Capítulo 36: Hazard Gnome
After leaving the Deathly Forest, Shi Feng’s party rushed towards Dark Moon Valley without rest.
At the current stage of the game, many players had already risen to Level 2. Aside from raiding the Dungeon at the Deathly Forest, they would stay in Brook Hills to kill Level 2 Cheetah Cubs. Only a few experts would go to the Level 4 area, Dark Moon Valley, to level up. However, along with the increase in player levels, it wouldn’t be long before Dark Moon Valley would become occupied.
After spending over half an hour returning to Dark Moon Valley, the scene they met with was the same as what Shi Feng expected.
A few Elite parties who were uninterested in the Dungeon were currently killing Level 4 Kobolds that were wandering around the outer parts of the valley. These Elite parties were quite skilled. They lured two or three monsters each time, with the Shield warrior tanking in front and preventing the Kobolds from closing in on their mage and healer. The healer was continuously healing from behind, barely maintaining the Shield Warrior’s HP.
Although it was taxing to grind in such a way, the gains from the fight were equally good. The three Kobolds had dropped 2 Coppers and some stone materials.
In God’s Domain, only monsters Level 3 and above would drop skill books and Bronze Equipment. Although the chance was only ten thousand to one, it was still enough to cause players to go on wild goose chases. Currently, Bronze Equipment was very valuable; even more so were skill books. With these enticements here, there would be many experts who would come forth, even if there was some danger involved.
After taking a few glances, Shi Feng turned and left towards the inner parts of the Dark Moon Valley.
The other party members who were new to the Dark Moon Valley were very nervous. It was especially true when they saw the Level 4 monsters scattered throughout the entire area. Their breaths became slightly hurried. However, Blackie was extremely calm when he saw these Level 4 Kobolds. After all, he had previously killed hundreds of them. He did not seem panicked, unlike the other party members. He simply followed Shi Feng, entering the deeper regions of the valley.
As for the Elite parties, they could not help but be shocked when they saw Shi Feng’s party enter deep into the valley. They had never imagined the newcomer party would have such courage.
There were very few players currently present in Dark Moon Valley. It had yet to be completely developed, so there were a lot of Kobolds in the middle of the valley. The deeper one headed towards the center, the greater the number of Kobolds. There would even be groups that consisted of ten or more Kobolds. Grinding monsters there was just too dangerous. The lowest number of Kobolds they had to face was at least four or five. It was not worth risking an unwarranted death.
Unfortunately, these people did not know Shi Feng was more insane than they previously thought.
Shi Feng did not just enter the deeper regions of the valley. Instead, he went towards the core of the Dark Moon Valley. There was a good location to grind monsters there. Not only was there a large number of monsters, but their respawn rate was quick as well. Most importantly, the drop rate there for ore was high.
Regarding understanding, Shi Feng was like the local god of the area when it came to the Dark Moon Valley. Be it the location of the monsters, the number of monsters available, or their respawn time, Shi Feng had spent countless hours researching in his previous life. His goal at that time was to increase the grinding speed of his party, all to improve his position within Shadow.
Life was truly fascinating. Shi Feng’s sacrifice towards Shadow in his previous life had currently turned around to help himself instead. It could increase his own party’s level more quickly, while at the same time guaranteeing him a steady supply of ore.
Moving along the path of broken rocks, groups of four or five Level 4 Kobolds would occasionally appear. However, it was just a small matter with the equipment of Shi Feng’s party.
Looking at the party’s Guardian Knight, Cola, be it with HP or Defense, he could easily tank four Kobolds at the same time. The healer, Drowsy Sloth, could maintain Cola’s HP above 80% without wasting much effort. If Cola had let a monster past, then Lonely Snow would go up and push it back. As for the others, they would fervently deal damage. A simple sword strike from Shi Feng could already deal over a hundred damage, whereas Blackie’s Dark Arrows could each deal 88 damage. The fight could not get any easier than this.
Within moments, the five Kobolds were all dealt with. Compared to the Elite party outside, Shi Feng’s party was stronger by several folds.
Shi Feng simply picked up the stone materials and ore that dropped, then continuing deeper into the Dark Moon Valley.
After spending over an hour moving forward, Shi Feng’s party had finally arrived in front of a mountain. The massive mountain was hundreds of meters in height. Kobolds no longer filled the area surrounding the mountain; Wandering Gnomes had replaced them. These Wandering Gnomes each held a small shovel in their hands, using it to dig into the rock wall of the mountain. There were also quite a few Gnome Overseers that inspected the surrounding areas with a whip in hand.
“Brother Feng, the monsters here are just too numerous. Are we really going to grind here?”
Blackie’s heart shook slightly when he took a look around. He discovered hundreds of Wandering Gnomes around the vast mountain. There was even a few Level 5 Gnome Overseers. Compared to the groups of over ten Kobolds outside, this place was a literal battlefield.
Cola also gulped down a mouthful of saliva, worriedly saying, “Party leader, I’m not trying to boast, but tanking six or seven of them is my limit. I really can't manage this many monsters.”
It wasn't just Blackie or Cola. The others, as well, were apprehensive. Wandering Gnomes occupied the entire mountain, and these Gnomes were very close to each other. As long as they made a mistake while luring, then they would have to face-off against hundreds of Level 4 monsters. Such a large number of monsters was much scarier than the Lord-rank Felt.
“I know you guys can't fend all of them off. However, who ever said about letting any of you tank hundreds of Gnomes?” Shi Feng rolled his eyes at his party members. He was extremely clear regarding the party's standards. Facing off against ten Gnomes at the same time was nearly their limit, so how could they deal with hundreds at the same time?
Even a Level 10 player would be finished when met with hundreds if Level 4 monsters.
However, wasn't there a good saying that stated: “if you can't outfight them, outrun them”?
Shi Feng's Agility had reached 30 points. Including the Bronze Shoes he had, his Movement Speed had exceeded the Wandering Gnomes by at least 4 points. He could easily kite the Gnomes and let Blackie use the AOE skill, Hell Flame. The efficiency of grinding in such a way was several times greater than that of killing individually.
Following which, Shi Feng told everyone about his plan. He needed Blackie to get the timing right, maximizing the effect of Hell Flame. As for the others, they were responsible for taking out the Gnomes with low HP.
When Shi Feng had chosen his position, he grabbed a handful of stones and rushed towards the nearby Gnome Overseer.
Just as Shi Feng approached the 20-yard distance, the Overseer had started yelling loudly. Its screams attracted the attention of many of the surrounding Wandering Gnomes. Shi Feng waited first for a moment, avoiding the whip of the Gnome Overseer and allowing the Wandering Gnomes to continuously gather.
When about 30 Gnomes had gathered, Shi Feng turned around and ran in the opposite direction. Afterward, he threw a small stone that struck another Gnome Overseer. The Overseer who was struck loudly bellowed, bringing along over twenty of its brethren and rushing at Shi Feng.
Within moments, Shi Feng had lured over sixty monsters. However, Shi Feng was not yet satisfied. He started circling the mountain as he lured monsters, and within five minutes, there were hundreds of Wandering Gnomes and more than ten Gnome Overseers chasing behind him with all their might.
Unfortunately for them, Shi Feng's equipment was just too good. His speed was 30% greater when compared to the Gnomes. Including Shi Feng's extraordinary techniques and control over his body, he was able to toy with the Gnomes whichever way he wanted.
“Blackie, get ready to cast,” Shi Feng reminded.
“Alright.” Blackie was extremely excited. This was his first time using AOE magic, so he did not know what kind of effects it would have.
Subsequently, Blackie's fingers started gesturing in midair. Brilliant magical seals started appearing, forming into a dazzling magic circle that gave off a peerless aura.
As Blackie spat out the last syllable, the land shook. Jade green flames rushed to the sky, devouring the entire Gnome army. A field of damages over a hundred had appeared. Within five seconds, every Gnome chasing after Shi Feng received over two hundred damage, their remaining HP less than half.
However, the target of these Gnomes had also changed. They no longer went after Shi Feng, but Blackie instead.
Shi Feng abruptly stopped. He pulled out the Abyssal Blade and rushed forward.
Thundering Flash!
Not only did the Level 4 Thundering Flash have a low Cooldown, but its attack range also increased to 15 by 3 yards. It had nearly covered the entire Gnome army.
Three streaks of thunder flew past the Gnome army, creating three damages of over 120 points to every Gnome. The attack had completely devoured the remaining HP of the Gnomes. As for the low HP ones that remained, they were quickly held back by Cola. Lonely Snow then rushed forward and used a Whirlwind Slash, thoroughly ending the remaining Gnomes.
The hundreds of Gnomes had been wiped out, leaving behind a floor covered with items.
Meanwhile, everyone’s experience madly rose. EXP of over ten points appeared one after the other, dazzling everyone’s eyes.
Hua! Blackie had risen to Level 3.
“This is too awesome!” Blackie roared in exhilaration.
“This is only the beginning. They will still respawn in a moment.” Shi Feng laughed, “Let’s quickly pick up the drops.”
