System: You've discovered the Hallow Caverns Secret Land. All contact with the outside world is restricted. If you die, you will respawn within the Hallow Caverns. Defeat the Guardian Boss of the Hallow Caverns to escape. Strange energies permeate the Caverns. If you cannot escape within 48 hours, your soul shall crystallize for eternity.
The system notification resounded in his ears, creating a deafening reality in the crystallized silence.
A grim look instantly overtook (Y/N)'s face.
"A Secret Land..." (Y/N) repeated the words bitterly, glancing over the massive caverns around him. Tricolored crystals emerged to all sides, and furthermore, he could spot several dozen types of monsters roaming around the massive caverns.
Danger and destiny do indeed go hand in hand, (Y/N) couldn't help the bitter smile that rose to his face.
"It's surprising, but I guess anything can happen. Although, I didn't expect to encounter a Secret Land just hours after God's Domain's launch." (Y/N) furrowed his brow in thought, confusion clearly shown in his golden orbs.
Secret Lands were just as the name implied. Lands of old forgotten by the current era, ruins of an old age that were forgotten by the new age. However, just because they were forgotten doesn't mean they ceased to exist - rather, they simply require certain conditions to be met before they could be found. However, what were the conditions for the Hallow Caverns?
Even (Y/N) didn't know.
After all, even in the past, he'd never heard of a Hallow Caverns Secret Land.
Secret Lands were both a great opportunity and a great calamity. Although Secret Lands had a high chance of bearing extraordinary treasures, they had just as high a chance to bring a person to ruin.
"Putting that aside, this Secret Land sure is ruthless. It doesn't even allow Players the option to give up once they've entered." (Y/N) swiftly scanned the area for a similar vortex as the one he'd entered, but found nothing. It seemed the Hallow Caverns was isolated.
"Now that I think about it...is this an Otherworld?" After a moment of thought, the possibility popped up into his mind. Otherworlds were just as their names dictated - worlds separate from the main continent that existed within the game.
Otherworlds could be entire civilized worlds, or they could be mere instances used in a certain scenario. Regardless, Otherworlds had one defining feature - opportunity!
An Otherworld was something that all Players pined to explore, moreso to pioneer! The chance to encounter treasures unheard of in the main continent in an Otherworld were high regardless of the Otherworld's rank, hence Players had often sought them out in hopes of becoming rich overnight.
However, how rare were Otherworlds?
Even in the past, Otherworlds had been heavily contested by the major powers whenever one had been found, and moreover, rarely anyone would leak the appearance of the Otherworld to unaffiliated powers, if anything, Guilds treated Otherworlds like a lifeline - they would never allow others to find out about them if possible.
"Hah. I wonder if this is what it feels like to be one of the Main God System's favorite children?" (Y/N) couldn't help the cocky smirk that crawled to his lips, a challenging glint rising to his eyes. Not only had he already reached Level 9, but furthermore, he'd founded an Otherworld so soon! Other Players simply couldn't compare to his luck.
"Actually, are Otherworlds even supposed to exist this early into the game?" The question suddenly popped up into his mind. Otherworlds were usually major events regardless of their rank, hence one appearing so early certainly set off a few alarms...
"Looks like I'll have to explore to find out. Anyway, not much point in standing around here. I should begin exploring the area, after all, I have to find this Guardian Boss before the day ends." (Y/N) couldn't help the smirk that rose to his face, placing his hand on the hilt of the Novice Sword that hung sheathed at his waist. To others, perhaps such a situation would seem hopeless. However, (Y/N) thrived in unexpected situations, one could even say that he preferred to be in such a place.
After all, such a situation just fueled his adventurous spirit!
God's Domain, despite its massive impact on the world, was still primarily a game.
In this life, (Y/N) had no plans to deprive himself of the experience that was pioneering God's Domain - to experience everything the past him had tossed aside for power.
Without another moment of delay, (Y/N) began to survey his surroundings intensely.
The Hallow Caverns was a ginormous map. It seemed like a series of interconnected tunnels crawling with the strange tricolored crystals, the only source of light to be found within the Hallow Caverns. Furthermore, regardless of where he looked, (Y/N) saw creatures moving around, covered in similar tricolored crystals as they patrolled the Hallow Caverns, the only exception being the area where (Y/N) found himself in.
With a wave of his hand, the Minimap appeared before him once more, though once more, it showed nothing but distorted data. The only thing that had changed was the Map's name, now called the appropriate name; "Hallow Caverns".
