[Shadow Flash]
Damage of -3, -2, -3 appeared on the Snow Troll.
"I'll flatten you, puny human!" roared the Snow Troll in a fit of rage as it stood up, It leaned its head and tries to swat Ryou but Ryou deftly dodged its massive palm and seizing the opportunity, Ryou sprinted towards the towering Snow Troll while executing a swift [Chop] that dealt only -4 damage even when the skill is level 2.
Undeterred, he followed up with a barrage of three rapid slashes aimed at the creature's legs, with damages registering as -1, -1, -1. It became evident that this Elite possessed a defense far more formidable than Mountain Troll.
The Snow Troll's colossal leg swept towards Ryou, yet he effortlessly dodged the powerful kick, seizing the opportunity to dart behind the monster. Swiftly executing another [Chop], he transitioned seamlessly into a relentless series of sword swings before the Snow Troll could react.
However, as ten seconds elapsed, the Snow Troll, an elite monster, regenerated 2% of his max HP. Snow Troll had 800 HP, so it was 16 HP leaving the Snow Troll with 796 HP after.
Ryou, unfazed by the setback of getting half of his effort wasted, elegantly sidestepped a thunderous hammer fist from the relentless creature.
[Shadow Flash].
-3, -3, -3.
Calculating his strategy, Ryou noted that the Snow Troll's regeneration couldn't surpass his damage output. With [Chop] dealing 8 damage and [Shadow Flash] contributing 8 or 9, and if he aimed to strike many basic attacks within the 10-second timeframe then he would gradually wear down the elite monster.
Rolling to evade a kick, Ryou exploited the Snow Troll's slow turn rate by positioning himself behind the creature, much like his encounters with Mountain Trolls.
Ryou's adept combat skills allowed him to anticipate the Snow Troll's every move effortlessly, because its attacks seemed almost rudimentary compared to the intricate and elusive techniques he had encountered while facing formidable monsters in his past life. In this encounter, the Snow Troll appeared akin to a baby, its movements predictable and easily decipherable to Ryou, however, a baby with strength that could swat him like a fly.
Ten seconds elapsed, Ryou with his combination of [Chop], [Shadow Flash], and precise basic attacks, all tally up to 24 damage points. The Snow Troll, after its regenerative abilities, now stood at 789 HP.
Maintaining composure, Ryou confidently declared, "I will kill you within 20 minutes.”
Ryou's movements escalated in speed, skillfully evading and relentlessly assaulting the Snow Troll. As each second ticked by, the Troll's HP slowly dwindled.
Ryou's intensified assault managed to subtract 26 HP, leaving the creature with 779 HP after the Snow Troll regenerated 16 HP in the last 10 seconds.
Despite this, a furrowed brow betrayed Ryou's dissatisfaction; he perceived a slowness in his actions, missing opportunities and chances to strike more damages.
Inwardly reassuring himself, Ryou contemplated, 'I can take it slow; there's no need to rush. Gradually, I'll refine to maximize my movements in this weakened body.’
13 minutes later, the Troll finally had 50% of its Hp left.
“I will flatten you, puny human!” The Snow Troll spoke its monotonous words again, however, this time it was followed with a roar as it slammed both its fist in the ground causing an air of snow wave to spread from the Snow troll all over a 5 meter radius that shook the entire cave.
"Hmm, did it have a party-wipe skill?" Ryou questioned, quick to respond as he utilized a [Lesser Heal] and swiftly retreated upon witnessing the monster's roaring. The [Lesser Heal], effective in its aid, managed to restore 100 HP and another 100 and another in 3 seconds.
The timely heal spared his life from 173 and 180 damages. The skill's three-second duration allowed Ryou to sustain 2 damages before safely escaping the area of effect.
Ryou mused, "I thought his skill was throwing snowballs," Examining his remaining 143 HP, Ryou wiped an imaginary sweat while patiently awaiting the subsiding of the perilous snowy winds.
In the cramped cave, Ryou narrowly escaped the area of effect only by reaching near the cave wall.
After the skill wears off, the Snow Troll face suddenly shows a weary expression from unleashing the skill.
Seeing that, Ryou swiftly advances, ready to capitalize on the creature's vulnerability.
[Shadow Flash],
-5, -5, -6.
Suddenly, the series of damages risen up.
[Chop],
-7
In an Exhausted State, any Boss including the Snow Troll had their Attack, Defense and Speed reduced.
-2, -2, -2…, Ryou basic Attack continued to rain on the Snow Troll followed by another [Chop] causing 6 damage and [Shadow Flash] causing -6, -6, -5.
When the Snow Troll reverted to its normal state, it stood with 286 HP left. And when the monster reached 30% of its HP, a familiar roar echoed, signalling the return of the dreaded Snow Troll snowy winds skill. This time, Ryou adeptly maneuvered to the cave's corner, avoiding any health loss.
A party in this confined space might have a very hard battle with potential chances to get severe damages and possible getting party wiped in an instant.
However, Ryou's eyes gleamed with opportunity as he waited for the Snow Troll's Exhausted state.
Capitalizing on the exhaustion that followed, Ryou launched a swift and precise assault, stripping away a significant portion of the monster's HP until it dwindled to a mere 16%. The tide of the battle seemed to be turning in Ryou's favor.
But as the Snow Troll's HP dwindled to 120 or 15%, a transformation unfolded.
‘Here it comes,’ Ryou braced himself for the imminent change, witnessing the giant creature's body rapidly shrinking. From its once bulky form, it morphed into a shorter, smaller stature but still a foot taller than Ryou.
Ryou’s heart was nervous because this transformation, despite the reduced attack and defense, the Snow Troll would increase its Movement Speed and Attack Speed which would pose a significant disadvantage to him because even if he predicts the coming attacks, it doesn't mean he would be fast enough to dodge it.
The newly agile Snow Troll rushed forward, delivering a punch to his stomach. Attempting to evade, Ryou leaned back, but a forceful kick found its mark on his chest, sending him flying to crash against the cave wall and depleting 88 HP.
New World lacks the realism for gore and it spared Ryou from coughing up blood, yet the pain in his chest felt real and he released a gasping groan. Ryou rose, eyeing the charging Snow Troll. A cold glint flashed through Ryou's eyes as determination set in, and he too surged towards the creature, activating [Lesser Heal].
"Let's do it, bastard. It's either you or me," Ryou declared. The Elite now had 120 HP remaining, and Ryou gained a full 200 HP from the healing. Exhaustion fueled his urgency, and he aimed to conclude the fight swiftly, intending to overpower the Elite within 10 seconds before the troll's regeneration could take effect.
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Executing a swift [Shadow Flash], Ryou inflicted -9, -8, -8, damage as he narrowly evaded a punch aimed at his face by bending his neck just in time making the Troll’s fist grazed his side head which the system deemed as a scratch and caused 1 damage.
In retaliation, Ryou delivered a basic strike, dealing 3 damage, but this time the Snow Troll countered with a back fist, inflicting a substantial 86 damage. Not minding the damage, Ryou pressed on, unleashing [Chop] and following it up with a rapid series of sword swings.
3 seconds passed and his healing time was up.
Troll HP: 68
Ryou HP: 140
Rushing forward with determination, Ryou executed [Chop], dealing -10 damage. However, his plan to avoid any hits crumbled as the Snow Troll exploited the opening, landing a punishing blow and causing 90 damage. Appalled by the turn of events and left with a mere 50 HP, Ryou swiftly altered his tactics.
Recognizing the precarious situation, he adopted a more defensive approach, strategically retreating and attacking only when necessary. After a tense exchange,
The Snow Troll remained with just 41 HP and on the verge of regeneration any seconds. With [Lesser Heal] still on a cooldown of 1 minute and 52 seconds, and with only one hit away from dying, the odds were against him. Yet, as he dodged an incoming attack, he used
[Shadow Flash],
-10, -11, -10.
Tsking in frustration, Ryou observed the mere 10 HP remaining on the Snow Troll's head. Despite the desire to conclude the battle swiftly, he maintained composure, patiently waiting for another opening even if the Troll would regenerate. However, his retreat met resistance, and he found himself backed against the cave wall.
In no time, another punch aimed at his face which Ryou, by relying on pure instinct, forcefully leaned and allowed himself to fall to the ground. The punch narrowly missed his nose, grazing his side forehead and sliding through his hair, resulting in a scratch attack that caused 39 damage. Falling face down, Ryou swiftly turned his body with a deft motion, swinging the sword upward towards the Snow Troll's crotch in a last-ditch effort.
[Chop]
-10
The Snow Troll that was had its leg raised and was planning to stomp him suddenly collapsed and turned into a pile of rubble.
System: [Elite] Snow Troll killed. Level difference of 4. EXP obtained increased by 4 times. Obtained 470 EXP.
Ryou’s experience bar rose but he was still 230 EXP away from level 2.
Seeing that he got 470 EXP for all his trouble he grumbled, “At least give me 500 EXP, Goddamn it.” Ryou huffed as he lay down on his back on the rocky floor of the cave.
Leveling up in New World was very hard than any normal games, and it gets more and more harder as one level up.
He then looked at his system notifications that appears in the last moments of his fight with his Snow Troll.
**System: Skill level up**
**[Shadow Flash] (Rank 1 Basic Skill)**
Send out 3 shadow lights. Each dark light causes 6 dark elemental damage to a maximum range of 4 meters. Use 3 mana.
**Skill Level:** 2 (Proficiency 1%)
**Cooldown:** 8 seconds
He thanked his lucky star for this timely skill level up that had allowed him to execute the skill before the Snow Troll had regenerated.
“...”
After a while he stood up and searched the loot drops. There was equipment, a skill book, an item, and 10 Bronze.
“The rewards for challenging higher levels sure are good. I can definitely sell it for a high price. ”
Ryou looked at the blue-white leather Shirt in his hands and appraised it.
[Snow-leather Shirt] (Iron Rank)
Equipment Requirement: Defense 5
Equipment Level: 5
HP+20
Physical Resistance +21
Defense +3.
