System Nemesis - Chapter 82 Sky Dive

Derrick, in a bid to distract the Berserker for a brief instant, flipped the unfavorable situation on its head and went on the offensive, completely disregarding his defense. The result he desperately wanted was, nevertheless, achieved.

The Berserker was caught off guard by the turn of events, and for the first time since the beginning of the fight, it had to defend, making it completely disregard its surroundings. Its annoyance kept increasing, unable to figure out how this tiny human possessed such strength.

Derrick was investing everything he had left in this short outburst. He only needed a few more seconds, and Io would grant him the opportunity needed to win. It was all or nothing, and he wanted to win more than anything.

Right on cue, and from the corner of his eye, he saw the creature diving and tearing across the sky. Its eagle features were definitely showing in this brazing maneuver.

The Berserker felt the incoming threat, but couldn’t separate himself from the necromancer, who kept closing the distance and invading its space. Thomas felt the incoming danger as well, but he couldn’t directly influence the movements, so he simply tried to direct them as best he could.

In the end and with no way out, the Berserker braced itself for the impact, sure that it could take it without being too badly injured. The move made Derrick panic, as he wanted his opponent to do something to get out of this predicament, and finally show an opening.

With no more time and options available, he lunged forward and tackled the titan, which was shocked by the absurd attack. Who would expose their entire body to tackle their foe?! Derrick was frustrated that the Berserker hadn’t opened itself up for him to attack, but he hoped Io would inflict enough damage to finish the job.

Now unbalanced and airborne, the Berserker tried to free itself from Derrick’s embrace, but couldn’t, even while battering him constantly. After another second, Derrick finally let go while muttering these words.

“Sorry Io, but you’re my only shot…”

*BANG*

The collision between Io and the Berserker was so violent that a hurricane of debris formed around them, completely obstructing Derrick’s vision. He had crashed near the impact, not injuring himself too severely.

However, he knew one thing for sure : Io’s body had certainly been annihilated since his soul was now back with him, healing from the massive damage it had just taken. He had to say he was touched by its action, albeit forced by him.

“That fucker must be hurt after that… It’s impossible not to…”

Derrick barely got himself up, almost out of energy after the intense exchange between the two opponents. He also had multiple bruises, which were the result of his reckless charge against the colossus. It had been a risky gambit, but it seemed like it had paid off in the end.

Everything around Thomas’s body, which had now returned to normal, was obliterated. Derrick never expected that move to end the insane warrior, but he had apparently underestimated the power of an Io diving from the sky…

Apparently, if the flying creature dove from the sky in that manner, it was a formidable weapon, even though its stats weren’t all that impressive.

“Thank god it’s over…”

Derrick was proud of his victory, but he also felt bitter. All his souls had gone through a massive hardship, only reaffirming his current weaknesses. If he had that much trouble simply beating his subordinate, conquering Terra certainly didn’t bode well.

Thomas, who was still lying half naked in the hole, finally got back to his senses. He painfully opened his eyes, and tried jogging his memory. The last he remembered while being inside his Berserker self was a massive beast crashing into him. Everything afterwards was simply a blur.

He looked at his surroundings and noticed that Derrick was coming towards him. He tried getting up, in vain. His body had truly gone above and beyond in this fight, and from what he could remember, it was a memorable one at that, even with that anticlimactic ending… He never expected the Transcendent skill to be broken through.

“You’ve progressed well beyond what I expected… Keep it up!”

Derrick helped him get up, and the encouragement truly warmed Thomas’s heart. Being praised by the one person towering over everyone was an indescribable feeling of accomplishment that made Thomas crave more. He couldn’t believe that his journey. A couple of months ago, he was a bully that barely scraped by, and now, he was someone that was recognized by his Lord.

“Thanks, my Lord, but all the merit should go to you! I honestly didn’t expect you to win…”

Thomas, in the heat of the moment, had forgotten to whom he was talking to, and he immediately regretted it, but before he could apologize, Derrick burst out laughing.

“You’re right… I didn’t even think I’d win… I have to say that Berserkers truly are an amazing class. Their strength, agility… Everything is favoring their heavy battling style”

Derrick wasn’t merely saying empty words. After seeing Thomas’s stats while using the Transcendent skill, he was now terrorized of meeting one on a battlefield. Would he be able to keep up with a more experienced one?

That question immediately brought back forth his stats that he hadn’t checked.

“System, show me my stats”

[Derrick Tarlin, 16 years old (Body), 37 years old (Soul)]

[Class : Necromancer]

[Strength : 18 u003eu003eu003e 22]

[Agility : 16 u003eu003eu003e 16]

[Endurance : 17 u003eu003eu003e 20]

[Vitality : 13 u003eu003eu003e 15]

[Magic Power : 31 u003eu003eu003e 34]

[Spells : Banshee’s Cry, Reaper’s Blade, Veil of Darkness]

[Enslaved Subordinates : Eloise Tornomi (General – Human), William Enceworth (Scholar – Human), Fomamli Trollfall (Blacksmith – Dwarf), Merlin Trotz (Researcher – Human), Reyna Grandtree (Enchantress – High-Elf), Ylx (Researcher – Goblin)]

[Traits : ??? (Stage 1 Unlocked), Enhanced Body, Enhanced Vision, Death’s Valet, Gluttony, Aphrodite’s Blessing, Language Guru (Language Database)]

[Skills : Superior Appraisal, Potentus, Contract (3/3), Summoning (3/3), Master Craftsman, Submission, Death Warrior (100/100), Empire Professionals (6/10) *Concerns the Scholars (1/2), Blacksmiths (1/2), Researchers (2/2), Generals (1/2) and Ministers (1/2)*]

[New! Trait’s ‘???’ stage 1 has been unlocked! Stats have been increased as a result. Traits’ details are still unknown]

The increase was absolutely amazing, and Derrick almost had to lean on the weakened Thomas who barely managed to remain standing as it was. What the hell was that trait to give him such an increase, and why didn’t he know the requirements?

He tried asking the System multiple times, but was met with absolute silence whenever his inquiries couldn’t be answered. It irked him to no end, but he had to endure.

These stats had allowed him to barely hold on against Thomas, but he was sure they weren’t enough against stronger opponents, such as the Official. He needed to get stronger, and fast.

However, first things first!

“Do you think you can make it back to Akata in one piece?”

Derrick’s sudden question surprised Thomas, but the latter promptly agreed, unbothered by his weakened state. The beasts they had met on their way here weren’t strong, and he was sure that even without his Berserker mode available, going back home would be fairly easy.

As for Derrick, he darted forward in the direction of the Gold mine. It was finally time to see how much gold the orcs had collected, and how much Akata Loans would start its operations with.