I'm using [Break Dash] for several hours now. It seems my distance to the general monster is still quite far.
My clones got left behind since they cannot keep up with me.
I cannot use [Clone Takeover] since my body will be vulnerable. I just have to face this monster with my actual body.
If not for the uneven terrain and tall rocky slope, I would have arrived there ages ago. Regardless, there are several monsters wherever I go.
Going here, I encounter these creatures. [Grey Salamander
Level: 160]
They are just found everywhere on my front.
Regardless, might as well try this.
[Cursing Flames: Cast destructive dark flames to consume any target ]
I notice I can aim this skill on several targets. I'll try eliminating the entire horde in front of me.
Using the skill, the entire horde of Salamanders is devoured in black flames. They squeal in anguish as they got instantly got turned into dust.
Seeing the monsters got cleared out instantly, I feel glad. However, a pulsating pain assaults my arm.
[Warning, too much use of cursing flames can disturb the user's magical circuits]
Then you should have said it earlier!
Ack! It hurts.
My arm turns dark as though it is infected. I wince as I suffer in pain.
I quickly cast [Clone Betrayal] to transfer the damage to the clone and finally, I sigh.
I think I'm saved.
I got taken aback when my clone turns dark, then eventually it explodes violently.
My eyes widen since I cannot believe it.
It would have done something to Ren if that clone was closer. Worse, I might even explode if I use this skill too much.
Maybe, I'll avoid using this if I can.
As I continue on my path, sadly, a rumble is felt across the terrain. It causes my balance to get disturbed making me fall to the ground. Since I carry Ren, I accidentally slam my head against his.
"Ugh!"
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Fo-forgive me for that."
"Forget about that, hurry quick."
The ground crumbles as a shadow now looms over me. Something is behind me.
I lost my footing when the ground where I stand falls apart. I manage to leap away and land somewhere with a stable footing.
Geh! What is it this time?
Turning around, a new monster is seen.
[Fiery Serpent
Level: 180]
It's as tall as a five-story building. It even looks as tough a General Monster.
But what the hell is this place?! These guys never give me a break. Everywhere I go there are monsters.
That's it I'm annoyed. Let's go to plan B. Normally, the plan is to carry Ren and proceed to the General Monster as fast as possible. Right now, I cast a clone and let him carry Ren.
Equipping my Valkeryun blade, I faced the enemy. "Sorry Ren, but there will be some delay of the plans."
Seeing Ren he is now unconscious. Regardless, I have to end this quick.
Using [Break Dash] I dash around the Fiery Serpent, slicing it cleanly into several pieces. I then smile.
Looks like I'm stronger than I think I am. I then use my sword to test out my new dark affinity skill.
[Dark Catastrophy!]
Slamming it upon the ground, a large shockwave oozing in dark energy is released on the area. After the sinister blast passes through the monsters, it instantly vaporizes the monsters.
[Dark Catastrophy (Special Skill): Instantly destroys opponents that the user can defeat with one strike of the Valkeryun Blade]
I can only use this special skill with my Valkeryun blade equipped. This is perfect.
"Clone! We are advancing!"
Since there is a change of plans, we may be slow but it's more efficient since I can easily wipe out the opponents in front of me. We don't have to reroute every time the monsters are blocking us.
Well then, I'll try calling the other clones for assistance but it seems they can't move because there are monsters present in their areas. In fact, they are everywhere.
As for Vermil, she got lost after I used [Break Dash] repeatedly. She will regroup soon.
[+23,000 EXP
+ 42,000 EXP
+ 35,000 EXP
+ 35,000 EXP
+ 50,000 EXP
.....]
My clones are grinding hard right now. Even though that is the case, it seems my leveling up is now slower.
Seeing my status screen, I tried to hide it since its blocking my visuals.
[Level 183]
Even with those EXP's, I'm still at level 183. I imagine even higher levels will be more challenging to advance.
Just in front of me, Vermil makes her entrance. She slices 3 grey salamanders blocking our path at ease. Out of all her stats, Agility is her highest.
Since she had the title of Great Adventurer, she is also allowed to choose one class. In which she chooses Short Blades, increasing her maximum agility capacity to 1500.
Not to mention, she also pours her stat points on her agility.
The remaining grey salamanders release flames from their mouths. I then easily dodge and come close to slice their heads.
