As Zealot and his skeletal companion stepped through the portal door, they found themselves transported to the 2nd floor of Bloodmoon Tower—a realm characterized by an expansive labyrinth and maze-like library.
Towering bookshelves stretched endlessly in every direction, filled with countless volumes that seemed to beckon with untold secrets. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and the faint echo of whispered knowledge. Bathed in daylight streaming through arched windows, the vast library was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, a true testament to the tower's enigmatic and ancient nature.
[Bloodmoon Tower 2nd Floor Quest: Locate the portal door leading to the 3rd floor.]
[Time Limit: 90 minutes]
As Zealot surveyed the seemingly endless expanse of the library, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with trepidation. The grand library was an intricate labyrinth, with towering shelves filled with books, scrolls, and tomes, each one potentially containing invaluable knowledge or deadly secrets. The faint echo of whispered voices seemed to float through the air, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the place.
"Stay close, Bony," Zealot instructed his skeletal companion, his voice firm with determination. "This place is vast and filled with hidden dangers. We must remain vigilant."
The skeletal minion nodded, its empty eye sockets reflecting the bright light streaming in through the towering windows. Together, they began their exploration of the second floor, moving cautiously between the towering shelves.
The maze-like structure of the library made navigation challenging, with numerous twists and turns that seemed to lead nowhere. As they moved deeper into the labyrinth, Zealot remained acutely aware of the passing time. The quest's time limit loomed over them, a constant reminder of the urgency of their mission.
[Time Limit: 83 minutes remaining]
‘This is perplexing…’ Zealot thought, stroking his chin. ‘According to the novel, the portal door to the 3rd floor is situated somewhere on the north side. However, the issue remains: which direction is north, south, east, or west?’
Suddenly, as he gazed outside one of the towering windows, an idea struck him. He recalled that the sun typically rises in the east and sets in the west. Using this knowledge, he could determine his direction by treating the sun as a natural compass.
"Alright, this way, Bony. Follow me," Zealot instructed his skeletal minion.
The skeletal minion nodded obediently and trailed behind Zealot. Not long after, they encountered their first monster: a colossal Library Golem, constructed of books and enchanted by ancient magic, lumbered toward them. Its form was an amalgamation of countless tomes, bound together by arcane energies, creating a towering figure that radiated both power and knowledge.
GROAAAARRRR!!!
[You have encountered a Library Golem!]
The golem raised its massive arm, ready to strike, and Zealot swiftly commanded his skeletal companion to engage. “Go, Bony! Bring it down!”
Without hesitation, the skeletal minion darted forward, its bony hands gripping its weapon tightly. As the golem swung its arm down with tremendous force, the skeletal minion deftly dodged, aiming a strike at the golem's core.
SLASH!
The golem's body was resilient, the books acting as a formidable armor. Each time the skeleton landed a hit, pages flew out, but the golem remained largely unaffected. Zealot realized they needed a different approach.
MINION BERSERK!
Zealot's voice echoed through the library as he issued the command to his skeletal minion. With a surge of rage energy, the skeletal minion's form seemed to twist and contort, its movements becoming more frenzied and aggressive.
The skeletal minion, now under the influence of berserk mode, unleashed a flurry of relentless attacks upon the library golem. Its strikes became faster and more ferocious, bypassing the golem's defenses and striking at its enchanted bindings with unyielding determination.
HORIZONTAL SLASH! VERTICAL SLASH! DIAGONAL SLASH!
THWACK!
With each blow, the golem's defenses weakened, its form starting to show signs of instability. Pages flew in all directions as the skeletal minion relentlessly hammered away, exploiting every weakness with single-minded focus.
GROAAAARRRR!!!
The Colossal Library Golem roared in defiance, its colossal form staggering under the relentless assault of Zealot's berserk skeletal minion. The once invulnerable armor of enchanted books began to unravel, with pages scattering through the air like leaves in a storm.
CURSE OF DIARRHEA!
Zealot saw his opportunity and activated his Diarrhea skill. “Now! Strike at its core!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the chaotic symphony of battle. The skeletal minion, driven by the berserk rage, surged forward with a renewed ferocity, aiming for the heart of the golem where the ancient magic was strongest.
THRUST!!!
With a final, devastating blow, the skeleton's weapon pierced through the core of the Library Golem. The enchanted bindings shattered, and the golem's form collapsed, its magic dissipating into the air.
THUD!
[You have slain a Library Golem!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level 67 >> 68]
[Skeleton’s Progression: 52% >> 53%]
Zealot surveyed the aftermath of the battle with a sense of satisfaction. The skeletal minion, still in berserk mode, stood ready for more, its bony form twitching with residual energy. Zealot deactivated the berserk state, allowing his skeletal minion to return to its normal, composed stance.
"Excellent work, Bony!" Zealot praised, patting the skeleton warrior on the shoulder. "Now, let's keep moving. We need to find the portal door before our time runs out."
[Time Limit: 61 minutes remaining]
Using the sun as their guide, Zealot and his skeletal companion continued their journey through the labyrinthine grand library. Along the way, they encountered numerous challenges: library golems, fairies, cyclops, and various other enchanted monsters, each battle testing their strength and strategy. Despite the challenges, Zealot's determination never wavered, and with each victory, they grew stronger and more resolute.
[Skeleton’s Progression: 53% >> 57%]
As they navigated the maze-like corridors, Zealot noticed subtle clues embedded within the library's architecture—small symbols and markings that seemed to indicate a path. Following these signs, they made steady progress toward the north side of the grand library.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of twists and turns, they arrived at a grand archway adorned with intricate carvings of ancient runes. Beyond it lay the portal door, shimmering with a soft, inviting light.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Zealot felt a surge of relief wash over him. They had made it in time. "Let's proceed, Bony," he said, stepping through the archway and approaching the portal door. As they passed through, the familiar sensation of being pulled through light and shadow enveloped them once more.
[2nd Floor: Quest Completed!]
[Time Remaining: 23 minutes]
BLINK!
In an instant, they ascended and emerged onto the 3rd floor of Bloodmoon Tower, stepping into a vast gladiator arena sprawled out before them.
The gladiator arena stretched out before Zealot and his skeletal companion, its sandy floor illuminated by the brilliant rays of the sun streaming in from above. Surrounding the arena, towering stone walls rose high into the sky, adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of heroic battles and ancient legends.
[Bloodmoon Tower 3rd Floor Quest: Survive the Gladiator Arena Challenge!]
[Time Limit: 120 minutes]
"We've entered the Gladiator Arena Challenge," Zealot murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Our objective is to survive. Bony, are you ready?"
The skeletal minion nodded in affirmation, its empty eye sockets fixed on the far gate ahead with unwavering resolve.
"Great," Zealot said, his tone determined. "Let's show them what we're made of."
With those words, Zealot and his skeletal companion strode confidently to the center of the arena, their senses sharp and wits keen, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited them.
CREAK!
As they reached the center, the massive gate at the far end began to creak open, revealing the first wave of monsters: a horde of fearsome Orcs, each more formidable than the last.
ROAAAARRR!!!
The green orcs stormed into the arena, their fierce roars reverberating through the air, each brandishing an array of crude yet deadly weapons. The sight of their muscular forms and savage eyes sent a jolt of adrenaline through Zealot, sharpening his focus. He quickly assessed the situation, formulating a strategy to confront the horde.
[Wave One: Orcs]
[Orcs slain: 0/100]
‘One hundred orcs, huh? I wonder if Bony could take them all without relying on Minion Berserk,’ Zealot pondered.
“Very well, Bony! Show them what you’re capable of!” Zealot commanded his skeletal minion.
With a swift nod, the skeletal minion charged into battle, its bony form moving with unnatural agility as it engaged the horde of orcs. The first orc swung its crude weapon at the skeleton, aiming for a powerful blow, but the skeleton warrior deftly sidestepped, retaliating with a precise strike of its own.
CLANG!
The sound of steel meeting metal bone echoed through the arena as the orc's weapon clashed against the skeleton's skeletal frame. Zealot observed the battle with keen interest, his mind racing with strategies to support his skeletal minion in combat.
HORIZONTAL SLASH! VERTICAL SLASH! DIAGONAL SLASH!
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
As the skirmish unfolded, Zealot kept a watchful eye on his skeletal minion, ready to provide assistance if needed. With each swing and strike, the skeleton proved its mettle, holding its own against the relentless onslaught of the orc horde.
As the battle raged on, Zealot noticed one particularly large orc, seemingly the leader of the pack, charged forward with a deafening roar, its massive club raised high.
ROAAAARRR!!!
"Watch out, Bony! Incoming!" Zealot shouted, alerting his skeletal companion to the impending danger.
The skeleton reacted swiftly, ducking beneath the orc's swing and delivering a swift counterattack to its exposed flank. The orc leader staggered under the unexpected assault, momentarily off balance.
‘Now that I think about it, I've never witnessed Bony lose a fight... Hmm, let's step aside for now and observe how much Bony can manage independently,’ Zealot contemplated. ‘Alright, Bony, the spotlight is on you now. Unleash your full potential.’
As Zealot watched from the sidelines, his skeletal minion continued to engage the orc horde with remarkable skill and precision. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the skeleton warrior moved with grace and agility, dodging blows and landing devastating counterattacks with uncanny accuracy.
HORIZONTAL SLASH! VERTICAL SLASH! DIAGONAL SLASH!
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
With each swing of its weapon, the skeleton warrior dispatched orc after orc, its movements becoming more fluid and confident with each passing moment. As the battle progressed, Zealot marveled at the sheer prowess of his skeletal minion, its combat abilities surpassing his expectations.
‘It really does seem like Bony never loses to opponents of similar strength... While Bony may face some challenges from time to time, it always manages to overcome them and emerge victorious in the end,’ Zealot thought.
