_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification
Intrusion Report:
One thousand six hundred seventy-nine entities has invaded your dungeon domain. G.P safety compromised.
Suggestion:
Secure G.P, put an end to the invasion.
Intercept and Slay the invaders
Estimated Reward:
- 32012 G.P
- Authorities: Greed and Resurgence
_____________________________
Having encountered two Authority wielders thus far, it was the first time in these encounters that I faced one accompanied by other people. The first lone invader, a mage, came on his own, acting like a one-man army tearing through my ranks like a madman. He was only stopped by the ambushing strategy I came up with, back then when I defeated him. While it could be said that the second lone invader wasn't exactly alone, he embodied roughly seven men with several different classes in one body. So, once again, technically, he was alone.
However, this time was different. The authority wielder was accompanied by some friends.
_____________________________
Name: Adriant
Level: 61
Race: HighBreed
Class: Warrior
Title: War Master / Monster Slaughterer / Demon Slayer / Champion
Experience: 25,000 / 13,180,000
[Status]
- H.P: 2450 / 2450
- M.P: 700 / 750
- S.P: 2250 / 2400
- Fatigue: 10%
- Defense: 1600
- Offense: 2100
[Skills]
- Weapon Mastery: Level 20
- Power Strike: Level 18
- Combat Stance: Level 20
- Shield Block: Level 15
- Heavy Armor Proficiency: Level 18
- Counter-Attack: Level 16
- Quickdraw: Level 17
- Berserker's Fury: Level 15
- Endurance Training: Level 20
- Tactical Awareness: Level 18
- Warlord's Roar: Level 10
[Abilities]
- War Cry: Unlocked
- Unyielding Fortitude: Unlocked
- Resilient Endurance: Unlocked
- Shield Wall: Unlocked
- Adrenaline Rush: Unlocked
- Veteran's Insight: Unlocked
- Slay Evil: Unlocked
- Iron Will: Unlocked
- Unbreakable Formation: Unlocked
- Warlord's Presence: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name: Seraphina
Level: 37
Race: HighBreed
Class: Healer
Title: Champion / Radiant Soul
Experience: 23,000 / 1,780,000
[Status]
- H.P: 450 / 450
- M.P: 2500 / 3000
- S.P: 380 / 380
- Fatigue: 8%
- Defense: 480
- Offense: 600
[Skills]
- Healing Magic: Level 9
- Divine Light: Level 14
- Protective Aura: Level 13
- Purification: Level 12
- Revitalize: Level 11
- Cleansing Wave: Level 10
- Benediction: Level 9
- Restoration Magic: Level 7
- Aura of Renewal: Level 12
- Warding Prayer: Level 13
- Holy Affinity: Level 11
- Longevity: Level 1
[Abilities]
- Divine Intervention: Unlocked
- Empathic Bond: Unlocked
- Serenity: Unlocked
- Purify Undead
- Sanctuary: Unlocked
- Divine Grace: Unlocked
- Celestial Harmony: Unlocked
- Banish Undead: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name: Pascal
Level: 49
Race: Highbreed
Class: Knight
Title: Holy Crusader / Demon Slayer / Champion
Experience: 112,000 / 4,147,000
[Status]
- H.P: 1900 / 1900
- M.P: 600 / 700
- S.P: 2400 / 2800
- Fatigue: 8%
- Defense: 1300
- Offense: 1800
[Skills]
- Sword Mastery: Level 18
- Power Strike: Level 16
- Combat Stance: Level 18
- Shield Block: Level 14
- Heavy Armor Proficiency: Level 16
- Counter-Attack: Level 15
- Quickdraw: Level 16
- Holy Strike: Level 14
- Endurance Training: Level 18
- Tactical Awareness: Level 17
- Divine Shield: Level 12
- Longevity: Level 1
[Abilities]
- Crusader's Zeal: Unlocked
- Demon Slayer: Unlocked
- Unyielding Fortitude: Unlocked
- Shield Wall: Unlocked
- Adrenaline Rush: Unlocked
- Veteran's Insight: Unlocked
- Divine Intervention: Unlocked
- Iron Will: Unlocked
- Unbreakable Formation: Unlocked
- Holy Presence: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name: Jaime
Level: 48
Race: Highbreed
Class: Monk
Title: Champion / Fisting Killer / Monster Slayer
Experience: 3,102,000 / 4,135,000
[Status]
- H.P: 1800 / 1800
- M.P: 875 / 900
- S.P: 2300 / 2700
- Fatigue: 8%
- Defense: 1200
- Offense: 1600
[Skills]
- Martial Arts: Level 12
