Fangs and Fury : Dual System of the Godslayer

The journey back to Mr. Wesdon's fortress was long but uneventful. Terry and Soden traveled through dense forests and over jagged hills, their thoughts heavy with the weight of the Ark Seal and what it represented. The air was colder now, and Terry couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous loomed ahead.

By the time they reached the fortress, the sun was setting, casting fiery hues across the stone walls. The guards recognized them instantly, stepping aside to allow them entry. Terry's grip tightened on the ornate box containing the Ark Seal as he and Soden approached the grand hall where Mr. Wesdon awaited.

---

Mr. Wesdon sat at the head of a long table, his sharp gaze fixed on them as they entered. Despite his composed demeanor, there was an air of urgency about him.

"You've returned," he said, his voice even but firm.

Terry stepped forward and presented the box. "The Ark Seal, as requested by Lord Casatero."

Mr. Wesdon opened the box carefully, his eyes narrowing as the shimmering seal came into view. He studied it for a moment before closing the lid and setting it aside.

"You've done well," he said, his gaze shifting to Terry. "The journey to secure this was not an easy one. You've proven yourself capable, but there is still much to be done."

Terry nodded, though his mind was already racing. His system hadn't chimed since they arrived, but he knew it wouldn't stay silent for long.

He was a bit nervous of the fact of what he had done back during the journey. He never expected to kill goblins.

But he managed to kill Forest Lommers and countless goblins. He smiled to himself as he remembered that the curse had been cleansed.

---

Later that night, as Terry sat alone in the barracks, the system's familiar voice echoed in his mind.

[New task assigned: Defeat the Sural Archon.]

Terry froze, the name sending a shiver down his spine.

[ *Sural Archon: A deadly creature known for its soul-consuming abilities. It can annihilate life with a single lick. Caution is advised.* ]

He read the description twice, his heart pounding. Before he could fully process the task, the system provided more details.

[ * Reward for completion: Level up to 10. Unlock the Elf Lord System and three new abilities.* ]

The mention of the Elf Lord System was enough to steel Terry's resolve. He had been waiting for this moment, and no creature—no matter how dangerous—would stand in his way.

---

The Sural Archon was said to dwell in a cavern deep within the mountains, a day's journey from the fortress. Terry informed Soden of his task, and though the older warrior's expression darkened, he didn't argue.

"You're not ready for this, kid," Soden said as they prepared to leave.

"I have to try," Terry replied. "I won't grow stronger by hiding from challenges."

Soden sighed, clapping Terry on the shoulder. "Fine. But don't expect me to save you if things go south."

Terry smiled faintly. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Though the thought of it filled and occupied his mind . But he couldn't let this chance slip away . He had to unlock the Elf Lord System .

---

The cavern was as foreboding as Terry expected. Jagged rocks framed its entrance, and a foul stench wafted from within. The air grew colder as they descended, the faint sound of dripping water echoing through the darkness.

Then, they saw it.

The Sural Archon was massive, its grotesque form illuminated by the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi. Its body was covered in coarse, black fur, and its long, serpentine tongue flicked out occasionally, leaving scorch marks on the ground. Its eyes glowed a sickly green, filled with malice and hunger.

"Great," Soden muttered, drawing his daggers. "It's uglier than I imagined."

The system chimed in Terry's mind.

[ *Warning: High threat level. Recommended strategy: Exploit its sluggish movements. Avoid direct contact with its tongue at all costs.* ]

"Got it," Terry whispered, unsheathing his sword.

The Sural Archon let out a guttural roar, its massive claws scraping against the stone floor as it lunged toward them.

---

The battle was brutal. The creature's movements were slow but deliberate, each swipe of its claws creating shockwaves that forced Terry and Soden to stay on the defensive.

Terry used his enhanced speed to dart around the cavern, striking at the creature's legs whenever an opening presented itself. His sword, still carrying traces of the Werevine's purification energy, left glowing gashes in the Archon's hide.

Soden, meanwhile, focused on ranged attacks, hurling fire-infused daggers that exploded on impact. Despite their combined efforts, the creature showed no signs of weakening.

Then, it unleashed its tongue.

The serpentine appendage lashed out with terrifying speed, narrowly missing Terry as he rolled to the side. The ground where it struck sizzled and blackened, the stone itself dissolving into ash.

"Stay clear of that thing!" Soden shouted, his tone uncharacteristically frantic.

"I noticed!" Terry yelled back in between heavy panting

---

The turning point came when Terry activated his newly unlocked abilities. Summoning the power of Wind, he created a vortex around the creature, slowing its movements even further.

Using Earthen Magic, he summoned jagged spikes from the ground, pinning the creature's limbs and limiting its range of attack.

Finally, he called upon Moon Magic, channeling its silvery energy into his blade. The sword glowed brightly, its purification energy amplified tenfold.

With a roar of determination, Terry leapt onto the creature's back and drove the blade into its skull. The Sural Archon let out a final, ear-piercing screech before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into ash.

---

The system's chime was immediate.

[ *Task complete: Sural Archon defeated.* ]

[ * Level up! Current level: 10.* ]

[ *Elf Lord System unlocked. Three new abilities acquired.* ]

Terry barely registered Soden helping him to his feet as the system flooded him with information.

[ *Elven Grace: Enhanced agility and reflexes, allowing for seamless movement in battle.* ]

[ *Nature's Wrath: The ability to summon devastating natural forces, including storms and earthquakes.* ]

[ *Soul Link: A support skill that temporarily boosts allies' abilities while draining energy from enemies.* ]

His stats updated as well:

[ * Strength: 142 *

*Agility: 136 *

*Speed: 146 *

*Luck: 139 *

Terry exhaled deeply, the enormity of his growth sinking in.

"You look… different," Soden said, his tone a mix of awe and amusement. Really Terry seemed go have grown taller than before but it wasn't too obvious . Soden was one with curious eyes.

"I feel different," Terry replied, a small smile breaking through his exhaustion.

---

As they left the cavern, Terry couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. He had faced one of the deadliest creatures known to this world and emerged victorious.

But as he gazed at the horizon, he knew this was just the beginning. With the Elf Lord System unlocked and new abilities at his disposal, the path ahead was brighter—and far more dangerous.

For the first time, though, he felt ready. He felt fulfilled.