Seeing as he'd get no new information from the System, (Y/N) waved the map away, returning his attention to the scene before him.
"I guess my first order of business would be to deal with the surrounding monsters and begin exploring this place." (Y/N) began to advance towards the distant monsters, his gaze vigilant as he did so. He knew nothing about these monsters to begin with, so exercising caution was certainly a prime directive.
50 yards...
40 yards...
30 yards...
(Y/N) slowly began to ease up as he got closer, probing the ranges of these monsters.
Furthermore, he also utilized [Observing Eyes] on the closest of the monsters.
[Hallow Crawler] (Common Rank)
Level 5
HP: 640/640
The Hallow Crawlers' body was encased in crystalline shards, crawling along the ground on four spiked appendages, the same tricolored glow around its body as in the surroundings. Furthermore, there were over a dozen of the creatures crawling nearby each other, hence a group encounter was all but inevitable.
"Let's get started then." (Y/N) shot into action as a grin graced his face, unsheathing the Novice Sword as he approached, sending a slash at the nearest Hallow Crawler.
-4.
A pitiful number appeared above the Hallow Crawler, (Y/N) frowning.
"It has such high defense. Although I'm at a higher level than it, looks like the Novice Sword won't be doing much. Sigh. I really need to find a better weapon." (Y/N) deadpanned as the Hallow Crawler screeched, raising one of its crystalline claws at it attempted to pincer him with its appendage, however, (Y/N) easily dodged the attack, the Novice Sword turning into a blur as another slash swept across the Hallow Crawlers' crystalline body.
-4.
-4.
-12.
Numbers continuously appeared above the Hallow Crawler, (Y/N) dashing around the slower creature with little effort. Despite its own efforts, the Hallow Crawler could do nothing to change the situation, (Y/N) simply whittling its health down with ease.
Even when several other Hallow Crawlers joined the battle, the situation didn't change. (Y/N) merely danced around the group effortlessly, his attacks focused on a single target even as he dodged. If anyone else were to be in his spot, perhaps they would've been at odds with the growing numbers, however, to (Y/N), such a number was nothing to worry about.
Even if there were hundreds of Hallow Crawlers attacking all at once, he would still not struggle against them. They were simply too slow. By his calculations, just a mere 25 points in Agility would've been enough to fool around with the Hallow Crawlers, much less his 40 points.
Bright red constantly embraced the Hallow Crawlers as they desperately clawed at (Y/N), to no avail as he merely dashed around their efforts, his sword striking true with every hit, regardless of the situation. Although the Novice Sword was a far cry from a proper weapon to someone of his level, it would still get the job done.
The Hallow Crawlers could regenerate 1% of their HP every five seconds, however, (Y/N) far dealt more damage than this natural regeneration. Hence, despite its reluctance, the first Hallow Crawler had fallen after mere moments in combat, (Y/N)'s normal attacks dealing -4 damage, whereas his [Chop] dealt a total of -12, swiftly chaining his attacks to finish the fight.
Naturally, after the first Hallow Crawler fell, he didn't dally on its corpse nor the loot it dropped, he instantly turned towards the next Hallow Crawler and repeated the process. Within five minutes, the dozen Hallow Crawlers dissolved into ashes on the ground, leaving behind shimmering items.
System: Level 5 Hallow Crawler killed. Obtained 22 EXP.
System: Level 5 Hallow Crawler killed. Obtained 22 EXP.
System: Level 5 Hallow Crawler killed. Obtained 22 EXP.
...
Despite the gained EXP, (Y/N)'s EXP bar didn't move an inch, however, he wasn't particularly surprised. Not only was he 4 levels higher than the Hallow Crawlers, but they were also merely Common Monsters, hence EXP was never his objective when fighting them.
"At least the Main God System makes this actually possible. Although I don't know what other secrets lie here, just the fact that I can defeat the initial monsters should at least mean I have a chance against the Guardian Boss." (Y/N) gave a small sigh, sheathing the Novice Sword as he turned towards the dropped items. Over twenty items had dropped, (Y/N) picking them up as he appraised the new drops.
[Crystalline Shard] (Consumable)
- A crystalline shard radiating with mana. Can be destroyed to regain 10 MP every two seconds for 30 seconds.
- Cooldown: 30 seconds.
[Crystalline Ore] (Consumable)
- A tricolored ore radiating with mana. When utilized in forging, increases the success rate by 10% and contains a 1% chance to enchant the forged item with Mana Blessing, increasing its Attributes by 10%.
