"[Arrow Shower]!"
> x8 [Animated Iron Armor]
>
> [HP: 139/200]
>
> x1 [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 107/200]
>
> x2 [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 170/200]w
"[Railway Pierce]!"
> x4 [Animated Iron Armor]
>
> [HP: 0/200]
>
> x4 [Animated Iron Armor]
>
> [HP: 27/200]
>
> [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 79/200]
"[Cross Slash]!"
> [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 47/200]
I quickly catch my breath after using that last skill. Damn... I managed to wipe out 4 more [Animated Iron Armor] and yet, they are still charging in without any breaks! Sure, their numbers are dwindling and most of their [HP] including the Mithril ones are now in red. But I can't say the same with myself as I check on my stats.
> [Wind]
>
> [Stats]
>
> [Race: Human]
>
> [Total Mastery Level: 14]
>
> [HP: 638/680]
>
> [MP: 240/240]
>
> [SP: 198/310]
This is what I get for using too many skills. While [MP] is used to cast spells from elemental magic [Masteries], [SP] is used for active skills like the ones from my [Masteries] such as [Archery] and [Swordsmanship]. Since I mostly rely on the latter and use the spells to increase my speed and sabotage my enemies, I'm starting to exhaust my most important resources. I can't let this battle linger any longer. Which means I have to pull all stops for this.
“Spirit of Sylph, I ask for your aid. Grant me the power of the wind to outrun and defeat my opponents!” I chant as I feel the wind blowing through my face. "[Bluster Speed]!"
As the wind envelops my body, I can feel my legs getting lighter. I have only 5 minutes until this spell expires. Now for the sabotage part...
“Spirit of Sylph, hear our call. Trap our enemies into the gale of storms and imbue our weaponry with your blessings! [Tempest Blow]!"
The wind around me starts to grow stronger and before I know it, most living armor monsters are being pushed back as I notice my arrows and sword becoming imbued with the wind. The [Wind] element might not be useful against them, but the tornado surrounding us might be enough to deter them. The only disadvantage is that I can't use [Arrow Shower] since the wind might blow the arrows away regardless of the arrowheads. I tested them beforehand and I know even a strong gust of wind might be enough to throw off the arrow's trajectory. I want to use my sword against them again, but I have another idea. I take out my [Iron Dagger] and start to rush to a nearby [Animated Mithril Armor].
"[Backstab]!"
That's all I say before I teleport behind the armor and stab its weak spot with my dagger.
> [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 0/200]
And that's one more Mithril armor down! Now for the remaining four [Animated Iron Armor] and unlike [Arrow Shower], this skill is not affected by the side effects of my [Wind] buffing spells.
"[Railway Pierce]!"
With one pull and release from my bow, I release another laser beam-like arrow shot to a row of armored monsters, and as expected, that attack is enough to finish them off, leaving me with the remaining [Animated Mithril Armor] standing in front of me wielding its iron sword. As I stare at it, it seems to glare at me behind the helmet and raises its hand to gesture to me. It's as if they are taunting me to fight fair and square. On one hand, pitting me against an army of living armor monsters isn't very fair. On the other hand, I can't exactly say no to a challenge. I store both my bow and arrows along with my dagger. If this guy wants me to "play fair", I might as well play along for now. Besides...
> [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 79/200]
They're not only doing it to piss me off. It also seems like a desperate move on their part and I’d rather make this as painless on their body and dignity as possible. I do not snark or do anything to agitate it. Instead, I say two words with a smirk.
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"En garde."
I quickly charge in with my sword right in front of me. Usually, I would start with a [Swordsmanship] skill, but this guy's [HP] is in the red. So I might as well mess with them a little bit with a good old slash and jab. I'm not exactly knowledgeable with sword martial arts like kendo or fencing, but at least this game compensates me with some awesome skills along with my evolved [Intermediate Sword Mastery]. With some bonus [Melee ATK] as well giving me some new skills.
Of course, it doesn't mean that living armor is not going down without a fight. I can see its eyes (or what look to be them) behind its helmet turn red and its attacks become more fierce and aggressive, which is enough to chip off my [HP]. Eventually, I realize that playtime is over and it is time for me to get this over with my finishing move. Or rather, my new skill.
"[Flurry of Blades]!"
With my sword in hand, I start exchanging a bunch of slashes, stabs, and jabs in different directions to the armor. The main advantage of this skill is that because of my barrage of attacks, not only can I attack multiple times in near succession, but this attack never misses in exchange for a longer cooldown. After that, with another swing of my blade, the [Animated Mithril Armor] collapses in a cloud of data dust before a key drops on the floor from it.
> [Animated Mithril Armor]
>
> [HP: 0/200]
I sigh in relief as I collapse on my butt and drop my sword. I have to admit, this is a lot harder without Kazu around to help me with his magic. And that's without using my [Physical Enhancement] skills! Just in case, I quickly check on my stats before I can move on. Plus, my arms and legs are too tired for me to stand up.
