LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen:Clover Tuch
Terry stood frozen at the edge of the Abyssal Glade, staring into the thick, swirling mist that clung to the ground like a shroud. The eerie silence was broken only by faint, unnatural whispers carried on the cold wind. Every step forward felt like stepping into another realm—one dominated by death and despair.
---
System Notification:
Task Reassigned: Destroy Clover Tuch (A-Class Demon).
Reward: Shadow Absorption Ability, 1,000 Points, Stat Bonuses.
Failure Penalty: Permanent Debuff: Reduced Experience Gain by 50%.
---
Terry had ignored the task once before. That decision had weighed heavily on him, not just because of the penalty but because of what it represented—a refusal to confront his fears. This time, there was no turning back.
The forest behind him seemed to pull away, as if unwilling to witness the confrontation ahead. Ancient, twisted trees loomed over him, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal hands. The ground was soft underfoot, littered with fragments of bones that crunched ominously with each step.
Terry clenched his fists, the warmth of his blade strapped to his back a faint reassurance. "It's just a demon," he muttered to himself. "Just another obstacle. I've faced worse."
But deep down, he knew this wasn't true. Clover Tuch was no ordinary foe. An A-Class Demon wasn't just a powerful beast—it was a manifestation of malice, a creature that thrived on fear and destruction.
---
As he stepped into the heart of the glade, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier. A sickly green mist clung to the ground, swirling around his boots like living tendrils. The air was thick, suffocating, and carried a metallic tang that made Terry's stomach churn.
The glade was littered with remnants of past battles—shattered weapons, torn banners, and the skeletal remains of those who had dared to challenge Clover Tuch. Each bone seemed to tell a story of desperation and defeat.
At the center of the glade stood Clover Tuch.
The demon was a hulking figure, its grotesque form towering over the battlefield. Its crimson skin glistened like freshly spilled blood, and jagged black horns curled back from its skull. Its fiery eyes burned with an intensity that seemed to pierce Terry's soul.
"So," the demon rumbled, its voice like grinding stone. " You are another pawn to entertain me."
Terry swallowed hard, drawing his blade. "I'm not here for your amusement."
Clover Tuch let out a chilling laugh, the sound reverberating through the glade. "Bold words for a fragile mortal. Do you even know what you're up against?"
"I'll find out soon enough," Terry replied, stepping into a combat stance.
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Clover Tuch moved with startling speed, its massive form a blur as it lunged at Terry. He barely had time to react, diving to the side as the demon's claws tore through the air where he had stood moments before.
The ground shook as Clover Tuch's fist slammed into the earth, sending a shockwave rippling outward. Terry stumbled but recovered quickly, his mind racing as he analyzed the demon's movements.
[SLAVE SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
***Combat Hint: Clover Tuch's core weakness lies in its mobility. Target its legs to reduce its speed.***
Terry activated Slave System: Flame Surge, his blade igniting with a fierce, crimson flame. He dashed forward, aiming for the demon's knee, but Clover Tuch anticipated the attack.
The demon's tail whipped around, striking Terry in the side and sending him sprawling. Pain flared through his ribs as he hit the ground, but he forced himself to roll away before the demon could follow up.
"You'll have to do better than that!" Clover Tuch taunted, its laughter echoing across the glade. But Terry was giving him his best . There wasn't any better , there was only worse.
---
The battle raged on, each clash of blade and claw sending shockwaves through the glade. Terry's movements were precise, his strikes aimed at the demon's joints and weak points, but Clover Tuch's resilience was staggering.
[ELF LORD SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
***Elf Lord Ability Activated: Precision Strike***
With the precision granted by his Elf Lord System, Terry managed to land a powerful blow on the demon's left leg. Clover Tuch roared in pain, its movements faltering.
"You're stronger than I expected," the demon growled, its fiery eyes narrowing. "But strength alone won't save you."
Terry ignored the taunt, focusing on his next move. He activated Slave System: Wind Dash, using the burst of speed to evade the demon's retaliatory strike.
As the battle wore on, Terry's stamina began to wane. Each swing of his blade felt heavier, each dodge slower. He knew he couldn't keep this up forever.
The Clover Tuch swung a mass of energy at Terry but due to the reduced stats if Terry he was slow in his reflexes causing him to be caught by the overwhelming attack of the demon.
He collapsed to the ground in defeat . He was now frustrated.
Why did the system give him an impossible task? Was this how the Elf Lord he saw leveled up ? Dawn!! What had he gotten himself into ?
Terry cried. It certain he would die . He knew it . He was sure of it but he didn't know when but he knew he would be like one of the past victims of the Clover Tuch.
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Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a new notification appeared.
[ELF SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
***Shadow Absorption Ability Unlocked.
****Description: Absorb the strength of fallen enemies to restore health and stamina.***
Terry's eyes widened as he read the notification. He hadn't earned the ability yet, but the system was granting it to him early—a lifeline in his darkest moment.
He activated the ability, feeling a surge of energy as the remnants of Clover Tuch's defeated minions scattered throughout the glade were drawn into him. His wounds began to close, and his stamina returned in full force.
Fueled by the newfound power, Terry charged at Clover Tuch, his blade glowing with a dark, shadowy aura. He unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one landing with devastating force.
The demon roared in pain and fury, its movements growing sluggish as Terry pressed the attack.
---
Clover Tuch staggered back, its massive form trembling. "This... this is impossible," it rasped, blood pouring from its wounds.
Terry stood before the demon, his blade poised for the final strike. "You underestimated me," he said, his voice steady. "And that was your mistake."
With a fierce cry, he drove the blade into the demon's chest, piercing its core. Clover Tuch let out a deafening roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into ash.
---
Terry dropped to his knees, breathing heavily as the system's notifications filled his vision.
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[System Notification:]
**Task Complete. Clover Tuch defeated.
**Rewards:Shadow Absorption Ability Unlocked**
**1,000 Points**
**Stat Increases:**
**Strength: +50**
**Agility: +40**
**Speed: +35**
**Luck: +30**
[SLAVE SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
**Strength:119**
**Agility:109**
**Speed:103**
**Luck:98**
**Slave System Level Up: Level 18**
[ELF LORD SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
**Strength:58**
**Agility:48**
**Speed:47**
**Luck:32**
**Elf Lord System Level Up: 2**
---
A sense of triumph washed over him as he reviewed his new stats and abilities. The battle had been grueling, but he had emerged stronger than ever.
---
Terry made his way back to camp, the weight of the battle still fresh on his mind. Curl and Soden were waiting for him, their expressions curious.
"Where have you been?" Curl asked, her tone sharp.
"Needed some air," Terry replied, keeping his voice casual.
Curl frowned but didn't press further.
As they settled in for the night, Terry couldn't help but reflect on the battle. Clover Tuch's defeat was a significant victory, but he knew it was only the beginning. The path ahead would be even more dangerous, but with his systems by his side, he was ready for whatever that come his way.