Suddenly, everyone started busying themselves. Even with six people retrieving the drops, the loot of hundreds of Gnomes still required them to spend a lot of time doing so.
However, moments after they started collecting, a Gnome that piloted a gigantic robot suddenly appeared. The Gnome’s face was crimson red. It immediately rushed towards Shi Feng’s party with unparalleled rage.
“Not good! It’s the Hazard Gnome! Everyone spread out!” Shi Feng shouted the moment he laid eyes on the gigantic robot.
Capítulo 37: Rocket Boots
The moment everyone saw the giant robot piloted by a midget Gnome, they instinctively knew he was something very dangerous. After hearing Shi Feng's reminder, they ignored the loot on the ground and immediately ran towards the forest without a shred of hesitation.
Naturally, Shi Feng would not stay behind either.
The Hazard Gnome was a very dangerous monster. It was especially true when he first made his appearance. He was even stronger than Werewolf Felt with its Death Berserk activated.
[Hazard Gnome] (Special Elite)
Level 5
HP 1600/1600
There was a very small chance for the Hazard Gnome to appear after clearing out the Wandering Gnomes and Gnome Overseers. However, his appearance also signified the start of a player's nightmare.
There was a saying in God's Domain that warns people not to look down on Gnomes just because they were midgets. If they were enraged, they could easily extinguish your life at any given moment.
In his previous life, Shi Feng met the Hazard Gnome once before. At that time, he was with an Elite party who was grinding for ore. After killing the Gnomes, the Hazard Gnome appeared. They did not imagine they would meet a Special Elite, so they had all excitedly rushed at him. However, the situation ended up in a tragedy for the twenty-man party.
The Hazard Gnome's 1600 HP must not be taken lightly. His Defense was an abnormality, capable of reducing 80% of the damage he received. A Level 4 Berserker using an ax could only take 2 HP from the Gnome. On the other hand, the Hazard Gnome’s attacks were even more powerful. Everyone would get a free trip back to the city after he fired a burst of bullets.
Although Shi Feng’s party had tried their best to run away, the Hazard Gnome’s hatred for their evil deeds was clearly implacable. The rockets on the robot’s back suddenly ignited. The steel machine that was over three meters tall rushed at high speed towards Shi Feng’s party.
While being chased, Blackie attacked with his Dark Arrow as he ran.
Although the arrow had struck the Hazard Gnome, it had only caused a meager -4 damage.
Blackie’s eyes widened when he saw the damage. He said in a dumbstruck manner, “Disgusting! If the robot wasn’t protecting this Gnome, I could one-shot him anytime!”
“Don’t mind it for now and focus on running. Pay attention to dodging the bullets. As long as we are 1200 yards away from the mountain, the Hazard Gnome will return.” Shi Feng never thought, just after a lecture from him, Blackie’s skill would improve to the degree of being able to hit his target while moving. However, fighting head-on with the Hazard Gnome would be very foolish.
Blackie understood Shi Feng’s intentions. He turned around and started chanting Evil Whip, binding the pursuing Hazard Gnome with five thorns and greatly reducing the Gnome’s speed. With this, everyone managed to gain quite a distance from the Gnome.
When the Hazard Gnome broke free from the five thorns, high damages of -23, -24, -23, -23, -24 suddenly appeared on his head. His HP had turned to 1479 within an instant.
The damage caused by the Evil Whip was just ridiculous.
Blackie was shocked. Before, his Level 3 Dark Arrow had only dealt -4 damage. On the other hand, the Evil Whip had caused over a hundred damage total. The difference between them was just too great. Did the Hazard Gnome have that kind of fetish?
Shi Feng saw hope when the Hazard Gnome’s HP suddenly fell by a portion. The Hazard Gnome did not have any immunity towards plant-based attacks. Shi Feng immediately commanded, “Everybody stop running. Cola, get the Hazard Gnome’s Hatred and let his back face toward the group. The others attack and mind your positions. As long as the Hazard Gnome lifts up his gun, immediately dodge the muzzle. Blackie, attack immediately after Evil Whip’s CD finishes. We have a chance to get rid of him.”
Whether they would live or die before they ran out of the 1200-yard mark was an uncertainty. So, why not fight it out? Who knows, they might even be able to get rid of this Hazard Gnome.
In Shi Feng’s previous life, there were no players who killed the Hazard Gnome before. If they were to kill him now, something good might drop.
Currently, the Hazard Gnome’s Hatred was targeted towards Blackie. However, Lonely Snow was a step ahead of the Gnome, using Charge on him. He used a Whirlwind Slash on the Gnome, causing 3 points of damage.
