The returned former hero dominates in VRMMO. ~A life aiming to support his VTuber little sister to the fullest~

Episode 16

The further I advance into the dungeon, the higher the level of the monsters becomes.

…For now, I’ve acquired several spears, but I have no use for them.

My level has already reached around 23, and I’ve allocated my status points to strength and agility, so I don’t struggle at all.

The dungeon is quite intricate, but thanks to my [Shadow Senses], I never get lost.

As I continue forward, systematically eliminating skeleton soldiers… the sensation returned by [Shadow Senses] feels different.

It seems there’s a large hall up ahead.

Following that path, as expected, there was a large hall.

Beyond that, there’s another path connected, but it seems suspicious.

Clearly, there’s something here. To put it plainly, it’s the boss.

Having ventured quite far inside, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were a dungeon boss.

…Whether I can handle it alone is a bit of a question, but I have acquired titles and strengthened myself.

Let’s give it a try.

If it doesn’t work out, I can always retreat down the other path.

With caution, I step into the large hall.

Slowly advancing, I reach the center of the hall… when the ground beneath me starts shaking.

…Something is emerging from the ground.

Thinking so, I quickly leap back. At the same time, a spear appears where I was just standing.

From there, slowly emerging is… a skeleton soldier.

No, it’s much larger than a regular skeleton soldier.

It wears a dilapidated crown on its head as if signifying its status as king, and it grips a giant spear in its right hand.

…This definitely feels like the boss of this place.

“GRAAAH!”

…I don’t know where the voice is coming from, but the Skeleton King roars and swiftly brandishes its spear.

It charges towards me, thrusting its spear.

Faster than I anticipated. I dodge sideways, but the spear comes at me again immediately.

I’m still faster, but compared to previous monsters, its movements are more efficient.

I deflect the thrust with my shortsword, then swiftly redirect it.

Once I’ve parried the spear, it’s easier to maneuver within its guard. I close the distance and activate [Deadly Strike].

Is the weak point the same as a human’s heart? Upon inspection, unlike other skeleton soldiers, there’s a suspiciously glowing magic stone.

It’s quite a clear weak point, isn’t it?

Almost instinctively smiling, I drive my shortsword into it.

And the Skeleton King lets out what sounds like a scream.

“GRAAAH!”

Despite the pained voice, the Skeleton King swings its spear.

Dodging its attacks, I continue to inflict damage with my shortsword.

At this rate, I might just make it.

Just as I think that, the Skeleton King’s body starts to glow.

…What?

The next moment, the Skeleton King’s spear is swung as if splitting apart.

…A skill!

I skillfully parry the normally impossible three strikes of the spear with my shortsword, only grazing my body with a non-lethal blow.

I’ve seen something similar to this skill in another world. Casually pondering, I take advantage of the opening after the skill activation and thrust both of my shortswords.

“Hngh!?”

The Skeleton King is sent flying.

Before the Skeleton King can rise, I close the distance with [Sonic] and earn additional damage with a swift follow-up.

…Is it almost over?

The Skeleton King struggles to get up, clearly fatigued.

Bosses in dungeons are tricky because of their high HP. It feels like I’ve been attacking ten times more than against regular skeleton soldiers just to chip away at it this much.

But fundamentally, what I’m doing hasn’t changed.

Well, that’s just how battles go. It’s about executing your favored attacks.

“GRAAAH!”

As the Skeleton King shouts, an aura-like substance emanates from its body.

…Did it use a status enhancement skill?

As if to indicate that, the Skeleton King’s movements accelerate.

Handling it normally, it seems difficult to deftly fend off its attacks with this game’s body.

Judging from the Skeleton King’s pace, gaze, and stance… I anticipate its moves, dodge its spear thrust almost simultaneously, and counterattack.

The Skeleton King seems surprised by my counterattack, its spear hesitating.

…It feels like its defenses are tougher than before.

The swung spear is also faster, but I raise my concentration and barely manage to predictively evade.

Although risky for me to evade at the last moment, it’s equally dangerous for the Skeleton King.

If barely avoided, it creates a significant opening.

— Here we go.

Original Author’s Comment:

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