Becoming Legend

Chapter 71: the Battle, IV

Ned was overwhelmed. Not by Rassus, but by exhaustion. He's at his limit. Critically low Mana. Energy dropping spontaneously. He could feel it. The veins in his body cried. 'Let us rest!' 'This is too much!' 'When will you stop?'

Ned was helpless against Rassus pummeling him on the ground. Vicious orbs attacked Ned from different directions. Sparks produced as the tail met the Butterfly.

"I commend you, human," Rassus hissed. "You are truly different, my core beg to devour you!"

"Not gonna happen," Ned said. Constantly reminded by his HUD about how weakened he was. Mana was critically low at 300. Energy pumped up to support all his movements. Without the armor, Ned was long gone.

Rassus rammed Ned, throwing the latter meters away, creating a trail of smoke along the way. All of Rassus hit was making Ned anxious. Although protected by the armor. Ned came to the conclusion that the dragon was wearing him before he decided to devour him.

Rassus plunged on the lying human. Increasing his speed as he flaps his wings to bullet himself against Ned.

On the ground, Ned raised his Butterfly to defend. With contact, the ground cracked and made a hole. I'm at my limit. Ned thought. Dust and debris scattered. Ned was pinned was more, between Rassus' foot and the ground. All bets were off with the last attack I made. Now what? Think, think.

Ned carried with him the experiences he gained from his previous and current life. Yet, no matter how he tried, he failed miserably. If you're weak; you're weak. Ned pondered. This body, too young to die. Ned heaved. Ned could see all of Rassus' weaknesses. From his chest that housed his core. Legs to make him stagger. Its tail, and neck. All that, Ned's speed wasn't enough to maintain with Rassus.

[Ned, what is your plan?]

Asked ICE. Ned felt her tone was being anxious. But he knew it was just in his mind. Ned grinned. He won't give up. I won't give up. Ned thought. Not for myself, but for the people that helped me reach this far. "The plan is simple. Attack. Don't stop!" Ned cried. Gesturing his hands toward the massive Rassus. Reached his hand midair and invoke a spell. "Fireball!"

With a boom, Rassus' foot jerked a little. But the fire magic wasn't enough to move the dragon's foot even for an inch. "Fireball!" Ned cried as he invoked another spell. "Fireball!"

[Ned, too much Mana expenditures. Be aware, you can invoke fireball skill not more than twice. After that, Mana Burn will start to sink in.]

I can feel it, the Mana, getting low. I know. Ned replied to ICE, worried in his thoughts.

Rassus' foot put weight on Ned's legs. Protected by his armor, Ned received all of Rassus's attack. Yet, Ned was unable to move. He struggled, he can't. The dragon's strength was now too much for Ned to handle. As they fought, Rassus strength kept on increasing. And no matter how many times Ned cut off his limbs or neck. Rassus' reserved for Mana was too much. Too much every time Ned put a scratch on the dragon's armor it instantly heals.

[Wait, Ned. Hold on.]

Plead ICE.

[I have something for you.]

Under the dragon's force, Ned closed the gap between his brows, he wondered if what could be his system got for him.

"How about we yank that head of yours, Ned the human?" Mocked Rassus. He knew, throwing his orbs at a close distance would make things worse for him, since Ned's Butterfly would just absorb and return the attack double the damage. Which made him think in conclusion; physically assault Ned until he was worn out. Worn out he won't be able to save himself from his attacks. Rassus opened this mouth, coiled to gather momentum, and pushed forward to attack Ned's head. His mouth was stopped in the middle by the Butterfly. Pushing on both sides, and bidding who would win the battle of attrition.

Ned groaned and cried. ICE. "Whatever is that, do it now!"

Ned's hands trembled as he holds the Butterfly both with his hands.

Excess energy disperse outside Rassus' mouth. Too much Mana that it leaked. But not for long, with the Butterfly stuck between his jaws. Rassus raised his tail, and stab Ned, targeting his very face.

Ned evaded, moving his head left and right. Holes accumulated beside his face.

The stabs continued for seconds until Ned was destructed. Rassus let go of the Butterfly, then purple light sparked. And an orb condensed with massive energy struck Ned.

Rassus flew before he could get hit by the blast. Landing across the cloudy scene.

[Persenex System fully analyzed.]

[Notice: Mark of the Knight would like to integrate within the existing system. Integrate?]

[Ned, the Mark was an unknown code. Integrating it in my system would make me, unpredictable.]

Yes. Replied Ned hastily. Overthinking would make things worse. Besides, Ned could find something hidden inside the Mark that would aid him in his quest. If I survive this damn dragon. Ned shrugged mentally.

[Link complete.]

[Mark of the Knight integrated with the system successfully.]

With the prompt, Ned felt a surge of energy running his entire veins. Something inside him burst and released a massive amount of Mana. With the release, Ned felt his muscles ripped apart and recovered instantly. This cycle goes on until the dust and debris around him settled.

[Notice: Mana storage capacity increased by 1,000.]

[Current Mana capacity: 1,120/ 3,000.]

[Analyzing code structure.]

[Converting code.]

[Analyze Complete: new skill gained.]

[Skill 'Defender' gained.]

"How about that?" Ned said. Not sure if he should be proud of his current situation.

[Ned, depending on its level. With the 'Defender' skill, you are able to withstand physical and magical attacks.]

Ned felt a warm sensation coursing through his entire body. He felt limitless. He sensed his own strength, making him think if he could pummel Rassus with a punch. So, this is a Mark. Able to change the bearer's strength in an instant. Ned thought. "How about... "

Rassus on the other hand was surprised to see Ned stood, unscathed. An attack that close, would destroy hundreds of his minions. But, a human, withstood his attack. Rassus felt mocked. He growled and hissed. "I can do this all day."