Oliver held his dagger in a reverse grip, a new technique he had just learned. He was still a little scared. After all, he was only ten years old. Against a mutated boss, even a group of full-time tamers might not be enough. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

But Oliver was able to stay firm because of Husk, who was always watching over him. Right now, Oliver was completely focused, shutting out everything else and locking his attention on the boss in front of him.

Husk glanced at Oliver beside him, slightly impressed. The once goofy and rebellious boy had now become focused and determined.

"Krobbo! Krobbo!"

Scallord charged first, and of course, its target was Oliver.

Oliver had already expected it.

Scallord swung its right sword horizontally as it leaned forward. Oliver gritted his teeth and deflected the blade, sparks flying on impact. Using that opening, Scallord slashed upward with its left sword. Oliver bent his body back slightly, barely evading the attack by an inch.

Oliver then raised his leg and kicked Scallord, but the strike was too weak and had little effect.

In response, Scallord countered with a kick of its own, striking Oliver directly in the stomach and forcing him to bend forward. Pain twisted across Oliver’s face. The boss followed up with a downward slash aimed at his head, but Oliver managed to roll backward just in time.

"Urgh! It hurts!" Oliver clutched his abdomen in pain. He could feel the food he had eaten this morning rising back up his throat.

But Oliver stood up again, slowly. The pain was nothing compared to what he had felt in his previous life. The pain of betrayal and abandonment by family was something he believed nothing could surpass.

Suddenly, he saw the boss in front of him, not just as an enemy, but as an obstacle he had to overcome to move forward and let go of his past trauma. For the past ten years, he had been unable to forget, constantly haunted by nightmares. He had tried many ways to move on, but nothing had worked. Even though his current family loved and cared for him, the scars from his previous life still lingered.

’Until now, I have been taking things for granted. But after thinking about it, this is my real life, and that past life is just a distant memory. I do not need the past to destroy what I have now. After I defeat this boss, I will be reborn anew!’

"Do you want my help, kid?" Husk asked.

"There is no need. This will be my fight," Oliver said.

Husk was surprised by his words. Knowing Oliver’s usual attitude, he expected him to accept immediately. But this time, it was different. Husk gave a soft smile before stepping back.

Because this would be the battle that would change Oliver forever.

Oliver’s heterochromatic eyes sharpened. His breathing became steady and controlled. He started walking forward, then broke into a run.

Scallord did the same.

They charged at each other without hesitation. At the center of the boss room, Oliver and Scallord clashed.

Ping! Ping! Thump!

A fierce exchange erupted. Oliver blocked the incoming strikes, then seized an opening and countered by driving his dagger into Scallord’s hip.

"Krobbo!"

Scallord shrieked in pain. Its HP dropped slightly, about five percent. But Oliver was not done yet. He continued blocking and countering, searching for every opportunity to land another strike.

However, it was far from perfect. Oliver’s body was soon covered in wounds, as he was not fast enough to deflect every attack.

[HP has dropped to 50%. Usage of an item to recover HP is advised.]

"Heh! I do not even have a potion." Oliver gave a weak smile. He had not prepared properly for dungeon hunting. Besides, potions were expensive. His family could not afford them and mostly relied on traditional herbs.

Scallord’s HP had also dropped below 50%. It began to grow irritated.

"I need to find a stronger weapon. This dagger is good, but it has short range and low damage." Oliver looked at his dagger, now covered in purple blood. He tightened his grip and prepared for another round.

Another exchange erupted. Oliver followed the same plan, but the boss was not stupid. It used one sword to attack him while the other blocked his strikes.

"Tch!" Oliver grew frustrated as his attacks were neutralized. Suddenly, he overextended and exposed his back. Scallord kicked his leg, causing him to fall forward. He was now completely vulnerable.

’Damn it! Is this all I am capable of? Can I really not do anything by myself?’ Oliver shut his eyes tightly as Scallord thrust both swords toward him.

"Crimson Slash!"

Swoosh!

Scallord’s attack was intercepted by Husk, forcing the boss back. It clenched its teeth, growing even more furious.

Oliver remained seated on the ground, his expression filled with frustration. His hair fell forward, covering his eyes.

It seemed he could not defeat the monster on his own. He could not overcome the trauma and scars that had bound him for years.

It seemed he had failed...

"Wake up, kid! What is with that expression? Is that all you have? Are you giving up after failing just once?"

"But... I cannot defeat it by myself."

"Then we do it together. That is why I am here."

"Huh?" The words pierced straight into his heart.

’Together? Yes... together. I have never heard anyone say that to me before. I have been alone for so long that I forgot. I can rely on others...’

’...those who still care about me.’

Tears welled up in his eyes. Oliver slowly stood up and wiped them away.

"Yes... let’s do it! Let’s defeat it together, Husk!" Oliver shouted.

Husk smirked.

"Let’s go, kid!"

Oliver and Husk charged forward side by side. Then Husk surged ahead, his claws striking and cutting one of Scallord’s arms.

Krobbb!

It screamed in pain. Oliver rushed forward and used Assault Slash.

"Raaaar!" Oliver shouted as he struck the boss with all his strength.

The boss’s HP dropped to critical. It began to glow with a bright purple light as it entering Berserk mode.

The sword in its remaining hand glowed as well, meaning it preparing a skill. It swung downward toward Oliver. But Oliver did not flinch. He simply smirked.

Because he was no longer fighting alone.

Ping!

Husk slashed and severed the boss’s other hand. Now, it had lost both arms. Oliver leapt onto its body and brought his dagger down on its head with all his strength. The boss tried to retaliate.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

But then... the boss stopped moving. Its body collapsed backward, with Oliver still on top of it.

Oliver stopped attacking and looked at his trembling hands.

"I... did it. I finally did it. I DID IT!!!" Oliver screamed at the top of his lungs.

Then he smiled, as the burden weighing on his heart finally lifted.