My SSS-Rank Innate skill: Infinite Adaptation core

As Nova and the Earth Dragon collided, a massive shockwave erupted across the battlefield.

BOOOOOOOM!!!

The impact shook the earth for hundreds of meters around them. Countless lower-ranked demonic beasts caught in the vicinity were instantly annihilated, their bodies reduced to dust by the sheer force of the collision.

The ground beneath them shattered and sank, forming a massive crater as cracks spread in every direction like spiderwebs.

Yet despite the devastating impact, neither Nova nor the Earth Dragon moved an inch. For a brief moment, they remained locked in place as if their strength were equal.

Of course, that wasn’t entirely true.

The Earth Dragon was a Level 290 demonic beast, nearly a hundred levels above Nova. Its attributes were monstrous, with all of its major stats far exceeding the 400-point mark. Under normal circumstances, Nova shouldn’t have been able to contend with such a creature head-on.

However, Nova’s Strength had already surpassed the dragon’s.

The only reason the Earth Dragon was able to match him was because of its enormous body and naturally terrifying physique. The creature’s massive frame generated tremendous force behind every movement, while its scales provided durability that few beings could rival.

ROOOOOAAARRRR!!!

The colossal beast roared in fury.

Its body was covered in thick gray scales that resembled layers of ancient stone forged over centuries. Each scale was the size of a shield and possessed a metallic sheen, making them appear harder than steel itself.

Jagged spikes protruded from its back and tail, while its muscular limbs looked capable of crushing buildings with ease. Unlike true dragons, it lacked wings and the noble appearance often associated with dragonkind. Instead, it looked far more savage and brutal—a monstrous fusion of dragon and earth-bound beast.

Despite being only a subspecies of a true dragon, its presence was overwhelming.

Every breath it released carried immense pressure, and every movement caused the ground to tremble. It was a creature whose strength could never be underestimated.

Nova pulled back and attacked again, unleashing a barrage of slashes infused with tiny traces of Chaotic Energy. Each slash carried frightening destructive power, and although most were blocked by the Earth Dragon’s scales, some managed to cut through its hide, leaving shallow wounds across its massive body.

However, Nova couldn’t increase the amount of Chaotic Energy any further.

The energy was simply too destructive.

Even with his Innate Skill granting him absurd levels of comprehension and adaptation, mastering Chaotic Energy wasn’t something that could be accomplished overnight.

It was a force far beyond his current understanding. If he attempted to channel too much of it, the first thing it would destroy wouldn’t be his enemy—it would be his own body.

ROOOOOAAARRRR!!!

The Earth Dragon roared in rage as blood seeped from its wounds.

Its gigantic claws repeatedly descended toward Nova, each strike carrying enough force to flatten a small village. Its tail swept across the battlefield like a natural disaster, possessing enough power to shatter mountains. Yet Nova continued weaving through every attack, narrowly avoiding one devastating blow after another.

What truly shocked him was the dragon’s speed.

Despite its colossal size, its movements were incredibly fast. Its reaction time was equally terrifying, allowing it to keep up with Nova’s enhanced agility. Several times, Nova thought he had found an opening, only for a claw or tail to suddenly intercept him.

He also attempted to use Voidborne Telekinesis.

Unfortunately, the Earth Dragon wasn’t the Hydra.

Its aura was simply too powerful.

To restrain a creature of this level, Nova needed to focus far more mana and concentration into the skill. Doing that while simultaneously dodging the dragon’s relentless attacks proved extremely difficult.

On top of that, Voidborne Telekinesis was still an S-Rank skill. Using such a powerful ability while being significantly lower level than his opponent placed an enormous burden on him.

Even with his broken abilities, Nova wasn’t completely invincible.

He still had limits.

At least for now.

But no one knew what the future held.

The battle gradually intensified, turning into a prolonged clash of endurance and power. Explosions echoed endlessly as dragon roars shook the battlefield. Hours passed in the blink of an eye, and before anyone realized it, only two hours remained before sunrise.

