Chapter 63: NPC Inside the Dungeon
Is this title another unique one? It's the first time I've come across it, and I've never heard of it before, even in my past timeline, so it's entirely new to me. Based on the description, it seems I have a mere 2% chance of causing a stun when I use basic attacks and skills. Admittedly, 2% is quite low when compared to many skills, such as Shield Bash in Paladins, which boasts a 50% chance to stun and even increases to 100% once your class transitions to Holy Defender. Nevertheless, this ability could be considered overpowered.
A 2% chance to trigger a stun on enemies might sound minuscule, but when you factor in how frequently you perform basic attacks and skills, it begins to seem too good to be true. In the world of Paladins, stunning opponents typically require the use of specific skills, specifically designed to inflict a stun. However, with this talent, you possess a 2% chance to inflict a stun, even when the skill you employ doesn't possess any inherent stun-inducing abilities, making it a truly exceptional and versatile attribute.
I sighed and shrugged it off. Even though it has a good chance of triggering at unexpected times, it is still not that reliable, so I won't make a big deal out of it. But hey, I'm thankful for this; I don't ignore free stuff like this.
After clearing the remaining mobs in the area, I proceeded to the next location. I was expecting the Undead Trolls, which can be quite annoying at times, but what I saw was not what I expected. Before me stood a towering figure wielding a sword that looked quite impressive, with intricate designs that resembled those fantasy games with overpowered swords in the late game.
On the ground lay the chopped pieces of the Undead Trolls that I had been anticipating to face. I scratched my head in confusion; this was a scene I had never encountered before. Was it part of a new patch released during the early stages of the game, or had I failed to trigger it in my previous timeline, only to succeed in doing so now?
The figure had their back turned, obscuring their identity from my view. However, certain cues hinted that this person was an NPC. The NPC indicator above their head served as confirmation, yet I couldn't recall any NPC wielding such a unique weapon and possessing such an imposing stature.
The last troll, crawling on the ground, met its demise when a man forcefully stomped its face with his shoes. I was captivated by the sight of this man, but my amazement turned to shock as he suddenly turned and pointed his sword at me. To my astonishment, the man's head was nothing more than a bare skull, devoid of any distinguishing features. His appearance bore a striking resemblance to the Skull Knight from the manga "Berserk," with the only notable difference being the absence of a horse; otherwise, he could be his doppelgänger.
"Hooo, a human, eh? It appears you've arrived too late to vanquish these trolls. These creatures are my prey, and I have no intention of sharing them with anyone."
"Are you an enemy?" I asked, ready to wield my Versatile Weapon and assume any form necessary to defend myself if the situation turned hostile.
"Relax, human. I may look menacing, but I have no intention of harming humans. I feed on creatures like the ones around here, so you can rest assured that I won't pose a threat to you. However, it's the first time I've ever encountered a human in this realm. What brings you here?"
"I'm here to cleanse this place. It's been infested with monsters, and I aim to rid it of their presence."
"Are you striving to become stronger? Then where are your companions? Humans seldom journey alone, unless they have a compelling motive."
"I do have a reason, but I can't disclose it to you."
"Ha, I don't need to know your reasons. However, you seem like someone who doesn't value your own life. I can sense the aura of Death's Power surrounding you."
Death's Power? Is he referring to the [Death's Favorite] title?
"If that woman genuinely acknowledged you, then you can't be a villain. We share the same objective, so why not join forces with me? The battle will be significantly easier for you if you assist me in conquering this dungeon."
It is undeniably a significant offer, but my determination is to prove to both myself and Kazuki that I can conquer this dungeon independently, without any assistance. While the offer may seem tempting, I am not inclined to take that path; it would essentially be cheating.
"I'm sorry, but my goal is to demonstrate to myself that I can successfully navigate this floor unaided, without relying on external support from my familiars or even from you. I apologize if my words come across as arrogant, but my intention is to accomplish this on my own."
The skeletal figure gazed at me with hollow, scrutinizing eyes, as if delving into the depths of my soul. Given my past experiences, the pressure he exerted wasn't enough to make me flinch.
"Interesting... Very well. If you're truly that confident, then take this and infuse it with the souls of your fallen foes. Once you've filled it and successfully cleared this dungeon, I will acknowledge your strength."
With those words, a panel interface displaying mission details materialized.
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[Recognition from the Lich]
Type: Unique/Story Quest
Info: The Lich King, a formidable knight of the undead, has recognized your potential, possibly due to your [Death's Favorite] title or your remarkable bravery. You've been given a challenging task: to clear a treacherous dungeon on your own, without any assistance, and collect the souls of your fallen enemies into a special crystal ball, which you'll return to the Lich King afterward.
Progress:
Souls stored: 0/200
Dungeon Cleared: 0/1
Difficulty: Unknown
Recommended Levels: Unknown
Rewards: Awaiting disclosure
Do you wish to accept this quest? Please note that this quest is irrevocable once you accept it.
Yes/No
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A unique quest?! For real? Just who is this Knight Lich King to be part of a story quest? My luck is overflowing right now!
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone