Rushing towards the Spirit Paladin in decrepit armor, Ryou, wielding his sword, executed a dazzling [Shadow Flash] and skillfully evading a swing from the Spirit Paladin with a graceful backward lean. Swiftly, he inflicts a devastating [Chop] to the undead adversary's abdomen, showcasing unparalleled precision. However, the meticulously executed attacks, bathed in the three illuminating lights of [Shadow Flash] and the forceful impact of [Chop], yield no damage.
At Level 10, players and monsters alike undergo 'Ascension,' bestowing upon them a subclass capable of augmenting various Attributes. Ryou, in his past life, attained 'Brute Man' subclass when he reached level 10, amplifying his Strength attributes by an impressive 70%.
The Spirit Paladin, having 'Paladin' on its name, suggests that it had attained Level 20 or beyond before succumbing to death, it also suggest that the monster had two subclass as Paladins, was a subclass achieved through 'Evolution' at Level 20. This subclass was for people that embody a divine dedication to light magic and servitude to the Light God.
Paladin exemplifies the pinnacle of its Guardian's branch subclasses, not only were they considerable in strength but also unparalleled healing prowess and an impregnable defense. In New World, the Paladin subclass stand as one of the most esteemed and formidable classes, due to its exceptional attributes.
Ryou hadn't put his Attributes on Strength, 28 points were allocated on Agility and 8 on Vitality, his Strength, Intelligence and Defense, all come from his equipment only. His Strength which unexpectedly was not enough to pass the Physical Resistance of the Spirit Paladin, but he had a backup prepared for this inevitable outcome.
Without warning, a torrent of leaves, both hard and swift, assailed the defenseless back of the Spirit Paladin, inflicting -9, -9, -10 damages. This remarkable offensive comes courtesy of Elsa's max level 5 (Rank 2 spell), [Leaf Cutter]. While she had put points on Vitality and Agility at first, later most of her points were directed to Intelligence only, which increase her Magical Attack substantially.
As Ryou gracefully sidesteps a shield bash from the Spirit Paladin, Elsa capitalizes on the moment, unleashing another formidable spell: [Razor Wind]. This skill, that was hard to attain, summons razor-sharp winds that clash upon the undead, dealing a substantial -17 damage.
In the midst of the battle, Ryou had sheath his sword and only relied on his honed reflexes and instincts to elegantly evade the relentless onslaught of attacks from the undead Paladin. Each movement seemed choreographed, a dance of avoidance that spoke to his mastery of agility while also refraining from expending skills that would prove ineffective against the resilient Spirit Paladin
Simultaneously, Elsa conserves her mana, patiently awaiting the cooldown of her potent spells, [Leaf Cutter] and [Razor Wind], poised for the opportune moment, while maintaining a watchful eye on the unfolding skirmish.
As the seconds tick away, a second [Razor Wind] slices through the air, striking the defenseless back of the Paladin once more. Shortly thereafter, the cooldown of [Leaf Cutter] heralds the arrival of another barrage of sharp leaves, inflicting astounding damage upon the spectral paladin. The tactical synergy between Ryou and Elsa played a pivotal role as Ryou skillfully kept the Spirit Paladin occupied, exposing its vulnerable back for Elsa's magical targeted assaults.
However, the tables turned unexpectedly as the Spirit Paladin regained a staggering 96 health, healing all the damage inflicted upon it. The monster's visage, though lacking any face to speak of, seemed to twitch in a manner that could almost be interpreted as mocking. The Spirit Paladin, a Super Elite’s innate ability allowed it to gain 4% of its maximum HP every 10 seconds.
‘Shit’
Inwardly cursing, Ryou acknowledges his miscalculation. He had placed hope in Elsa's formidable spells to offset the Paladin's HP recovery, only to realize their collective efforts fell short. He even had expectations of dealing at least 1 damage with his normal swings, but even [Chop] couldn't do any damage much less his normal attack, they proved futile against the Paladin's impervious Physical resistance—a barrier rendering his attacks utterly useless.
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Supposedly, if Physical Resistance were at 10 and Attack Damage at 9, then the attack would result in a nullified damage output. Ryou, might have lesser Attack Damage compared to the spirit paladin, an aspect he never thought would happen, making this fight a frustrating challenge.
Reflecting on the unique difficulty of this dungeon run, he could only surmise that their endeavor to conquer it for the first time has intensified the challenge beyond the familiarity of his previous life.