Before long, the tide of battle began to turn in favor of the skeletal minion. The orc horde, initially confident in their numbers, faltered under the relentless assault of the skeleton, their ranks thinning with each passing moment. As the last orc fell to the ground defeated, the gladiator arena fell silent, the skeletal minion standing stoically amidst the aftermath of battle.
[Orcs slain: 100/100]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level 68 >> 69]
[Skeleton’s Progression: 57% >> 62%]
Zealot couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as he witnessed his skeletal minion's victory. The skeleton, standing amidst the fallen orcs, seemed to radiate with a newfound sense of strength and confidence, its empty eye sockets gleaming with triumph.
"Remarkable, Bony!" Zealot said, stepping forward to congratulate his minion. "You fought bravely and emerged victorious. I couldn't be prouder of you."
The skeletal minion nodded in acknowledgment, its bony form still tingling with residual energy from the battle. Together, they stood amidst the aftermath of the skirmish, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the Gladiator Arena Challenge.
With the first wave of opponents defeated, Zealot knew that more challenges lay ahead. The Gladiator Arena Challenge was far from over, and they would need to remain vigilant to survive the trials yet to come.
CREAK!
As the gate at the far end of the arena began to creak open once more, signaling the arrival of the next wave of monsters, Zealot and his skeletal companion braced themselves for the battles ahead, their determination unyielding and their spirits unbroken.
[Wave Two: Griffins]
[Griffins slain: 0/25]
As the gate opened and the 25 fierce griffins descended upon the arena, Zealot remained steadfast, leaving the battle entirely to his skeletal minion to handle.
"Remember, Bony, keep your guard up," Zealot instructed, his voice projecting confidence despite his decision to remain on the sidelines. "You've got this. I believe in you."
The skeletal minion nodded in acknowledgment, its empty eye sockets fixed on the approaching griffins with unwavering resolve. With a swift command from Zealot, the skeleton charged forward to meet the onslaught, weapon at the ready, while Zealot observed from a safe distance.
GROAAAARRRR!!!
As the griffins descended upon them with lightning speed, Zealot watched intently, his heart pounding with anticipation. "Stay focused, Bony! Don't let them catch you off guard!" he called out, his voice carrying encouragement across the arena.
CLAW SWIPE! BEAK STRIKE! WING BUFFET!
The griffins attacked with ferocity, their talons slashing through the air as they swooped down from above. Despite the onslaught, the skeletal minion remained composed, its movements fluid and precise as it deftly dodged and countered each attack.
WHOOSH!
HORIZONTAL SLASH! VERTICAL SLASH! DIAGONAL SLASH!
With each passing moment, Zealot's confidence in his skeletal companion grew. "You're doing great, Bony! Keep it up!" he cheered, his voice filled with pride.
As the battle raged on, Zealot continued to offer words of encouragement, his unwavering support bolstering the skeleton's resolve. Together, they fought with unmatched determination, their bond as strong as ever.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of fierce combat, the last of the griffins fell to the ground defeated, their majestic forms lying motionless amidst the sandy arena floor.
SKREEEE—!!!
THUD!
[Griffins slain: 25/25]
[Leveled Up!]
[Level 69 >> 70]
[Skeleton’s Progression: 62% >> 66%]
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded away, Zealot couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at his skeletal minion's victory once more. The skeleton, standing amidst the fallen griffins, radiated with a newfound sense of strength and confidence, its empty eye sockets gleaming with triumph.
"Well done, Bony!" Zealot praised, stepping forward to congratulate his minion. "Your bravery and skill in battle are truly unmatched. I’m truly fortunate to have you as my ally.”
The skeletal minion nodded in acknowledgment and gave a thumbs-up to its master.
[Final Wave: Humanoid-Lion]
[Humanoid-Lion slain: 0/1]
***
In the grand kitchen of Zealot Castle, Sasha sat at the dining table, feeling both depressed and furious. She missed Zealot’s cooking but at the same time couldn't get over the fact that Zealot had betrayed her.
‘That son of a bitch! How dare he deceive me and push me into the small world!’ she fumed inwardly.
Initially, she had desired to marry Zealot. However, after the betrayal, her resolve shifted dramatically—she was now determined to eliminate him at all costs. The mere recollection of her past attraction to Zealot disgusted her; she couldn't fathom how she had let her lust cloud her judgment. If only she had managed to control her sexual desires, she wouldn't find herself in this predicament.
Due to Zealot's betrayal, Sasha found herself stripped of everything she held dear, condemned to a life of servitude under Demon Queen Terasia. Not only had she lost her freedom, but all the treasures and loot she had painstakingly acquired through countless dungeon raids were also mercilessly seized by Demon Queen Terasia.
In summary, Sasha was left with nothing but the bleak reality of being a hopeless slave, compelled to toil for Demon Queen Terasia until her dying breath. The slave-collar secured tightly around her neck serves as a cruel reminder of her imprisonment, rendering any thoughts of escape or betrayal futile.
‘Well, I'm not sure where Zealot has gone, but for the time being, I'll wait in this castle until he returns,’ Sasha thought, a wicked grin forming on her lips as thoughts of revenge consumed her.