[???] (Synthesis Item)
- ???.
A total of twenty-one Crystalline Shards had dropped along with two Crystalline Ore, and furthermore one of the strange items. Despite utilizing [Observing Eyes] on the item, nothing came up from the item.
"Not bad. Although the Crystalline Shards are relatively useless to me since I don't currently use MP, to magical classes at the current stage it's akin to a second wind. If I can gather a decent amount and sell them to other Players outside, I should be able to make quite a bit of profit. This Crystalline Ore is also amazing, if I put some effort into Forging I could also make a lot of profit with this. It's only a shame so little dropped from that group. As for this last item...considering it's a Synthesis Item, that should mean I'll just need to collect more of it." (Y/N) put a hand to his chin in thought. To him, the Crystalline Shards were essentially useless, but to Magical Classes, they were invaluable at this stage of the game, hence selling them would surely be well received among the masses and bring him profit.
However, in his opinion, his greatest gain from these drops was the two pieces of Crystalline Ore. Not only did they increase the forging success rate by 10%, but at the same time provided a chance for the item to get the Mana Blessing enchantment. Although it was merely a 10% increase in Attributes, it would easily stand out among similar equipment. At the current stage of the game, most Equipment brought relatively low stats to begin with, hence any increase would be enough to create a divide between the same types of Equipment.
"I never did try my hand at forging in the past. I should give it a try once I get to Red Leaf Town. It could be fun." (Y/N)'s lips curled up into a smile as he placed the items into his inventory. Although he'd never delved into Forging in his previous life, he had certainly had the chance to meet many esteemed Grandmaster and Master Forgers, hence he knew a bit about Forging. As for the final, unidentified item, although he couldn't read its information, (Y/N) was well acquainted with Synthesis Items.
In the past, they had been quite common among Otherworlds.
To put it simply, a Synthesis Item was merely, as the name suggested, a smaller part of a greater item to be synthesized. As long as he collected more of the unidentified item, the answer would reveal itself to him all on its own, hence he didn't worry about the situation.
Satisfied with the drops, (Y/N) set them all into his inventory, turning his attention back onto the Hallow Caverns as he began to wander through the spacious tricolored hallows. Only a few moments later did he find another pack of Hallow Crawlers, his lips arching into a smile as he swiftly engaged with the creatures. A few minutes later, his stock of Crystalline Shards had risen by twelve, whereas he'd obtained one more Crystalline ore and another two of the strange Synthesis Item.
The more he clashed with the Hallow Crawlers, the more adept he became at fighting them, hence despite their numbers growing with every encounter, his time to kill them merely decreased as he progressed further.
After roughly half an hour had passed, he had already clashed with and killed over seven groups of Hallow Crawlers, raising his stock of Crystalline Shards to 122, gaining a total of 21 Crystalline Ore and a total of 11 of the strange Synthesis Item.
However, despite the time that passed, (Y/N) did not find the Hallow Crawlers respawning, making him furrow his brow in thought.
"Do they have extremely long respawn timers? They're merely Common Monsters though, so probably not. Could it be a one-time spawn?" (Y/N) shortly landed upon his own conclusion, the only one that made sense to him. However, as he was lost in his thoughts, he then saw a glow at the top left of his screen, appearing just beneath his HP bar. Furthermore, he felt a faint sense of weakness rise within him, a frown rising to his lips.
System: Crystalline Decay has reached 5%. All Attributes are reduced by 5%.
"Crystalline Decay? Is that what this Debuff is?" (Y/N) frowned as he examined the new Status that appeared beneath his HP Bar. Although he'd noticed it prior, he hadn't paid it much mind as it had merely displayed a percentage.
"Looks like the soul crystallization isn't just after 48 hours. If I remain here too long, I might just be crystallized regardless of the time." (Y/N) couldn't help but frown at the sudden turn of events. However, it had merely been around half an hour since he'd gotten here. According to the system, the Soul Crystallization was only supposed to happen after 48 hours had gone by. In God's Domain, 48 hours was the equivalent to 1 natural day in the real world.
Yet, after a mere 30 minutes, he was already accumulating Crystalline Decay...
"No. The Main God System doesn't create impossible scenarios. The best conclusion would be to assume there's a way to counteract the Crystalline Decay, after all, the only absolute Crystallization should be after a day has gone by. Meaning that I'm likely missing something." (Y/N), although displeased by the sudden change, was not particularly surprised. The Main God System was highly unpredictable and oftentimes seemed as if it were created by sadists. The Quests it created, although they could be ridiculously hard, were usually never impossible. Considering that the Hallow Crawlers, the only creatures he'd encountered since his arrival in the Hallow Caverns, were Level 5, it meant that this area shouldn't be out of his range to complete.
"Looks like I'll have to go beyond this area." (Y/N)'s gaze drifted into the distance, spotting a pathway he'd actively avoided previously, sticking around the Hallow Crawlers. Now, however, that was clearly not an option.
Although his Attributes had been reduced by 5%, (Y/N) was still remarkably quick, hence he'd reached the new area within a few minutes, coming to face several new creatures. Unlike the previous Hallow Crawlers, these were more bipedal, bearing giant crystalline shards for arms as tricolored energy pulsed around them.
[Hallow Interceptor] (Elite Rank)
Level 6
HP: 770/770
"Looks like I was right." (Y/N)'s lips arched into a smile as he approached the Hallow Interceptors without hesitation, drawing the Novice Sword as he probed their capabilities. Shortly after entering roughly 35 yards, the Hallow Interceptors noticed him, releasing a disgruntling screech as they stomped on the ground, over three of the Elites rushing at him.
(Y/N) didn't dare to be careless in the face of the Hallow Interceptors, dodging as the initial thrust of the firsts' crystalline arm, his sword weaving around it before he slashed down at the monster.
-3.
"Oh." A casual hum left his mouth, (Y/N) instantly falling back as the other two Hallow Interceptors stabbed from the side, crossing with each other as they barely missed him.
Unlike the previous Hallow Crawlers, the Hallow Interceptors were of the Elite rank. With his current Equipment, even if he was a higher level than them, he didn't dare to take an attack head on with his sword. Although his Agility was higher than the Hallow Interceptors, his Strength was likely far beneath them.
Furthermore, the Hallow Interceptors did not attack him mindlessly, rather, they cooperated to launch united attacks, forcing (Y/N) to dodge time after time, dashing around the larger creatures as they attempted to attack him. However, they couldn't catch him no matter how hard they tried, hence their attempts at pushing him into a corner never met any ends.
In fact, they were still the ones at a disadvantage.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-3.
-11.
(Y/N) easily weaved around the Hallow Interceptors' attacks. Although his Attributes had been reduced by 5%, he still had 38 Agility, far more than enough to toy with the creatures here. The Hallow Interceptors' defense, although higher than the Hallow Crawlers', wasn't to a level where he couldn't handle it, however, it did slow his progress by quite a bit.
Only after roughly five minutes had passed did the first of the three Hallow Interceptors fall, perishing as the pressure on (Y/N) instantly alleviated, allowing him to deal with the other two much easier as they could no longer coordinate between three. With renewed momentum, (Y/N) finished the remaining two Hallow Interceptors within 9 minutes, the sound of notifications rising to his ears.
System: Level 6 Hallow Interceptor killed. Obtained 34 EXP.
System: Level 6 Hallow Interceptor killed. Obtained 34 EXP.
System: Level 6 Hallow Interceptor killed. Obtained 34 EXP.
Although he had won the fight, the Hallow Interceptors' skin had been quite tough on his blade, various chippings present upon it from the previous conflict.
[Novice Sword] (Gray Trash, One-handed Sword)
Level 0
Equipment Requirement: Strength 3
Attack Power +3
Durability: 11/15
Despite having purposely avoided direct clashes with the Hallow Interceptors, their crystallized bodies alone had reduced the Durability of the Novice Sword by 4 points, almost a third of the total durability the blade had.
"Looks like I'll have to put these guys aside for now. If my sword breaks, I'll be losing out on a lot of damage against these guys. For now, I'll just see what they dropped." (Y/N) sighed as he turned his attention to the seven glimmering items on the ground, picking them up.
However, a surprising look soon rose to his face.
[Basic Crystalline Solvent] (Consumable)
- Reduces Crystalline Decay by 3%.
- Cooldown: 10 seconds.
[Vitreous Bracers] (Bronze Rank, Gauntlets)
Level 5
Equipment Requirement: Strength 8
Defense +11
Strength +2, Agility +3, Endurance +3
Durability: 150/150
Set Equipment: Vitreous Set (Helmet, Chestpiece, Gauntlets, Legs, Boots, Cape, Sheathe*)
2 Piece Effect: Strength increased by 10%, Endurance by 10%, and Agility by 5%.
4 Piece Effect: Damage increased by 10%. Attack Speed increased by 15%. Obtain [Trilight Shift] Skill.
[Trilight Shift] Active skill
- Wraps the user in Trilight Energy, granting a 100% chance to forcibly evade the next attack. Furthermore, after a successful evasion, grants a 100% Damage Increase and furthermore increases Attack Speed by 50%.