Acknowledging this, with resolve in his eyes, Ryou retrieves a white ball from his storage bag, hurling it at the Spirit Paladin and inflicting a substantial 50 damage upon impact, they were the Intermediate Ice bomb. Previously, he had bought these spare100 Ice Bombs, not intended for this undead but for another Boss monster. Yet, compelled by the escalating hard challenge, Ryou hurls another ice-infused projectile at the seemingly impervious foe, the bomb dealing 50 damage and bypassing any Defense Resistance.
In tandem with Elsa's formidable spells, the relentless assault finally begins to dent the Spirit Paladin's HP. Within a mere 10 seconds, two Ice Bombs find their mark, and coupled with Elsa's arcane onslaught, they manage to chip away a total of 190 damage. The undead adversary was now standing at 2210 HP even after 96 HP regeneration from the duo's tenacity.
Despite the progress, Ryou's satisfaction is tinged with grievance because 30 bronze was the price per Ice Bomb. The monetary sacrifice, however, pales in comparison to the significance of conquering this Hell mode dungeon before reaching Level 10, so he unwillingly use them.
As the Spirit Paladin's HP dwindles to 50%, a pivotal moment in the battle unfolded. The spectral adversary discards its rusted giant sword, replacing it with another formidable rusted tower shield in its left hand. This unexpected shift in weaponry prompts a frown from Ryou, who anticipated such a transformation at 15% HP, not 50%. This berserk transformation that bring forth a dual-shield would not only bolsters the Paladin's defenses but also introduces the menace of a double [Shield Bash]. However, both of which Ryou could skillfully evade.
But he was momentarily concerned about the uncertainty of the upcoming berserk transformation at 15% Hp, nevertheless, true to his nature, Ryou commits to adapting whatever comes on the fly. Whether devising a new strategy or refining the current one, Ryou would confronts any challenge with determination, knowing that overcoming this formidable boss is imperative for finishing the Hell mode dungeon.
Executing a nimble [Jump] to evade a second [Shield Bash], Ryou seizes the opportunity and another ice bomb hurtles towards the monster's back, dealing an unrelenting 50 damage as the relentless assault continues. Simultaneously, Elsa conjures [Leaf Cutter] and [Razor Wind], their intensified damage of -14, -15, -16, and -21 respectively, the damages were higher, showcasing the potent side effects of the Boss’s Exhausted State.
Ryou tried to used his [Chop] as well but a pathetic -2 damage appeared on the Spirit Paladin's head, so he stop trying to embarrassed himself in front of Elsa and just opted to dodge the lumbering Boss, slowed by exhaustion by the lingering effects of the ice bombs. The combined assault proves effective, rapidly depleting the Boss's HP. The once formidable Boss within 5 minutes time, teeters on the brink as its health plummets to a critical 15% which brought another Berserk transformation.
Witnessing the drastic transformation of the Spirit Paladin, Ryou, with a tinge of lament, urgently advises Elsa, "Miss Elsa, withhold your attacks until those runes dissipate." A heavy sigh escapes him as he contemplates the situation, his gaze fixed on the undead Paladin enveloped in the shimmering golden runes.
Inquisitive, Elsa queries from behind, "Young master, can you tell me what those runes might indicate?"
"[Divine Protection]," Ryou responds automatically, withholding further explanation as he delves into contemplation.
The mysterious skill, [Divine Protection], grants invulnerability for 6 seconds and facilitates healing from inflicted damages within the protective cocoon of golden runes.
Ryou grapples with the enigma of how an undead entity, devoid of life, could acquire such divine blessings—typically bestowed only by gods and higher beings upon mortal souls.
“Master!”
‘This first hell mode is really a pain in the butt, but slowly we can somehow win if I used more Ice bombs,’ he mused inside.
“MASTER!”
Startled by Elsa's shrill cry, Ryou turns towards her, only to have his eyes widen in astonishment. Her hands were outstretched and her finger was pointing at a colossal black bear, the size of a car, it was running towards Elsa and himself.
‘I take back my words. This Hell mode is really unrealistic to win!’ Ryou inwardly swore once more as he saw the Dark Bear.
The presence of the black rotten bear, the familiar boss monster from beneath the mountains, puzzles Ryou. Normally monsters typically adhere to their designated hunting fields and don't roam freely. This anomaly prompts Ryou to again consider the unique challenges presented by the 1st try on 'Hell' mode dungeon, where even the behavior of creatures seems to defy conventional rules.