The mace shimmered with dark energy as it seemed to pulse with the rhythm of Michael's heartbeat. The first blow he struck with it tore through the armor of one of the Ancient Weapons, the Crusher skill activating instantly. The powerful swing caused a devastating ripple through the air, shattering the stone-like surface of the golem. The Ancient Weapon groaned in protest, its form crumbling as the mace smashed it into pieces and then it also exploded reducing the number to now Five.
"Five left," Michael muttered, his eyes scanning the battlefield, noting the remaining Ancient Weapons closing in on him.
But just as he was getting ready to engage again, a sudden burst of blue energy slashed through the air. A shockwave erupted as stone debris flew in all directions, and an enormous flaming sword descended upon the Ancient Weapons.
"Let's have some fun too," came a familiar voice.
Michael glanced back slightly, watching as Grid joined the fray, his overwhelming swordsmanship tearing through the battlefield. Euphemia and Hurent rushed alongside him, closing in on the remaining five Ancient Weapons.
"Leave the rest to us now," said Lauel, the white-haired strategist, approaching Michael with his usual confidence.
Michael cracked his neck and sighed. "I'm getting tired now, so I'll leave the rest to you—" He paused, then smirked. "Did you really think I'd say something like that? Try to keep up."
Without another word, he leaped high into the air, his body a blur of motion. In an instant, he dashed above the five remaining Ancient Weapons, positioning himself for his next attack.
"Reaper Chains!"
A swarm of dark chains materialized, their ends morphing into spear-like blades that shot forward, piercing through the Ancient Weapons.
Two of the five were instantly impaled—before they could even react, their cores shattered, triggering massive explosions that consumed the battlefield in a storm of debris and fire. The force of the blast obliterated two more, reducing them to nothing but molten fragments.
Only one remained.
Golems were naturally weak to magic, but Michael's previous attacks had mainly relied on physical weapons. Over time, the Ancient Weapons had adapted, shifting their resistances to counter his assaults. However, it was a fatal mistake, thinking Michael only has Physical type attacks and not magical ones.
Though even if they had strengthened their magic defenses, it wouldn't have mattered—because Reaper Chains ignores 100% of a target's defenses. No matter how much they resisted, they couldn't escape their fate.
Now, with only one Ancient Weapon remaining, victory was within his grasp…
Even as dangerous notifications flashed in front of every player on the battlefield.
[High Piercing and Slashing Resistance are necessary.]
[Minerals with high conductivity must be excluded from the body.]
[The body will become smaller by abandoning massive minerals, restoring lost agility.]
[The firing rate of magic power should be increased.]
[Instead of lowering the power of mana, reconstruct the magic circles for better dispersion.]
[Tolerance to edged weapons should be increased.]
[Tolerance to explosions should be increased.]
[It has been determined that flying ability should be acquired.]
Clink! Clink! Clink!
The last Ancient Weapon, only partially destroyed by the explosions of its fallen brethren, began rebuilding itself. The fragmented metal and minerals, infused with residual combat data, rearranged themselves.
Like a morphing cube, its 8-meter-tall frame folded and stretched repeatedly, glowing with an eerie light as it underwent rapid transformation.
And then—
Grrr…
The final Ancient Weapon completed its evolution.
It was no longer a massive golem. Instead, it stood 2 meters tall, its new humanoid form resembling a Soul Doll—a type of artificial warrior that mimicked the agility and precision of living beings.
At first glance, it appeared smaller—perhaps even weaker.
But the presence it radiated was unmistakably dangerous.
This was no longer a mere relic of the past. It had adapted, learning from the mistakes of its fallen counterparts.
Now, it was stronger than ever.
"What is this…?" Lauel asked, confused as he noticed that the attack power, abilities, and even the name of the newly transformed Ancient Weapon had turned into ???, meaning that it is at that level they can't gauge anymore.....except Grid who can see its name and Attack power thanks to his own high stats.
Michael explained to confused players. "What else? These Ancient Weapons learn from their fallen buddies," he explained, his voice carrying over the battlefield. "Why do you think I was constantly switching my weapons? It wasn't cause I was enjoying it—it was to keep their adaptation in limit and this is the final result."
His words sent a wave of realization through the onlookers.
"Damn… was this the reason all along?"
"Now that I think about it, this guy was controlling the entire fight from the beginning!"
"He's insane… But I can't stop watching!"
"He isn't just a warrior—he's a War God!"
The World Chat erupted pnce again.
Nightfall: "Hours in and this dude is still going! How is he not exhausted?!"
BladeDancer: "Forget a War God! He's a battle demon! Who is he?!"
ThunderEdge: "This has to be a hidden NPC, right? A secret weapon of the Eternal Kingdom!"
Lauel narrowed his eyes, watching the final Ancient Weapon closely. "So this is its strongest form?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and anticipation.
Michael chuckled. "Yes." His eyes glowed with battle-hardened excitement. "It's time for the real fight."
Without hesitation, he launched himself forward, rushing toward the Super Ancient Weapon. But the moment he closed in, the Ancient Weapon took a step back and then—soared into the sky!
Michael narrowed his eyes. "So, it's learned… Close combat isn't optimal for it anymore?"
A smirk formed on his lips. "Too bad—you can't run."
"Viktor, Harpoon!" he commanded.
The Death Guardian nodded, and instantly, the weapon in Michael's hand shifted. A dark, spear-like harpoon formed, chains of abyssal energy wrapping around it.
Michael hurled the harpoon with terrifying speed, piercing through the air like a black lightning bolt-It was its attached skill, Capturing the predator.
The Super Ancient Weapon barely had time to react as the harpoon slammed into its core, its chains wrapping around its metallic body.
Then—Michael pulled.
The immense force yanked the massive enemy downward. The Super Ancient Weapon struggled, but the chains held firm, dragging it from the sky and slamming it into the ground!
"Not done yet," Michael muttered, already gripping another weapon. The moment the harpoon disappeared, his sword reformed in his hand.