- Evasive Maneuvers: Level 15
- Unarmed Combat: Level 16
- Meditation: Level 12
- Acrobatic Flow: Level 14
- Healing Presence: Level 13
- Serenity Strike: Level 12
- Iron Body: Level 13
- Diamond Fist: Level 13
- Counterbalance: Level 16
- Spirit Walk: Level 13
- Astral Strike: Level 13
- Longevity: Level 4
[Abilities]
- Divine Harmony: Unlocked
- Tranquil Spirit: Unlocked
- Ki Infusion: Unlocked
- Astral Projection: Unlocked
- Celestial Aura: Unlocked
- Unseen Force: Unlocked
- Enlightened Reflexes: Unlocked
- Inner Peace: Unlocked
- Master of Shadows: Unlocked
- Ascendant Spirit: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name: Jaimy
Level: 48
Race: Highbreed
Class: Monk
Title: Divine Acolyte / Spirit Whisperer
Experience: 3,102,000 / 5,135,000
[Status]
- H.P: 1800 / 1800
- M.P: 880 / 900
- S.P: 2600 / 2700
- Fatigue: 7%
- Defense: 1200
- Offense: 1600
[Skills]
- Martial Arts: Level 12
- Evasive Maneuvers: Level 15
- Unarmed Combat: Level 16
- Ki Strike: Level 12
- Meditation: Level 12
- Acrobatic Flow: Level 14
- Healing Presence: Level 13
- Serenity Strike: Level 12
- Iron Body: Level 12
- Diamond Fist: Level 13
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
- Counterbalance: Level 16
- Spirit Walk: Level 13
- Astral Strike: Level 13
- Longevity: Level 4
[Abilities]
- Divine Harmony: Unlocked
- Tranquil Spirit: Unlocked
- Ki Infusion: Unlocked
- Astral Projection: Unlocked
- Celestial Aura: Unlocked
- Unseen Force: Unlocked
- Enlightened Reflexes: Unlocked
- Inner Peace: Unlocked
- Master of Shadows: Unlocked
- Ascendant Spirit: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name: Elowen
Level: 50
Race: VerdenKind
Class: Mage
Title: Archmage / Elemental Adept / Champion
Experience: 6,180,000 / 7,225,000
[Status]
- H.P: 850 / 850
- M.P: 2800 / 3200
- S.P: 1100 / 1300
- Fatigue: 12%
- Defense: 400
- Offense: 900
[Skills]
- Earth Magic: Level 7
- Water Magic: Level 8
- Elemental Infusion: Level 18
- Lightning Magic: Level 4
- Ice Magic: Level 6
- Fire Magic: Level 5
- Arcane Shield: Level 14
- Mana Surge: Level 16
- Blink: Level 15
- Radiance: Level 18
- Enchant Weapon: Level 17
- Telekinesis: Level 7
- Longevity: Level 2
- Healing Magic: Level 3
[Abilities]
- Arcane Unity: Unlocked
- Elemental Fusion: Unlocked
- Astral Projection: Unlocked
- Mana Overload: Unlocked
- Arcane Empowerment: Unlocked
- Elemental Mastery: Unlocked
- Arcane Resilience: Unlocked
- Spellweaver's Insight: Unlocked
- Dimensional Rift: Unlocked
- Elemental Skin: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
This Authority wielder was no lone invader like the others; he came with friends, six of them, most of whom averaged around level 50 or so.
“Quite the party that he got here, right guys?”
“Quite the party indeed.”
“Especially so, if you account in our Authority wielder…”
_____________________________
Name: Kevin Karstark
Level: 63
Race: HighBreed
Class: Paladin
Title: Divine Crusader / Champion / Herald of the Light
Experience: 410,000 / 13,600,000
[Status]
- H.P: 1550 / 1550
- M.P: 3200 / 3800
- S.P: 1500 / 1800
- Fatigue: 8%
- Defense: 700
- Offense: 1200
[Skills]
- Sword Mastery: Level 22
- Holy Strike: Level 20
- Divine Shield: Level 18
- Righteous Smite: Level 19
- Shield of Faith: Level 17
- Healing Light: Level 20
- Aura of Protection: Level 18
- Holy Radiance: Level 16
- Retribution: Level 19
- Divine Wrath: Level 20
- Vindicator's Stance: Level 17
[Abilities]
- Divine Unity: Unlocked
- Crusader's Zeal: Unlocked
- Holy Resilience: Unlocked
- Guardian Angel: Unlocked
- Divine Intervention: Unlocked
- Celestial Aegis: Unlocked
- Beacon of Light: Unlocked
- Sanctified Ground: Unlocked
- Avenging Justice: Unlocked
- Celestial Blessing: Unlocked
[Authorities]
- Greed and Resurgence
『Expand』
_____________________________
"That is why I’m withdrawing. I’m out. It’s between you guys,' Dungeon Master 06 declared with a resigned finality."