Although the damage was low, the momentary Fainted state it caused gave Cola a chance to use Divine Strike, followed by Punishment. The two attacks caused -3, -2 damage and the additional Hatred they attracted had the Hazard Gnome locked onto Cola.
The Hazard Gnome extended the electric saw on the robot’s right arm, violently slashing at Cola. Cola blocked the attack with his shield; his body retreated three steps backward and a damage of -147 appearing above his head. Cola was shocked. When the next attack from the electric saw came, he hurriedly dodged and rolled to the side, avoiding the attack completely. Drowsy Sloth immediately healed Cola twice, returning close to a hundred HP to Cola.
“Such fierce damage,” Lonely Snow was shocked as well. He no longer dared to stay, turning around and running more than ten yards away from the Gnome. He would definitely die, even if he were only struck once by the electric saw.
On the other hand, Shi Feng was not afraid of him. He immediately arrived at the Hazard Gnome’s back, using out a series of skills: Thundering Flash, Double Chop, and Chop. The occasional critical hit would also cause -16 damage. Compared to the others, Shi Feng’s damage was already very high.
However, the Hazard Gnome only gave a look of contempt towards Shi Feng’s attacks. He continued using his electric saw to attack Cola.
A series of fierce attacks had forced Cola to constantly retreat backward; his HP was continuously falling as well. Behind, Drowsy Sloth’s healing could not keep up with the damage Cola was receiving. He could only watch as Cola inched closer to death.
At the most crucial moment, Shi Feng used Abyssal Bind. Nine pitch-black chains bound the Hazard Gnome, giving Cola a breather.
Within the three seconds[1], the Hazard Gnome had only lost 7% of his HP after being barraged by everyone’s attacks. The total damage the party dealt was not even the equivalent of a single Evil Whip from Blackie.
When the three seconds had ended, the Hazard Gnome regained his freedom. The green-skinned Gnome revealed a mocking smile on his face, his tiny hands moving around and manipulating buttons. The robot’s arm holding the electric saw made a roundabout slash, creating a beautiful arc. Shi Feng’s entire person was sent flying. He smashed into a tree and lost 286 HP.
Cola rushed up in a hurry, his HP having recovered by more than half. He used Divine Strike and Punishment once again, trying to pull back the Hazard Gnome’s Hatred.
However, the Hazard Gnome had actually ignored Cola. Instead, he lifted the gun in his left hand, aimed it and fired a burst of bullets at Shi Feng.
A barrage of densely packed bullets flew towards Shi Feng. However, Shi Feng had yet to land after being sent flying, so it was impossible to dodge the bullets.
Phantom Kill!
Shi Feng’s doppelganger instantly appeared before him. The doppelganger waved his blade, continuously blocking the bullets. Meanwhile, Shi Feng had already activated Gravity Liberation. He jumped up to a treetop, avoiding the attack range of the Hazard Gnome. However, his doppelganger had already been killed.After finishing a cartridge of bullets, the Hazard Gnome started changing magazines. Afterward, he continued to rush at Shi Feng. Everyone else could only continue attacking, shaving away the Hazard Gnome’s HP bit by bit.
However, Shi Feng was not easy to hit after he activated Gravity Liberation. Shi Feng also used the trees for protection. He was barely dodging the flying bullets as he continued kiting the Gnome.
As for Blackie, he would immediately use Evil Whip as soon as it was ready.
The Hazard Gnome’s HP continuously fell, 64%... 50%... 30%... 20%... 10%.
When only 10% of the Hazard Gnome’s HP remained, the Gnome suddenly jumped out of the metallic machine. He wore a pair of Rocket Boots and started to escape.“It can’t be… Monsters can actually escape?” Blackie watched as the Hazard Gnome ran, with extreme speed, to a location without people.
The others were also shocked. They never imagined the Gnome would have such a high intelligence. He ran the moment he knew he could not win the fight.
“We can’t let him escape! We will have fought for nothing otherwise!” Cola immediately chased after the Gnome. He had been bullied by the Hazard Gnome just a moment ago, so his heart was currently filled with anger. How could he let the Hazard Gnome escape after having taken advantage of them?
“You want to escape? Not a chance!” Shi Feng chased after him with Wind Blade.
However, the Hazard Gnome was unperturbed. He sent Shi Feng a mocking expression before pressing a button on his waist. The Rocket Boots spewed out large amounts of flames, ready to fly away.
* * *
TL Notes:
[1] Within three seconds: The effective duration of Abyssal Bind.
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