlocked."

Ava: "Obtained—Instinct Regeneration."

Ava: "Obtained—Flaming Tempest Slash."

Ava: "Obtained—Dragon's Wrath."

Ava: "Obtained—Steel Body."

Ava: "Obtained—Hunter's Sense."

I let out a weak chuckle, blood dripping from my mouth.

"Yeah… that was too close."

Then everything went black.