The authority wielder, much like each one of his friends, bore the title of a champion—a title that I, through Otherworldly synergy, had come to associate with dungeon slaying, if that’s even a word.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure if there were dungeons like me out there, but seeing more and more invaders with that "Champion" title made it clear that there were, in fact, other dungeons out there. This title was bestowed upon those who triumphed over a Dungeon Guardian, more precisely when one defeated a dungeon guardian with "Increase environmental hazard" in use.
The moment we saw those titles of champions and, of course, also their levels, we knew that our current invaders were something beyond the abilities of Dungeon Master 06's spawns or even his Guardian to handle. Dispatching them fell upon Dungeon Master 01, Dungeon Master 02, Dungeon Master 03, Dungeon Master 04, Dungeon Master 05, and me.
Being the highly motivated individual that I was, eager to take on the challenge, I offered, "Can't help you then, Dungeon Master 06. I'll deal with them for you."
"No, you don't," a disapproving voice immediately cut in.
"Did you already forget your whole thing?" followed another.
"Undead domain, Anti-life biome, that's all you."
"Oh, come on! Not that excuse again. I'll deal with them in a second with my Dungeon Guardian. Easy peasy."
"Yeah, and in that second, all the creatures, monsters, and animals in Dungeon Master 06 will die."
"Do you know how long it will take for them to repopulate to the current extent?"
"Not long."
"Okay, fair enough, not long, but still, the time wasted would be time that Dungeon Master 06 should be dedicating to harvesting."
"Just think about them, Dungeon Master 00. Think," Dungeon Master 01 whispered, suggestively.
"Those would be G.P. lost, never to be recovered," Dungeon Master 05 added, trying to guilt me.
"We know you know that we're right. Just give up."
"Tsk." Facing a logic I saw no flaws in, I was left with no other choice but to back down. "I'm withdrawing; they’re for you guys."
"Welcome to the club, Dungeon Master 00," Dungeon Master 06 said.
"I guess yeah."
I watched as the other Dungeon Masters battled over who would get to face the batch of invaders. Each presented arguments and counterarguments, and they eventually decided to settle the matter over a game of rock-paper-scissors. However, they soon realized that they were all going through the same thought process, leading them to the same answer in each game.
They considered leaving it up to luck, but we didn’t have many tools at our disposal for a luck test—no dice, no cards, or anything. The only unpredictable variable was the invaders themselves. They ended up betting on which invader would be the first to land a killing blow on one of Dungeon Master 06’s spawns. The task of handling the batch of invaders fell to Dungeon Master 02, not particularly because he won the bet, but rather because he got to choose the one with the highest level of fatigue compared to any other Dungeon Master.
One aspect of invasions that has always puzzled me is how I/my domain is perceived as a dungeon. One would think that a person entering a domain like mine, one that has claimed so many invaders, would make sure to be at the top of their strength before attempting an invasion. However, most invaders have, for some reason, accumulated a certain percentage of fatigue, usually with less than 10% or 25% missing from either their M.P or S.P.
Initially, I assumed that 5% was the average level of fatigue, but after acquiring a Verdenkind that we spawned into Dungeon Master 06's domain, we discovered that 0% was the idle state of fatigue for Verdenkind, as it was for all the other spawns aside from the Undead, who were completely immune to fatigue to an extent where they didn't even possess the status known as fatigue. Thanks to Dungeon Master 06’s domain and the strange effect it had on our whole dynamic, I finally understood why it was like that. There were not only monsters inside my domain but also outside, and in most cases, invaders had to make it through them to enter my domain, which is why they were always slightly exhausted.
Anyway, since Dungeon Master 02 was the one chosen to dispatch the batch of invaders, he spoke with a grinning voice, demanding, "Dungeon Master 06, I am ready. Relinquish the control to me."
