A lone Mithrilcrest Deer galloped frantically across an open field, its once graceful speed hindered by the weight of its swollen belly. Each breath came in ragged bursts, and its nostrils flared as panic fueled its flight.
Beneath the surface, a menacing predator tunneled closer, relentless in its pursuit. The mother dared not glance back, pouring every ounce of strength into her legs, her only hope lying in the dense forest ahead. Safety seemed so close—just within reach—but before she could cross the threshold into the sanctuary of the trees—
SWISH!
A shadowy appendage erupted from the earth, spearing the Mithrilcrest Deer’s hind leg. The once-majestic tranquilid let out a piercing cry, its graceful dash brought to a brutal stop as venom surged through its veins. The neurotoxin worked quickly, seizing its muscles, robbing it of the strength that once drove its breathtaking speed.
Suddenly, a tremor rippled beneath its hooves, the earth buckling with a thunderous crack. The Mithrilcrest Deer staggered, panic surging through its veins as the ground split open. From the chasm emerged a serpentine predator, its gaping, round maw lined with jagged, saliva-dripping teeth resembling that of a leech. Flanking its body were mole-like hands and several slithering tentacles, each ending in razor-sharp, blade-like tips.
The tranquilid’s final, desperate attempt to flee was in vain as its limbs went numb, betraying the creature to a grim fate. The Fossorial Ekimmu slithered closer, its bladed tendril extending menacingly from its maw. Just as it prepared to strike, a kunai whistled through the air, embedding itself beside its webbed foot.
The monstrous predator hesitated, its gaze shifting to the kunai. Too late, it noticed the yellow bead attached to the hilt, faint sparks already flickering around it. Before it could retreat, a torrent of electricity exploded from the bead, engulfing the fiend in a violent storm of crackling energy. Its grotesque body seized and convulsed under the onslaught.
Just as the creature raised a tentacle to swat the threat away, Daisuke touched down behind it in a silent, graceful descent, his dagger gleaming ominously in his hand.
Before the creature could whirl around in outrage to confront the uninvited guest, radiant silver arcs traced across its ghastly form, the Lipanthyer’s Fang’s lethal path carved into its flesh. In the next heartbeat, the beast crumbled to the ground, its body falling apart into gory chunks, shredded with such precision that it never had a chance to comprehend its own demise.
Insta-Kill!
DING!
[Haxks has slain the Field Boss «Fossorial Ekimmu».]
Daisuke regarded the blood dripping from his blade and sighed. “Cleave’s gonna kill me for filleting his precious Field Boss.”
[25,200 Experience Points have been acquired.]
[Emberwoven Tunic]
[Small HP Recovery Potion x4 has been acquired.]
[Antidote x3 has been acquired.]
[Reinforcement Tablet has been acquired.]
[Celestial Cube (White) has been acquired.]
[Crystalized Poison Sac x2 has been acquired.]
[Gold Ore has been acquired.]
[Gold Ingot has been acquired.]
[277 gold has been acquired.]
After stowing the remains of the slain Field Boss in his inventory, just as he had with the Exiled Hilitroll Chief, Daisuke turned his attention to the trembling Mithrilcrest Deer. The creature’s once graceful form was now frail, its strength sapped by the Ekimmu’s venom. The toxin had thinned its blood, causing its wounds to bleed profusely, leaving the majestic deer weakened and vulnerable.
Daisuke’s eyes softened with concern as he carefully approached. If it loses any more blood, it won’t survive—wait, isn’t it pregnant? Kaine did mention that they’re a critically endangered species. In that case… I have to help it. Once the Field Boss respawns, it’ll just end up on the dinner menu again away.
The Mithrilcrest Deer didn’t care to find out what Daisuke’s intentions were; survival was its sole focus. It thrashed about wildly, driven by instinct, but its frantic efforts only aggravated the gaping wound and further endangered its unborn fawn.
Should I try knocking it unconscious or something?
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Just as Daisuke prepared to summon his Magic Chains to restrain the creature, the Mithrilcrest Deer caught sight of Zephyr draped over his shoulder like a beach towel. In that brief moment, their eyes locked, and it felt as though time itself had paused.
A strange, unspoken connection hung in the air, a force so palpable that even Daisuke could sense it. The deer’s frantic movements ceased in an instant, and with a slow, deliberate motion, it bowed its head in quiet surrender, as if recognizing something far greater than itself.
Daisuke couldn’t quite understand the sudden shift in demeanor, but with no time to spare, he quickly willed an antidote and a potion into his hand. Carefully, he administered them to the once-panicked tranquilid that was now oddly submissive.
Relief washed over him as its hind leg gradually healed and life flickered back into its luminous eyes. To his surprise, the majestic creature, now free from pain, nuzzled him gently in thanks. Then, in a tender gesture, it softly licked Zephyr’s ear, causing the wolf pup to stir slightly, still draped over Daisuke’s shoulder.
I’ll probably just keep it in my inventory for now until I can find a secure place for it to give birth, Daisuke thought as he reciprocated the creature’s affection by caressing its chin. “But that confirms it—Field Bosses can be identified by a green aura. Also…”
[Battle Bow]
[Emberwoven Tunic]
[Salamander’s Claw]
“Not only do they give huge amounts of EXP, but they also tend to drop solid equipment and valuable materials. They’re absolutely worth tracking down.”
