I've battled my fair share of Elite Monsters in the past, but this time feels like a blast from the past, quite literally. It's been a while since I dived into the monster-slaying business, and I'm about to face one of these bad boys again.
You see, Elite Monsters are the real MVPs in the gaming world. Everyone's hunting them down, but as of now, no one's managed to bag one or even survive their wrath. Why? Well, not just because they drop rare loot, tons of gold, and XP points that'll make your character swole, but also because they're like the holy grail for quest hunters.
Take Lily, for instance. She's given me this quest to deal with Gray Wolves, but it turns out, the Pure White Wolf is like the fancy cousin of the Gray Wolf. So, in gamer logic, it counts as a Gray Wolf, and that's probably why my rewards are more mysterious than a magician's hat. If I can slay this beast, it might just unlock a treasure trove of rewards for me in this quest. Or at least, that's what I hope. Fingers crossed!
I've already taken down seven Gray Wolves, and I've got just three more to go to complete this quest. Among them, there's a pack led by the imposing Pure White Wolf. Eliminating the pack leader would send the others running, but I can't afford to let them escape. These wolves are like walking experience points to me, and I need every bit of experience I can get.
I decided to switch to a magic sword. It may look different from a standard sword, but it's a weapon I've been wielding for years, one that's become like an extension of myself. Making it my primary weapon choice makes sense, but I should also experiment with other weapons to enhance my combat skills. However, facing such a formidable foe, it's only logical to bring out my very best.
The Pure White Wolf is wary and orders its pack to attack. I welcome their assault. In fact, I prefer them to strike first, putting me in a favorable position where I won't be surrounded by enemies. This fight means everything, and I'm ready to give it my all.
The Gray Wolves closed in on me, a relentless assault from all sides. Frankly, I was no veteran when it came to battling the Pure White Wolf. In the last timeline, it had become a prized target, with players swarming it the moment it spawned. Late to the party and outmatched by higher-level players, I struggled to secure a chance at taking it down.
Instead of rashly charging in, I took a moment to evade their initial attacks and analyze their tactics, seeking any signs of alteration under the influence of the Pure White Wolf. Caution was key; a wrong move could prove fatal. Fortunately, their attack patterns remained unchanged, but their newfound coordination was a challenge, not an insurmountable one.
With my Versatile Weapon in its Magic Sword form ready, I braced myself for their next synchronized assault. One of the wolves lunged at me, jaws agape.
"Gotcha!"
In one swift motion, I severed the Gray Wolf's head, dispatching it instantly. The others followed suit, but I repeated the process, dispatching them with ease and minimal damage.
The Pure White Wolf's crimson eyes flared with a menacing intensity. As its lackeys lay defeated at its feet, it unleashed its Berserk Mode—a ferocious attribute shared by select Elite Monsters. Unlike common foes, these creatures didn't require a lowly status to trigger their frenzy. The mere act of dispatching their lesser minions could set them off, turning well-laid plans into futile gestures.
The battlefield shifted drastically when the Pure White Wolf entered this bloodthirsty state. Its sudden surge in power elevated the peril to a whole new level. Unlike the Gray Wolves, which I could handle with relative ease, the Pure White Wolf presented a formidable challenge. It wasn't a beast I could simply dispatch in a single strike.
Survival hinged on my ability to meticulously decipher its attack patterns and gradually wear it down. With every calculated blow, I aimed to accumulate enough damage to bring the relentless beast to its knees.
Suddenly, a bone-chilling howl pierced the air, signaling the Pure White Wolf's deadly charge toward me. Swiftly, I transformed my Versatile Weapon into a Shield and Spear, deploying the shield with haste to intercept the oncoming onslaught.
CRASH!
A deafening collision reverberated through the air as the shield absorbed the impact. I was forcefully pushed back, and my left hand, bearing the brunt of the blow, tingled with numbness. The searing pain that followed was a brutal reminder that even in my guarded state, the Pure White Wolf's formidable strength could breach my defenses. Moreover, the gaping level difference between us underscored the fact that a single misstep could cost me my life.
With my shield held firmly, I carefully prepared a spell in my mind. This creature was in a berserk state, and charging at it recklessly would be unwise.
"[Basic Fireball]!"
BOOM!
-94
Despite the monster's berserk state, the damage I inflicted seemed pitiful. Normally, this wolf would take around 40-50 damage without its berserk boost. Complaining about the damage wouldn't change anything. My strategy was clear: chip away at the Elite Enemy's health until it succumbed to its wounds. Patience was key.
The Pure White Wolf nonchalantly brushed off the flames on its fur and lunged at me once more, its fangs gleaming menacingly. Although my attack had caused some damage, it had barely scratched the surface of its formidable health bar.
