Null and Stella stood facing the Swordsman Master, Althar, who looked way too calm standing inside this glowing bubble thing. A stare down! Who ever blinks first loses!
"You think this matters?" Null said, trying to sound confident. "Even if you kill me, I'll just respawn. Stella comes with me. We'll just keep going."
Althar smiled this creepy little smile. "Since I decided to do this, I came prepared." He raised his hand and the ground started glowing, making this dome around them that kinda warped the light.
A message popped up in Null's vision: SS-Tier Item Activated — Death's Deal. Description: If someone dies in this area, the winner can take any one item from them, no questions asked.
Null's mind was racing. No way a beginner class master should have this kind of stuff. Someone's helping him... this isn't normal. He took a deep breath. I can't just survive this, I gotta win. I need to show that I'm not someone to be stepped on.
He put on all the good stuff he got from the Silver bosses—the Lion Hide Hat, the Titanhide Armor, and used that [Complete Understanding] skill book. Normally he couldn't use most of this stuff yet, but with [Null-Command], he just ignored all the level and class requirements. The skill book upgraded his [Lucky Strike] into something way better called [Elemental Strike], which let him throw three magic swords in a row that did crazy damage.
Althar came at him fast, his sword shining in the fading light. He moved like he'd been fighting forever, all smooth and deadly. Null threw his new elemental attacks, feeling the power rush through him, but Althar blocked every single one. This guy's too good... I can't beat him alone. I need Stella to do the real work. While I distract him on the side.
Stella roared and spread her wings, the air around her getting all hot and electric. Even though she was just a baby dragon, she had this ancient power in her that made her stronger than most monsters. Fire covered her scales, lightning crackled on her tail, and she launched herself at Althar. Her tail whipped around and actually made the master stumble. This is what happens when you piss of a dragon.
Null watched every move carefully. Okay, when Stella attacks, he leaves openings... I just gotta hit him then. He's not unbeatable, just really skilled. Gotta be patient. He threw another elemental strike, not really to hurt Althar but to make him keep his guard up. Fire, lightning, and ice smashed against Althar's sword, sending sparks everywhere. Even with Stella keeping him in check he is still able to block the attack from Null. No wonder he is a class master.
Althar yelled, "You rely too much on your pet!" His sword swung in a wide arc, barely missing Null but hitting a rock beside him and sending sharp pieces flying.
Null dodged and threw another magic sword while Stella twisted in the air. Her tail smashed down with so much heat and force that Althar actually staggered back. Good... keep him like this. Don't let him breathe. Every second we pressure him is a second he can't attack us. We actually have a chance at this.
The swordsman master started looking desperate. His swings were still precise but he was breathing heavy now. Null kept analyzing his patterns. He's starting to predict my moves... can't get sloppy. Stella... use your big move now!
Stella's tail started glowing super bright as she used her special ancestral skill—a spinning vortex of fire and ice that wrapped around her claws. She slammed it right into Althar, making him stagger badly. Null saw his chance immediately and fired his [Elemental Strike], three magic swords flying one after another. The explosion of elements made Althar's defenses flicker and he stumbled backward.
"You...!" Althar shouted, sounding pissed. He tried to block and dodge but Stella didn't let up, flying around him super fast. Every time her tail hit, Null would throw another elemental strike right after.
Null's brain was working overtime. This guy's tougher than any Silver boss... can't get careless. Stella's special move is our best shot, but I gotta keep him distracted. He dodged another deadly swing and immediately counter-attacked with a perfectly timed throw that caught Althar off balance. Fighting human compared to fighting monster is a completely different concept.
Althar tried to back away but Stella's wings beat like a storm, flames and lightning surrounding her. Null kept up the pressure, magic swords flying in rhythm with Stella's attacks. The whole clearing was shaking from their combined assault.
Finally, Stella wrapped around Althar and smashed him into the ground. Null threw his last [Elemental Strike], three swords cutting through what was left of Althar's defenses. A huge golden explosion lit up the whole area.
When the light faded, everything was quiet except for the fading hum of magic. Althar wasn't moving.
System Alert: Hidden Quest Complete — Kill the Class Master.
System Alert: Congratulations on victory! Death's Deal activated. You can take any one thing from the dead guy.
Null finally breathed out, his body relaxing a little. Stella landed beside him, her scales shining in the last sunlight, folding her wings neatly. She'd done most of the work—her big family skill basically won them the fight, while Null's elemental throws and smart timing kept the master from focusing.
So this is what it takes, Null thought. Not just being strong, but being smart about it. Knowing when to attack, when to defend, working together. He looked around as the glowing dome faded away. We have to keep getting better. Me and Stella... we need to be ready for whatever comes next.
He allowed himself a small smile, looking at his dragon. Stella made a happy chirping sound, feeling the peace after the storm. They'd won, barely but definitely. The hidden quest was done, the Death's Deal was active, and who knew what was coming next. But Null knew one thing for sure: to survive, you needed more than just power. You needed strategy, perfect timing, and someone you could trust completely.