After Liam finished harvesting the Small River Slimes outside the cave, Cindy led him inside. She had informed him that the path inside the cave wasn’t that long. It was a short walk from the mouth to the back. She had also informed him that there were six more Small River Slimes before the Floor Boss.
While they were walking through the cave, Liam had asked how she was able to determine the number of monsters without getting them to come after her. Cindy had divulged to him that her class was called Echo Scout. It was an evolved class that originated from the Scout class that utilizes sound to help track, scout, or locate areas for monsters, treasures, traps, or even enemies.
She then told him that she was offered the class when she had gotten her Focus Point Sound from the Advanced Field of Senses to level twenty. Liam gave her a confused look that made her laugh, so she explained a little more.
When it came to the magics in the world and their Focus Points, there were ways to advance your knowledge of the desired Study or Focus. The full name for this is Advanced Field of Study. What everyone else called it was Advanced Study. There was two different versions of and ways to get Advanced Studies though.
To be able to get your Field of Study to become an Advanced Field in a magic you had to one get that field as well as every Focus Point to level twenty. The other is to have a Focus Point evolve into a Field of its own after reaching level twenty and gaining a proper understanding of the Focus Point. The latter was harder than the former because not all Focus Points had an Advanced Study version.
Cindy had gotten her Field of the Charmed Focus Point Senses to level twenty, and it had evolved into an Advanced Study called Advanced Field of Senses. She had picked the Focus Point Sound in that Field and raised it high enough for her class to evolve into what it was right now.
There were benefits and more information when it came to getting Advanced Studies through both methods, but just like what his mentors kept saying back in the Tutorial Area, Cindy had told him he would learn more about it when the time was right.
He decided not to press it and would look into it later.
After defeating all the regular mobs, Cindy had told him to wait before harvesting them so they could face the Floor Boss on this floor, which she called a Pack type Floor Boss. The Floor Boss consisted of ten level seven Small River Slimes with a monster called Small Sea Slime being the actual Floor Boss.
When he asked why she called the Floor Boss a Pack type Boss, she had informed him that Floor bosses had different types. They were Elemental, Environmental, Leader, Pack, Puzzle, Raid, Solo, and Swarm. Leader type bosses were bosses that had a few lower leveled minions they summoned and commanded every now and then during the fight.
Elemental type bosses were bosses that surrounded themselves and use the elements around them during the fight. Environmental type bosses were bosses that used the terrain while they fought. Pack type bosses were bosses that had a certain amount of mobs around them and after defeating that mob none would be summoned or called anymore during the fight.
Puzzle type Bosses were bosses where you needed to solve puzzles during the fights in order to help defeat them. You could attack them, but after a certain amount of damage they would do something that would require you to figure out ways to stop them and it would either lower their defenses or hurt them when you correctly solve the puzzles throughout the fight.
Raid type bosses were the type of bosses that were extremely harder to deal with and would require multiple parties to handle them. These types of bosses had a mixture of other types thrown in to make the fights harder depending on what it was you were dealing with. Solo type bosses were easy to remember because they were bosses where it was only them.
The last type of boss monster was a Swarm type where during the entire fight you’d also have to deal with the swarm of mobs that kept coming until you defeated the boss monster.
Liam had a few examples he could use to help him get a better understanding from his time in the Black Tutorial Dungeon. For example, the Withered Treant from the second floor was an example of an Environmental type boss. The Askith Wight Commander was a Leader type since he could keep calling more minions in after they were defeated.
The Askith Pharoah Mummy Lord from the fifth floor was a Pack type boss monster since he had a group of mobs at the beginning of the fight and after they had died he wasn’t able to call anymore. The Demonic Large Dybbuk was a Puzzle type boss due to having to kill each monster it possessed before you could reveal its real body. Killing and damaging the creatures it possessed had also done damage to it. Binky the Albino Crocolisk was a solo type since she was by herself.
Lastly, the Hubristic Arisen Lich was a Raid boss that required multiple parties to take on. The fight also had swarm, puzzle, Leader-like aspects with even an elemental-like aspect towards the end of the fight.
There were two fights he thought he could use as examples for the elemental type boss, but he wasn’t entirely sure if they counted so he just scratched that one off.
Liam was taught during his fight with the First Floor Boss that the Small Sea Slime was a stronger water type of Slime. It was slightly faster when moving and a lot more flexible when fighting. It used a single water magic spell and was able to form a single tendril as a whip when Liam had fought it making it a little more of a challenge since he had to dodge the attacks when he was trying to cast his Lightning spells.
