A Winner And New Discovery

In a moment of free fall, Cyrus swung his katana at the realm boss's mouth, leaving light cuts in the corners before the creature clamped down with a force strong enough to shatter the blade.

They crashed to the bottom, the mossy ground offering little cushioning for Cyrus as it collapsed under the impact's force, scattering them to opposite sides.

As the dust cleared, the three beasts saw Cyrus, his aura flickering, standing unsteadily and bleeding profusely from numerous wounds.

The few runes left are shining like a beacon while knitting together fractured bones, sealing wide gashes, and dulling the sharp full body pain.

A moment later, they noticed their boss standing there in an even worse state, sporting a broad grin smeared with blood, revealing several missing teeth, even as his mana worked sluggishly to heal his numerous injuries.

Both of them limped slowly towards each other, meeting in the center of the ruined temple where a single beam of sunlight pierced the gloom, illuminating them in the shadowy depths.

The realm boss gazed down at Cyrus with a fiery, battle-hungry stare, which failed to intimidate Cyrus as he returned the gaze with equal defiance.

"Seems we're both running out of steam," the realm boss remarked, exhaling wearily as he surveyed his followers, each displaying varying degrees of nervousness.

"Yeah, but I've got enough to take you down," Cyrus retorted, fighting to stay conscious as a fierce wound throbbed with excruciating pain, keeping him alert.

Debris rained down, striking the ground just as the two of them attacked simultaneously.

A solid right hook crashed into Cyrus's face, and a strong left punch to the boss's bruised kidney had them both staggering.

The realm boss was quick to recover, launching a swift kick towards Cyrus's head. Cyrus dodged just in time, ducking under the blow and countering with a leaping punch that landed squarely in the boss's mouth, dislodging yet another pointed tooth.

A single sweat droplet tumbled from one of the black-furred beasts as the two combatants exchanged fierce strikes, accompanied by the chilling sounds of bones cracking and blood splashing.

Reeling from a punch to the throat, the realm boss retaliated swiftly with a right high kick to the face, landing with a thunderous boom that shook the room.

Clenching his teeth, Cyrus propelled himself upward with the force of that hit, before countering with a swift roundhouse kick to the left side of his opponent's head.

As the realm boss stumbled from the force of Cyrus's kick, the young slayer collapsed to his knees, coughing up blood. His body was wracked with pain as more runes vanished, just as the realm boss lunged forward, delivering an overhead punch.

"It's my win!" He exclaimed with a roar as his fist got closer.

Cyrus abruptly fell backward, causing the incoming attack to gash his forehead. He swiftly grabbed the extended arm, kicked out both legs and yanked forward, tripping the realm boss. Like a snake, he rapidly coiled his right arm around the exposed neck, secured it tightly, and locked his legs around the hips, establishing a solid guillotine choke hold.

The monster roared and bellowed in complete shock, quickly starting a howling frenzy.

The realm boss clenched his teeth as he delivered punches to Cyrus's injured ribs, each blow forcing him to cough up blood. Yet, through the excruciating pain, he maintained his grip, even as his muscles screamed and the punches went deeper.

Cyrus contorted his torso while making the hold tighter even as pain engulfed him. The realm boss, with a trembling hand, feebly attempted to strike Cyrus's head, then collapsed, motionless.

"What an amazing fight, I wish it could go on forever..." murmured the realm boss, a faint smile on his lips as he succumbed to unconsciousness, his eyes rolling back.

The three monsters looked on with utter amazement as Cyrus pushed the realm boss off himself and slowly got to his feet, then began to stagger about.

He swiftly extended his right hand and clutched a pillar, forcing himself to remain upright despite his severely injured body and the wave of pain that was creeping back as each rune faded away.

"Don't fight merely for the sake of fighting; you must have a goal, otherwise, what's the point of raising your fists?" A distant, aged voice echoed in the realm boss's mind as he came to and gazed upon Cyrus, who remained standing.

"Hey... may I join you?" he asked suddenly in a much softer tone, causing Cyrus to drop to his knees in confusion and shock.

"Huh?" Cyrus's eyes widened at the strange request, while the formidable and deadly boss chuckled and scratched the back of his head.

"What did you just say?" he asked, gazing at the realm boss as if a second head had sprouted from his shoulders.

"I want to escape this dull place and join you," he said, his smile tinged with blood. "By the way, what's your name? I wish to know the name of the man who has bested me in combat."

Cyrus extended a firm handshake as he introduced himself, his confusion about the current situation still evident on his battered face.

"A name befitting my leader, I am Yasha, and these are my three generals" The realm boss smirked as the three black furry creatures leaped down and positioned themselves beside him.

"That one is Kirk, next is Theo, and last is Bufkin," Yasha said, pointing to the one with filthy bandages over his eyes named Kirk, the one without ears named Theo, and finally, Bufkin, whose mouth was sewn shut.

"So if I say yes what do I get in return?" Cyrus asked as he shook the three generals' hands.

"A disciple eager to learn, grow stronger, and aid you in achieving your goals," Yasha declared, His grin was wide and fierce, his bright orange eyes brimming with pure determination.

"How could I refuse such a response" Cyrus chuckled, his laughter tinged with a rough cough. "Just don't cause me any trouble, or I'll have to beat you again!"

"You won't regret it, come on guys!" Yasha exclaimed, laughing excitedly as the three monsters disappeared into his shadow. Then, he gave Cyrus a thumbs-up, despite his broken thumb.

His form began to radiate intensely, transforming into a luminous white orb that floated and merged seamlessly into Cyrus's chest.

"What a weird door to end the day on" Cyrus let out a sigh, laying flat on his back.

[Congratulations you completed the secret quest: Entertain The Bored Beast lord!]

[Become worthy to challenge the lord!, Achieved, Plus five strength] 

[Endure a vast amount of pain!, Achieved, Plus five durability]

[Beat the beast lord in battle!, Achieved, Gained skills summon: Yasha, Kirk, Theo, Bufkin]

[You have unlocked a secret quest: Path Of The Mighty!]

"What on hell is this?" Cyrus muttered, squinting at the pop-up screen that hovered before him, struggling to make out the words in his dazed state.

[You have earned the right for ascension, Will you accept?]

[Yes or No]

[You must decide or you will die from your injuries]

"I can't die yet; not with everyone waiting for me," Cyrus thought, pressing the glowing 'yes' button with a finger that bore his cracked ring.

In that instant, all he could see was a white expanse, feeling a sense of tranquility. The heavy footsteps of healers, the slayers Sarah and Rick, echoed as they hurried over.