- Duration: 5 seconds.
- Cooldown: 45 seconds.
7 Piece Effect: Endurance increased by 25%. All Attacks are attributed with the Crystalline Decay Debuff, granting a 15% chance to Crystallize the target for 5 seconds on contact, with the duration varying depending on the opponent's Rank. Furthermore, each successful Crystallization grants a Crystalline Crest. Obtain the [Vitreous Fracture] Skill.
[Vitreous Fracture] Active skill.
- Plant the users' blade onto the ground, summoning trilight energy spikes and dealing 70% weapon damage in a 10 * 7 yards vortex around the user. Furthermore, this move will shatter any Crystallized targets, dealing 200% Crystalline-damage, absorbing any current Crystalline Crests to deal an extra 10% Crystalline-type damage, up to a maximum of 350% Crystalline-type damage. Shatter will not occur on any non-crystallized targets.
- Cooldown: 2 minutes.
[???] (Synthesis Item)
- ???.
"So I was right. Since Crystalline Decay rises this fast, there is indeed a way to counteract it, at least before the time limit is up." A pleased smile rose to (Y/N)'s face as he collected the two vials of Basic Crystalline Solvent that the three Hallow Interceptors had dropped. He cast a glance at the Crystalline Decay debuff.
{Crystalline Decay} {Debuff}
- Strange energies invade your body. Current Crystalline Decay: 7%. All Attributes are reduced by 5%.
"Perfect." (Y/N) couldn't help the grin that rose to his face, instantly using one of the Basic Crystalline Solvents, reducing his Crystalline Decay by a total of 3%, and ridding him of his previous weakness, his strength returning as (Y/N) smiled widely.
{Crystalline Decay} {Debuff}
- Strange energies invade your body. Current Crystalline Decay: 4%.
"As for you." (Y/N) couldn't help but glance at the crystalline gauntlets in his inventory, a look of desire rising to his face. Although he had been initially shocked at the appearance of Set Equipment this early into the game, he had quickly suppressed his shock. However, after examining the Vitreous Bracers, he couldn't help but desire the entire Vitreous Set. It was simply far too great to miss out on.
"Hm..." (Y/N) placed a hand to his chin in thought, glancing at the gauntlets before opening his Attribute Panel.
Character: (A/N) (Human)
Affiliated Kingdom: Star-Moon
Title: None
Job: Swordsman
Level: 9
HP: 195/195
Physical Attack Power: 13 (+3/Sword) (+100%/Ice)
Defense: 11 (+2/Chestpiece) (+7/Boots)
Attack Speed: 13
Movement Speed: 15
Attributes: Strength 5, Agility 40, Endurance 5, Intelligence 2, Vitality 2
Free Attribute Points: 12
Weapon Mastery:
One-handed Sword Mastery +5
(Apprentice Rank – Increases One-handed Sword Damage by 5%)
Two-handed Sword Mastery +5
(Apprentice Rank – Increases Two-handed Sword Damage by 5%)
Free Mastery Points: 33
Job Talent:
Swordsman Talent 1: Sword-related Mastery +5
Swordsman Talent 2: Obtain 8 Free Mastery Points every 5 Levels.
Swordsman Talent 3: Sword-related skills proficiency increased by 50%.
Skills:
[Chop] Active skill - Requirement: Sword.
- Additional 8 points of damage on a single strike.
Cooldown: 5 seconds. Skill Level: 1 (Proficiency 0/300)
[Fast And Nimble] Active skill.
- When activated, possess a body exceeding the normal man. Body's degree of freedom is completely released.
[Observing Eyes] Active skill.
- Able to see clearly unknown and concealed targets. There is a fixed chance to detect target's weak point.
Cooldown: 40 seconds.
[Flying Steps] Active skill.
- When activated, greatly reduces the effect of gravity on the body.
Equipment:
[Swordsman's Leather Shirt] (Gray Trash)
Level 0
Defense +2
Durability: 10/10
[Novice Sword] (Gray Trash, One-handed Sword)
Level 0
Equipment Requirement: Strength 3
Attack Power +3
Durability: 11/15
[Forest Trekking Boots] (Common, Boots)
Level 3
Equipment Requirement: Agility 4
Defense +7
Boosts Movement Speed by 3%.
