บท 4: Chapter 4: A Player’s Spirit
Chapter 4: A Player's Spirit
Opening the quest and reading the small entry, his speculations were confirmed, the one who was lurking inside the Icy Chamber was none other than the First Emperor of the Saharan Empire.
The quest itself was simple in his own understanding, he had to fight against the Half-Draconians and make a statement that would elicit the Emperor's attention. Wasn't this just staging a show for an bored monarch who had too much free time at his disposal?
[ The Red Emperor is giving you a hint to clear the quest. ]
Then with the system's notification, another string of dialogue-lines for the Godly Emperor was sent only to Odin who felt rejuvenated by the Hidden Quest. Even the doubts of losing one level, no longer counted much because he would make-up with the rewards given by the Quest.
[Show me your valor, knight. Actions speak louder than words.]
For the Legendary Quest!
From the looks of things, only the voice of the Emperor only reached him, and once he accepted the Quest, the Half-Draconians sprung onto their feet as if a new stage of this Hidden Quest Line was about to start.
Their glares were full of hatred and murderous intent, attributing this shameful display on their part to the human who was the first to rise on his feet.
I shouldn't hold down on using my consumables. I have to clear this quest, or another golden opportunity like this will not drop in my lap. All of those whales bought their Class Books, be it Epic or Unique at exorbitant sums, but no Legendary in sight.
This will burn my pockets a bit, but there's no other way around.
Left with no other choice but to use all of his One-Time consumables, the Black Knight began taking out various vials from his inventory, all of different mixes of colors, chugging them as if he was an alcoholic.
[ The Effects of 'Superior Strength Elixir' will last for 30 minutes. Strength will be increased by 200 points ]
[ The Effects of 'Superior Intelligence Elixir' will last for 30 minutes. Intelligence will be increased by 200 points ]
[ The Effects of 'Superior Agility Elixir' will last for 30 minutes. Agility will be increased by 200 points]
[ The Effects of 'Blood of Titans' will last for 15 minutes. All of the Primary Stats of the User will be enhanced by 100 points]
The Half-Draconians stopped to look at the human who was trying to self-delete himself by the toxicity of this cocktail of magical liquids. Sneers and smirks beamed on their lizard-like features, feeling in control of the situation.
"Should we kill him now, Jaddar?"
"Wait, let him build up his hope. His downfall will be more spectacular. Besides, I think he'll just die from all of that mana overdrive." remarked Jad while his claws remained on standby.
Under the effects of the consumables that Odin used, the effects began to show on his body as his veins started protruding out, pulsing with a fervor of magical power, as his countenance also suffered some transformations, turning paler and ghoulish.
His green eyes got bloodshot as he stared at the arrogant half-draconian warriors.
This might be a game, but the effects of those potions being mixed but can fuck you up badly mentally.
Full of adrenaline pumping in his system, he also turned out a battle BGM on his interface to max-out on his insanity. With all of this done in swift succession, Odin finally snapped by tightening his grip on his longsword's hilt, and the sound of skin tearing up resounded to the keen hearing of the Half-Draconians.
Here comes nothing.
Sensing that the human was done with his preparations, it give the silent signal for the Half-Draconians to begin suppressing and destroying Odin, and with Jad taking the lead, they pushed on their assault, attacking Odin with the use of 'Dragon Fang' Skill, synchronizing their attacks to make it impossible to defend.
Those who were on the back didn't miss on the chance of contributing in the killing of the human, and so they unleashed their 'Dragon Breath' directly at Odin targeting his escape windows.
Faced with such catastrophe that would shatter the willpower of most players in the Global Top 100 Rankings, Odin under the effects of his potent cocktail mix proceeded by activating one of his trump cards, shielding himself from the first siege of the Draconic Warriors.
"AEGIS WARD!"
The magical power imbued in the armor stirred up, unleashing various black and crimson lights around Odin.
With a loud voice filled with power and authority, the 'Chosen One' without fearing that he was outpowered and outleveled by the Half-Draconians by at least 50-80 levels, used his defensive skill.
['Black Knight Armor of Despair' unique Skill 'Aegis Ward' has been activated. (2/4 usages remaining).]
[Aegis Ward Effect has been activated. Nullifying all the incoming attacks (50,000/50,000) DMG.]
A surge of energy enveloped Odin as the Aegis Ward manifested, forming an impervious shield against the draconic onslaught.
The 'Dragon Fangs' clashed against the impenetrable barrier, the force of the impact reverberating through the chamber. Simultaneously, the 'Dragon's Breath' flames danced around the protective shield, unable to breach its formidable defense.
