The lightning bolt struck the weakened assassin before he could even attempt to activate stealth or defend himself. The electrical current was so powerful that it didn't just paralyze him anymore. It killed him instantly, burning through what little resistance his de-buffed body could offer.

[You have gained 500 Lives.]

Moon's eyes widened slightly at the notification.

The life bonus had doubled from two hundred fifty to five hundred. And the only difference was that Moon hadn't shared this kill with Kael. He'd executed the assassin entirely by himself with that final lightning strike.

'In this zone, the base death penalty is one hundred lives per death,' Moon reasoned rapidly. 'If Kael shared fifty percent of the life bonus when we both attacked, then I'd be left with fifty base lives, which becomes two hundred fifty after my five-times multiplier. Now it makes sense.'

Solo kills granted the full base penalty amount before multiplication. Shared kills split that base amount between contributors before applying his talent multiplier.

Moon mentally noted the crucial information for future reference, so he could understand his talent more.

The Mountain Bear was now fifty meters away and closing fast, its massive form creating tremors with each thunderous step that shook the ground.

"Moon! Move!" Marcus shouted desperately.

Despite knowing the danger, Moon didn't want to leave just yet. Based on his estimates, the assassin had lost approximately seventeen hundred lives total. Coupled with the desperate reaction James had shown earlier, Moon was certain the killer was on his last life or close to it.

Moon took a quick glance at the charging beast, which was also using earth manipulation to attack while closing distance. Spikes erupted along Moon's retreat path. He dodged the elemental attacks with some difficulty, his high agility and elemental perception barely keeping him ahead of the fast forming assault.

'I can do one more kill. If James doesn't die within this attempt, then I'll abort for the time being,' Moon thought, taking a risk he normally wouldn't accept.

There were multiple reasons driving his decision. While the assassin certainly wouldn't be troublesome for the next several hours due to severe debuffs, he was still a powerful enemy to have breathing down Moon's neck. After losing so many lives, James would definitely harbor a grudge and want payback eventually.

Moon didn't want to leave such a capable killer alive and hunting him.

Most importantly, James might figure out that Moon's talent or class was somehow responsible for his immense life loss. The assassin's confusion and shock suggested he'd noticed something abnormal about the situation. Once that secret was revealed, Moon might become a priority target for whatever organization had sent these two threats.

James respawned once again. His face mask had already been burned away during previous deaths, revealing his features. He was relatively handsome with green eyes, brown hair, and a sharp jawline. His face was one that those that saw it wouldn't forget easily, he didn't blend in with the crowd, he was noticeable.

"Impossible! How coul—" His voice came out barely above a whisper amid the chaos.

Zap!

James's voice was cut off abruptly as lightning struck again.

[You have killed a level 25 Awakener, James]

[You have gained 500 Lives.]

James's body went rigid, then collapsed. His corpse was charred, hair standing upright from the immense electrical current that had coursed through his entire body.

James no longer had the dignified assassin look he had when he first showed up to the battlefield. He looked incredibly pitiful.

Unlike the previous deaths, James's body did not dissipate to respawn once again.

Moon noticed the permanent stillness as he started creating distance between himself and both the charging beast and the deceased assassin. He'd already begun retreating the moment his final attack landed.

Kael and the others watched the scene unfold with varying expressions. Kael's face remained unreadable as always. Marcus and the other team members showed clear shock at what they'd just witnessed.

"Should we help him?" Marcus whispered as he watched Moon retreat toward their position with a massive bear in pursuit.

Kael didn't reply immediately. Then quietly said, "…Yes. Prepare to engage the Mountain Bear. Don't forget our main objective."

Marcus nodded, turning toward the woman holding the spear. "Let's go."

Both warriors charged forward, positioning themselves to slow down the bear and relieve pressure on Moon's retreat.

Kael himself wasn't idle. While his body channelled mana to prepare devastating spells, his mind been analysing the power and versatility Moon had demonstrated throughout this battle.

His thoughts also lingered on the assassin's weird reaction before his final death. James's facial expression had been strange, as if he'd been shocked by something...Something he couldn't quite understand or comprehend.

What had the assassin realised in those final moments?

Kael placed that question at the back of his mind temporarily as he launched a massive fireball toward the Mountain Bear, supporting his warriors.

"They killed him... they killed the assassin!" one of the veterans still fighting the horde of beasts shouted as he caught sight of the permanently dead body lying motionless on the scorched ground.

News of the powerful assassin's death spread like wildfire among the remaining awakeners. The same killer who had forced the Base Lord to flee, who had seemed untouchable and invincible, had been executed repeatedly until his lives ran dry.

Hope ignited in hearts that had been filled with despair moments earlier.

"We can do this! Let's kill these beasts!" Awakeners began shouting across the battlefield as the battle approached its climax. Defenders who'd been on the verge of fleeing found renewed courage. Those who'd stayed despite fear found vindication for their choice.

The psychological change was powerful. Morale, that intangible force that could turn battles, swung dramatically in the defenders' favour.

Moon glared at the Three-Armed Mountain Bear that was now twenty meters away and still charging directly toward him with fury. The creature had witnessed its partner fall permanently and recognized Moon as the one responsible.

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