Jack had been planning to find out how well he would fare against an eternal-grade opponent. He could be said to already possess the best equipment. His bloodline was also fully maxed. Even if the opponent was three levels higher, he had three classes. Furthermore, his classes were at least first-class special classes. In theory, he should have no problem fighting an eternal-grade opponent one-on-one.
Although this Primordial Lycan had the same level and grade as some of the country guardians, he doubted it was as strong as them. Even among beings of the same level and grade, a huge gap of power could exist. Like what was witnessed between Eoranth and Azzarilth. He couldn't compare this Primordial Lycan to the country guardians, but he also couldn't underestimate it. It was still an eternal grade, after all.
Jack brandished his two swords. He couldn't summon Therras in this challenge stage, but he could summon Spark. However, he decided not to. He wanted to see how well he fared first.
The Primordial Lycan just stood there watching Jack. Jack was still wondering if he should be the one who made the opening move when the Primordial Lycan disappeared from its spot.
'It's very fast!' Jack exclaimed in his mind as he activated Dragon Eye.
The Primordial Lycan was already on his left. Its saber was on its way to Jack's waist. Even with his boosted perception, the saber was still moving at a decent speed. Jack only had the time to tilt his arm a bit while activating War God's Shield.
The saber connected with the golden shield. The power from the impact sent Jack lurching, but the Primordial Lycan was also knocked back due to the recoil effect from the War God's Shield. If not for the shield, Jack would have been sent flying.
The shield managed to stop the Primordial Lycan from doing a combo after its sudden attack. This gave Jack a breather. He immediately used Strength of Hope. It was indeed too careless to fight an eternal-grade opponent without any buff.
His stats skyrocketed after using the divine skill. He lunged back and gave the Primordial Lycan a slash. The Lycan didn't expect Jack's sudden increase in speed so it didn't have the time to dodge. It could only parry using the axe in its left hand.
The impact sent the Primordial Lycan skidding back more than ten meters. The Lycan looked at Jack with a surprised expression.
"Hehe," Jack grinned.
Crimson tattoos spread around the Primordial Lycan's furs. It was the telltale sign of the enhanced berserk. It then charged forward. Jack did the same. Their weapons caused a loud clanging sound when they crashed into one another. Both sides weren't willing to back away. The two exchanged countless slashes from close range.
The two were only using standard attacks, but their slashing speed was almost imperceptible to the naked eye. After incalculable clashes, the Primordial Lycan was forced to take a step back. After Jack used the Strength of Hope, his strength and speed increased significantly. Even after the Primordial Lycan used enhanced berserk, it still lost.
The Primordial Lycan growled. Its golden fur turned red. At the same time, a fiery red aura swirled around its body.
Jack thought the visual effect was similar to the Wrath of the Beast used by those with the King of Beast bloodline, except Jack sensed this one was more powerful.
The Primordial Lycan roared as it swung its saber. Jack was still fast enough to parry the blow, but he staggered from the impact. The Primordial Lycan was now stronger after the buff.
"I'm not done yet!" Jack exclaimed and used Life Elevating Art. The Life Elevating Art was superb in recovery, but it also increased Jack's stats.
Jack was back to clashing with the Primordial Lycan. His strength and speed after the Life Elevating Art were equal to the Primordial Lycan. But since he had martial arts, he hit the Primordial Lycan more than the other way around. The Primordial Lycan was forced to step back again.
The Primordial Lycan roared angrily. They were still only using standard attacks. Aside from buff skill, both sides didn't use any offensive skill.
Another transformation happened in the Primordial Lycan's body. Its fur stood on its end and hardened, making it look like a humanoid porcupine. Jack thought the effect was similar to Leavemealone's White Tiger Rage.
The Primordial Lycan became stronger again. Jack tumbled back after several clashes.
"Okay! So, we are competing in buff skills, eh? Don't you think I will lose!" Jack exclaimed and used Sphere of Tiamat.
The Sphere of Tiamat similarly increased his stats while adding other effects. This time, the Primordial Lycan was pushed back with every clash. It received damage in every clash since every time it touched the sphere, it suffered chaos damage.
"Do you still have more? Don't be shy. Let it all out!" Jack cried out as he slashed.
"GROOAARR…!!!" The Primordial Lycan roared angrily. Its body grew in size.
"Gigantify?" Jack said after seeing the effect.
"Not only Gigantify. Look! Its muscles also become tauter. That was Tough Body skill. It increased his stats and defenses," Peniel informed from inside her secret dimension. She couldn't come out because she was considered an Archmage's familiar.
The Primordial Lycan became very strong after becoming a giant. It used one swing to send Jack flying, but Jack didn't receive damage due to the Sphere of Tiamat's protection.
Jack changed tactics. He zoomed around and hit the Primordial Lycan from its blind spots. His Sphere of Tiamat gave him bonus movement speed while the Primordial Lycan's Gigantify and Tough Body only increased its strength.
When Jack thought he could continue like this, the Primordial Lycan suddenly produced afterimage. It became faster. Jack was caught in surprise, and he was smashed into the ground.
"Illusive form? Hehe. So, you are still hiding something," Jack said while he was pinned to the ground by the Primordial Lycan's two weapons.
"Do you still have more?" Jack asked. "If not, this means I win!!"
Jack exploded into a bright golden glow. The explosion sent the Primordial Lycan hurling back. When it regained its balance, it saw Jack hovered before it. The Sphere of Tiamat surrounding Jack was now enveloped in a brilliant golden aura.
Jack had used the War God Manifestation.