***
[Ren]
I don't have fire resistance and I can now feel the burning effect. If these drags on, my body might burn into ashes. The only thing saving me is my tolerance.
Ghouls won't acquire fire resistance no matter how much they stay in this environment.
Regardless, these siblings, Verni and Vermil are quite strong. If these people come out to the surface, they might even be able to rival the demons from Darkrus.
I am worried at first but since I know who they are, it makes me relieved. I'm even taking a liking to this Verni. I have acknowledged him.
***
[Verni]
From this distance, I can already see my clones. They are battling against various monsters.
There are even flying flame beasts throwing flames on our paths. The clones jump to take the hit. They then vanish.
[Pteroflames:
Level: 150]
Vermil advances. She then leaps up and slashes the Pteroflames with one swift swing. It is enough to destroy these creatures.
As for why we can one-hit monsters with one strike it must be due to the fact our stats are high for our levels.
An earthquake occurs, creating heavy shockwaves across the dungeon. I can feel it this time. Looks like we have to get ready.
[Warning: A mythical monster detected]
[Kronos (Mythical) (General Monster)
Level: 180
HP: 4,000,000]
A giant molten golem rises from the ground. It is constantly rising that it can go as tall as the mountains. It is still forming, though we are already afraid of it.
This is even 10 times bigger than Valkeryun! This is my biggest opponent yet.
But we have come this far, we have no choice but to defeat it.
"Clone, take care of Ren!"
Ren is now unconscious as he is being carried by my clone. I guess I have to double time since my time is ticking.
It looks like I will be dealing with this on my own.
Kronos has now emerged as a humanoid golem with a face and a fully formed body and limbs. It is targeting my clones.
Kronos raises his molten sword made of rocks. Its length might cover the diameter of an entire town. This dungeon looks like a small playground with Kronos on the view, I guess he is just that big.
The magma on the ground is being absorbed by Kronos. In a glimpse, it seems the molten ground below has lost its light. The magma is then directed to his sword, charging it up.
With one heavy swing, a fierce flaming cut slices the ground into two until it reaches the ends of the dungeon. It is sliced cleanly like butter.
The clones receiving the attack instantly get annihilated.
Vermil suddenly charges without my warning.
"Vermil!"
She is already close to that thing that talking to her by telepathy is too late.
Vermil is found on its foot. Looking at her she is like an ant in comparison. She then sinks her dagger unto the foot. She then activates her [Infectious Slash]!
The dark infection spreads out from Kronos' leg.
Will that even work?
Vermil looks pleased with the moment. "How about that?!"
However, by the time the infection reaches the knee. It then disappears entirely.
[Kronos Resists Infection!]
Ugh, as I thought!
Right now, Kronos is aiming for her. I have to call her quickly. "Vermil withdraw immediately."
"Eh?" Vermil panics.
She runs as fast as she can. Kronos is now posing to strike. He is gathering magma from the ground, charging his blade.
"Vermil, dodge!"
With one strike, it went through where Vermil is standing. She gets swallowed by the fierce flame slash.
I feel some despair at that moment, but I know she is alive since she is connected to me. Though she arrives close to me with half of her light armor gone.
"Brother, forgive me for that!" She chuckles nervously as she scratches her head.
I sigh. "I was worried right there for a second."
However, seeing her bare skin chest, I gulp. I look away. "Vermil, your clothes."
"Oh."
I then throw some clothes on her from my [Spatial Inventory]. I didn't notice but it seems this skill has leveled up.
[Spatial Inventory (Level 2):
+Store items in another dimension]
[The skill Spatial Inventory creates a new skill
Temporal Inventory:
+ Store item in another dimension without being affected by time ]
Temporal Inventory, huh? That seems pretty slick. Though time no time passes by in that dimension? The thought alone sounds scary.
But it's fine if I put my arm inside right?
[Answer, yes]
"Brother, it's coming!"
Kronos is done charging. He is already in position. With a fierce swing on our path, a large flame cut runs across the ground.
We can dodge by leaping, but the immense wind pressure is already causing us to get blown away.
I somehow manage to land just fine. I wonder about her. "Vermil, are you okay?"
She gives me thumbs up. "I'm fine brother! I will help you to defeat that thing!"
"Alright, I'll be counting on you!"
As I stare at Kronos from afar, I grin. "Your time is up now, Kronos!"