Sasha’s party gathered around the fallen Golem, their expressions reflected a mixture of exhaustion and elation. Sweat glistened on their brows, and their breaths came in ragged gasps, but there was also a glimmer of triumph in their eyes. They had faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious, strengthened by their unity and determination. Standing together amidst the wreckage of their vanquished foe, they knew that no obstacle could stand in their way as long as they stood united.
"Alright, comrades, it's time to replenish our strength," Sasha declared with a hint of authority in her voice. "Before we delve deeper into the depths of this castle, let's fortify ourselves with a well-deserved meal."
"Absolutely!" Ethan chimed in eagerly, rubbing his stomach with a grin. "I'm starving! I could eat a whole roast boar right now."
Elara nodded in agreement, her eyes lighting up at the mention of food. "I second that! My energy is running low, and I could really use some sustenance."
Marcus chuckled, the exhaustion from battle momentarily forgotten as he thought of food. "I don't know about you all, but I could devour a feast fit for a king. Let's dig in!"
Lena, the archer, joined in with a wry smile. "I'm with you there. I'm not sure if my stomach is growling louder than the Stone Golem's roars, but I definitely need some fuel."
Talia, the healer, smiled warmly as she joined the conversation. "I can already feel my stomach agreeing with all of you. A hearty meal is exactly what we need to restore our strength and spirits. Let's not keep ourselves waiting any longer."
"Zealot! Stop slacking off and start preparing lunch for us!” Sasha demanded, her tone sharp and impatient, cutting through the air like a whip.
"O-Of course! Right away!" Zealot replied politely, his tone respectful despite Sasha's harshness. With swift and purposeful movements, he began unpacking their provisions and swiftly set about preparing the meal.
After fulfilling his duties of serving everyone their meal, Zealot seized the opportunity to steal a moment alone. With a quiet corner to himself, he eagerly accessed the reward bestowed upon him by the system. His heart raced with anticipation as he navigated through his window screen, eager to discover what random skill he would get this time.
Suddenly, a notification popped up, indicating the completion of the Main Quest and the reward awaiting him:
[Main Quest Completed!]
[Reward: One random skill]
[Would you like to open the random skill now?]
The excitement coursing through Zealot intensified as he pondered the possibilities. Without hesitation, he confirmed his decision to open the random skill and see what was inside.
With a quick tap on the hologram screen, Zealot confirmed his choice, his anticipation growing palpable as the system began to process his request. Moments later, a burst of light emanated from the screen, enveloping him momentarily before fading away.
When the glow subsided, a new skill appeared before him:
[Random Legendary Skill Acquired: Skeleton Warriors!]
[Skill Type: Summoning]
[Skeleton Warriors: Can only summon one Skeleton Warrior to battle for now. All Skeleton Minions are highly skilled and experienced in combat. Corpses are not required when summoning. This skill can be evolved, upgraded and become stronger over time.]
Zealot's eyes widened with amazement as he read the description of his newly acquired skill. [Skeleton Warriors] might seem like a common necromancer skill at first glance, but what set his apart was its potential for growth and evolution. This unique aspect elevated it to Legendary-Tier status, promising untold power if nurtured properly.
‘This is incredible!’ Zealot thought, his mind racing with possibilities. ‘Not only can I summon skeletal warriors, but they can also evolve and grow stronger over time. This is exactly what I needed to truly make a difference.’
Feeling a surge of excitement, Zealot couldn't wait to test out his new skill. However, the timing wasn’t right. The party was still resting and enjoying their meal, and it would be wise to keep his abilities concealed for now. Instead, he decided to focus on the task at hand—ensuring the party was well-fed and ready for the next phase of their raid.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, Sasha gathered the party. "Alright, everyone. We've had our rest and our meal. It's time to move on. We’ve come a long way, and we have even further to go. Let's stay sharp and keep our focus. The Stone Golem Commander was tough, but I know we can handle whatever comes next."
The group nodded in agreement, their spirits bolstered by both the meal and their recent victory. They formed up, with Sasha leading the way, and began to move deeper into the castle. The air grew colder and the atmosphere more oppressive as they ventured further, but the party's resolve remained strong.
GRRROOAARRR!!!
RUMBLE!!! RUMBLE!!! RUMBLE!!!
As they progressed through the castle, they encountered more Stone Golems, though none as formidable as the Stone Golem Commander. Zealot continued to discreetly use his Diarrhea skill, providing assistance to the party without drawing attention to himself.
[Your party has slain a Stone Golem!]
[Your party has slain a Stone Golem!]
[Your party has slain a Stone Golem!]
…
…
[Leveled Up!]
[Level: 46 >> 48]
Hours passed, and the challenges grew more intense. They entered a grand luxurious hall, its walls adorned with ancient, yet well-preserved statues. The air was filled with a faint, mineral scent. At the far end of the hall stood a colossal door, intricately carved with symbols and runes.
"This must be it," Sasha said, her voice echoing in the vast chamber. "Beyond this door lies the heart of the castle. Stay vigilant. We don't know what awaits us."
As the party approached the door cautiously, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. Sasha and Marcus, their muscles tense with readiness, worked together to push it open. With a creaking groan, the massive door swung inward, revealing yet another grand hall within the depths of the castle.
But to their surprise and dismay, standing before them was not just any Stone Golem, but another Stone Golem Commander, its imposing form bathed in the bright sunlight streaming through the towering windows.
Sasha's brow furrowed in frustration. "Another one? How many of these commanders are there?"
Marcus shook his head grimly. "It seems they're throwing everything they have at us. But we've come too far to turn back now."
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Ethan, his eyes scanning the grand hall for any signs of movement, spoke up. "At least we're making progress. If my count is correct, we've defeated 224 Stone Golems so far. Just 26 more to go, and we'll soon be facing the final boss monster—the Stone Golem King."
Sasha nodded, her expression resolute. "Then let's make quick work of this one and press on. We can't afford to waste any more time!"
With renewed determination, the party readied their weapons and prepared to confront the Stone Golem Commander once again. Despite their weariness from countless battles, they knew that they had to push forward.
With a battle cry, they charged into the chamber, weapons clashing against the stone as they engaged the formidable foe. The Stone Golem Commander roared in defiance, its massive fists swinging with deadly precision.
GRRROOAARRR!!!
THUMP!!! THUMP!!! THUMP!!!
Sasha's party fought with skill and determination, their coordinated efforts slowly but surely wearing down the Golem's defenses. Marcus delivered powerful blows with his sword, Ethan and Elara darted in and out of its reach, striking with precision, while Lena provided covering fire from a distance. Erik's spells crackled through the air, their arcane energy weakening the Golem's stony hide.
CLANG!!! CLANG!!! CLANG!!!
Meanwhile, Zealot seized the opportunity to activate his Diarrhea skill, aiming at the Stone Golem Commander.
CURSE OF DIARRHEA!
Despite the ferocity of their attacks, the Stone Golem Commander proved to be a formidable adversary. Its blows were relentless, and with each strike, the party felt the weight of its immense strength.
But Sasha’s party refused to falter. With gritted teeth and steely resolve, they pressed on, their determination unwavering. Inch by inch, they wore down the Golem's defenses, until finally, with a resounding crash, it fell to the ground in defeat.
GRRROOAARRR—!!!
THUD!!!
[Your party has slain the Stone Golem Commander!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level: 48 >> 49]
“Haha! Take that!”
“Woohoo! Hell yeah!”
“Good work, everyone!”
The party let out a collective cheer, their victory hard-won but well-deserved. As they caught their breath and tended to their wounds, Sasha's voice rang out, filled with determination.
"Only 25 more Stone Golems to go, and we'll be facing the final boss monster. Let's finish this once and for all," Sasha declared, her voice resolute with determination.
After a brief ten-minute rest, they pressed on with renewed resolve, their sights set on the final challenge that awaited them—the Stone Golem King.
"Very well, comrades," Sasha declared in a commanding tone. "The time has come to face our final trial. Let us proceed without delay."
The party's journey through the castle had been long and arduous, yet their determination remained unwavering. As they penetrated deeper into the heart of the castle, they encountered more Stone Golems, all of which they eradicated effortlessly.
Eventually, after overcoming countless small obstacles, the party arrived in front of a gigantic 100-foot door. Beyond it lay the colossal throne room, where the Stone Golem King awaited their arrival.
Sasha, her determination unwavering, gazed up at the imposing door, a sense of anticipation coursing through her veins. Beside her, Marcus stood tall and resolute, his sword at the ready. Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement, eager for the impending battle. Elara's daggers gleamed in the bright sunlight, her focus razor-sharp. Lena notched an arrow, her aim steady and true. Erik cracked his knuckles, preparing to unleash his arcane fury. And Zealot, ever the silent support, stood ready to aid his companions in whatever way he could.
With a collective breath, Sasha pushed open the colossal door, revealing the vast and luxurious throne room beyond. Its walls were adorned with ancient runes and symbols, while tall windows bathed the space in ethereal light. At the far end, seated upon a massive throne, was the Stone Golem King—a towering colossus of stone, horns, and fury, standing an impressive 75 feet tall.
As the Golem King's eyes glowed with malevolent energy, a thunderous roar filled the throne room, shaking the very foundations of the castle. But Sasha and her party stood firm, their resolve unyielding in the face of this final trial.
GRRROOAARRR!!!
RUMBLE!!!
"This is it, everyone!" Sasha declared, her voice resounding with determination. "Our moment of truth. Let's show the Stone Golem King what we're made of!"
