The Gargoyle's claws scraped against the concrete roof, leaving deep gouges in its wake. I rolled to the side, the wind from its massive wings nearly knocking me off balance. My 'Eagle Eye' skill was working overtime, highlighting the creature's weak points in a faint red glow—the joints of its wings and the soft tissue under its jaw.
[System Warning: Mana at 40%. Use your skills wisely.]
"I don't need a reminder," I gritted my teeth, gripping the Iron-Grade Dagger.
The beast lunged again, its jaw snapping inches from my face. I didn't retreat this time. Instead, I used my enhanced agility to slide under its massive chest. With a swift motion, I drove the dagger into its soft underbelly.
A deafening, metallic screech echoed through the air as thick, black blood erupted from the wound. The Gargoyle thrashed in pain, its tail swinging like a whip. I barely jumped back in time to avoid being crushed.
[Enemy Status: Bleeding. 70% HP remaining.]
"It's not enough," I whispered, feeling the 'Heart of the Abyss' pendant thumping against my chest. I could feel the cold mana flowing into my arm, preparing for one final strike.
The Gargoyle, now enraged, gathered a dark energy in its throat. It was preparing its own special attack. A ball of compressed shadow formed in its mouth, aimed directly at me.
[Warning: High-energy blast detected! Deploy 'Gravity Grip' now!]
"Gravity Grip—Maximum Output!" I roared, throwing both my hands forward.
The invisible pressure didn't just hit the Gargoyle; it flattened it against the roof. The shadow blast exploded prematurely inside its own throat, causing a massive internal shockwave. The creature's wings shattered like glass, and it slumped to the ground, its ember-like eyes finally dimming.
[Boss Defeated: Obsidian Gargoyle (Rank E)]
[Experience Gained: 500 Exp.]
[Level Up! You are now Level 3.]
[New Skill Unlocked: Shadow Extraction.]
I collapsed onto the roof, gasping for breath. My mana was completely drained, and my muscles felt like they were on fire. But as the System's blue screen filled my vision with rewards, a smile spread across my face. I wasn't just a Zero anymore. I was a Hunter.