Durability: 30/30
"Mh. My Strength isn't high enough to equip this yet." (Y/N) muttered, glancing between his Attributes and the gauntlets. Although he was Level 9, most of his Free Attribute Points had gone into Agility, hence all his other Attributes were...pitifully low for his level.
"Forget it. It's worth investing into Strength, besides, equipping these bracers will raise my Strength, Endurance and Agility." (Y/N), after a momentary debate, decided upon his next course of action. He instantly put 3 of his Free Attribute Points into Strength, meeting the minimum requirement for the Vitreous Bracers. Without hesitation, he swiftly equipped them. Furthermore, he also downed the second Basic Crystalline Solvent, reducing his Crystalline Decay to 1%.
A feeling of renewed strength filled (Y/N), making him smile in contentment as he brought up his Attribute Panel once more.
Character: (A/N) (Human)
Affiliated Kingdom: Star-Moon
Title: None
Job: Swordsman
Level: 9
HP: 255/255
Physical Attack Power: 23 (+3/Sword) (+100%/Ice)
Defense: 24 (+2/Chestpiece) (+7/Boots) (+11/Gauntlets)
Attack Speed: 14
Movement Speed: 17
Attributes: Strength 10 (+2/Gauntlets), Agility 43 (+3/Gauntlets), Endurance 8 (+3/Gauntlets), Intelligence 2, Vitality 2
Free Attribute Points: 9
Weapon Mastery:
One-handed Sword Mastery +5
(Apprentice Rank – Increases One-handed Sword Damage by 5%)
Two-handed Sword Mastery +5
(Apprentice Rank – Increases Two-handed Sword Damage by 5%)
Free Mastery Points: 33
Job Talent:
Swordsman Talent 1: Sword-related Mastery +5
Swordsman Talent 2: Obtain 8 Free Mastery Points every 5 Levels.
Swordsman Talent 3: Sword-related skills proficiency increased by 50%.
Skills:
[Chop] Active skill - Requirement: Sword.
- Additional 8 points of damage on a single strike.
Cooldown: 5 seconds. Skill Level: 1 (Proficiency 0/300)
[Fast And Nimble] Active skill.
- When activated, possess a body exceeding the normal man. Body's degree of freedom is completely released.
[Observing Eyes] Active skill.
- Able to see clearly unknown and concealed targets. There is a fixed chance to detect target's weak point.
Cooldown: 40 seconds.
[Flying Steps] Active skill.
- When activated, greatly reduces the effect of gravity on the body.
Equipment:
[Swordsman's Leather Shirt] (Gray Trash)
Level 0
Defense +2
Durability: 10/10
[Novice Sword] (Gray Trash, One-handed Sword)
Level 0
Equipment Requirement: Strength 3
Attack Power +3
Durability: 11/15
[Forest Trekking Boots] (Common)
Level 3
Equipment Requirement: Agility 4
Defense +7
Boosts Movement Speed by 3%.
Durability: 30/30
[Vitreous Bracers] (Bronze Rank, Gauntlets)
Level 5
Equipment Requirement: Strength 8
Defense +11
Strength +2, Agility +3, Endurance +3
Durability: 150/150
Set Equipment: Vitreous Set (Helmet, Chestpiece, Gauntlets, Legs, Boots, Cape, Sheathe)
2 Piece Effect: Strength increased by 10%, Endurance by 10%, and Agility by 5%.
4 Piece Effect: Damage increased by 10%. Attack Speed increased by 15%. Obtain [Trilight Shift] Skill.
[Trilight Shift] Active skill
- Wraps the user in Trilight Energy, granting a 100% chance to forcibly evade the next attack. Furthermore, after a successful evasion, grants a 100% Damage Increase and furthermore increases Attack Speed by 50%.
- Duration: 5 seconds.
- Cooldown: 45 seconds.
7 Piece Effect: Endurance increased by 25%. All Attacks are attributed with the Crystalline Decay Debuff, granting a 15% chance to Crystallize the target for 5 seconds on contact, with the duration varying depending on the opponent's Rank. Furthermore, each successful Crystallization grants a Crystalline Crest. Obtain the [Vitreous Fracture] Skill.
[Vitreous Fracture] Active skill.
