Their Arrival
WHOOSH~
The air whistled as the spear I had hurled sliced through it, making a distinct "whoosh" sound. The colossal berserk minotaur had no time to react; it couldn't even blink before my weapon found its mark in the boss's right eye.
ROOOOOOAAAAAARRRR!
The minotaur's pained roar reverberated through the cavern as he dropped his weapon and clutched his bleeding eye with both hands. Swiftly, I summoned my spear back to my grasp, thanks to the Paladins' unique passive ability, [Spear Recall]. This ability allowed Paladins to employ their spears like javelins and retrieve them at will. Unlike other class-specific passives that required purchase, this one came standard for Paladins, and the versatile class also had access to it, making it a convenient choice for spear users.
The single attack, while devastating, was insufficient to fell the formidable beast. However, my extensive research and strategic planning on how to defeat this boss with minimal exposure to its relentless attacks had led me to a critical vulnerability: its unguarded abdomen. This insight emerged when an Alchemist player and a Berserker user had previously teamed up to take down the minotaur, striking the exposed abdomen. Unfortunately, the boss quickly adapted, instinctively guarding its weak point, making it challenging to land significant damage without cunning tactics.
The key to victory lies in blinding the behemoth's eyes, a strategy that thrives in team battles. However, it's a riskier gambit when going solo. Blinding both of its eyes could lead to disaster, as the enraged boss initiates its devastating skill, [Earth Fissure], a calamitous combo of knockdown and overwhelming damage. Without the safety net of healers, I'd be courting failure.
This is precisely why I must strike decisively and without hesitation. Transforming my trusty spear into a Magic Sword, I surge forward toward the boss, its blinded eye still smarting from my onslaught. Every step is a meticulous dance, and every twitch of the boss is under my watchful eye. My movements gather momentum, a relentless tide of determination that heralds the end of this grueling battle.
With the boss towering above me, I must scale its massive frame. Utilizing the accumulated momentum from my sprint, I propel myself upward, ready to deliver the final blow.
I propel myself with the agility of a spring-loaded acrobat, soaring skyward until I reach the towering boss's abdomen. The fleeting momentum begins to wane, threatening to diminish my remaining strength. With swift decision-making, I devised a strategy to close the gap between us. My right hand, steeled with determination, clenches into a fist as I prepare to execute a technique that demands finesse and control.
"[Basic Fireball!]"
The unleashed power of the spell propels me forward, allowing me to surge toward my target. I channel every ounce of my energy into my sword, transforming it into a blazing-hot blade capable of slicing through the boss's midsection like a knife through softened butter. It's time to deliver the finishing blow.
"[Earth Fissure!]"
A strong wave of energy started building up on the inside of the abdomen of the Colossal Berserk Minotaur. It didn't take me too long before the boss's face twitched and blood started leaking out of his orifices. I detached myself from the boss and quickly activated all of the speed-enhancing skills I had in my arsenal. As soon as the boss started coughing, he knelt down on the ground and his remaining free hand clutched on his stomach. Before he can even roar, his whole body explodes. The gore would be too much if it was with a team fight but since I was alone, I could manage to see this scene without puking out honestly, this is indeed a disgusting view.
----
-Colossal Berserk Minotaur successfully killed.
-Nose Ring(Quest Item) obtained.
-Bullhorn x2 Obtained
-Broken Leather Armor Piece x9 obtained.
-Rusty Iron Club obtained.
-Got 2500 EXP(Additional 1000 EXP for Instant Kill)(Lower EXP gain due to the player having high level)[Title Effects Activated, 3500 EXP acquired)
-Got 100 Magic Knight SP, 100 Paladin SP, 100 Magician SP, 50 Ninja SP, and 50 Cleric SP.
-Got 10 AP for killing an Area Boss.
-----
I sat down on the grass and sighed. After the boss died and the loot was scattered, it slowly disappeared after. I sighed in relief. One more left and I would be able to finish the quest. Just as I was resting, a notification appeared on my interface.
"[Several Players already arrived in the Capital. Since the number of people that appeared and entered the city meets the prerequisites, Auction Hall, Arena, and Tower of Challenge are now available for use!]"
I was baffled. Exceeded the amount? Doesn't that mean, around 100 people? Isn't that too many? It has been a few days since the game started. These people should not be here yet. At least a few more weeks after the game's opening but how come they are already here? Is this another change in reality that I am not expecting at all?!
I quickly stood up and checked the people who entered the Capital since you can check who are the people who managed to enter first in the top 100 players. My name is in there so this would also display the names of the others.
As I scanned the list, my eyes widened in surprise at the name "Harmless Sparrow" and the presence of several players who were undoubtedly the core members of the guild she was building for the future. I knew the real identity of Harmless Sparrow, and it was no mystery why she was such a formidable player - she possessed the same high-quality equipment as me. Despite being a girl, she had proven herself as one of the top Magic Knights in the game, and I saw her as a fierce competitor in my quest to become the best Magic Knight player.
This is going to be a big problem. Players are quite curious and instead of exploring the safe city, they would immediately venture into the wild lands and one can only hope that they will not stumble straight to the boss paths as I cannot get any sort of help from them. I thought I still had enough time but I was actually short of it.
Now, with these seasoned players in the mix, I found myself in a quandary. The last boss I was hunting could be snatched from under my nose by others. I had to pick up the pace; otherwise, I risked missing the dungeon quest from Simona, an outcome I was keen to avoid. I didn't bother to dawdle and sweep all of the loot the Area Boss had dropped and left before the final boss was discovered. I just hoped that no player would stumble in that place. I needed to hurry.