"Right away," Dungeon Master 06 replied, "take good care of my cattle."
"Don't worry, they'll be safe outside my guardian chamber."
"Hmph, I'll trust your word," he declared, passing control over to Dungeon Master 02. The map interface before us almost immediately changed. The map transformed into a new layout, completely different from the previous one, with the red, white, and blue dots disappearing. Then, only the red and white dots reappeared on the new layout. However, another notification promptly popped up.
___________________________
Dungeon Core Interface
System Notification:
[ Guardian Room Invasion Detected ]
Average level: 30
Invaders Races: HighBreed, Verdenkind
Classes: Healer, Monk, Mage, Knight, Warrior, Paladin
Warning: Boss room integrity compromised. Dungeon core defenses activated.
Defensive Countermeasures:
- Spawn Guardian
- Enhance Guardian abilities
- Strengthen environmental hazards
___________________________
One other advantage that the Authority, Ethereal Echo, provided, aside from its splitting or cloning properties, was the ability to execute something like this—a tactic used by the authority's previous owner, Tusko Vagar as the trump card: Using his splits/clones, each with its own set of skills and abilities. In other words, a sort of shield or barrage that he both used defensively and offensively that one would have to cleave through before reaching the true him.
As a dungeon core, however, we did not have access to such a trump card. If I were a Verdenkind or HighBreed, I have the feeling that I would’ve. Instead, we had access to the Dungeon Core equivalent of that trump card: the unique ability to relinquish control over the space occupied by our domain. In this case, Dungeon Master 02 utilized this ability to transport the “cattle” to his domain and the current invaders directly to his Guardian Chamber, intending to put an end to the invasion in the most direct manner possible.
"Okay gentlemens, let’s get this done with."
____________________________
- Spawn Dungeon Guardian
Yes
No
____________________________
“Yes!”
Dungeon Master 02 announced gloriously as a hologram representing the invaders manifested like chess pieces on one side, and on the other, the newly materialized Dungeon Master 02's domain Guardian.
____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
Enhance Guardian abilities
[YES] [NO]
____________________________
"Yes! Now rise, my glorious creation. Rise!"
______________________________
[ Stormforged Colossus ]
Level: 42
Type: Elemental Colossus
Class: Lightning Colossus
Title: Thunderlord's Sentinel
[Status]
- H.P: 3500 / 3500
- M.P: 2800 / 2800
- S.P: 1600 / 1600
- Defense: 4200 (+2300)
- Offense: 4900 (+2400)
[Skills]
- Lightning Infusion: Level 18
- Metal Manipulation: Level 12
- Thunderous Roar: Level 10
- Electric Shielding: Level 15
- Cyclonic Charge: Level 14
- Mjölnir's Strike: Level 20
- Ironclad Resilience: Level 13
- Tempestuous Step: Level 9
[Abilities]
- Thunderstrike Gauntlets: Unlocked
- Metallic Shielding: Unlocked
- Lightning Surge: Unlocked
- Resonant Shockwave: Unlocked
- Ferrum Fist: Unlocked
- Thunderstorm's Embrace: Unlocked
- Conduit of Fury: Unlocked
- Metalstorm Aegis: Unlocked
- Stormforged Dominion: Unlocked
- Thunder Minions: Unlocked
______________________________
Having transitioned from a strategy that prioritized both spawns and guardians under the precept of the sacred ratio to one that emphasized only guardians, Dungeon Master 02, like the others, successfully acquired an even stronger spawn than his initial one.
Furthermore, the "Enhance Guardian Abilities" feature appeared to have a significantly greater effect on Dungeon Master 02's guardian compared to mine. In fact, the enhancement was almost twice as effective. This marked advantage almost prompted me to cry foul. However, I comprehended that Elemental Creatures, such as Dungeon Master 02's, possess specific advantages over Undead creatures, just as Undeads do over the former in certain other aspects. This particular advantage falls into that category.
Anyway, Dungeon Master 02’s domain Guardian—a Stormforged Colossus—was yet another natural-born title wielder that stood as an awe-inspiring behemoth, its massive form towering over the dungeon's inner sanctum and the invader it stood across. Its frame is constructed from enchanted alloys, resembling darkened steel, with veins of crackling energy coursing through its metallic surface. The golem's eyes flicker with an inner lightning, revealing an otherworldly sapience. He donned on both arms, imposing Thunderstrike Gauntlets crackle with latent power, ready to unleash devastating bolts upon anyone or anything.