The battle lasted for at least ten minutes. Cindy had told him she wasn’t going to help him fight unless it was necessary. She informed him that she was only going to act like a guide in the first couple of dungeons so he could get a good feel for dungeon diving. That and the fact she was a higher level and felt it would be bad manners for her to one shot everything and not let him gain anything.
After the boss fight was done, Liam spent another ten minutes harvesting and collecting loot from the dead creatures. He had received a Crude Water Slime Wand that gave a very small bonus to water magic. When he was done they pressed on to the next floor.
The time spent on the second floor was less than the first since Cindy didn’t need to stop and explain everything. His understanding of harvesting Slimes grew with every defeated Slime he killed allowing him to learn that there was other materials he could harvest from them as well.
The new material he was able to gleam from harvesting all the slimes was something called Slime Mucus. This material could be used in Medicinal Creations and mixed with bandages to create an absorbent pad that could collect the loss blood from the open wound and heal it at the same time. If crafted right it could also make a soothing feel that helps with pains and aches.
The boss on the second floor was something called a Medium River Slime. Even though it was only level eight, it was a pain for him at first. The reason for this was when he had gotten it to half health the creature exploded into twelve smaller River slimes.
A few Small River Slimes tried to over take him from behind when he wasn’t paying attention at one point during the fight, but after that it was smooth sailing for him. The loot that dropped from this fight was a pair of Crude Water Slime Moccasins. They gave a small bonus to water magic as well as a small defense against water magic. The only cool thing about them were they had an effect that absorbed water and stopped any from leaking within.
The third floor was different. He wasn’t too sure why, but the level of the monsters had risen to level thirteen. After killing them all and harvesting the bodies, both Liam and Cindy tried to think about why their level had rose that high since it was supposed to be a weak dungeon.
As they approached the Dungeon Boss Area, Cindy stopped Liam in front of the door and said, “Wait before we continue, I want to discuss something with you.”
“Okay. What’s up?” Liam asked.
“Judging by how high the regular creatures’ levels were, there’s a good chance the boss might be at least level fifteen or sixteen. If that is the case then I will be joining in the fighting because the level will be too high for you to handle on your own.”
Liam nodded. “Okay.”
“That being said, I want you to attack from afar so you’re not too close to it. Do you think you can do that?” Cindy asked.
Liam nodded. “Yeah I can do that. Do you want me to use only my lightning magic, or can I use other spells?”
“Use any spells you think will be helpful. The Slime should be a Large version so once we get it to split we’ll have to focus on taking down one Medium Slime at a time. If you have anything that can help distract three slimes while I take down one then that will help to.”
Liam thought about the spells in his repertoire. He knew he couldn’t use his Shadow or Lunar Magics while Cindy was around, but he did have a couple of magical abilities he could use.
“Yeah I have a couple of spells that I can use,” Liam smiled.
“Okay. Good,” Cindy nodded before turning to the door. “Let’s go.”
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Liam followed her inside and took a good look at the terrain. It was a cavern type area with stone walls, dirt and loose rocks scattered about the area. The ceiling was high with some stalactites hanging. Four pools of water sat at each corner of the room. Two in the back and two in the front. The water in each pool lightly swayed back and forth.
As Liam scanned the area a bit more he noticed something strange stuck in the middle of the ceiling. It looked like a pool of water pressed up against the ceiling covering the base of some of the stalactites.
As Liam stared at it, he noticed light ripples wave about the pool of water on the ceiling. He thought it was strange to see a floating pool of water and was about to say something, but was stopped as the door suddenly slammed behind him.
Both Cindy and Liam swiftly turned to look at the closed door.
“I keep forgetting that happens,” Cindy stated as she gave Liam a light chuckle.
Liam shook his head before hearing the sound of water colliding into something. He turned to see the pool of water to his right had started to stir as it began rippling quickly.
Liam then watched as a massive blob start to emerge from the water. When it fully manifested on the land it stood almost as tall as he did.
Liam stared at the creature with a confused expression. He had thought that since the Floor boss on the second floor was a Medium Slime that the one for this floor would have been a large. However, what was in front of him was another Medium Slime. Liam assessed it to make sure it was what he was thinking it was.
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“Medium Sea Slime. 900/900 HP. 600/600 MP. Level – 15.”
