Page 364
Page 364
Phils floated in mid-air like a ghost, talking to Riveria beside him.
"Sigh, I don't know if this is a blessing or a curse." The elf lady sighed and rubbed her forehead, recalling the conflict that had occurred not long ago.
"Notice!"
Finally, after a long run, a narrow, dim ray of light appeared in their field of vision.
That was the entrance to the forty-ninth floor.
297 Joker Flag? Hopefully it won't turn into a real clown.
"Hey hey hey!! What the hell is this place?!"
Having been choked by the Amazon sisters' merciless mockery, Bert finally had a chance to vent.
After Loki's group descended with great tension, finally reaching the forty-ninth level of the Great Wasteland, the scene that greeted them was completely unexpected.
Due to the reflection of the red soil, the light, which is usually dim, becomes even more chaotic at this time.
The destructive traces left by the battle between giants and strongmen are visible everywhere, and the impact of the waves makes the ground in the center of the plain seem to have sunk downwards.
The jagged fissures stretched for thousands of meters, and the crimson glow emanating from the bottom of the crevice sent chills down one's spine.
Countless monstrous bodies reduced to ashes were swept away in all directions by the gale, and the spreading death aura caused physical discomfort and stimulation to the adventurers.
The scene was littered with corpses; even such descriptions fall short of capturing the essence of the situation.
Unexpectedly, such a hellish scene exists beneath the vast void.
"More important than any of that is that thing, isn't it?!"
As Riveria shouted, everyone's attention turned to the dark figure kneeling in the center of the scorched earth, like an ancient colossus.
It's impossible not to see it; after all, this thing is ridiculously conspicuous.
Whether it's the twisted limbs, the excessively heavy and enormous size, or the impact marks spreading from its surroundings, it can be said that the root of everything points to the head.
However, because it looked as if it were dead, it didn't immediately cause everyone to be alarmed.
The atmosphere suddenly tightened when Riveria, who had the highest level of magical perception among them, clearly sensed the terrifying magical power still surging and burning within the still statue.
"Watch out! That thing is alive! It's not dead yet!"
"Judging from its magical properties, it's only in a brief slumber and will wake up soon!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed drastically. How could they possibly deal with such a gigantic monster?
Even the original floor owner, Barol, was only half the size of this thing, right?
"How could something like this be here? Where's Barol?!" Tiona exclaimed, grabbing her hair in agitation, while turning to the silent Fels beside her. "Didn't you say that terrain destruction only spawns those skeleton monsters? What's going on with this?"
"...I'm sorry, I was unaware of this."
Fels gave a wry smile and shook his head, saying, "I've been here less often than you have, and the information I have about Barol is only what the guild already knows."
But upon closer inspection, the great sage immediately had a thought.
This unexpected black monster reminded her of her hidden friend—the heretic leader "Eugene".
During this time, she also had some contact with Niu Niu. In addition to obtaining some secrets, she became even more convinced that the two black monsters that had shocked the underground city earlier were the work of Niu Niu's forces.
So, could this other mutant, which was also born on the boss floor, also be...?
When doubts arise in one's mind, it's inevitable to let one's thoughts wander.
Fels recalled what Eugene had told her about the characteristics of the black monster.
That is, having no weaknesses!
With extremely high resistance, an extremely long health bar, super powerful skills, and super-fast regeneration, its weakness stone is even hidden. You can attack it for a long time without any problems, but one slap from it will send you to your grave. It's even harder to fight than Soul-type bosses.
If the guy in front was also of this type, then its strength would definitely be far greater than the original level 7 boss, Baror!
That would exceed the maximum strength that the Loki Familia can defeat!
However, this is not always the case.
With his mind racing, Fels looked again at that graceful and beautiful figure.
As a great sage with unparalleled skill, she could sense that the Sword Maiden of today was completely different from before.
If it were her, she might really be able to create a miracle.
"Based on some inside information I know, this guy's strength is likely far superior to Baror's, and he may also possess some other troublesome abilities."
Fels briefly outlined her conjecture, which made the already tense group even more anxious. According to her, could this thing be classified as level 8?
In that case, they really need to think about it carefully.
Unlike Eugene, who can come and go as he pleases, a normal clan expedition requires meticulous planning and a clear objective.
The reason why Ota has not yet achieved the feat of reaching level 8 is because he has not yet succeeded in his personal expedition against Barol.
Go into the dungeon, kill the target, and then return.
All three processes are important; it's not just about the fierce battle with the final boss.
If the plan doesn't go smoothly, you'll either be exhausted before reaching your destination or unable to continue on the return journey.
Even someone as strong as Otto can be troubled by these trivial matters, let alone others.
"Finn, whether you do it or not, it's up to you!"
In such difficult moments, everyone's attention always falls on Finn.
The dwarf warrior at the very front was slender and short, yet his silhouette exuded immense courage.
The name "Hero" alone should tell you what choice he will make.
"We didn't come here for sightseeing, did we?"
This time, he didn't look back.
"If we retreat without a fight, what face will we have to face Loki? What confidence will we have to face an opponent even stronger than Ota?"
The golden spear pointed directly at the colossus, its killing intent almost tangible, striking the statue precisely from a great distance.
“We have always been seeking higher levels, aiming to climb to a higher stage.”
"And now, the path to even greater heights lies right before us. Shall we turn a blind eye to it?"
An adventurer's life is for adventure.
Whether it is to seek secrets, to become famous, to acquire treasure, to gain power, or any other purpose.
They all have to deal with the life-or-death battles in the dungeons (and the money!).
"To be honest, my fingers are currently so painful they're numb, but that's no reason for me to back down."
With a flick of his spear, Finn pulled a small, not-so-luxurious but incredibly bright flag from his pouch and hung it on the spearhead.
That flag is a souvenir from when the Loki Familia was first established.
"The brave advance, the survivors retreat!!"
A loud shout resonated through body and soul, causing the simple little flag to unfurl.
Swish!
The sound of weapons being drawn rang out behind Finn. Every warrior remained silent, but the heat emanating from their bodies was like a raging fire!
"Tsk tsk, that's quite the style."
Eugene, who was hanging from the top of the sky, watched with amusement.
His gaze swept back and forth between the giant, whose momentum was building and who seemed ready to awaken at any moment, and the challenger, whose fighting spirit was overwhelming.
"Should this be considered commendable courage, or simply the recklessness of a gambler?"
298 and it goes down in one shot? How can you play like this?
The synchronized sound of swords being drawn signified that the Loki Familia's fighting spirit had been roused.
Standing atop the precipice, they gazed at the colossal statue that seemed poised to awaken at any moment, flames flickering in each of their eyes.
This is an adventure with an unpredictable ending. Their wildly beating hearts and trembling hands remind them of the moment they first encountered an invincible foe.
The first time fighting an opponent of a higher level, the first time killing someone, the first time encountering the floor master, the first time challenging Barol, the first time being seriously injured and on the verge of death...
All the dangers we've experienced in the past converge for the first time, instilling both fear and strength in us.
In order to gain life, one must first overcome death.
In order to transcend death, one must break through the limits!
"All troops, charge!"
At Finn's command, several shadows transformed into a whirlwind, stirring up dust as they rushed forward.
"Form a protective formation and clear out the monsters along the way until the magic reaches range!"
"Rivia, Lefia, please chant in advance and weaken that guy with the fastest speed and strongest power!"
Since the giants are still asleep, they must not let this opportunity to strike slip by.
The group advanced steadily, fighting off all the monsters that approached them, while forming a triangular formation.
480 Meanwhile, in the very center, Riveria and Lefia had already begun their respective magical incantations.
"Wow, you've actually learned to chant in parallel. Not bad."
Eugene looked down at the elven girl, whose body was tense but who was steadily casting spells, and a smile appeared on his lips.
To be honest, this girl is even more talented than Riveria.
Possessing the "Elf Ring" that can replicate any elven magic and a high-magic physique jokingly referred to as "Magic Fool," he already has a significant advantage over others from the start.
However, raw stones always need to be polished.
Let this battle help you shed your impurities.
But don't end up like that white-furred rabbit, consumed by despair and fear.
"Snowflakes fall from the sky, three harsh winters have passed—my name is Alfre!!"
As a senior, Riveria's incantation was a step faster. Suddenly, the magic circle beneath her feet shone brightly, and a beam of extremely cold, icy blue light rose with the wind, blooming from the tip of her staff.
Freeze magic, ecstasy! Fimbulwinter!!
LRAB