> [Wind]
>
> [Stats]
>
> [Race: Human]
>
> [Total Mastery Level: 14]
>
> [HP: 417/680]
>
> [MP: 168/240]
>
> [SP: 109/310]
Damn... They said that one was a first test to see if I'm ready for the three doors. But it feels more like a boss battle than a warm-up. At least some of my [Masteries] leveled up from that fight. Regardless, I can't go in the first door with my [SP] almost at the red. I eat some food I had prepared beforehand along with some potions Kazu made. Not only is it enough to regain most of my health and [MP], but I can get an advantage with some food buffs. However, I can't consume too many of them. I need to save enough for the next time or for emergencies during a battle. At any rate, it's time for me to face the music and complete this [Hidden Quest] for Kazu.
Once I feel like my legs aren't jelly anymore, I stand up, pick up the key that the armor dropped, and head to my initial first choice, which is the left door. With a deep breath, I insert the key into the keyhole and turn it to open the door.
----------------------------------------
As I step into the doorway, I can feel the hairs on my back stand up as I find myself in some kind of dark room. It's not like the one from the previous one and I can feel a chill blowing right in front of me. I can tell the atmosphere is much more different than the ones I've been to, including the previous room. But where's the boss monster I'm supposed to beat first?
[Welcome, half-[Insignis].]
I gasp when I hear a baritone voice booming in the room. "Who's there?!" I shout. "Are you the boss of this room?"
[I can't say I'm the "boss". But...]
I suddenly hear a finger snap and I scream when the doors behind me close shut right behind me.
[I was known as the Magic General in my past life.]
Past life? Why do I have a feeling I might get a lore dump from him again? Before I can ask, several torches suddenly light up by themselves and they continue through the hallway-like room until it reaches a throne. A throne where a large figure in armor made of a material I can't recognize sits. Yeah, he is definitely the boss of this room.
[Let me introduce myself properly. I am
"Called here?" I ask. "You mean you willingly let them interrupt your rest to test me?"
I can hear him chuckling from his helmet. [Before my passing, I was chosen to observe the next generation from the afterlife. While I desire to rest, I can't do so until my worries about the next generation dissipate. Besides, it seems like you are the worrying ones despite your half-heritage.]
"Worrying one?" I repeat. "What the hell does that mean?"
[I mean you possessed the potential to change the world and defy tradition despite your origins as half-[Human], half-[Insignis]. However, several traits hold you back from your potential. If you don't deal with them soon, then you will never go beyond your limits.]
Okay, now he's spouting out nonsense I can't understand. "Again, what does that mean? You know I don't have all day. I still need to complete this test and check on my brother before he gets hurt."
To my shock, his chuckling turns into a boom of laughter that echoes around the room. Did I say something bad?
[You really are an interesting half, young man. It seems I should show you with actions rather than words to make a point.]
Veritates stands up from his throne and picks up a large sword that was resting next to it. He then pointed it to him, which I'm surprised he can carry it in spdespiteweight.
[Master Wind, if you wish to pass the first door, you must conquer not only this room but yourself. If you don't pass either of them, then your death here is considered a failure for this test. I know Specta said you retake it many times, but...]
His eyes glow red as they completely focus on me.
[When it comes to battles like this one, I never hold back, even against my apprentices!]
Is that a challenge? I know I'm in a hurry, but again, I never reject them if someone like him seemingly taunts me.
"Oh, you've done it now, mister! Consider it accepted!" I declare as I draw out my sword from my inventory. "Just so you know I never hold back, too! Even against old foggies like you!"
[Hah! Those are interesting fighting words, young man! Well then...]
I assume my fighting position and as I take a deep breath, I see a new window pop right in front of me.
> [NOTICE]
>
> [You are only allowed to use [Sword] weapons for this battle. Any other weapons and [Masteries] are restricted until the end of the battle.]
So a special battle then? Well, this is fitting considering who I'm up against. A bit of a disadvantage since it also disables my use with the [Investigate] skill, but who says this boss fight is never easy? With a grin, I shout out the very same words that he utters at the same time.
"En garde!"
----------------------------------------
> Current Quest: Test of Courage ***
>
> Type: [Hidden]
>
> Status: In Progress
>
> Party Members:
>
> [Wind]
----------------------------------------
Wind's Masteries
[Archery] Level 19 (Restricted)
[Woodcrafting] Level 10 (Restricted)
[Swordsmanship] Level 19
[Cooking] Level 9 (Restricted)
[Wind] Level 16 (Restricted)
[Physical Enhancement] Level 17 (Restricted)
[Hunting] Level 15 (Restricted)
[Blacksmithing] Level 18 (Restricted)
[Dagger] Level 6 (Restricted)