On the opposite side of the room, the adventuring party, while clearly confused by what just happened to them, nonetheless stood united as a diverse and formidable group. Adriant, the towering War Master-titled HighBreed, exuded strength with his battle-scarred visage and polished silver armor. Seraphina, the Healer, emanated a certain air of compassion, most likely because of her pristine white robes and flowing silver hair. The obviously twins, Jaime and Jaimy, Highbreed Monks, shared a worried but battle-ready stance and expression.
Elowen, the VerdenKind Archmage, with her silver hair and violet eyes, clad in robes adorned with arcane symbols, immediately withdrew to the background behind the twin monks, her staff beginning to shine with a magical blue light. Lastly, Kevin Karstark, the Paladin, stood on the forefront as a beacon of light, donned in gleaming armor adorned with symbols of faith. His golden hair and noble silver eyes radiated an otherworldly virtue that screamed annoyingly to all of us: "I am a hero," and that he, along with his little party which we had to admit formed a harmonious balance of strength, healing, and magical power, despite their initial confusion, was ready to take on Dungeon Master 02's domain guardian.
"From composition alone, they make a decent party. Offense and defense-wise, they're not too far behind your guardian. Are you sure you've got this?" I asked out of genuine concern.
"Don't worry. I got this," Dungeon Master 02 replied confidently.
In spite of knowing that he was aware, I still went on to remind him. "You do know that you won't be allowed to use 'Strengthen environmental hazards,' right?"
It was one agreement that got ratified between all of us. In spite of the generous status boost it offered, under no circumstances were we allowed to use Strengthen environmental hazards anymore, except perhaps in a very desperate situation—one with really no other way out.
As a Dungeon Core, the concept of death was something I had been slowly forgetting. One can't really blame me for that; I had no body, no heart or brain, and thus no fatal weakness to speak of. To me, death was just a very unlikely prospect. However, since encountering invaders wielding the title "champion," a title acquired through defeating a Dungeon Guardian empowered by "Strengthen environmental hazards," I felt like I had discovered what was the equivalent of death for Dungeon Cores like myself: losing all the G.P I had so dedicatedly harvested. There was no way I was allowing that to happen, and the Dungeon Masters agreed with me in that regard.
"I know, I don’t need to bet all our G.P. to win this. Watch me," Dungeon Master 02 proudly declared as his Guardian opened up the hostilities.
_____________________________
[ Real-time Feedback ]
Guardian, Enhanced, Level 42, used ability: Summon Thunder Minions
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
_____________________________
“Don’t worry we’re watching.We’re watching.”
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
HighBreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Iron Body
HighBreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Iron Body
HighBreed, Warrior, Level 61, used ability: Unbreakable Formation
Verdenkind, Level 50, used skill: Elemental Skin
HighBreed, Level 63, used ability: Celestial Blessing
Verdenkind, Level 50, used skill: Mana Overload
Verdenkind, Level 50, used skill: Arcane Empowerment
_____________________________
Recognizing the danger posed by the newly summoned Lightning Golems, the party quickly moved to reinforce their defenses. Jaime and Jaimy channeled Iron Body, rendering themselves impervious to physical harm. Adriant led the party in Unbreakable Formation, enhancing their collective resilience and translating it into a significant boost in defense. Elowen invoked a series of enhancements, further fortifying her status. Kevin Karstark, the authority wielder, called upon the ability Celestial Blessing, granting holy enhancement to his comrades.
The room crackled with magical and defensive energies as the two forces prepared for the impending clash. And on a move of the summoned Golems, it officially began.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Lightning Golem (3), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (1), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (6), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (4), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (2), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (5), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
_____________________________
The Thunder Minions, charged with electrical energy, unleash a synchronized Chain Lightning attack. The party, in a great display of synchronization, backed off allowing Elowen to step forward.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Verdenkind, Mage, Level 50, used skill: Earth Magic
_____________________________
Raising her arm and staff high, slamming it into the ground as if to split an ocean, the Verdenkind mage summoned a large earth wall between herself and the Lightning Golems.
Even before the Lightning Golem's attack was finished, the Authority wielder, the twin monks, and the warrior semi-circled around the Verdenkind mage's earth barrier. With coordinated precision, they charged straight for the still-attacking Lightning Golems.
"What do you think you're doing," Dungeon Master 02 with a voice full of malice as he had his guardian make a move.
