602 Roz Vs. Mike



Looking over at Roz's attire and equipment, Mike couldn't help but sneer with a hint of superiority.

Roz donned a simple robe that appeared rather ordinary, lacking any distinct or eye-catching design. It seemed like something one could purchase from a regular shop without any unique enchantments or impressive attributes.

As for his tome, it was similarly unremarkable in appearance. It's worn cover and plain pages suggested it had seen many battles but lacked any notable enhancements or intricate inscriptions.

Turning his attention downward, Mike noticed Roz's boots. They appeared worn out and lacked the polished shine of well-maintained footwear. The soles showed signs of wear and tear, suggesting that they were in need of an upgrade.

In contrast, Mike took pride in his own equipment.

His armor [Celestial Vanguard] gleamed with a brilliant sheen, meticulously crafted with intricate engravings that showcased his status. Its reinforced plating provided ample protection without sacrificing mobility. It enhanced his defense, and provides superior protection against physical and magical attacks, reducing incoming damage by 30%.

His sword [Radiant Edge], adorned with ornate designs and a hilt wrapped in fine leather, exuded an aura of power. The blade, forged with the finest materials, shimmered with a deadly sharpness that hinted at the devastation it could unleash upon its wielder's enemies.

Besides its appearance and additional +50 to his STR, [Radiant Edge] had Attunement features like [Brilliant Strike]: Enhances the wielder's attacks with bursts of radiant energy, inflicting additional damage to foes and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up strikes.

And [Celestial Precision]: The blade possesses impeccable balance and sharpness, allowing for precise and accurate strikes, increasing critical hit chance.

Lastly, Mike's boots were a testament to his dedication to becoming a pro player and core member of Black Lion. Crafted from fine leather, they featured reinforced soles and intricate enchantments that provided enhanced agility and swift movement on the battlefield.

As Mike observed Roz's seemingly inferior gear, a sense of confidence surged within him, bolstering his belief that he held the advantage in this confrontation.

"How about this," Mike stifled a laugh, his arrogance evident in his voice. "If you apologize and get down on your knees, I'll let you live."

Roz remained silent, his expression unreadable, and instead, he casted a spell on Lira. Shadows coalesced and swirled around her, creating a mesmerizing display of sparkling darkness.

Lira, though caught off guard, didn't resist. She was accustomed to Roz's stoicism, but this was the first time she had seen him exhibit such hostility.

"Wait, are we really going to do that?" Lira asked a hint of amusement in her voice. She knew Roz rarely showed any emotions, and this unexpected act surprised her.

However, she was willing to go along with it. After all, she would do anything for him . . . Her cheeks flushed as she realized the implications of her own thoughts.

It was to make up for what I had done to him in the past! Lira clarified in her head.

"You said you wanted to help me, right?" Roz reminded her, his tone serious. "This is the surest way to defeat him."

Lira stifled a laugh, unable to contain her amusement. "I think you're going a bit overboard," she remarked, her smirk directed at Mike. "Poor guy."

"Huh?! What was that?!" Mike's face turned red with anger, a vein throbbing on his forehead. Did he just got insulted?

The tension in the air grew as the confrontation between Mike and Roz intensified, with Lira caught in the middle, their fates hanging in the balance.

As Mike's anger boiled, he watched in shock as Lira's form underwent a startling transformation. Her delicate figure shifted and contorted, and before his eyes, she morphed into a magnificent creature — a tiger standing upright on two powerful paws.

Her once-human features were replaced by a feral countenance, and her ears elongated into pointed tufts atop her head. Clumps of fur erupted from her skin, enveloping her body in a majestic coat.

The air crackled with primal energy as Lira's amber eyes gleamed with untamed ferocity. She exuded an aura of strength and grace, her muscles rippling beneath her newfound form.

The transformation was complete — a mesmerizing hybrid of human and beast, a tiger monster that radiated both beauty and danger.

Her tiger-like features commanded attention, from her razor-sharp claws to her sleek, striped fur. Every movement she made exuded a raw, primal power, each step resonating with a predator's grace.

The atmosphere shifted, heavy with an untamed presence that sent shivers down the spines of those witnessing the spectacle.

"W-what . . . what kind of magic is that?" Mike stuttered.

Even Scar, who was keeping an eye on the battlefield, couldn't comprehend what magic unfolded before their eyes.

"Say your prayers!" Lira leaped towards Mike. Her skills were rewritten to that of a beast, but her STR and AGI doubled because of the transformation.

Being a hunter elf, her STR and AGI were high, doubling it; Mike stood no chance at all.

Lira lunged forward with a primal roar, her newly acquired strength, and agility on full display. Her movements were a blur as she closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye.

Mike frantically tried to defend himself, unleashing a flurry of skills and attacks in a desperate bid to fend off the relentless onslaught. His sword swung with precision, seeking to find a weak point in Lira's defenses.

Skills erupted from his sword, aimed to immobilize and weaken his ferocious adversary.

Yet, Lira's transformation had not only granted her the physical prowess of a beast but also a heightened instinct and adaptability. With each strike, she gracefully evaded his attacks, her agile movements evoking the fluidity of a predator on the hunt.

The clash between them echoed through the air, the clash of sword against claw, power against raw power. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, their battle creating a whirlwind of energy and intensity.

"Stop playing around," Roz said.

Lira giggled. "It would be boring if I killed him in an instant."

"He is not the only one we need to defeat," Roz explained. And the transformation would only last ten minutes, and he could only cast [Alter Body] once a day because it was still low leveled.

Lira rolled her eyes. "Fine." She sweetly smiled at Mike, showing her canines. "Sorry, but you have to die now."