- Plant the users' blade onto the ground, summoning trilight energy spikes and dealing 70% weapon damage in a 10 * 7 yards vortex around the user. Furthermore, this move will shatter any Crystallized targets, dealing 200% Crystalline-type damage, absorbing any current Crystalline Crests to deal an extra 10% Crystalline-type damage, up to a maximum of 350% Crystalline-type damage. Shatter will not occur on any non-crystallized targets.
- Cooldown: 2 minutes.
Instantly, his HP had risen from 195 to 255, his Strength rising from 8 to 10, furthermore increasing his Physical Attack Power to 15, along with other boosts. Generally, his current strength had risen significantly, making (Y/N) smirk at the new changes.
"This is just one piece of the Set...looks like whether I like it or not, I'll have to go fight these things." (Y/N), satisfied with his current setup, gazed at the distant Hallow Interceptors, a desire for the full Vitreous Set shining in his eyes. If he acquired the full Set Equipment, he'd be much more confident in defeating the Guardian Boss.
"Hm..." (Y/N) gazed at his Novice Sword, before gazing back at the Hallow Interceptors, then at his fists, now clad in the tricolored gauntlets, then back at the Hallow Interceptors.
"All right then, let's do this mano-a-mano." (Y/N) shrugged with a smirk, beginning to approach the Hallow Interceptors as he cracked his knuckles. Although he could still use the Novice Sword, it would not survive past three encounters with the Hallow Interceptors. However...his fists were unbreakable. Although it was very much so unsupported by any Equipment, all classes could attack with their fists. The only reason most didn't was because barehanded attacks would not benefit from the bonuses a Weapon would grant nor the bonuses a Job would grant, hence, nobody usually attacked with their fists unless absolutely necessary.
As for (Y/N)?
Well, he didn't really care.
(Y/N) swiftly dashed up to another group of Hallow Interceptors, who instantly noticed him as five of the bipedal behemoths turned towards him, charging at him as they released unsettling screeches, though (Y/N) merely grinned, his golden eyes shining.
Dodging beneath the initial pierce from the first Hallow Interceptor, (Y/N) swiftly sent a punch towards its chest, a damage of -4 appearing above its head, though the Hallow Interceptor merely ignored the measly damage, attacking against as (Y/N) vaulted over the attack, landing another punch onto the Hallow Interceptors' head, another damage of -4 appearing above its head.
The four other Hallow Interceptors surrounded (Y/N) from all sides, drawing back their spiked shard-arms and thrusting forward, pinning (Y/N) between all their attacks. Normally, most Players wouldn't be able to react to such a situation, but (Y/N) merely smirked as he activated [Flying Steps], instantly vaulting over the first Hallow Interceptor, landing a jab to its head as another -4 appeared above it.
Aggravated, the Hallow Interceptor attempted to turn to pierce (Y/N), however, he merely sent another punch at its shoulder, stumbling the creature before he delivered yet another punch onto its face, delivering punch after punch as damage values appeared above it.
-4.
-4.
-4.
...
Initially, (Y/N) would've never resorted to such tactics, as with every hit he'd done upon the Hallow Interceptor, he would've been subjected to the numbing that came with each hit upon the Hallow Interceptors' crystalline skin, however, with the Vitreous Bracers, he could ignore that altogether, hence, his assault didn't slow for even a moment. Despite the efforts of the five Hallow Interceptors, they could do nothing as (Y/N) slowly beat one of them to death, easily evading their attacks.
After fifteen minutes, all the Hallowed Interceptors had shared the same fate as the first, falling at (Y/N)'s feet as he hummed coolly, picking up their drops calmly.
Once more, he'd gotten three more vials of Basic Crystalline Solvent, utilizing one instantly as his Crystalline Decay, which had risen back to 4%, once more fell to 1%. Furthermore, he'd gotten two more Crystalline Shards, as well as 2 more of the strange Synthesis Item.
Unfortunately, this time he hadn't received a drop of the Vitreous Set, though after a moment of consideration, (Y/N) didn't find it all that strange. The Vitreous Set was certainly an apex Level 5 Set, hence, how could its drop rate be high?
(Y/N) had already gotten quite lucky to get even 1 drop of the 7 pieces so far.
"Urg...I'm going to be farming these guys for quite a while, aren't I?" (Y/N) placed a hand to his head in annoyance, already imagining the double-drop hell that he'd have to endure just to get a full set. As for acquiring two full Vitreous sets? Unless his luck was beyond unreasonable, he didn't even consider the possibility.