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“Cindy?” Liam started. “Why is the Dungeon Boss a Medium Sea Slime? I thought it would be a Large one.”
As Liam said this he notice Cindy suddenly pull out her sword and scan the room on high alert.
Liam looked around as well. As he did, he noticed the other pools started to ripple as well. Three more Medium Sea Slimes started to emerge from them.
“I think I have an idea what’s going on here,” Cindy started as she looked at each of them.
“What’s going on?” Liam asked.
“We have to make sure none of the four Medium Sea Slimes make it to each other. If they do then they will become a Large Sea Slime,” Cindy stated. “I am going to take the one that’s on the back right of the room. Try to keep as many of the others as you can from getting to the one I’m attacking. Also, if you can please let me know when one gets close to me.”
“Got it,” Liam stated.
“On my mark cast your spells,” Cindy ordered.
Before Liam could reply, he felt pressure start to form around Cindy.
Liam activated his Mana Sight and watched as the color of Air Mana covered Cindy’s hands and up to her shoulders. She then pointed her sword at her target and chanted, “Air gather and coat my weapon of choice. Suppress and condense. Sharpen as you spin faster and faster. Launch forth and slice my target. Razor Wind!”
Liam watched as she swung her sword in four swift clean forty-five degree angles. With each swing she made, wind, the size of her blade, manifested and flew straight for the Medium Sea Slime in the back right of the room.
Within two seconds the four blades of wind slammed against it. Each blade of wind caused the creature to slide back little by little. After the fourth one slammed against it, the Medium Sea Slime suddenly flew backwards and into the wall against the back of the rocky room.
“Now!” Cindy shouted as she sprinted towards her prey.
Liam turned towards the Medium Sea Slime that was in the back left of the room. He channeled his mana and pulled forth the Gravity Mana that was mixed within. After he successfully pulled enough to coat his hands and wrists he chanted, “O Gravity, powerful and dangerous. Bring the Force down upon my enemy slowing its movements. Gravitational Force Increase!”
Liam watched as the giant blob of water start to be pushed down as an invisible force fell upon it.
Without hesitating, he faced the Slime that was moving from the front left pool and started chanting while pushing the last bit of Gravity Mana he had coating his hands, “O Gravity, powerful and dangerous. Condense into a single spot. Pull to you and keep any and everything that tries to escape. Gravity Well!”
Liam watched as a raven black and purple orb formed. After it took form he threw the orb at the ground as close as he could to him with the creature on the edge of the radius of the spell. As soon as the orb hit the ground it rose and started sucking the slime towards its center, stopping its progress to reach the other Medium Sea Slimes.
After he finished the spell, Liam went to turn to look at the last Medium Sea Slime. He swiftly jumped and rolled to his right, dodging a gelatinous tendril that the creature shot out at him.
Liam summoned his Throwing Dagger Scabbard over his body as he got back to his feet. He then pulled out both of his Lightning Enchanted Runic Curved Throwing Bone Daggers. He went to aim to throw one of them, but had to jump backwards to dodge another slimy tendril the creature jutted out from its body above his head. After the tendril slammed down on to the ground, it retracted it back to its body.
As the tendril retracted, Liam threw both of his daggers right at the Medium Sea Slime’s body. He wasn’t sure if the Static Pulse effect the daggers had would work since it didn’t have any limbs, but tried anyways.
As soon as the blades pierced through the slime’s outer layer and into the jello looking texture, Liam saw sparks arc out from the handle of the daggers.
The creature still moved like nothing happened. Liam was about to click his tongue, but then he received a notification that made him stop.
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“Lightning Enchanted Runic Curved Throwing Bone Dagger has damaged Medium Sea Slime for 7 damage.”
“Lightning Enchanted Runic Curved Throwing Bone Dagger has damaged Medium Sea Slime for 7 damage.”
“Effect – Static Pulse has failed to cause Numbness to Medium Sea Slime.”
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Liam was about to frown until another notification appeared.
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“Medium Sea Slime has received 10 damage from Static Pulse. Stack – 2.”
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“Huh?” Liam muttered as he stared at the notification. I thought the Static Pulse effect failed. Why would it still receive damage if it failed?
Liam dodged another strike attempt from the Slime as he tried to think about what was going on. He thought about the first message about the Static Pulse failing. He remembered it said it failed to…
“Wait so it can still receive damage even if the numbness of the effect failed?” Liam questioned as he pulled his daggers back with Mana Manipulation. Liam formed a smile as he said, “Good to know.”