The boss retaliated with a ferocious assault, slashing its sharp claws and pounding me with powerful strikes. Swiftly, I raised my shield to fend off its onslaught.
"Just go down already!" I exclaimed, thrusting my spear at its exposed neck.
STAB!
-231! Critical!
The Pure White Wolf howled in agony. My attack had landed a deeper blow, but it wasn't fatal. It only served to further infuriate the beast. I needed a burst of damage to force it to back off.
"[Shocking Lightning]!" An arc of electricity surged from my hands and struck the Pure White Wolf. The damage seemed minimal, and the wolf appeared unfazed.
Nevertheless, the shock had momentarily halted its attack, causing it to retreat. With its powerful legs, it would return in a matter of seconds. It was a tactic the wolf employed to minimize the damage it sustained from me. Now, the Pure White Wolf was cautious, circling me, searching for an opportunity to strike from an advantageous angle. Once it found one, it lunged, closing the distance swiftly.
I swiftly switched my weapon back to the trusty Magic Sword and swung it with all my might. The Pure White Wolf moved like lightning, making it hard to pinpoint where my blow landed. But one thing was clear: I had managed to cut deep, and blood sprayed from the wound as the wolf let out a painful howl, landing a few feet behind me.
-124
-Inflicted with Bleeding(Minor). Target will lose 20 HP per second for 3 minutes.
I'd successfully inflicted the wolf with a bleeding effect. Surprisingly, that single slash had been enough to trigger Bleeding(Minor), indicating a severe wound. This meant I had a chance to whittle away the wolf's health over time. With no healing abilities at its disposal, the Pure White Wolf was trapped in a relentless descent.
I stole a quick glance at the cooldown timers for both [Basic Fireball] and [Shocking Lightning]. Now that they had reset and were ready for use, it was time to bring this battle to a decisive end.
"[Basic Fireball]!"
This time, I aimed straight for its face. The Pure White Wolf had no chance to dodge as the fireball slammed into its head. I noticed the gash on its right leg from my previous attack. It was deep, and I knew it would trigger a Bleeding debuff, making it difficult for the wolf to move. This game doesn't hold back on realism, which meant this was the perfect opportunity for a series of deadly strikes.
Closing the distance between us, I transformed my weapon into a standard sword and unleashed a skill.
"[Triple Slash!]"
The Pure White Wolf howled in agony as I followed up with a rapid barrage of slashes. With each exchange, I gained a better understanding of its moves. It was time to finish the fight. Amidst the flurry of strikes, I transitioned my weapon into a hammer.
BANG!
The wolf let out a guttural cry of agony as it crumpled to the ground, a testament to the brutal force of my hammer blow. But sentiment couldn't find a place in this battle. With no room for sympathy, I wasted no time. I swiftly transformed my weapon into an axe, determined to end this encounter swiftly. The wolf's health was already dwindling, so a decisive blow would finish the job.
"Die for me!" I swung the axe down to its neck like an executioner giving a death sentence to the target.
Chop!
Looks like the strike I did is something I added too much strength with as the head of the Pure White a wolf toppled down in the distance.
-Pure White Wolf successfully killed!
-You have killed an Elite Monster, awarding 10 AP.
-Got White Fur x2
-Got White Claw x5
-Got White Fur Wolf Mask
-Got 10,000 EXP( Got 10,000 EXP for performing Elite Monster Kill)(Got 1000 Exp for killing a higher leveled Monster!)(Title Effects Activated, 21,000 Bonus EXP)
-Got 30 Swordsman SP, 30 Magician SP, 30 Magic Knight SP, 30 Berserker SP.
-Congratulations! You leveled up from 4 to 5.
-Got 10 AP(Title Effects Activated, 3 Bonus AP acquired.)
-Got 10 SP
-Congratulations, You leveled up from 5 to 6.
-Got 10 AP(Title Effects Activated, 3 Bonus AP acquired.)
-Got 10 SP
-Got the Title: Elite Slayer
-----
A string of notifications popped up before me. The fact that I'd just leveled up twice was a nice surprise, but honestly, it was to be expected. Thanks to the [Memento Mori] title, I was racking up more experience points. Plus, taking down an elite monster higher level than me? That's just common sense.
After the logs, a new notification appeared in my view:
[You are the first player to slay an Elite Monster worldwide! Your name will go down in the Hall Of Fame. Do you want to broadcast your name to the world? NPCs might treat you with more respect, but be warned, announcing yourself is like a bullseye on your back. You can stay anonymous, but the news will still spread.]
Announce/Do not Announce
This was a global announcement, a surefire way to attract attention. Those who went public often became prime targets for other players, unless they were seriously powerful. I had no intention of making my name known, not even in the game. I wasn't interested in the spotlight just yet. First, I needed to grow stronger.