[Battle Bow +1]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Bow
Melee Attack Power: 24~27 | Durability: 61/65 | Accuracy: 32 | Attack Distance: 18
The Battle Bow, crafted from ancient oakwood, is imbued with subtle enchantments that enhance the wielder’s precision and agility. Its taut string and lightweight design make it a favorite among skilled archers, allowing for swift, deadly strikes. Though unassuming in appearance, the Battle Bow holds the potential to turn the tide of battle in capable hands.
▪︎ Agility +2
▪︎ Critical Hit Chance +3%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 5+ | Strength 8+ | Stamina 3+]
[Emberwoven Tunic +2]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Garment | Breastplate
Durability: 40/43 | Magical Defense: 6.2 | Fire Resistance: +8%
A finely stitched tunic woven with threads imbued with fire magic. Its wearer can feel a gentle warmth that enhances resistance to heat-based attacks, making it ideal for venturing through fiery terrains or facing flame-wielding enemies.
▪︎ Fire Resistance +8%
▪︎ Slightly reduces burn duration from fire attacks.
Conditions of Use: Lvl 5+ | Female | Strength 7+ | Stamina 3+]
“Man, this is rough,” Daisuke muttered as he scrutinized the gear. “Reinforced equipment that, first off, I don’t even use—and second, couldn’t wear even if I wanted to. And they’re all low-level junk. As for this breastplate, there has to be something out there that lets you override the gender restriction on gear.”
Without much expectation, he scrolled to the final weapon he had received from the Exiled Hilitroll Chief. His gaze lingered on the floating image, fingers hovering as he contemplated whether this one would prove more useful than the rest.
[Salamander’s Claw +2]
[Rank: Normal
Type: Dagger
Melee Attack Power: 59~68 | Durability: 58/62 | Attack Speed: +4%
Forged from the molten claws of a ferocious salamander, this weapon radiates intense heat. Each slash leaves a trail of fire, scorching enemies with its burning touch. The Salamander’s Claw has the unique ability to set foes ablaze, inflicting damage over time and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
▪︎ Agility +3
▪︎ Chance of triggering «Burn» Status +30%
Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 25+ | Stamina 30+]
[Burn Status]
[Engulfs the target in flames, dealing continuous damage over time, reducing health by 0.4% per second for 40 seconds. Duration can also be dependent on the level and grade of the weapon or skill used to apply the status effect, as well as the target’s level of resistance.]
“Jackpot.”
***
Perched like a bird of prey atop a lofty tree branch, Daisuke’s golden eyes glinted sharply as he surveyed the scene below. A horde of Goblins marched through the thick forest, their crooked forms shuffling beneath the weight of their spoils. Hoisted above their heads were their latest victims—captives still alive, destined for the grisly fate that awaited them in the Goblins’ hideout.
Daisuke’s eyes narrowed, honing in on the object of his hunt—a small creature radiating a faint green aura. It resembled a Pygmy Marmoset, or Finger Monkey. It was bounded by sturdy vines and being carried by a fiend that seemed especially nimble.
As if sensing his unwelcome presence, the Goblins quickened their pace, intent on losing their pursuer before revealing the location of their hideout. But Daisuke and Zephyr weren’t about to let them slip away. Without hesitation, the duo plunged into the swarm, carving their way through the Goblin sentries guarding the precious cargo.
DING!
[Goblin Skirmisher | Lvl 21 | General]
The air crackled with the sound of clashing blades and monstrous cries as the Lipanthyer’s Fang whirled with greed and precision, cutting down anything that stood between it and its master’s desires. Zephyr, a blur of fangs and flames, tore through the horde in tandem, leaving nothing but chaos in his wake.
But just as they felled one foe, another swiftly took its place, surging forward to block their advance. The horde seemed endless, a tide of snarling fiends that utterly refused to break. Then, the ground trembled beneath heavy footfalls. Bursting through the chaotic fray, two hulking figures resembling Hobgoblins emerged, towering over their lesser kin, their eyes burning with rage.
DING!
[Goblin Guard | Lvl 22 | Champion]
Daisuke and Zephyr didn’t slow their advance. The canine’s claws gleamed like silver razors, while the Lipanthyer’s Fang shimmered in the dappled sunlight, both poised to tear through the incoming giants.
Moments later, after finally stilling the raging sea of Goblins, they came to a halt after sprinting roughly 200 yards ahead. But the rest of the fiends clutching the valuable cargo had vanished into the dense forest, leaving seemingly no trace behind.
Before Daisuke’s eyebrows could furrow in annoyance, Zephyr caught a scent by a towering tree and urgently signaled to his comrade. His tail wagged eagerly, anticipating praise, but the moment soured as he noticed Midnight slipping out from the shadows of the massive trunk, clearly aiming to steal the glory for himself.
The feline grinned smugly, its pearly white teeth a sharp contrast against its pitch-black coat. Zephyr snarled in response, hackles raised. While the two furballs tumbled into a chaotic, fluffy skirmish, Daisuke silently cleared away the foliage to reveal a tunnel concealed within the tree’s hollow trunk. His eyes gleamed gold as they followed the faint trail that snaked through the tunnel, leading toward a mountainous rock formation to the left. It was clear where the Goblins had fled.