Chapter 18: For the 1001st Time

The creature came into view, its form both alien and terrifying as it faced Liam. Lightning already coursed through his body, surging with raw power as he cracked his knuckles, welcoming the challenge that awaited him.

The Ancient lunged towards Liam, attempting to deliver a diagonal slash with its double serrated sword cutting through the air. Liam sidestepped left, the blade whistling past as he moved out of its immediate reach. In the same fluid motion, he countered with a devastating side punch that connected with the creature’s face, sending it staggering backward and forcing it to lose its grip on the weapon.

Pressing his advantage, Liam rushed forward for another strike, but the Ancient was ready. It caught his fist mid-swing, yanked him close, and delivered a bone-crushing headbutt that sent blood spurting from Liam’s skull. The impact rang through his head like a bell, but for the first time, that was all the headbutt did, made him stagger. It didn’t kill him outright like when his head would fly off his shoulders. A grin spread across Liam’s bloodied face as he spat blood out to the side and settled into his fighting stance. The ringing in his ears now fading completely.

The creature launched a fast jab, but Liam’s subtle head weave allowed the attack to slip past by mere inches. His counterattack came immediately, a lightning-coated uppercut aimed at the ribs that connected with explosive force, sending the Ancient skidding backward several meters. Without pause, Liam transformed into a streak of lightning, appearing above his opponent mid-air with a descending axe kick. The creature raised its right arm defensively, but the impact created a sinking crater beneath its feet from the sheer force.

In a near-simultaneous movement, the beast grabbed Liam’s heel with its free hand and slammed him into the ground, leaving spider-web cracks in the earth. A light purple orb of energy began charging in its outstretched right arm, aimed directly at its grounded foe. Liam barely had time to register the building purple glow and just as the orb prepared to discharge, he transformed into pure lightning, streaking away from his position. The blast scorched the ground where he had been lying moments before, sending up dust and stone.

The crackling of electricity announced Liam’s new position as he floated slightly above ground. The creature raised its head and roared out in frustration across the battlefield, it hadn’t expected its prey to survive. Liam’s grin widened as his form began to expand, growing up to seven feet tall while his arms bulked with additional muscle mass.

[Contract Borrowing → Ragar’s Gigantification] + [Skill Active → Muscle Boost]

The monster retrieved its sword and charged, leaping mid-stride with the blade raised high. Liam stretched his arm toward the airborne creature, and it froze as if caught by invisible chains. With a swift gesture to the right, he sent the beast crashing into the ground; this was the power of his skill → Sovereign Hands, an invisible force that moved objects to whatever direction he wanted.

The Ancient staggered to its feet only to find Liam had already closed the distance. An uppercut to its jaw sent it somersaulting several meters into the sky, where it hung suspended against the darkening clouds. Liam raised his hand toward the heavens, his voice carried across the battlefield as he whispered, “Thunder’s Judgment.”

The sky responded with a deafening roar as a massive bolt of lightning descended upon the helpless creature. The blast’s range covered a significant portion of the area, and the brilliant flash whitened the entire battlefield like a second sun and when the light faded…

[Penalty Quest Complete → You have successfully defeated the Ancient]

[Level Up]

[Level Up]

[Stat Points Available: +5]

[You have obtained a new skill]

[You have obtained a new skill]

[You can now open the mystery box]

[System upgrade available]

Multiple notification screens cascaded before his eyes, marking the end of his penalty quest.

…

Meanwhile, a convoy of SUVs rolled out of Netherlights faction building. Jae, wearing the stolen face of Agent Bob, sat among the unwitting agents. “Where exactly is this Addison Village we’re heading to?” he asked.

The other agents exchanged amused glances. “Come on, Bob, you’re not new here,” one laughed, though the comment sparked a broader conversation.

“What if the witch confirms Ray actually did it?” another agent mused. “I’d love to see how the director handles this situation.”

“Matters always get complicated with S-Tiers,” came the reply. “The director will find a way, but I can’t imagine facing them. I stood too close to Mr. Ryan today when he handed me the deceased’s armor, and I could barely breathe.”

Jae absorbed every word. Earlier they had collected Anthony’s battle armor from the Netherlights faction before continuing to Lenawee County. He discreetly pulled out his phone and typed: “Boss, USOV got dead guy armor and taking it to someone they call a witch in Lenawee County.”

Across the city, Serafina’s phone buzzed. She crushed her cigar against a plate and cursed under her breath- “Shit!.” If USOV was going all the way to the witch then Ray’s situation just got worse.

The message status changed from “delivered” to “read,” and Jae pocketed his phone.

…

Liam found himself back in the medical wing room where the system warped him from to begin his quest. The surveillance camera immediately detected his presence, prompting the watching agent to rush and inform Director Grey as instructed.

Liam was barely out of the wing when he encountered the director waiting for him. “Hello, Director,” Liam greeted.

“Was that teleportation?” Grey asked directly, referring to Liam’s mysterious disappearance the previous night.

Instead of answering immediately, Liam posed his own question. “Sorry, Director, what day is this?”

Grey’s expression showed surprise, but he answered anyway, “Wednesday.”

’Time worked differently in there’, Liam thought, having expected it to be Friday or Saturday.

“What does that have to do with anything, Agent Liam?” Grey pressed.

“Oh, nothing. Um… I need to get home, Director,” Liam said, remembering Yaela’s text about returning. She had probably been trying to call him too, but with his phone destroyed in the battle against the Ancient, there was no way for her to reach him. Her worry was inevitable.

Director Grey’s visible anger forced him to take a deep breath before turning to leave. His stern voice carried a clear warning: “I understand the circumstances behind your employment here, but that has to be the last time you disobey a direct order.”

Liam said nothing as Grey walked away, understanding the director’s frustration completely.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep