Chapter 39: Hasty Killing

Without a moment's hesitation, I embarked on a swift journey toward Swan Lake, nestled in the southwestern reaches of the Capital. This idyllic sanctuary was home to an array of level 20 monsters, predominantly of the graceful swan species. However, among this feathery congregation, there lurked an exception - the formidable field boss.

Of course, challenging this formidable boss required a preliminary dance with a unique adversary - the elusive lake-dwelling turtle. This creature, a master of concealment, often revealed only its weathered back to the world. To provoke this hulking leviathan was the first step towards unlocking the boss's fury.

Engaging this boss was no small feat, as it boasted the sturdiest defenses among all the challenges I had faced on this day. The Moss-Island Turtle was renowned among Paladins for good reason - not only did it yield invaluable materials for crafting shields, but it also had the chance to drop shields ranging from Very Rare to the coveted Unique Rarity. This was precisely what I needed at this juncture. And with players starting to explore the wild lands, the urgency to defeat this boss had never been more pressing.

[Player has discovered a new location: Swan Lake]

I surveyed my surroundings, searching for any potential obstacles in my boss-hunting quest. Fortunately, Swan Lake appeared devoid of players, yet teeming with monsters. In contrast to typical wild areas, these monsters were neutral, meaning they'd only pose a threat if provoked. This was a stroke of luck for me, as I aimed to cut straight to the chase, bypassing the need to deal with mobs.

Upon reaching the lake's edge, my gaze fixed upon an island shrouded in moss situated in its midst. There were no discernible stats for this island; it simply appeared as an unscanned entity. Nevertheless, provoking this particular monster didn't faze me, as only one class could effectively provoke it in the early game – the alchemist.

My weapon swiftly transformed into a Hook and Chain, and I adeptly twirled it around, scanning the shell's surface on the island for the perfect entry point. As I glided over the tranquil lake, my keen eyes spotted a mysterious dark spot lurking just beneath the water's surface.

With precision and unwavering determination, I let loose the Hook and Chain, watching it plunge into the enigmatic abyss. Once the Hook and Chain met its mark, I clenched the chain tightly, channeling all my might into a powerful, unrelenting tug.

Anticipating the immense weight of the looming turtle, I braced myself for the challenge. The burden was as formidable as I'd expected, yet not insurmountable – a testament to my resilience.

"Berserk!"

My strength surged, and the power within me felt limitless, granting me the extraordinary ability to effortlessly shift the entire island. The earth trembled beneath my might, and even before the colossal chain could fully dislodge itself from the ground, the monstrous guardian emerged.

"ROOOOOOAAAAAAAARRR!"

[Warning: The Guardian of Swan Lake, the formidable Moss-Island Turtle, has been stirred from its slumber! All players in the vicinity must unite and vanquish this guardian before it unleashes chaos upon the realm!]

Damn it, the activation of this event was incredibly rare, with odds as slim as one in five hundred. My luck, however, had proven exceptional. This bastard of a system is making my task harder!

------

[Swan Lake Guardian: Moss-Island Turtle]

Level 25

HP: 490,999/500,000

Attribute: Water, Beast

-----

I was certain nearby players would swiftly gravitate to the scene, drawn by the unmistakable signs of a formidable boss encounter. I faced a predicament; I couldn't allow other adventurers to claim the kill or even land a single blow on this behemoth, as it would spell quest failure. Reluctantly, I knew I had to maximize the damage I could inflict.

With a swift flick of my hook, I struck the massive turtle once more, this time targeting its formidable head. I skillfully reeled in the chain, allowing it to pull me closer to the menacing boss. As my body hurtled toward the creature, I made a split-second decision to switch my weapon to a formidable Greataxe.

With a deft spin of my body, I unleashed a powerful, thunderous blow to the beast's head. The impact echoed throughout the cavern, sending tremors through the floor.

-2,000

Despite the underwhelming damage, I refused to relent. The game's [Berserk] ability still coursed through my virtual veins, and I raised the weightless Greataxe once more. It was as if I were felling a giant tree with each swing. The strikes came fast and relentless, hitting the boss with a sequence of punishing blows.

-2000

The boss sustained a consistent 2,000 points of damage, but it seemed like chipping away at its health bar would take an eternity. I recalled a particular vulnerability that could be exploited for a swift takedown, though sadly, I lacked the information since I rarely confronted this boss in the past. My negligence in researching this crucial weakness weighed heavily on me. It felt like a cruel twist of fate that the boss initiated its announcement right after I provoked it.

Despite the looming [Berserk] effect that would only endure for another two minutes, I knew it was far from enough to defeat this colossal adversary within that short span. Suddenly, the boss plunged into the water, forcibly pulling me along. Acting on instinct, I activated [Breathless Breathing]. This skill not only granted me five minutes of limitless stamina but also allowed me to remain submerged for the same duration, a skill I was fortunate to have learned early on.

In the depths of the lake, the colossal turtle plotted my demise, waiting five long minutes before I'd meet my end. But I wasn't about to give up that easily. Gripping my mighty Greataxe, I swung it with determination, targeting the boss's imposing head. With every swing, I could feel the ominous shadow of impending attacks, but I refused to let it break my resolve. Once again, I transformed my weapon into a crackling magic sword, aware of the risks but with no other choice.

Wishing I had a few bombs to bolster my chances against this monstrous foe, I resigned myself to my current predicament. With unwavering determination, I grasped the boss's fearsome visage, knowing that the damage inflicted upon me was a necessary sacrifice for depleting the boss's HP.

"[Shocking Lightning]!"

An electric surge coursed through the turtle, causing it to convulse in agony. I wasn't immune to the suffering; my own HP steadily dwindled. The turtle's roar resonated in my ears, leaving them ringing, but it couldn't endure the underwater torment any longer. Desperate for relief, it ascended to the water's surface. Seizing the opportunity, I thrust the Magic Sword into the turtle's neck and executed the attack before it could gain enough distance from the shore.

"[Earth Fissure]!"

Beneath the dark, turbulent waters, the colossal turtle let out a mournful roar as its massive frame shuddered. Like the Colossal Berserk Minotaur before, it began to bleed from its eyes and mouth.

'Please work!'

With bated breath, I watched as the boss's HP rapidly dwindled. The HP bar slowly descended to critical levels in a matter of seconds. Still, my anxiousness did not disappear despite the rapid loss of health the boss was experiencing. If a player comes in and either hits the boss with one arrow at the very last moment or a magician fires off a magic spell on it then I will automatically fail. It took only a matter of minutes before a deafening explosion rends the air, causing the lake to surge, revealing the once-hidden lakebed for a fleeting moment. As I peered downward, my eyes caught a glint of something shiny in the distance. Though the object was too far away for a clear view, a sense of intrigue gnawed at me. However, what truly warmed my heart was the notification that appeared before me:

[Swan Lake Guardian: Moss-Island Turtle has been vanquished!]

"F*CK YEAH!"

The crisis has been averted and I have completed the quest. I don't care if anyone sees me right now. I have survived the ordeal, and that is enough.

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