'What the hell is it...?' Wain inwardly muttered with wide eyes.

In the center of the arena, in a circle, an unusual creature with an eerie aura walked slowly, its every step shaking the ground. The creature had two strange wings, one was white and dragon-like, while the other was like the wing of an angel, but black as tar.

The creature's body was covered with gray scales as long sharp bones protruded from its elbows and knees. On its paws were deadly claws that could cut through anything and terrifying fangs that protruded slightly from behind its mouth.

'Is that the Dragon...? What happened to it?" Wain wondered while staring intently at the creature.

Parts of its body were severely damaged, as ribs, weathered flesh, and long-dried blood were visible. The creature could still move around, but it was obvious that it is long dead or critically injured.

'No. It's much worse than that.' Gladius said in a deadly serious voice.

'Hmm? What the fuck could be worse than a Dragon?' Wain frowned as he said in an angry way.

'It's a monster. Only they can turn into something like that, insane but frightening...' Gladius uttered as if they were facing a deadly foe.

'A monster...? Well, we're in luck then.' Wain muttered inwardly as he shrugged in a careless manner.

'Don't be a fool!' Gladius suddenly exclaimed, 'The power of this monster is beyond your understanding! Since judging by its aura it is in the Fifth Chronicle!'

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.

Wain's eyes went wide as a shiver ran through his body. He had only met the Fifth Chronicle monster once, but then he managed to avoid the fight.

'However... It's not that bad.' Gladius said in a serious voice like an experienced warrior, 'It is seriously wounded and seems long dead, for some unknown force is keeping it alive, so the strength of this monster is around the border of Fourth Chronicle.'

"I see..." Wain whispered as his pupils narrowed, "By the way, it looks something like Krakos... Are all monsters in the Fifth Chronicle so frightening?"

'Hah, so you figured Krakos was hiding his true power?' Gladius grinned.

'Sure. As soon as I saw him, I knew I couldn't deal with such an opponent now, no matter how hard I tried.' Wain internally uttered as a slight smile appeared on his face, then his gaze became extremely serious.

'Anyway, if I'm not mistaken, this monster was at the level of Demigod when he was alive. In other words, in its prime, this monster was stronger than most Fifth Chronicle beings and even many Dragons. You'll have to try hard if you want to get out of here alive and get the seventh form.' Gladius said as he was ready to turn into a sword.

'Demigod... Well, that sounds dangerous. You're right, it will be difficult, but that's what you'd expect from Death Shore, isn't it?" Wain said with a confident smirk on his face before stepping forward, entering the arena.

Tremble. Tremble. Tremble.historical

At the same time, the monster turned to Wain's side and its blood-red eyes opened wide, unleashing waves of fear on Wain that could make even the Third Chronicle being fall to the ground.

"Well, well, you look scary as hell. But, I have to beat you anyway if I want to get what I need." Wain spoke in an arrogant manner as the long, dark sword appeared in his hand.

Wain could clearly feel waves of energy emanating from the monster. He didn't know if the Abyss Brush was in the monster's body, but for now, it was his only clue.

"Who will attack first? You or me?" Wain asked with a mocking smirk as he put his sword on his shoulder while looking down at his enemy.

Roooooooooooaaaaaaaaarrrrrrr!!!

The monster roared furiously, shaking the air and causing all the creatures that were hiding in the ashy lands within a few kilometers to flee away.

"Looks like I won't be able to negotiate with you as I did with Krakos, though it's for the best. I'm tired of making compromises. Some things can only be solved with violence!" Wain exclaimed with a menacing expression as he let most of his energy out.

Whoooooooosh.

Suddenly the monster's silhouette blurred as it appeared before Wain with sharp claws aiming for his neck.

Wain's pupils narrowed as he thrust his sword in front of him, blocking the attack.

The sword and claws tried to cut through each other, but they were equally strong, while Wain's hands and the monster's paws trembled violently from too much pressure. They both tried to destroy their enemy, but neither was going to give up so easily.

"Huh, that's a lot better. My last good fight was with Reidar, so I've already missed that feeling!" Wain exclaimed with an excited look as he stepped forward.

His aura grew considerably while the runes on Gladius shone brightly. Then, Wain's strength increased as Gladius' sharpness temporarily went to a whole new level.

'Decided to use my skill in the beginning?' Gladius said with a smirk, 'Good choice!'

Crackle.

The sword blade flashed as the monster's long claws on his left paw flew to the side and Gladius collapsed on the monster's chest.

It was a surprise to the monster, so it recoiled back, trying to retreat, but part of the sword had already cut through its flesh while streams of black blood flew apart.

"Ahahahahaha! Is that really all you can do?! Don't disappoint me!" Wain exclaimed as he brought his sword to the ground, leaving a wide cut on the monster's body. Then, he lifted his foot slightly off the ground, made a full turn, and with tremendous speed attacked.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

Wain's foot plunged into the monster's chest like a deadly spear, causing the monster's bones to shatter and be covered with cracks. The impact caused a surge of darkness as though dark flames enveloped Wain's foot and caused a blast that threw the monster to the other side of the arena.