A pity, those monsters are making the Aegis to be a joke. It's 50k we're talking about, and they eat it as if it was some candy.
Annoying. I can't stay passive while Aegis is protecting me. Let's give the Emperor the show he was waiting for.
In the midst of the chaos, Odin, shrouded in the ethereal glow of the Aegis Ward, seized the opportunity to counter.
His longsword cleaved through the air, a calculated 'Aegis Thrust' one of the unique skills of this Class-bound Weapon, which he aimed at the exposed flank of the Half-Draconian Jad.
The clash of mythril and scales echoed as the offensive maneuver disrupted the rhythm of the draconic assault.
"Give up, lowly Human! You're no match for the proud dragonborns."
"Are you still barking at me?"
There was this arrogance in his tone, as he looked down at the powerful draconians, and everything going on in this chamber was being transmitted directly to the mysterious ancient being chained on the pillar.
Hearing this human mock the spawns of the Dragons it triggered the madness seeded deep in their blood as spawns of the Ancient Black Dragon, Nidhogg. An fiery aura blazed from their body, a technique/skill that Odin had yet to encounter while being chased by those monsters.
As a swordsman whenever he would approach for his melee clashes, he began suffering under the 'Burning' Debuff caused by this 'Draconic Aura' of the Half-Draconians. Yet, regardless of all the odds stacked against him, he fought like a lunatic possessed by the God of War.
Even when the Aegis Ward was shattered by another skill of Jad, as it was a culmination of all accumulated damage over the shield, Odin continued to fight, his intentions visible to the ferocious Half-Draconians.
"This insect actually believes he can kill us!"
"I'll give him props, he's still alive even after we activated our Draconic Aura. He's not that feeble." commented Jad who spit on the ground, his draconic eyes blazing with fury that he was made fun of by this human ant.
He could help but give him some respect, because he didn't show any fear of death. As if he lacked this concept and got embraced by the Goddess of Death, Hela.
Meanwhile, Odin who got ragdolled by those Half-Draconians, barely chipping away 25% of their HP, at those who were weaker in the group, made him laugh as he got blasted into the walls of the Cavern.
"This crazy human."
The draconians watched as Odin took another Healing Potion to refill his HP, that being the 11 time he took a precious potion.
As if being fueled by the snarky comments of the monsters, Odin started laughing hysterically, mocking their existence for not even being able to One-Shot him at such disadvantage from his side.
This form of insanity and battle hunger, valor? From the depths of Tartarus, the observing chained man couldn't help but chuckle too, at such sight. "He fights without fear of death in his eyes. Unbelievable. For a mortal to be this deranged and lunatic…"
"I already like this kid."
Yet, the battle was far from over. The remaining Half-Draconian warriors, undeterred by the thwarted onslaught, regrouped for another siege.
The battleground became a chaotic mess with the Cavern being torn asunder under the clash of steel and fire, but the steam that Odin was running on began to die down like embers of an oak tree.
The fight was approaching the 15 minute mark, and from how haggard Odin's looks were, with his Black Armor-Set beginning to crack, it was evident that he put 110% in this fight to show his worth to the Red Emperor.
And his bet wasn't a flop since it stirred the curiosity of the renegade human deity.
"I understand why the Priestess's Prophecy sounded so strange. Those Chosen Ones lack Souls, thus they don't fear Death because they don't actually exist in our World."
"Fight more! Show me what you can do, kid! Show me your fearlessness. Hahaha, I love this mad child."
"I need to invest in this Chosen One. I'm sure the Prophecy regarding those Chosen Ones is hands-on the right path for me. They will be the one to help me drag down Rebecca and her parasites from their High Thrones."
Yet, despite his unwavering efforts, the tide of the battle began to turn.
The Half-Draconians, relentless in their pursuit, started to overwhelm Odin. Their attacks grew fiercer, exploiting any opening in his defenses.
Urghh, even if my pain receptors have been dulled to 90% the amount of pain I feel isn't something to ever wish for.
In a moment of dire vulnerability, the Half-Draconians coordinated a brutal assault. Odin fought valiantly, but the monstrous adversaries proved too formidable.
Hah… Hah… I've given my all. The level difference is too high. Also, my stash of Advanced Healing Potions is drowned down. Titan's Blood is also about to run off. That's when I'll start getting destroyed.
Well, I'm already destroyed by those rabid lizards.
Their strength surpassed his current prowess, and in a swift and coordinated effort, they tore his limbs off.