_____________________________
[ Real-time Feedback ]
Guardian, Enhanced, Level 42, used ability: Lightning Surge
HighBreed, Paladin, Level 63, used ability: Guardian Angel
_____________________________
Almost instantly after Dungeon Master 02’s Guardian unleashed his Lightning assault, Kevin Karstark steps forward, invoking his skill Guardian Angel. A radiant barrier enveloped him, absorbing the incoming lightning strikes.
With the Paladin sacrificing himself as a lightning conductor, the twin monks, Jaime and Jaimy, and the warrior, Adriant, seize the opportunity. Swiftly and without hesitation, they charge through the dissipating smoke towards the still-vulnerable Lightning Golems.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Highbreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Astral Strike
Highbreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Spirit Walk
HighBreed, Warrior, Level 61, used skill: Counter-Attack
_____________________________
The twin monks and the knight unleash a coordinated assault on the Lightning Golems. Jaime used his Astral Strike which allowed him to attack with increased precision, Jaimy's Spirit Walk enhanced to enhance his overall mobility, and Adriant his Counter-Attack allowed him to momentarily return the Golems' passive lightning attacks against them.
As they engaged the Lightning Golems, their coordinated assault began to lower the golems' health. However, with only three invaders focused on the golems, half of them remained untouched. Shifting their attention from the Verdenkind mage, the unharmed golems prepared to strike the trio.
Just as they were about to unleash their attack, the Lightning Golems found themselves targeted by the Authority wielder. Emerging from the dissipating smoke, the wielder redirected the electrical onslaught away from his comrades to himself, standing strong and eager for battle. Alone, he not only held off three of the Lightning Golems but quickly began lowering their health. Simultaneously, the Verdenkind mage, having, by her comrades, the golems' attention diverted away from her, joined the assault, increasing the invaders' momentum in the heated battle.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Lightning Golem (2), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (5), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
_____________________________
“Tsk.”
At that moment, we all felt like putting a comment on how this battle was going, but having an idea of what kind of mindset Dungeon Master 02 was most likely in, we decided to spare ourselves from the multi-generations-spanning curse that would be unleashed upon us the moment we opened our mouths.
Perhaps sensing that both I and the other Dungeon Masters wanted to make snarky comments but refrain ourselves from doing so, Dungeon Master 02 had his Guardian act—an act that I was tempted to qualify as impulsive.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Guardian, Enhanced, Level 42, used ability: Resonant Shockwave
_____________________________
Understanding the potential threat posed by the Verdenkind Mage and Highbreed Healer, the enhanced Guardian unleashed Resonant Shockwave in their direction, seeking to eliminate them early in the battle. As the shockwave barreled toward the backline, intent on reaching its targets, it unexpectedly—or rather, not-so-unexpectedly—encountered a determined obstacle.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Highbreed, Knight, used ability: Shield Block
_____________________________
With a praise-worthy swiftness, the Highbreed Knight, who didn't join the quartet in their charge and instead remained by the mage and healer's side, raised his shield, intercepting the Resonant Shockwave with a masterful Shield Block. The shockwave, now halted by the knight's unwavering defense, created a protective wedge, sparing the Verdenkind Mage and Highbreed Healer from the impact that would’ve been their end.
_____________________________
Name: Pascal
Level: 49
Race: HighBreed
Class: Knight
Health: 63%
Status: In Combat
『Expand』
_____________________________
Despite the grinding force of the Resonant Shockwave, the knight stood resolute, his armor showing signs of wear but proving that he was very much alive and operational.
"Is that the best you've got?" We could imagine the Highbreed Knight defiantly exclaiming in whatever strange tongue the people of this world speak, making Dungeon Master 02's annoyance flare up.
Having faced not only one but two Authority wielders, with the last one wielding not only one authority but two, I have come to associate authority wielders as the most dangerous kind of invaders. When it comes to invaders of all kinds, so far, each Authority wielder had been operating on their own, leading us to usually refer to them as lone invaders, be it Lone invader 01 or 02. So, naturally, when we saw this invader, while we were uniquely surprised to see that he wasn't alone, we were expecting him and him alone to be as competent as the one that came before him. What Dungeon Master 02, and I must admit, I and the other Dungeon Masters as well, weren't ready for was to not only see the authority wielder to be competent, but his comrades as well. I guess this lesson will serve us well; we grew too conceited to see everything that isn't an authority-wielder invading our domain as being of lesser intellect.
Time I guess to rewatch our approach.