S-tier Light-Dark Sword Technique: [Ephemeral Glory]
Passive Unique Effect: Time-Space Sword Momentum. In high-stress combat scenarios, with low health and heightened focus, it has a small chance to predict enemy attack trajectories.
The skill description was brief, lacking numerical stats, but its overpowered potential was self-evident.
As if time had stopped, Bradley felt like his soul had detached from his body, observing the battle with Cain from a third-person perspective.
A ghostly outline of Cain's body appeared before him, revealing every move Cain was about to make—attack patterns, damage areas, and skill range—all clearly visible to Bradley.
"I finally get it," Bradley thought.
This realization answered a question that had plagued him for years: why he couldn't land a single strike on Saint Swordmaster Glacier, no matter how many times they sparred.
The old master wasn't just predicting his moves; he was standing 1–2 seconds ahead in the future, observing Bradley's actions and responding accordingly.
Prediction was fundamentally different from anticipation.
Prediction was foresight—absolute knowledge of what would happen next. Anticipation, on the other hand, was based on experience and intuition, relying on past encounters.
Now, with Cain's attacks coming at him like tidal waves, Bradley entered a strange state of calm.
Sword energy filled the air as Cain launched one devastating blow after another, but Bradley evaded each strike with an elegance that seemed almost otherworldly. His footwork was light and fluid, his movements unpredictable.
"Damn you!" Cain roared, fury consuming him. He prepared another assault but froze mid-motion.
Bradley stood balanced on the very tip of Cain's sword, gazing down at him with a serene expression.
"I see through you," Bradley said with a faint smile, his glowing sword in hand, exuding the poise of a legendary swordsman.
Ephemeral Glory only lasted around 3 seconds per activation.
While following Orson's lead, Bradley had learned to be pragmatic. This skill wasn't invincibility.
His body still required incredible precision and reaction speed to capitalize on the predictions. Against multiple opponents, even knowing their moves in advance wouldn't guarantee he could keep up.
Suddenly, Enluka, the Guardian Dragon, launched a barrage of stone spikes, forcing Bradley to leap into the air to evade.
The momentary distraction broke his Ephemeral Glory state. A sharp edge grazed his arm.
"This passive skill is exhausting," Bradley muttered, his brows furrowed.
Cain seized the opportunity. "Shatter Thunder!"
Golden lightning erupted around him, blanketing the battlefield in an electrified storm.
Bradley exhaled deeply, steadying himself. As the lightning surged toward him, his sword began to glow brilliantly.
"Exclusive Sword Technique: Radiant Z-Slash!"
A dazzling beam of light streaked through the chaos as Bradley's body transformed into pure energy. He zipped through the storm like a laser, every movement perfectly timed to avoid the bolts of lightning.
His movements were fluid and precise, his focus unbreakable.
Enluka let out a pained groan as Bradley's Z-shaped slash carved through its earth-elemental armor, leaving deep fissures across its scales.
"Your invincibility is gone," Bradley whispered, his voice carrying a lethal edge.
Cain's eyes widened in disbelief as Bradley's blade struck twice—once at his neck, then his chest.
Piercing Strike!
Critical Hit - 1,000,000!
Critical Hit - 1,000,000!
Blood spurted from Cain's neck as the massive health bar barely wavered. Though the damage was significant, it wasn't enough to make a real dent in Cain's immense pool of HP.
Bradley sheathed his sword with a flourish, his back to Cain. His mana reserves were depleted, and his breathing was heavy.
"Give me two more years, and I'll kill you solo," he said calmly.
Enraged, Cain lunged forward, his massive hand reaching for Bradley's head. "Die!"
Bradley's expression didn't change. A faint smirk played on his lips as he shouted, "Orson, request for fire support!"
The Godslayer Alliance had been spellbound by Bradley's incredible performance, but his call snapped them back to reality.
Madman: "Holy crap! Bradley, I'm calling it—you're officially a certified badass!"
Dancing Giant Boobs: "Amazing! Truly the ultimate warrior!"
Iron Cavalry: "Our vice leader has sacrificed himself! By the sacred pact of brothers, Orgod's power will know no bounds!"
Orson stood, his expression hardening as he watched Cain grab Bradley's head. Blood splattered into the air, and Bradley's body fell limp.
A fierce wind surged around Orson as elemental energy gathered. The Elemental Goddess materialized beside him.
"You dare kill my brother? An NPC like you isn't even worthy!" Orson growled, his voice carrying an undercurrent of killing intent.
"Awaken—Hurricane Spear!"
A shimmering spear of wind shot toward Cain, who raised his sword to block it.
Orson smirked coldly. "Magic Eye! Mirror of Folding!"
Two ethereal mirrors appeared midair, bending the spear's trajectory in unpredictable patterns. Cain struggled to track it, his reflexes failing to keep up.
THUD!
The spear pierced through Cain's shoulder, sending him tumbling backward.
[Damage Multiplier from Pondenorlin NPC Effect: x21!]
[Critical Hit: 730,000!]
[Disabling Strike - Defense Removed!]
Cain roared in pain, commanding Enluka to dive at Orson.
"You don't have what it takes," Orson taunted, raising his Heavenly Fire Staff high.
"Everyone, banish these invaders for eternity!" Orson bellowed across the guild channel.
The Godslayer Alliance erupted in a deafening war cry, their fury boiling over. Even faced with elite NPCs from two major guilds, they fought with relentless ferocity.
"Heavenly Fire Awakening—Dragon Curse Howl of Fury!"
A blazing aura surged from Orson, expanding across the entirety of Celestial Fortress. Every allied player in range was empowered with the Dragon Curse Howl of Fury buff, amplifying their strength exponentially.
ShatteredCrown laughed maniacally. "Unlimited firepower mode—let's go, boys!" He unleashed a barrage of ice and fire magic, dealing catastrophic damage to the NPC army.
Nearby knights from The King Family formed a defensive wall, raising their shields to protect him from the torrent of arrows raining down.
Empress of the Moon grinned, astride her dragon. "Infinite skill usage? This is insane!"
Her dragon spear blazed with fire as she charged through the enemy lines, carving a path of destruction.
Drunken Dream: "Now I see why everyone's terrified of Orson. This is just broken!"
Orson launched three more Hurricane Spears, each one ricocheting between the mirrors at impossible angles.
[Disabling Strike: Defense Removed!]
[Critical Hit: 730,000!]
[Additional Damage: 35,000!]
Cain's body was drenched in blood as he roared with rage, desperately trying to close the distance.
"You dare cast skills in my presence? How audacious!" Orson sneered.
He clapped his hands together, invoking Grip of the Underworld once more.
As Cain unleashed another Shatter Thunder, the massive elemental hand descended, snuffing out the golden lightning in an instant.
Cain: "How… how is this happening? I possess all of the God-Emperor's powers! How am I losing?!"
His face twisted in disbelief. For all his godlike power, he was being overwhelmed by a mortal adventurer.
Orson's eyes gleamed coldly. "You thought this was over? I told you—if you came here, you should've been ready to die."
With the Dragon Curse Howl of Fury buff still active, Orson prepared for his final assault.