Half-Draconian Jad, towering over the limbless and bloodied Odin, mocked him with a cruel grin. His draconic voice dripped with scorn as he sneered, "Look at the mighty Human Knight now, stripped of his limbs and crawling on Death's doorstep. Where is your 'Great Emperor' now, little knight? Will he come to mend your shattered body and shattered pride?"
The other Half-Draconians joined in the jeers, their laughter echoing through the chamber.
"Say what you want, if it wasn't for the level difference, I would have whipped your group of rat asses. Go on, be done with your parting words, and let me get on with my day. I'll have it busy trying to catch up with the lost level."
"Bahaha, this human dog is totally crazy! Is he drunk on some Demon Blood that he starts deluding himself?"
"Yeah, sure. Just kill me, since I don't feel like biting my tongue off. I'll fuck my psyche too much by self-deleting."
Odin, battered and broken physically, had an nonchalant outlook at his demise which was particularly eerie for the younger Half-Draconians. They had experienced a violent upbringing as descendants of dragons, but this human before them was beyond lunatic. He clearly didn't fear death.
The Summoning Circle beneath him bore witness to the fallen hero, surrounded by the mocking taunts of his triumphant adversaries.
[User's condition is critical. If not treated in 10 seconds, you will die.]
I die with a clear consciousness. Old Mavrik, I'm sure I'll get an earful when I tell you the stories of this journey of mine in the Gravelmark Peaks. You always push me to share those adventures of mine with you, but it is not like I mind it.
With seconds passing accompanied by the jeering laughter of the Half-Draconians who savored the sorry state of the Black Knight, closing his eyes, Odin awaited his Death, unbothered by the Ongoing Quest he had with the Great Emperor.
"Hey, Emperor. Don't you think it is about time you pass your Decree on me? Am I worthy of your Legacy after facing those blasted lizards?"
[You have 3 seconds remaining.]
[2]
Closing his eyes, he wasn't a stranger to the Death Mechanics of 〘 Satisfy World 〙far from it, as a Beginner and even in his Intermediate Stages of his gameplay, he died plenty against Boss Monsters as he had the tendency of attempting a Solo-Clear of the Dungeons he discovered in the territory of the Saharan Empire.
With a wide smirk on his pale face, he made peace with the fact that his investment might be a losing bet. But what can he do? If the System was asking him to kill those overleveled mini-Bosses then they were asking the wrong person.
He might have a chance by bringing his Thousand-Men Legion that was known as the Leviathan Guild, but again, being solo was sometimes to his detriment.
Unexpectedly, the countdown stopped at the [1] mark, and sudden changes were triggered inside the Ruin, the ancient runes spread around the chamber started to light up as was the Summoning Circle. A gush of crimson energy that wasn't anything like Blood Magic started infusing his body, filling him with a fragment of vitality that kept him alive.
Now what? Can't someone die in peace and dignity?
[The Great Red Emperor has used his Red Energy on you. Your Vitals are kept intact for the duration the Red Energy resides in your body]
…
[I would have loved to see more of this reckless side of yours. But this Monarch is understanding, and will not pass an unjust judgment on your character.] spoke the Emperor's voice, filled with emotions, mainly solemnity and admiration,
[I wasn't expecting much to begin with, as much of the 'Chosen-Ones' is a mystery to me. Only after seeing you fight, struggle to survive, to win. Only after grasping your character, could I decide to put some faith in you.]
[Your spirit resonates with my willpower. Now that you have suffered this trial, rewards are a must. Now, brave one, rest for a moment knowing that you have earned the right to carry my Legacy.]
So? Where's the clear notification?
Then, out of nowhere, the fragment of vitality that he initially felt shifted as he felt a torrent of potent energy rushing and clashing inside his body. The Summoning Circle flashed with a deeper crimson light, as the aura inside this underground Ruin began to change for the worst in the Half-Draconians case.
[❗]
[ Hidden Quest: Prove your Will(SSS) has been cleared]
[You have gained 25,000 Reputation Points. Your Class has forcefully been changed to 'Saharan Successor'. You have lost all the skills under the Imperial Knight Branch.]
'Ahh, nice 25.000 Reputation Points, with this if I'm lucky to find Titan's Blood, it will be great acquisition…
'Wait, what the fuck? My Knight Skills got deleted?? Ohh, no, no, don't tell me I lost my Black Knight clearance?'
Overwhelmed by the new changes going with his System, ignoring the background cutscenes happened to his body as the torrent of crimson energy washed him. He saw another notification that shook his peripheral view, having him focus only on the new events like they were some cutscenes.
[Your class has successfully change to 'Saharan Successor']
[Your level has dropped.]
!!!
[You are now level 1.]
I'm screwed. I might lose everything I've build so far with my Guild.
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