Betrayed, I Met The Demon Lord

Chapter 101 - [Hard Swing: Perpetual]

Perpetual (pərˈpɛtʃuəl)
adjective

1. Never-ending; continuous: Something that operates without interruption or cessation.
Example: The machine's perpetual motion defied the laws of physics.

2. Self-sustaining; infinite in duration: A state of constant activity or existence that requires no external input to persist.
Example: The flame was fueled by perpetual energy, never diminishing.

3. Unyielding and relentless in action or effect: Ceaseless in application or impact, often overwhelming in nature.
Example: The perpetual strikes of the knight's blade made escape impossible for his foes.

Philosophical and symbolic meaning: A representation of infinite potential, unstoppable force, or unending resolve.
Example: Perpetual determination drove the knight to overcome insurmountable odds.

Synonyms: Eternal, ceaseless, unending, uninterrupted....

.... infinite.

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Van grunted, his chest heaving as he glared at Kota, who lay amidst the rubble. Kota's expression twisted into a knowing smirk.

'Fuck... I can't even keep a poker face—no, a poker body,' Van thought bitterly. His breaths were uneven, ragged. Melted skin stuck painfully to the inside of his scorched armor, every movement sending fresh waves of agony through his body. He leaned heavily on his greatsword for support, his muscles screaming in protest.

[...I smell some shit all the way over here.] Kota voiced calmly, rising from the debris with ease. He dusted off Unicus's seamless armor, his cracked mana shield still faintly glowing, protecting him.

[That last attack hurt you more than it hurt me, didn't it, Hellix?] His voice was steady, almost conversational. [To the point where you can't even control your bodily functions. What a laughable side effect.]

Standing tall, Kota adjusted an energy mask over his nose, as though shielding himself from an unbearable stench.

[A side effect so flawed that it completely negates the benefits. Which were... what, exactly? Giving me a momentary scare?] His brow arched slightly as he approached Van, his tone almost curious.

Van's gaze darkened behind his helmet. 'He's right. I can barely move. That attack drained everything... It's taking all I have just to keep from collapsing.' His legs trembled, his battered form on the verge of giving out.

'Goddamnit... GODDAMNIT...!' His thoughts screamed.

[I bet you can barely move your arms, let alone your body.] Kota's voice cut through the silence with a calm, cutting edge.

Van didn't flinch—not because he wasn't fazed, but because his body ached too much to react. His legs quaked beneath him, barely holding him upright.

[And the best part?] Kota stopped just a step away, his voice lowering into a near whisper. [I know you could destroy me with one more hit like that...] He leaned in, his tone dropping further, laced with quiet malice.

[...But are you certain it will kill me?]

[CAN YOU RISK IT?] Kota's words carried a quiet venom, laden with confidence as though victory was already his.

[What if you miss? What if your arms burst open on the spot? What if I have a skill that triggers when I'm low on health?] He began to circle Van, his movements deliberate, his eyes scrutinizing every tremble, every sign of weakness.