Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 73: Defying the Odds x2

"I think I'll need more hands on deck to get this place spick-and-span, so I'll likely be paying a visit to your village real soon," Vernie declared with a dark promise.

A muscle worked in Rexar's jaw, and Vernie laughed mockingly as the Beastkin's fingers balled into trembling fists. "You, girl," called the man teasingly. "You have a pretty face. Do you have any younger siblings? Their gender doesn't matter... it's been a while since I've deflowered—"

Rexar's eyes snapped open in outrage. Having had enough, the final thread holding his patience in check snapped, and a roar tore from his lungs like thunder. Before rational words or desperate hands could reinstate his sanity, the beast masquerading as a human lashed out with claws poised to strike.

"Amateur! You're so predictable!" roared back Vernie, his response both an insult and a command for the golem to attack.

Rexar shrunk back, his ears sagging as the ominous shadow of the golem engulfed him in darkness. The golem's arm swung around like the jib of a tower crane, intent on crushing both him and his friends. However, just as despair began to tighten its grip, Daisuke materialized with a sturdy wooden club.

With an expertly timed swing, he met the monster's colossal arm. The impact echoed through the cavern, sending shockwaves that reverberated through the air. The sheer force of the collision created a momentary distortion, as if reality itself recoiled from the clash.

The knockback effect of the Sturdy Club sent the golem stumbling backward, disrupted and disoriented. Yet, thwarting the creature's attack came at a cost—a large portion of the weapon's durability was visibly eaten away, a testament to the formidable power of the golem's assault.

Vernie staggered back with a frustrated growl, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Ideally, it would be better if you all died right here by my hands; the Mhaledictus won't be as merciful."

Daisuke sighed, a hint of annoyance etched across his face. "Spare me the cliché villain monologue bullshit, would you?"

With a swift motion, he brandished his dagger, the blade catching the ambient light as it hummed with a feral energy. Leaning into his customary attack posture, a glint of determination in his eyes, he materialized a familiar item from his inventory and clasped it tightly in his hand.

[Bramble Seed]

[Damage: 150

Vicious thorned vines, unleashed from the Bramble Seed, continuously inflict fixed Physical Damage per second on ensnared targets. Adversaries caught within the vines' AoE also suffer harm. There's a 35% chance of causing «Bleed» and a 12% chance of inducing «Poison» among those ensnared.]

Vernie laughed. "You're more of a fool than I thought," he scoffed. "Challenging the golem is futile. Its might is beyond your comprehension!"

Daisuke smirked. "Well, let's put that theory to the test, shall we?"

Without another word, he launched himself toward his towering foe like a flash, a blur of calculated strikes upon the monster's unflinching form leaving trails of brilliant light.

Vernie, growing uneasy, glanced at the golem that stood imposingly in the chamber. "Y-You can dance all you want, but it won't change the outcome; this golem is indestructible!"

"We'll see about that."

Uppercutting the golem with the hilt of his dagger, Daisuke leapt high into the air. Then he retrieved another item from his inventory that exuded a golden gleam.

[Lightning Bead]

[Damage: 2,500

Deals fixed Lightning Damage to the target upon impact. The electrical charge may leap to up to 7 nearby enemies, with a 75% chance of inducing «Paralysis» and a 45% chance of causing the «Burn» Status.]

Rexar, Elena, and Milo watched in awe as Daisuke weaved through the air like an acrobat, the gleam of the Lipanthyer's fang painting a dazzling display.

Vernie's guffaw echoed. "You think a mere nobody can defy the golem's power? I've seen it crush mountains and withstand magic that would incinerate you with a glance!"

The last of his words got stuck in his throat however when barbed vines suddenly erupted from the golem's body, ensnaring it in a thorny grip.

Vernie, stunned and disbelieving, couldn't stop his mouth from falling agape. Impossible! Did he somehow manage to embed the seeds inside the areas he had attacked with his blade? But how did he even manage to damage the golem?

While the man stood dumbfounded and the vines tightened their grip, restricting the once-unyielding titan and destroying its integrity, Daisuke activated the Lightning Bead against his blade, unleashing a radiant force. Kicking his legs against the ceiling, he launched himself downward, a dazzling bolt of lightning tracing his trajectory.

SHINGG!

The Lipanthyer's blade howled through the air, a crescendo that climaxed in a thunderous explosion. Dust and debris engulfed the chamber as the golem bellowed in agony.

Vernie's mocking laughter transformed into screams as the stone titan's body fell apart, cleaved in twain. He was so stunned that caution dawned a moment too late. As the golem's body crumbled like a landslide, Vernie was caught within its midst.

Courtesy of the rings on his fingers, a series of barriers erected themselves in tandem as the former was destroyed. But ultimately, the accessories failed to protect their master and Vernie's legs were brutally crushed beneath the falling rocks.

Through the veil of dust from the battle's aftermath, a silhouette of Daisuke could be seen pushing to his feet, his dagger still charged with electricity.

DING!

[The class advancement quest «Defying the Odds» has been completed!]

[350,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

[Level Up!]

[Level Up!]

[Level Up!]

[To complete your class advancement, please select a fitting role that complements your strengths, playstyle, and future aspirations.]

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Author's Notes:

Question: If you had to choose between a eBook, Paperback/Hardcover, or an audiobook for a light novel, which one would you prefer?