After going into the sea, I met the witch.

Black steam billowed from the mouth of the [high-ranking] unicorn dragon, rising upwards. In that moment, the desert knight, stripped of his proud spear, transformed into a vengeful messenger crawling out of hell.

Ryan's expression changed slightly, but there was no panic in his eyes.

Having fought so many monsters, he was already quite familiar with the "Crimson Berserk" state.

Rather, he was actually quite pleased to see the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon enter "Crimson Frenzy".

This means that the [high-ranking] Unicorn Dragon has entered a "low-health" state.

It has to be said that the high-ranking monster's "health bar" is really thick. After taking so many of his "double-charged" slashes, he was only just entering the "low health" state. If it were a low-ranking monster, it would have died more than once by now.

Facing the [Superior] Unicorn Dragon that had entered "Crimson Frenzy," Ryan kept a distance of more than thirty meters. It wasn't that he didn't want to take advantage of the [Superior] Unicorn Dragon's frenzy, but the continuous "double-charge" slashes, coupled with two special sword techniques, had left him with extremely low stamina, even with the help of [Gluttony Heart] and "Abundant Pearl." He needed to rest and recover.

Its entire head was enveloped in billowing black mist, and its blood-red dragon eyes were faintly visible in the mist, exuding a brutal killing intent. The [Superior] Unicorn Dragon raised its head and let out a furious roar. Its entire body began to be enveloped in thick black mist, and its already enormous body also swelled up slightly in the process.

After the roar ended, the [superior] unicorn dragon suddenly lowered its head, its blood-red eyes staring intently at Ryan. The next moment, it opened its huge mouth and aimed at Ryan.

"boom!"

A crimson breath, surrounded by black mist, spewed from the mouth of the [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon, heading straight for Ryan.

"Danger!"

Ryan's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected that the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon, which had entered "Crimson Berserk Mode," would possess the means to launch ranged energy attacks. This was something that the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon, which had only used pure physical strength in the previous battle, had never demonstrated.

With the boost of "morale," Ryan's speed increased even further. Just before the crimson-black mist pillar was about to hit him, Ryan dodged it in time. The crimson-black mist pillar that grazed past him left a corrosive gash on the scales on Ryan's right arm, damaging the structure of the scales and exposing that part of the arm's skin.

The crimson-black mist pillar that Ryan dodged pierced deep into the ground, and with the swing of the [Superior] unicorn dragon's head, it formed a sweeping fan-shaped attack.

"damn it!"

Ryan cursed inwardly. At the critical moment, he did a front flip to avoid the energy pillar's sweep, and then charged towards the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon.

The damage from this crimson energy pillar is terrifying. The incredibly strong [Umbrella Fire Scale Armor] was damaged just from being grazed. If it were hit head-on, the consequences would be unimaginable.

We can't let the [high-ranking] Unicorn Dragon continue attacking like this!

Crimson flames ignited on the blood-red greatsword in Ryan's hand. Having used [Battle-Inducing Rathalos's Lament], his speed increased further, and he arrived in front of the [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon a step ahead of it before its breath could sweep back.

"kill!"

A loud shout came from Ryan's mouth. He was about to interrupt the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon's breath with [Soaring War Cry], but something unexpected happened. The [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon, which had entered "Crimson Frenzy", was completely unharmed by the spiritual sound waves and showed no signs of being "intimidated".

The sudden turn of events disrupted Ryan's battle plan. With the crimson pillar of black mist about to strike, he had no choice but to hold the Blood Greatsword in front of him in the nick of time.

A crimson glow reappeared on his body as he activated [Special Sword Skill - Defensive Impact]. The protection of the "blood membrane" allowed Ryan to withstand the barrage of crimson black mist pillars, and the feedback of "blood energy" allowed him to directly complete "one stage of charging".

The sword slashed upwards with tremendous force, causing the [Superior] Unicorn Dragon to raise its head and even interrupt its breathing.

Ryan's face turned pale as he used his special sword technique once again, plunging his mind into a state of extreme exhaustion.

But he couldn't care less about that at that moment.

Although the heavy armor of the "Crimson Berserker" [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon was slightly "softened", its agility increased significantly. Its head, which had been raised by the impact, quickly lowered again, and it accelerated, attempting to smash Ryan below into a meat patty.

The billowing black mist was scorching hot, but fortunately, Ryan's fire resistance was already at an extremely high level, so he didn't take the heat seriously.

His gaze was fixed on the cross-section of the severed crimson horn on the head of the [Superior] Unicorn Dragon, where the defenses of the entire head were most vulnerable.

After this period of fierce fighting, not only has the [high-ranking] Unicorn Dragon reached "low health", but Ryan's condition has also fallen into a slump.

If the fight continues, and his "blood energy" and "gluttony" reach zero, he will undoubtedly be defeated.

Therefore, we must act quickly.

A ruthless glint flashed in Ryan's eyes, a cruelty directed at himself.

A large amount of blood flowed into the [Relic: Blood Embrace] he wore on his hands, causing its surface to glow with a rich, translucent blood-red light.

The loss of nearly one-fifth of his blood caused Ryan's vision to blur, but with the replenishment of a large amount of high-quality blood, the "blood energy" of the [Relic: Embrace of Blood] was restored from 25 points to the maximum of 100 points.

Before the [Superior] Unicorn Dragon's iron-shield-like jaws could slam down, Ryan's eyes narrowed, and his hands blazed with crimson light as a blood core covered in thorns appeared on his shoulder.

A pale red barrier unfolded, and the chin of the [superior] unicorn slammed into it, creating numerous ripples but failing to break through it. A third of the "blood core" darkened in color.

This means that at least two more attacks would be needed to break through the barrier that allows the "blood core" to unfold.