Marcus nodded, his gaze fixed on the imposing figure ahead. "We've trained for this! We're ready!" he affirmed, his grip tightening on his sword hilt.
Ethan grinned, his excitement palpable. "I've been itching for a fight like this!" he exclaimed, crackling energy already forming at his fingertips.
Sasha glanced at her companions, feeling a strong sense of camaraderie. "This is our moment. Let's do this together!" she declared, her voice filled with resolve.
With weapons drawn and hearts filled with courage, Sasha's party charged into battle, ready to face their ultimate challenge and emerge victorious.
CHARGE!!!
As Sasha's party charged toward the Stone Golem King, the ground beneath them trembled with the colossal creature's every movement. The massive throne room echoed with the clash of weapons and the roar of the Golem King, whose eyes burned with malevolent energy. Sasha's voice cut through the chaos, rallying her team with unwavering resolve.
GRRROOAARRR!!!
RUMBLE!!!
CLANG!!! CLANG!!! CLANG!!!
"Keep your focus! We know its weak points—aim for the joints!" she shouted, her sword flashing in the ethereal light as she led the charge.
Marcus was the first to engage, his sword swinging in powerful arcs that rang against the Golem King's stone legs. Ethan followed close behind, his hands crackling with energy as he unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts. The strikes hit the Golem King, causing it to stagger, but it quickly regained its footing, retaliating with a swing of its massive arm that sent Ethan sprawling.
GRRROOAARRR!!!
"Hold the line!" Elara cried out, darting in to aid Ethan while delivering quick, precise cuts to the Golem's ankles. Lena's arrows flew true, striking the Golem's glowing eyes and momentarily blinding it. Erik, chanting ancient incantations, summoned a blazing inferno that engulfed the Golem's torso, weakening the stone structure.
Meanwhile, Zealot seized the opportunity to contribute in his own unique way. With his thoughts, he activated his Diarrhea skill, aiming directly at the Stone Golem King.
CURSE OF DIARRHEA!
The Stone Golem King roared in discomfort and staggered backward. Witnessing this, Zealot couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. His Diarrhea skill had struck true, disrupting the Golem King's balance and causing it to falter in its advance.
GRRROOAARRR!!!
THUMP!!!
The party took advantage of the Golem King's weakened state, pressing their attack with renewed vigor. Marcus delivered a series of precise strikes, exploiting the openings created by Zealot's skill. Ethan recovered from his fall and unleashed another barrage of lightning bolts, the electricity crackling through the air and striking the Golem King's vulnerable joints.
With each passing moment, the Golem King's movements grew more sluggish, its defenses weakening under the relentless assault of Sasha's party. Despite its immense size and strength, it was clear that even the mighty Golem King was not immune to the combined might and ingenuity of Sasha and her comrades.
"Everyone, focus fire on its core!" Sasha commanded, her voice cutting through the tumult.
The party regrouped, their attacks becoming more coordinated. Marcus and Ethan struck simultaneously, shattering one of the Golem's knee joints and causing it to lurch forward. Elara and Lena targeted its other leg, while Erik's flames continued to erode its defenses.
With a final, concerted effort, Sasha and Marcus launched a combined assault. Sasha's blade glowed with a fierce light as she struck the Golem King's chest, while Marcus delivered a devastating blow to its head. The Golem King let out a final, earth-shattering roar before collapsing in a heap of rubble.
GRRROOAARRR—!!!
THUD!!!
[Your party has slain the Stone Golem King!]
[Raid Quest Completed!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level: 49 >> 52]
The party stood amidst the debris, their breaths heavy but their spirits soaring. They had done it—defeated the Stone Golem King and conquered the castle. Sasha sheathed her sword, a proud smile on her face as she looked at her comrades.
"We did it, everyone! We've overcome every challenge and emerged victorious," she declared, her voice filled with pride.
Marcus, wiping sweat from his brow, nodded in agreement. "Damn right we did! Couldn't have asked for a better team."
Ethan, his grin wider than ever, pumped his fist in the air. "That's what I'm talking about! We showed this Stone Golem King who's boss!"
The beautiful Lena, adjusting her bow, chuckled softly. "I don't know about you all, but I think I've earned a nice, long soak in a hot bath after this."
Zealot, ever the silent support, nodded in agreement, a sense of satisfaction knowing that the raid was successful and that he had benefited greatly from leveling up.
Suddenly, Sasha's expression turned icy cold. In the blink of an eye, before anyone could react, she unsheathed her sword and swiftly sliced through everyone's necks, killing them instantly. The only ones who managed to block Sasha's attack in time were Elara, Lena, and Marcus.
SLASH!
BLOCK!
As for Zealot, Sasha had no interest in killing him, as she didn’t see him worthy of being a threat.