He could not equip it due to his low Defense requirement but he could already imagine how other players would be willing to pay a high price for this Shirt.
The acquired skill book proved to be a valuable find—a spell book containing [Snowy Field], a Rank 2 Basic Spell.
**[Snowy Field] (Rank 2 Basic Spell)**
In a 3-meter radius around the user, a wintry gust of snow is unleashed, inflicting 8 Ice elemental damage for 5 seconds. The cost of this spell is 3 mana.
**Skill Level:** 1 (Proficiency 0%)
**Cooldown:** 15 seconds.
Recognizing the value of this skill, Ryou wasted no time and promptly learned it, causing the spell book to vanish into thin air. Despite the potential profit from selling such a skill, he wants to add a new addition to his arsenal that would bring forth a potential advantage, providing a strategic option in future battles.
The final item, an almond-shaped crystal the size of a bean,
[Snow Troll Eyes] (Bronze rank): a crafting item filled with ice essence.
This item is used mainly for the ice essence for making low-tier ice bombs that have versatile applications in many situations. But, Ryou has another use for it at the moment.
Ryou ventured to the cave end, discovering two imposing statues flanking a stone platform; the statues were of the Snow Troll when it was shrunken. Ryou went to the right statue. The sculpted face of the statue featured a singular eye, leaving its other eye socket vacant. Ryou judiciously affixed the [Snow Troll Eyes] he got from the loot to the desolate socket, but no discernible change transpired in the cave.
Ryou then directed his steps towards the counterpart statue, this one bore a pair of eyes but it had a feature that the other one doesn't have, there were enigmatic inscriptions carved on its stoned stomach. It was familiar to Ryou, as it was the common language alphabet of the humans in the New World.
Previously, Dark guild's diligent paleographers tirelessly researched and unraveled the cryptic message in a matter of days. Ryou too was once a novice in the New World alphabets, but now was an adept, if not masterful, linguist of the New World’s common language letters.
[Take me down with all your strength and prolonging will]
“The words are still the same.” Ryou murmured as he extended his hand toward the statue's head, exerting all his strength to bring it groundward.
For an initial five seconds, stillness prevailed, but after a tense 10 seconds, the stone monolith, initially steadfast as a mountain, emitted a grinding sound. Ryou maintained his grip, seamlessly transitioning from pulling to pushing as the statue descended below his height. In a minute, the stone giant was wholly engulfed by the ground, leaving a transformed scene in its wake.
Ryou, his hand now numb from exerting all his force, wore a triumphant smile as he surveyed the center of the stone platform which revealed a treasure chest.
[Take me down with all your strength and prolonging will]
The words held literal meaning as any one only needed to employ every ounce of strength and just take it down in a prolonging time. Partial strength used would prove futile, and pausing for even a moment during the tenacious push also rendered the endeavor fruitless.
This puzzle's solution was revealed by the Dark Guild in an interview. The seemingly philosophical words were unveiled as simple and literal words which elicited laughter within the gaming community on the developer's sense of humour.
Stepping on the stone platform and seeing the Chest, Ryou revelled in glee because it was a Silver Treasure Chest and not a Bronze one.
Ryou couldn't help but ponder whether the Dark Guild had deliberately misled others that it was a Silver treasure chest as lying to the public were normal in virtual gaming; it served as the strategic essence of deception and concealment.
As the treasure chest swung open, a dramatic burst of light accompanied its unveiling, revealing a giant sword, a shield, and two parchments.
The system then chimed in with an announcement.
**System:** You acquired the title “Explorer” for being the first person to acquire a treasure chest by deciphering clues.
**Explorer:** +2 Intelligence, skill [Explore] acquired
**Passive skill [Explore] : Increase movement speed by 2 times. Can only be used outside of battle.**
Initially elated, Ryou's joy waned as he read the caveat, "Can only be used outside of battle." Thoughts of its limited utility in combat clouded his enthusiasm, leading him to speculate that perhaps this skill was tailored more for scouting and exploration than direct confrontation.
But this was an op skill, not in the initial stages but the later stages when his movement speed would pass the hundred even if its uses is limited.
His focused then shifted to the first item, a round shield,
[Dawn shield] (Iron rank)
Equipment requirements: Defense 7
Equipment level: 5
Strength: +3
HP: +50
Physical resistance: +15
Durability: 20/20.
Next, Ryou looks at a steel sword the length of 3 metres with blue pattern lines on the blades and the hilt.
[Blue Odachi] (Bronze rank)
Two-handed Odachi
Equipped level: 5
Equipment requirements: Strength 8
Physical attack + 20
Attack speed + 13
Mana +15
Durability: 25/25
Odachi was a two handed sword, even though Ryou's proficiency at two-handed sword was good and this sword's attributes were better than his current novice sword, he cannot equip this equipment as its requirements was 8 Strength, while he had only 3 at the moment.
‘It’s a shame but it's fine, I still prefer using a one-handed sword.’
Turning his attention to the parchments, Ryou discovered the treasures he come here for:
- [Lesser healing potion recipe].
- [Dawn armor forging design].