It takes a full 100 units of blood energy to use the "Blood Core" form, which demonstrates unparalleled defensive capabilities.

Taking advantage of the precious time provided by the "Blood Barrier," Ryan began to gather his strength on the spot.

The [high-rank] unicorn dragon, whose attack failed to break through the barrier, was also stunned for a moment, but at this moment, its heart, which was bursting with rage, could not tolerate any other thoughts—since there was something blocking its way, it would smash it all!

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

This is the loud noise produced by the [superior] Unicorn Dragon slamming its jaws together twice.

The color of the "blood core" became completely transparent. With the third impact, the "blood barrier" could no longer hold on and shattered into countless fragments that scattered in all directions.

[Superior] The unicorn's chin was jolted upwards by the explosion caused by the collapse of the "Blood Barrier". After a brief backward tilt, it shook its head and slammed its chin down again, determined to smash this "ant" that had broken off its horn into mincemeat!

The feeling of death drew ever closer, and at that moment, time seemed to slow down in Ryan's perception.

While the [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon was smashing the "Blood Barrier", Ryan had already completed the "second stage charge" of the [Storm Sword Skill].

However, his previous attacks made him realize that although the "double-charge" slash could break through the defense of the [high-rank] Unicorn Dragon, it was far from enough to seriously injure or even kill it.

He needs a more powerful strike.

To achieve this, when all cards have been played, there is only one way:

—Make breakthroughs beyond the limits!

Ryan has mastered the "second stage of charging" for some time now, but he has always felt like he's in a fog when it comes to the "third stage of charging".

After making up for his lack of spirituality, he was qualified to use the "three-stage power accumulation" technique. However, being qualified is one thing, but being able to actually use it is another.

Back in his original form, he had made numerous attempts, but without exception, after accumulating power to the limit of the "second stage," no matter how hard he gritted his teeth and persevered, he could not cross that mysterious boundary line.

He knew that he was missing something.

Now, facing a massive jaw that was larger than his entire body, Ryan finally understood what he was lacking.

That was the determination to fight with all one's might and unleash a greatsword when faced with towering waves beyond human capability! That kind of awareness of fighting to the death!

This is the essence of the [Storm Sword Technique - Wave Breaker], and it is also the spirit that the burly man with his back to Ryan wanted to pass on to him when the sword technique was passed down in the past!

The greatsword, compressed to its limit, suddenly calmed down as Ryan broke through his comprehension, the white light that had been trembling rapidly on its surface.

However, if someone were to observe closely, they would discover that the flow of white light did not stop, but rather, due to the sudden acceleration of the flow, it gave people the illusion that it had suddenly stopped.

At this moment, on Ryan's panel, in the [Learned Skills] section, the proficiency of [Storm Sword Skill] finally increased from "Master" to "Mastery"!

Of course, Ryan didn't know this at the moment. All he knew was that if he didn't unleash this sword strike soon, his body would be the first to "explode."

"kill!"

With a hoarse roar, the "Storm Sword Skill - Breaking Waves" was unleashed after three stages of charging.

“Crack!”

The harsh, tearing sound, like heavy metal being forcibly cleaved, sent Ryan flying backward with a tremendous force.

While suspended in mid-air, Ryan let out a hearty laugh.

Because not far in front of him, the [high-ranking] unicorn dragon had frozen in place.

The blood-red greatsword sliced ​​through its jaws all the way to the broken horn, a wound that nearly split the [high-ranking] unicorn dragon's head in two.

As the black mist dissipated, the swollen body of the [high-ranking] Unicorn Dragon gradually shrank.

Even though its life has faded away, it still did not fall, but stubbornly remained standing, like a knight who would rather die than surrender. Even though its proud horn has been broken, its spirit will never be destroyed.

Lyon, lying in the sandpit, coughed up a few mouthfuls of blood. He struggled to his feet and limped to the corpse of the [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon. He raised his right hand and struck it heavily on his left chest—his final tribute to his venerable opponent!

The wind and sand suddenly intensified at that moment, as if offering a unique farewell ceremony to the departing knight.

Just as the greatsword and the unicorn clashed in their first encounter, a knight's final act also requires a grand ceremony.

……

It took Ryan a long time to recover.

The "three-stage power-up" is completely different from the first two stages. While its power becomes stronger, it also requires a large amount of mental energy in addition to physical strength.

It was only then that Ryan truly realized that the spirit also possesses immense power.

Fortunately, the warmth brought by the upgrade nourished both his body and mind, which prevented Ryan from fainting on the spot.

He patted his head to wake himself up from his drowsiness and looked at the [Superior] Unicorn Dragon corpse in front of him.

After overcoming numerous hardships to defeat the [high-ranking] Unicorn Dragon, it's time to reap the rewards.

The most obvious and obvious change is the level increase.

-

[Level]: 13 (13%)

[Spiritual Value]: 72635 → 172635

[Spirituality]: 6.0

[Physical Strength]: 58.80 → 75.69

-

The experience gained from successfully defeating a high-ranking monster is quite astonishing.

Even though Ryan was already level 12, the massive amount of experience still pushed him up to level 1 in one go. Not only that, the experience bar also gained an extra 13% progress!

If it were a monster of the lowest rank, even if you killed ten of them, you might not get this much experience.

Moreover, there aren't that many lower-tier monsters for Ryan to hunt down.

High risk means high reward!

As the level increases, the [Physical Strength] stat increases from the original "58.80" to a terrifying "75.69", a massive increase that is enough to make anyone's heart flutter.

A terrifying power surged within him, causing him to let out a long, exhilarating roar.

The second reward is the loot dropped by the [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon.

Unlike the loot dropped by lower-rank monsters, the loot dropped by higher-rank monsters radiates a silvery light, dazzling and gleaming.

—Silver-level loot!