Without delay, (Y/N) ventured deeper into the caverns, encountering over three groups of Hallow Interceptors as he did so. Furthermore, as their numbers increased, so did the amount of time he spent to defeat each group. Currently, it took him around 22 minutes per group of Hallow Interceptors, time passing by swiftly as (Y/N) utilized the Basic Crystalline Solvents to keep his Crystalline Decay low, slowly grinding through the monsters.
As he delivered the final punch onto another Hallow Interceptor, the final of the group, a glint caught (Y/N)'s eye, a system notification reaching his ears.
System: 25 Crown Fragments detected. Would you like to Synthesize the Crown Jewel?
"Crown Jewel? Oh, that must be the synthesized item." (Y/N) instantly clicked Agree, the 25 mysterious fragments flying out of his inventory and hovering before him, hovering around each other in a circle as they twinkled endlessly, before ultimately circling each other swiftly, slamming together as a bright light quickly emerged, (Y/N) covering his eyes as a hallow presence swiftly formed before him, making his eyes narrow slightly.
Just what kind of item was this?
After a few more seconds, the display came to an end as (Y/N) returned his gaze onto the item before him, now a tricolored crystalline emblem bearing a fractured crown, (Y/N) gazing at it curiously.
[Observing Eyes]!
[Crown Jewel] (Synthesized Emblem)
- Unveils the Array protecting the Guardian Boss of the Hallow Caverns. Due to its shattered nature, however, the Crown Jewel must be charged with Hallowed Energy before it can dispel the protective Array. Current progress: 0/500 Jewel Fragments.
- Grants the [Crown Guide] Skill.
[Crown Guide]
- Unveils the pathway to the Guardian Boss of the Hallow Caverns.
- Cooldown: 30 seconds.
"...Hm." (Y/N) hummed to himself, crossing his arms as he stared at the floating emblem. So...this was the final key, then...
"I'll have to charge it, but that shouldn't be too much of an issue at my current rate. Although, if it uses the same things that it used to Synthesize it, it might just be an issue." (Y/N) couldn't help but sigh, glancing over the emblem before grasping it in his gauntlets.
The mysterious item, the "Jewel Fragments", if he was correct, simply had an abysmal drop rate. Even after killing all the monsters he'd found so far, he'd only now acquired 25 of them...
How long would getting another 500 take?
Even he didn't know.
It had been roughly a little over an hour since he'd arrived at the Hallow Caverns.
Assuming he could get another 25 Jewel Fragments in an hour, he'd need at least 20 hours to gather all 500...
"Anyway, let's go take a peek at this Guardian Boss." (Y/N), after a moment of deliberation, decided as he raised the emblem.
[Crown Guide]!
Instantly, a tricolored wisp of light appeared before him, expanding until it formed a great vortex, (Y/N) being devoured by the light as he disappeared, appearing before another area, a tricolored barrier of light directly in front of him. Hundreds of tricolored crystals filled his sight, leaving only one distinct location beyond the barrier.
Furthermore, beyond the barrier, a giant opening, surrounded by a chasm that even (Y/N) could find no end to, a distinct creature resting within the encasing barrier. The creature resembled a hallow suit of black armor, a giant sword resting beside the creature as it seemed inactive, though a sense of foreboding encased the entire grounds where it stood. Above its head lay a shattered, thorn-like crown that seemed to shine with fractures...
However, (Y/N)'s eyes instantly narrowed as he gazed at the creature, the threat of death looming over him as a serious look formed on his face.
"You've got to be kidding me..." (Y/N) couldn't help his annoyance at the turn of events, the pressure being quite familiar to him.
Although it felt...hallow, it was still a similar pressure.
[Observing Eyes]!
[Shardcrown Vessel] (Crown Lord)
Level 10
HP: 50,000/50,000
(Y/N)'s expression slowly shifted.
First, his eyes slowly widened.
Second, his lips trailed open.
Third, his mind rendered the change.
Fourth, he spoke.
"What...the hell...is this thing...?" (Y/N) spoke grimly, his eyes focused upon its rank.
Even after his experiences in the past, something that absolutely shook his understanding of God's Domain lay dormant right before him...
What...
Just what the hell was a Crown Lord?!
The hollow chasms of the Shardcrown Vessel's eyes merely whistled, as if a malevolent, infinite abyss.
-----
(A/N): Sheathe -
This is actually not an item that is officially recognized as Equipment in the base RSSG, however, I figured...why not? So here, Sheathes will also be a separate sort of equipment unique to the Physical Classes, but the Magical Classes will get their own counterpart to this, so don't worry, it won't be an unfair equipment addition for Physical Classes.