Chapter 48: Lesser Purgatory [II]
The atmosphere in the Lesser Purgatory dungeon is on the warm side, but it's bearable. If I decide to step things up and venture into hard mode, things will heat up even more. Don't forget, though, you can't re-enter the dungeon at the same difficulty level, but if you opt for a different challenge, it's game on. For example, if you initially chose the normal difficulty, you're locked out of the dungeon at that level, but you can still dive in if you embrace something other than normal. This rule continues, allowing one entry per difficulty level until the dungeon's mobs respawn.
As I venture deeper into the dungeon, I find myself reminiscing about this place. It's been a while since I escaped the oppressive grip of the game, and this location holds a sense of nostalgia. The layout remains unchanged, a constant reminder of how it used to be.
Despite its name, Lesser Purgatory doesn't quite live up to the purgatory concept. It's more like an abandoned mansion, but things take a dark turn in the Abyss difficulty, but that's a story for another time. The walls resemble the luxurious wallpaper you'd find in a five-star hotel, albeit with a hint of mold. Touch them, and you'll experience a searing sensation, leaving behind a lingering burn that can be remedied with burn-healing potions.
I'd memorized the monster locations and their sneak attacks in this area. Just as they tried to spring a surprise, I swiftly transformed my Versatile Weapon into a gun and fired a shot at the wall's corner.
BANG!
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-Got 1000 EXP(Additional 1000 EXP for Instant Kill) (Title Effects Activated, 2000 EXP gained)
-Got 10 Gunslinger AP
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The foes here were rather unimpressive, and with my current level, these mobs were a walk in the park.
Lina asked, "Is there a boss enemy?"
I replied, "Yes, I spotted it lurking, so I gave it a little surprise."
I peered into the monster's remains and checked its name.
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[Fire Imp]
Level 10
HP: 0/2,300
Attributes: Beast, Fire
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I was correct; they were Fire Imps. These creatures tended to swarm in large numbers, so eliminating them before they could strike was the key to avoiding trouble. Leona eagerly gazed at me. I gave her a nod, and my pet swiftly devoured the monster's remains. Though there were no notifications, I noticed Leona's experience bar had grown slightly. With no more enemies in sight, I commanded them to follow.
"Let's move on," I said.
Lina nodded, and we continued down the corridor. The monsters quickly spotted us and let out shrieks as they charged. Lina brandished her whip, striking down the Fire Imps. Leona joined the fight, though her main role was feasting on the monster's remains. The loot was currently unimpressive, but it might prove useful if processed through alchemy, so I stashed it all in my inventory.
The monsters are a breeze to take down, given their lower levels. They crumble under critical hits and single strikes, thanks to my versatile weapon that maintains its attack strength even after shape-shifting from sword to bow and, now, a gun.
We swiftly cleared the area, taking barely 5 minutes to arrive at the boss room. In normal mode, this boss fight is a cakewalk. Standing your ground and launching attacks is all you need to do, provided your level matches mine. Lina eyed the boss room door with a hint of caution in her expression.
"Feeling nervous about the boss?" I inquired.
"Of course, Master. It's my first time facing a boss head-on," Lina replied.
"Have you forgotten meeting with the Gate Guardian? It was a far tougher opponent than the one awaiting us here. Although you didn't fight it, you have seen me fight that thing right?"
"Huh? You can't be serious about that Master!"
"Why would I joke?" I grinned and swung open the door.
The door creaked open, allowing a sliver of light to creep into the dim boss room. For newcomers like myself, the virtual reality setting added an extra layer of tension compared to the usual PC or console gaming.
I ventured into the boss room, with Lina following closely, her every move marked by a hint of caution. She reacted sharply to the slightest rustle in the room's ambiance. I swiftly switched my weapon from gun mode to Magic Sword, my preferred choice for this particular boss battle.
"Stay back for now, Lina," I advised. "Heal me occasionally to keep my HP stable. No need to attack the boss; your focus should be on keeping me alive, got it?"
"Of course, master!" Lina responded eagerly at the prospect of tending to my health.
"Keep Leona at a distance for now as well," I continued. "Let her approach after we defeat the boss, understood?"
"Sure thing, master. You can count on me."
With my final directives in place, I positioned myself at the room's center. The boss would remain idle until you reached this spot, ensuring our safety. As soon as my feet touched the room's hard floor, the torches flickered to life with a fiery red glow, and the monster's throne loomed before me.
Perched upon a throne crafted from bones, a knight donned in ebony armor now occupies it, wielding a sword that emanates an aura of menace, resting in its grip like a casual companion. The moment our eyes lock, the boss rises from its macabre seat and brandishes its sword with an air of familiarity, a ritual repeated each time I step into this room. The comical irony lies in the fact that despite the boss's imposing appearance, its attacks feel no more threatening than minor thorns pricking my skin.
[Hellspawn Knight King]
Level 10
HP: 10,000/10,000
Attributes: Dark, Demon, Undead, Humanoid
As the name and HP indicators materialize, a green light signals my readiness to engage the boss. With a swift swing of my enchanted sword, I dash forward, and since the boss's name is quite a mouthful, I'll stick to calling it 'boss.' As my blade arcs through the air, the boss mirrors my move.
*CLANG!*
Our weapons clashed, and the two of us danced as our blades clanged with every swing. He is fast and his attacks are precise and dangerous for those who just started fighting. It's not an average swordplay and yet I can also feel that it is not as threatening as I thought it would be. Did the boss change? Not at all. But it was me who had some change.
I can't help but wear a knowing smile. The boss's strength remains stagnant, unaltered from our previous encounters. However, I've undergone substantial growth, and my newfound class has made me more efficient in conquering this dungeon. My free hand reaches out, gripping the boss's head, and I unleash one of my skills. In short, I am not the same as before.
The sword started to emit a very bad feeling and I felt my head heavy. It wasn't a headache but it felt like I was carrying something heavy and I had trouble carrying it. I didn't think he had some new techniques but I guess he got some redesign so he can be a bit menacing for players who face him for the first time.
I am not sure if it was a status effect or not, but there is a chance that it was. Then, this little trick can alleviate that and also to ensure my win as well.
"[DISPEL!]"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone