NOVEL NEXT Chapter 68
Kwang, Kwang, KWAANG!
Tat, Ta-Tat!
Jumping lightly, I used Backward Evasion and speed buff, then followed it with a Counterattack to dodge all the blades of light.
The spacing and positioning of the blades of light seemed just right. This will be preparation for the next special phase.
Charging straight at the Archangel and Fallen Angel, my body danced between the swinging blades of light and darkness coming from both sides.
Sruuk, KANG!
I parried the Fallen Angel’s dual slashes and immediately unleashed Moonlight Slash and Starlight Slash in quick succession.
The primary target of Starlight Slash, a single-target skill, was the Archangel, while I used the instant-cast Moonlight Slash to hit the Fallen Angel on the side.
[Named Enemy]
[Level 45 Ancient Golem Archangel Dominion]
[HP 5,537,547/10,000,000]
[Named Enemy]
[Level 45 Ancient Golem Fallen Angel Valiel]
[HP 2,850,419/10,000,000]
Glancing at the boss’s HP status, I focused my single-target attack on the Archangel.
Wooow.
The three blades of light sticking into the ground started generating a field around me.
However, I could erase the field with the next time-limited special pattern.
Kwang, Kwang, KWAANG!
Entering the next time-limited special phase, this time, three dark blades came crashing down.
With Backward Evasion for one, targeting the Fallen Angel, I dodged back for a Counterattack on one while hitting both with One Flash.
Wooow!
The three dark blades plunged precisely into the spot where the light blades had been, soon emitting a strong light.
BAM!
The phenomenon created by the collision of the light and dark blades.
This would wipe out all the field effects as well.
And…
Oooooh—!
With a blinding flash, 10% of the HP of both the Archangel and the Fallen Angel vanished in an instant. Both the Archangel and Fallen Angel fell into a groggy state simultaneously.
The ‘Balance’ gimmick using the light and dark blades.
Through this, I could inflict damage on the boss while also erasing the field.
Paradoxically, since I was playing solo, this gimmick was easily discoverable.
With the aggro of both named enemies directed at me, both the light and dark blades fell toward me. If I tried to stack fields, the two blades would inevitably meet.
I checked the angels’ states and smiled.
This… actually benefits solo players.
If I have the skill to maintain an offensive while dodging and blocking the blades of the two angels at once.
But the timing for using invincibility skills was critical. If I dodged the giant sword drop pattern too late, it would stick into the spot I was originally in. I had to precisely adjust my timing to lure the blades to where I would arrive after using my evasion skill.
After erasing all the fields, I rushed directly to attack the boss.
It was possible to erase all fields even with three blades. Using Backward Evasion, Counterattack, and One Flash, I could stack the effects.
The next special phase would probably involve four blades each. At that point, even if I used all my invincibility skills, there would always be one light and one dark blade left. The true time attack would begin.
To activate the balance damage gimmick, I had to succeed in erasing all fields. From now on, that damage would no longer be something I could look forward to.
But even if I succeeded in removing the three blades, the damage would still be sufficient.
The remaining HP was slightly higher on the Archangel’s side. Before the unchecked fields covered the entire combat area, I needed to take down at least one angel.
Then, I would concentrate my offense on the Fallen Angel.
Although I was worried about the Archangel’s desperate struggles, I had saved the cooldown reset ability of my bracelet.
If it’s an infinite area-wide attack, I should be able to dodge it up to 10 times.
CRACK!
Oooooh—!
With my final sword strike, the Fallen Angel’s wings were torn away, and the magic stones that made up its body shattered to pieces.
The golem, mimicking the form of an angel, returned to its original form as ‘magic stone.’
In the end, I succeeded in defeating the Fallen Angel.
There were a total of 4 fields left that I hadn’t cleared yet.
The HP remaining for the Archangel is…
[Named Enemy]
[Level 45 Ancient Golem Archangel Valiel]
[HP 780,581/10,000,000]
Oooooh—!
As the remaining Archangel’s body began to gather massive energy of light, the desperate pattern was about to start. This pattern wouldn’t end until the Archangel fell.
Counterattack first? Backward Evasion first? Their cooldowns are both 8 seconds anyway.
Sparkle!
A blinding light burst out from the Archangel’s body, engulfing the entire combat area.
I used Backward Evasion to dodge the first area-wide attack, simultaneously using an approach skill. I didn’t stop my onslaught on the Archangel.
Wooow.
Again, the energy of light concentrated in the Archangel’s body.
Sparkle!
I dodged the second area-wide attack with a Counterattack.
For the third area-wide attack, I used the momentary invincibility of One Flash.
The fourth area-wide attack, the cooldown for Backward Evasion came back.
The fifth area-wide attack, the cooldown for Counterattack came back.
Wooow.
As expected, the area-wide attacks didn’t stop.
The desperate actions of the remaining Archangel seemed likely to continue until everything around was erased.
PUH!
I activated the unique ability of the ‘Hammer and Anvil Bracelet,’ which resets all skill cooldowns.
With this, if I used my skills in the same order again, I would be able to dodge five more times.
But.
Checking the remaining HP of the Archangel, cold sweat trickled down.
There was still over 5% left.
Thanks to the bracelet’s cooldown reset function, I had an additional five evasion opportunities, but would I be able to drain all its HP in that time?
Without even calculating, it was clearly impossible.
If I tried once more, I felt like I could better manage the HP of both angels.
I subtly glanced at the entrance toward the boss room.
Should I run away? My retreat route isn’t blocked.
Sparkle!
While thinking about my options, another area-wide attack hit me.
I used Backward Evasion toward the entrance.
But I didn’t run away. Instead, I used an approach skill to surge toward the Archangel.
Rain, don’t give up just yet.
There’s still one technique worth trying.
I dodged the area-wide attack with Counterattack again, during the third area-wide attack, instead of using One Flash as usual, I took a defensive posture to protect my body from the impact.
As long as I don’t get killed in a single blow.
And, the third flash swept over my body.
Sparkle!
Puh!
“Ugh!”
Rolls…
It felt like all my bones were shattering.
Did I damage my insides? Blood burst forth from my mouth.
Cough, cough.
Everything in front of me turned white.
However, ignoring the pain, I quickly rose to my feet.
With blood trickling from the corners of my mouth, I smiled.
[One Flash (一閃)]
[Cooldown 1 minute]
[Invincibility while casting]
[???]
The hidden condition was revealed.
【One Flash True (眞) can be used when HP is below 1%】
That was the skill I used at Aspero’s Fortress.
I silently apologized to Lee Seulbi in my heart.
Sorry for rolling around like this. I’ll do better next time.
Just once should be okay, right? I’ve taken care of myself in the meantime.
Wooow.
As the energy of light gathered once more, I faced the body of the ‘Archangel Dominion’ head-on.
Thud.
I planted my trembling legs into the ground.
Ku-oo-oo!
Suddenly, an unprecedented energy began to surge within my body.
It’s unfair that I have to feel pain to use it.
Energy, which started from my toes, traveled up my calves, thighs, shoulders, and finally flowed to the sword located at my waist.
Wooow!
The gathered energy on my sword shone brightly and vibrated the blade.
The moment a flash erupted from the Archangel’s body.
Sparkle!
My body became a flash too.
Stab.
The sound of stone shattering echoed as a storm swept behind me.
KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA!
This mere magic stone lump of an Archangel was swept away by the storm and turned to dust.
I sat there dazed, watching the remnants of the golem scatter.
And I smiled broadly.
“I did it.”
*
“Looks like the first tactic of taking down one skill first didn’t work.”
Chris’s raid group had tried to focus on the Archangel Dominion in the last attempt, taking it down first. However, the remaining Fallen Angel Valiel continuously spouting forth the darkness energy led to their total annihilation.
“The HP is way too high. Sure it’s ten million for each, but with two of them, it’s practically 20 million, isn’t it?”
“How about we try tanking both and mixing the area-wide attacks?”
“N-no way! You want me to dodge both the light blade of the Archangel and the dark blade of the Fallen Angel? I can’t do that!”
Chris nodded in agreement with Cherni’s intense reaction.
The blade range was wide enough to enter the attack range of even the ranged dealers. The angles were diverse. In fact, the Fallen Angel’s strikes even had a backlash.
While the Fighter Deathly Death might manage to dodge, the ranged dealers certainly wouldn’t hold up.
“And the special pattern, the giant blades that crash down on the opposite tank. Considering the field it generates, it seems right to ultimately tear each other apart.”
The giant light blade and dark blade. After starting to position them as far apart as possible, the strategy became more manageable. However, as the field range expanded and the numbers increased over time, it ultimately covered the entire combat area.
Each Named’s HP was ten million. Even with the party members’ specs enhanced, this was still a considerable burden.
Thinking of the Level 2 Named ‘Lion Balgard’ who had 20 million HP in Aspero’s Fortress, it wouldn’t be strange to have a mechanic to chip away at their HP.
“I wonder if there’s a gimmick to chunk HP down in one go. We’ll have to try various methods.”
“We haven’t had that many attempts yet, right? We should discover strategies soon.”
While the party members chatted, Bae Merong, listening to the area messages filled with the cries of the advance troops, suddenly turned pale.
“Chris unni!”
Bae Merong dashed over to Chris, bouncing with excitement.
“L-Look! Another one! Again!”
Checking the recently appeared area announcement, Chris shook her head, breaking into a laugh.
“What a surprise.”
[‘Noname’ party has successfully defeated the Elite Dungeon, ‘Ancient Shrine of Berveia’ for the first time!]