Meanwhile, the situation near the Frostholme walls had improved dramatically.

Most of the demonic beasts had already been exterminated. Although the Deadborns had greatly reduced casualties, many warriors had still fallen during the brutal battle.

Medics worked tirelessly across the battlefield, saving whoever they could, while several Deadborns helped carry the wounded back to safety under the confused gazes of the healers.

At this point, only a few hundred beasts remained alive.

Most of them were the stronger monsters that had survived the initial slaughter. The higher-level warriors were now finishing them off, while lower-ranked fighters provided support from behind.

For the first time that night, many of the younger warriors felt relief.

They had survived. The city was still standing. Yet strangely, their attention wasn’t focused on that fact.

Instead, their eyes remained fixed on the distant battlefield.

The earth continued to tremble as the battle between Nova and the Earth Dragon raged on. Every collision produced explosions powerful enough to be felt from kilometers away, while the dragon’s furious roars echoed throughout the region.

And that wasn’t the only unbelievable sight.

In another part of the battlefield, the colossal nine-headed shadowy-purple sacled Hydra was locked in combat against the Chimera, it looked like The strange monster that had been helping them throughout the battle, it was fighting a terrifying hybrid beast that was smaller than it, yet somehow gave off an even more dangerous presence.

The sight of two gigantic monsters battling each other while the earth-shaking duel between Nova and the Earth Dragon continued in the distance made many warriors wonder if they were truly witnessing a battle between mortals at all.

....

”Ah, fuck... cough... cough...”

Nova crashed into the ground, creating a small crater as he slid across the battlefield. A mouthful of blood escaped his lips as pain surged through his body.

”Damn it...”

He wiped the blood from his mouth and slowly pushed himself up.

”I shouldn’t have used that much demonic energy on the Hydra.”

Even with his absurd healing abilities and enhanced physique, he was still suffering from the backlash. The demonic attack had affected him far more than he could comfortably handle, and his body was paying the price for it now.

Fortunately, the injuries weren’t serious enough to affect his combat ability, but they were a clear reminder that he still hadn’t fully mastered the power he possessed.

”It’s time to finish this.”

Nova’s purple eyes shifted toward the horizon. ”The battle has already dragged on for too long. Sunrise isn’t far away.” His gaze then moved toward the distant clash between the Deadborn Hydra and the Chimera.

”The Hydra managed to stall the Chimera, but I need to finish this dragon first.”

Using his connection to the Deadborn Legion, Nova immediately issued a command. Several high-level Deadborns scattered throughout the battlefield received his order and responded instantly.

Around twenty Deadborns, most ranging between Levels 150 and 160, abandoned their current battles and rushed toward the Chimera’s location to reinforce the Hydra.

Under the confused gazes of countless warriors, the shadowy creatures sprinted across the battlefield without hesitation.

None of them questioned the command.To them, their monarch’s will was absolute. Nova slowly stood up and dusted off his robe. His gaze soon landed on the sword lying nearby.

The blade was covered in cracks.

”...”

A helpless expression appeared beneath his mask. ”I really should’ve brought a better sword.” The weapon had served him well, but fighting monsters far beyond its grade had pushed it to its limits.

”I’ll definitely buy one next time... or see if I can get a decent weapon from the Gacha.”

His attention returned to the Earth Dragon.

The once-dominant beast was no longer in good condition. Numerous deep wounds covered its body, and blood continuously dripped from between its scales.

Several sections of its armored hide had been torn apart, exposing flesh beneath. Its breathing had become noticeably heavier, and even its movements lacked the same explosive power as before.

Yet despite everything, the dragon still stood. Nova couldn’t help but respect that.

This battle had taken far more out of him than he had expected. The Earth Dragon had fought with incredible ferocity and endurance, refusing to back down no matter how many wounds it suffered.

In Nova’s eyes, it had proven itself worthy. A faint smile appeared beneath his mask.

”It really did fight like a true dragon.”

His gaze lingered on the wounded creature.

”And honestly...”

”It would make an excellent Deadborn.”

Thanks for reading....