He assessed this creature so he could keep track of its health.
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“Medium Sea Slime. 876/900 HP. 600/600 MP. Level – 15.”
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My damage output fucking sucks thanks to the Stat Shatter Debuff, but if I keep throwing my daggers and keep that Static Pulse effect stacked at five and keep it, I’ll be able to whittle its health down. Liam thought to himself.
He jumped out of the way once more as he threw his daggers at the creature.
He looked at the other two Medium Sea Slimes and frowned. The one in the front was stuck right where the orb was at, but the one in the back had made some progress moving. Little progress, but still progress nonetheless. He knew he was going to need to whittle this monster down and try to dodge any attacks it made while trying to recast his Gravity spell in a bit.
I may have to alternate between these two front ones before I can take any out. Liam thought. A thought suddenly appeared as he started to form a plan. Maybe that can work. One way to find out.
Liam pulled his daggers back from the Medium Sea Slime he was attacking using his Mana Manipulation. He then channeled his Lightning Mana as quickly as he could before having to dodge another tendril. He then gripped his daggers and tried to send some of that mana into them. He watched as some of the Lightning Mana had sparked off of the daggers and was about to give up until he noticed a small amount had actually stuck to the weapons.
He threw the daggers once more at the creature while dodging to his left. A smile appeared as he received a notification.
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“Lightning Enchanted Runic Curved Throwing Bone Dagger has damaged Medium Sea Slime for 15 damage.”
“Lightning Enchanted Runic Curved Throwing Bone Dagger has damaged Medium Sea Slime for 13 damage.”
“Medium Sea Slime has received 32 damage from Static Pulse. Stack – 5.”
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“Yes!” Liam shouted.
The damage output may not have increased by a lot and it wasn’t consistent, but it was a bit more than the pitiful amount he was doing earlier.
As he manipulated the daggers to return to his hands he suddenly heard a loud wet explosion coming from the back of the room. He turned his attention to the source and noticed Cindy had caused the Medium Sea Slime she was fighting to explode into twelve Small Sea Slimes.
He then saw as she made short work out of four of them using both her magic and her sword.
He was rather impressed with her technique as she cleanly and beautifully swung her weapon through each slime.
He was quickly brought out of his admiration for her sword play as his Danger Sense suddenly flared up from his front and left side. Confusion filled him as he turned to see a tendril shoot right for him from the Medium Sea Slime he was attacking and another from the Medium Sea Slime that was freed from his Gravity Well spell.
“Shit!” Liam swore as he went to jump to his right. He was able to dodge the tendril that was about to ram into his front side, however the one coming from his left was swung at him horizontally at hip level. This tendril slammed right into him and caused him to fly to his right and slide on his back.
Pain erupted throughout his body as he saw his health drop down to sixty-two health points out of one hundred and thirty. A little over half of his health was gone in a single hit.
“Ouch,” Liam groaned as he tried to sit back up as quickly as he could. His sight caught something as he brought himself back up. He couldn’t get a good look at what he saw because another two tendrils came right for him.
He jumped to doge out of the way. He noticed there was a brief pause from their attacks as they went to retract their tendrils. As they did this he chanted his Gravity Well spell once more.
As he finished the chant and formed the orb, the two Medium Sea Slimes shot another tendril each at him. He didn’t waste any time as he threw the orb in between both creatures and jumped out of the way. After the orb locked itself in place, the sudden pull of gravity sucked in both creatures, preventing them from escaping and attacking.
Liam took this time to drink a Poor Health and Mana Potion to regain his missing points. After he finished drinking them he turned his focus back to what it was he saw when trying to get back up. He squinted his eyes allowing his vision to zoom in at the pool of water that was stuck to the ceiling.
He studied the pool of liquid and the stalactites but didn’t see what caught his eye. He was about to look back down after thinking he might have imagined it from the force of the hit he took, but stopped as he noticed the object that caught his eye again within the pool of liquid between three stalactites.
Liam studied it and confirmed he recognized what the object was. It was a skull that looked to be the size of his upper body.
“Why is there a skull in the liquid…,” Liam started to say. His eyes widened as the skull suddenly shifted to stare at him. He felt his heart drop as the jaws of the skull suddenly moved like it was trying to speak and a notification suddenly appeared.
Before he could look at the notification, Liam suddenly swore out loud, “What the fuck!?”