Chapter 9: Ch 9 - Trial of Strength (5)
The goblin had swung its axe towards Kai, who stood like a rock in its way—unable to move due to his exhausted body.
Its eyes sparkled with a unique ember, slowly flaring its sparks as it strengthened its presence—almost like a cat who had finally cornered the rat.
In the reflection of his eyes, the axe slowly grew in size as it came closer and closer. Yet, even in the face of death, he didn’t flinch.
Although his eyes had long since widened, it wasn’t because of fear but rather, a completely different emotion—excitement.
Looking at the goblin’s—what seemed like—the last futile attempt, his heart raced with sheer excitement.
It wasn’t the first time that it had happened, but the first time he had noticed.
Every battle. Every monster. All of it had become nothing more than a source of exhilaration to him.
Each time he’d cut through the skins of the monsters, his heart beat faster than before as a sense of familiarity blinked into his mind.
It was a distant feeling that made him feel at peace. The more blood he shed, the more calm his mind became—almost as if he had spent countless lives battling with his life on the line.
And right now, he could experience the same. Influenced by his instincts, the corner of his lips stretched—letting a smile slowly crawl onto his face.
The axe was merely inches away from his face now.
Noticing the bloodlust that the goblin’s eyes carried, he forced his body and turned right—eventually escaping from its attack.