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Although Dudley appeared unhinged — in his words, gestures, and expression — inwardly he was calmer than ever.
After that brief clash, he had already reached a clear conclusion:
In a direct confrontation, he was no match for Hagrid.
During that earlier punch, he hadn't even used Hamon Energy.
But even if he had, Dudley knew he wouldn't win head-on. The difference in their physiques was a major factor. His limited training time with Hamon was another.
Hagrid might have been a weak wizard — after all, he had been expelled — but his raw physical strength far surpassed that of any ordinary wizard.
Just think about the "little pets" he kept.
Dragons. Giant spiders. Three-headed dogs. And other creatures the books never fully revealed.
The first two were classified XXXXX — the highest danger rating. The three-headed dog had no official rank, but it certainly wasn't weak. The others he handled were unlikely to be any less dangerous.
And Hagrid had even once considered acquiring a Chimera egg.
Someone capable of coexisting with creatures of that level — even breeding them — could not be underestimated.
To defeat him, there was only one option:
Win through surprise.
And win fast. No room for reaction.
Dudley launched a dense sequence of strikes at Hagrid's legs, targeting the joints with precision.
First, he had to limit his mobility.
The system's "life skills" covered nearly everything. Aside from magic, Dudley had no blind spots. His anatomical knowledge was extensive.
A half-giant was still human.
The joints were the same.
When Hagrid tried to grab him, Dudley slipped away like an eel. Agile as a cat.
He knew that if he were caught, the fight would end immediately.
Seizing an opening, he pulled several vials from the satchel slung over his shoulder.
He tore the cork off the first one with his teeth and drank it.
Lesser Fortifier.
Enhances the effects of other potions.
Then the second.
Lesser Bone Reconstitution Essence.
Restores fractured bones, even recreates lost bone mass.
His fists had been damaged from the impacts and needed repair.
Hamon Energy could also mend bone — but he had not yet mastered that level.
He swallowed the third potion.
Lesser Blood Tonic.
Accelerates blood regeneration.
After tearing flesh from his own body, the blood loss had been significant.
Then the fourth.
Lesser Essence of Dittany.
Accelerates wound healing.
All four potions burned going down, but the pain remained.
The good thing about pain was that he had learned his lesson.
Then he pulled out four more vials — but these weren't for drinking.
He hurled them at Hagrid. The fragile glass shattered, and a yellowish, earthen mist enveloped the giant.
Slowing Potions.
They dulled reflexes and reduced speed.
Of course, they were "lesser" quality. As a self-taught brewer, simply producing functional potions was already impressive. Even Snape at that age hadn't mastered that level.
He also had something called "Confusion Seasoning," but he didn't want to deal with a fully enraged giant.
Slowing him down was enough.
Hagrid visibly grew slower.
Not enough — but sufficient.
Dudley grabbed the rifle from the floor, but this time not to shoot.
He gripped the barrel like a baseball bat, and Hamon Energy began surging violently through his body.
The energy rose, flooding his muscles. He channeled it all into his arms — directly into the rifle.
Golden sparks crackled along the weapon.
Not bothering to conceal anything, he charged forward and smashed the rifle into Hagrid's knee.
There was a thunderous crack.
The giant collapsed again — and this time, it was worse.
The bone broke.
But it still wasn't over.
Dudley discarded the ruined rifle and advanced again.
He lowered his center of gravity, planted his stance firmly, and adjusted his breathing.
Hamon flowed flawlessly.
This was his final card.
His highest-level skill.
LV5 – Iron Mountain Strike.
A simple technique.
But violent.
After system enhancement, it had become even more devastating.
Its only "flaw"?
The stance looked strange to outside observers.
Dudley pressed his body against Hagrid's and inhaled deeply.
Hamon surged through his bloodstream, concentrated in his shoulder, then exploded upward at a forty-five-degree angle.
Hagrid felt as though his organs had been violently shaken. The force far exceeded his own.
"This kid…?!"
But it wasn't over.
LV5 was a combo.
The shoulder dropped — then surged downward at another forty-five-degree angle.
"Iron Mountain Strike…"
Another impact.
Dudley's body began moving rhythmically.
Like a piling hammer.
One, two.
One, two.
One, two!
The full power of an LV5 skill revealed itself.
And then—
Something impossible happened.
Hagrid's multi-ton body was launched into the air.
Even Dudley's eyes widened in shock.
'Strong and terrifying… I love it.'
The movement appeared simple, but it involved advanced techniques of impact absorption and force dissipation.
Unlike his earlier punch, he suffered no recoil damage.
Force is always mutual.
But Iron Mountain Strike nullified the reaction force.
It was perfect.
Hagrid crashed through the doorway and landed outside.
Dudley lifted the broken door and looked down at the fallen half-giant.
"You're not welcome here, big guy."
"Try knocking next time."
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