I chose the "Do not Announce" option. My plan was to stay in the shadows, keep a low profile, and avoid drawing any unnecessary attention. While this announcement would pique the interest of various player factions, it would take them some time to figure out who I was. If I played my cards right, they'd simply think I was exceptionally skilled, and my true identity would remain a mystery.
[Global Announcement: Celebrating Unknown Player's Triumph as the First to Conquer an Elite Monster Worldwide, Garnering 100 Esteemed Fame Points]
Well, that certainly went smoothly. I've now accumulated an effortless 100 Fame Points. Boosting my Fame could prove invaluable when it comes to cultivating connections with NPCs. I delved into my Inventory and harnessed its Spatial Skill, an essential tool in preserving the complete cadavers of Gray Wolves. Every part, no matter how small, was accounted for in my swift collection. Even those decapitated heads were not overlooked; they can fetch a tidy sum when combined with the rest of the body.
A new notification materialized before me.
[The Pure White Wolf will reappear in one week. Please wait until the duration is over before confronting it again.]
I nodded in acknowledgment. Elite Monsters do require an extended respawn time. However, that's no longer my concern, as I won't be taking on this particular behemoth again. Next week, it's up for grabs for others. I dismissed the notification and returned to inspecting the loot. The majority consisted of raw materials, while the remainder comprised a pile of miscellaneous items I had no use for. Yet, amid this assortment, one item seized my attention.
----
[White Fur Wolf Mask]
Tier: Very Rare Tier
Type: Mask Equipment
AGI: 10
DEX: 10
INT: 10
Info: Hey there, crafty adventurers! We've got a real treat for you – the White Fur Wolf Mask! This isn't your ordinary accessory; it's a game-changer. Picture this: a mask that completely hides your face with the snazzy likeness of a white-furred wolf. But that's just the tip of the iceberg!
When you don this majestic mask, you become the master of disguise. Your hair magically turns white as long as you wear it, so you'll blend in effortlessly with the snowy surroundings. No more bad hair days for you, my friend!
But wait, there's more! Are you tired of those pesky wolves sniffing around? Well, with this mask on, you'll smell as uninteresting as an old sock. Wolves won't pester you anymore; they'll think you're just one of the gang! And here's the kicker – the snout of this mask actually moves when you talk. Yep, you heard that right. It's like having a secret, wolfish alter ego.
Note: With the White Fur Wolf Mask, you'll not only look awesome but also pull off a killer werewolf impersonation. Howl about that for a good time, huh?
----
Oh, look what we've got here! Back in the day, this thing was up for grabs at an auction, masquerading as some kind of mask equipment. People were like, "Pfft, what's this useless thing?" But little did they know, this piece of gear was your golden ticket to schmoozing with the not-so-friendly neighborhood Werewolves. I only really understood its power when a buddy of mine snagged it. Yeah, sure, its stats were kinda meh, but the fact that it could mask your scent from those furry foes? Well, that's like scoring a free lunch at a werewolf buffet.
So, here's the deal: You won't see a "Mask Equipment" slot on your avatar panel until you slap on a piece of mask-type gear. And trust me, I could really use one right about now because I, uh, kind of skipped the whole "slight alteration" thing when I built my avatar. But hey, at least it's a nifty way to keep my real identity under wraps, especially since I'm not exactly Mr. Superhero with all the muscles yet. Plus, hiding behind this mask means I won't accidentally photobomb any virtual selfies.
So, I slap that puppy on, and it feels surprisingly snug. It's like my face is getting a cozy, furry hug.
Now, behold the new and improved Bladeheart! Nobody's gonna mess with this mug anymore!
But then reality slapped me in the face (not literally, thanks to the mask). Quest time was approaching, and I couldn't afford to waste any more time staring at my avatar panel. If I kept loafing around here, I'd be the proud owner of a "Quest Failed" notification. So, I hightailed it out of the forest, sprinting like my digital life depended on it.
The entire gaming community in Alternate World got hit with a bombshell earlier today. Someone pulled off the ultimate move and slayed the First Elite Monster, leaving some players scratching their heads in disbelief.
"Holy sh*t! Did someone seriously bag an Elite kill already? It's only day one, for crying out loud!"
"You think this is some kind of announcement glitch, or did a freakin' gaming wizard pull off this stunt?!"
"Nah, even if it was a pro, they still gotta prove they ain't bluffing. Imagine the epic fail if they can't back it up!"
Conversations erupted faster than a noob's death count as players threw wild guesses into the mix. Little did they know, the real MVP was sprinting to the tavern, racing against the quest timer as they owed it money. But hey, the rest of the gang didn't need to know that – let the mystery spice things up!