Bully Lord

Part-213

"That thing... it's not like the others," James thought, clenching his fists. "I need to approach this differently."

Determined not to let the dungeon best him again, James began formulating a plan. He knew that brute force alone wouldn’t be enough to defeat the creature. He needed to rely on his skills and strategy, not just raw power.

First, he reviewed his abilities. **Sloth View** was crucial, but the creature’s speed was too much, even with time slowed. He would need to use it more tactically, not just to dodge, but to create openings for his attacks. **Crisis Mode** was another option—a special skill that allowed his body to move with perfect precision until his stamina dropped below 30%. However, activating it too early could leave him vulnerable in a drawn-out battle.

He considered his offensive options: **Kangaroo Cut**, his powerful uppercut that utilized 80% of his total strength, could deal significant damage, but the creature’s size and speed made it difficult to land. **Snake Jab**, with its increased speed, might be more effective in landing quick strikes, but would it be enough to wear the creature down?

And then there was **Thunderclap**, his electric attack, which could potentially stun the creature, giving him the crucial seconds he needed to press an advantage.

James took a deep breath, centering himself. He had fought through the midsection twice already, and while the battle had been grueling, it had also taught him valuable lessons. He couldn’t rely on his abilities alone—he needed to think strategically and outmaneuver the creature.

“Alright,” James muttered to himself. “Time to go again.”

He made his way back through the dungeon, clearing the midsection once more. His movements were more precise this time, every action calculated as he conserved his energy for the upcoming battle. As he reached the final section again, the familiar dread crept into his chest, but he steeled himself. He knew what was coming.

The room was just as he had left it—the bodies of the Ratling Scavengers strewn across the floor. James braced himself as the corpses once again began to twitch and merge, forming the massive Ratling creature. Its glowing red eyes locked onto him, and it let out a thunderous roar, brandishing its wooden weapon.

This time, James was ready.

As the creature charged, James activated **Sloth View**, slowing time just enough to give him the edge. The creature’s movements were still fast, but now James could anticipate them. He ducked under its first swing, the jagged weapon missing him by inches. In one fluid motion, he countered with a **Snake Jab**, his fist striking the creature’s side at three times his normal speed. It let out a pained screech but quickly recovered, swinging its weapon again.

James leaped back, narrowly avoiding the blow. His breathing was steady, his mind focused. He activated **Thunderclap**, sending an electric shock through his fist as he delivered a powerful slap to the creature’s arm. The shock stunned it momentarily, and James seized the opportunity. He followed up with a **Kangaroo Cut**, his uppercut connecting with the creature’s jaw. The force of the blow sent it staggering back, its grip on the weapon faltering.

But the fight was far from over. The creature let out a furious roar, its speed increasing as it launched a flurry of attacks. James activated **Crisis Mode**, his body moving automatically, dodging and countering each strike with precision. His stamina was draining fast, but he couldn’t afford to lose focus now.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, James saw his opening. The creature was momentarily off balance, its massive frame struggling to recover from its last attack. James lunged forward, grabbing the creature’s arm with **Bear Grip** and using all his strength to pull it off its feet. With a final, powerful strike, he brought the creature crashing to the ground.

A notification appeared before his eyes:

[Boss defeated. EXP gained: 1500.]

[You have received 1 wooden sword, which deals double pain.]

[You have earned 2000 EXP by defeating 40 Ratlings.]

James collapsed to the ground, exhausted but victorious.