They collected the loot dropped among them were ice wrym armor, some gold coins, and a vial containing the bloodline of a dragon.
[Item name: Ice Wyrm Armor]
[Rank: Platinum]
[Required attribute: Str: 80, Vit: 80, Agi 50, Int 60]
[Attributes: +2000 Defense, +50 Cold Resistance, +40 Strength, +20 INT]
[Description: This legendary Ice Wyrm Armor is crafted from the scales and icy essence of the formidable Ice Wyrm. It provides exceptional protection against physical and cold-based attacks. Its exquisite design and enchantments make it a symbol of power and resilience.]
Skills:
Frostbound Aura: Surrounds the wearer with a chilling aura that slows down nearby enemies.
Glacial Resilience: Enhances the user's resistance to freezing effects and reduces the duration of cold-based debuffs.
Frozen Fortitude: Grants temporary immunity to frostbite and enhances overall endurance in frigid environments.
[Item name: Dragon Bloodline Vial]
[Rank: ??]
[Required attribute: None]
[Attributes provided: ???]
[Description: This vial contains a concentrated essence extracted from the bloodline of a dragon. Consuming its contents unleashes a surge of energy, enhancing the user's physical and magical capabilities and there is 80% chance to awaken Dragon Bloodline within them.]
As the team prepared to roll for the dragon bloodline, Ares and Frost decided to abstain, knowing that their own unique bloodlines and martial soul held greater power. The rest of the team eagerly rolled, hoping to claim this coveted prize. Fatty, filled with excitement, emerged as the winner, securing the dragon bloodline. However, a sudden realization washed over him, causing his face to pale. He turned to Ares and stammered, "Um, Ares... Your martial soul won't attack me like it did to the Wyrm, right?" The team burst into laughter, amused by Fatty's unfounded worry.
Ares shrugged, reassuring his teammates, "Don't worry, Fatty. I can't control what my martial soul does, but it won't harm you. We're a team, after all." With their fears eased, the group took a moment to rest and gather their strength before venturing into the final level of the dungeon, the Frozen Citadel.
Upon entering the final level, they beheld a remarkable sight. Seated atop an ice throne was a man whose entire body was made of ice, emanating an aura of dignity and power. With piercing blue eyes and a regal crown adorning his head, he wielded two swords at his back. The team could sense the weight of his presence, compelling them to kneel and pay homage. As Ares tried inspecting the man he got nothing but bunch of question marks indicating that there was a huge level and rank difference.
[Frost King Arcturus]
Rank: ????
Level: ????
Description: ???
The man's regal presence commanded reverence, and a crown adorned his head. Two swords rested upon his back, glistening with an ethereal light. The aura exuded by this enigmatic figure seemed to demand submission and worship.
Frost King Arcturus: Rising from his icy throne "Welcome to my humble abode, adventurers. It has been so long since anyone has ventured here. But before we engage in combat, pray tell me, how fares the Frozen Citadel? Once a mighty kingdom, it is now referred to as a mere city, overtaken by another realm. It is truly regrettable." He let out a deep sigh, his voice carrying a hint of sorrow.
Ares and his team were taken aback, finding themselves face-to-face with an NPC in the depths of the dungeon. The fact that this NPC could communicate with them left them stunned.
Ares: With respect "Thank you for your welcome. It is indeed regrettable that we must fight. I sense your profound accomplishment in the way of the sword and the imminent threat you pose with your imposing sword intent."
Frost King Arcturus: A smile playing upon his lips "You are no ordinary warrior, young one. At such a tender age, you have already grasped the first level of sword intent and stand on the cusp of breaking through to the second level."
With Ares's words, the team launched into action. Fatty and Nobel Knight charged forward as the tankers, positioning themselves strategically alongside Ares. Ares unleashed the Val'Shara Sword Art, his attacks flowing like water in perfect harmony. His slashes and stabs were executed with impeccable timing and rotation, showcasing his flawless footwork and swordsmanship. The Frost King's eyes widened in astonishment, but he swiftly blocked all of Ares's attacks with one sword in hand, the other concealed behind his back.
Frost King Arcturus: With a smirk "Impressive teammates you have there. However, before we can clash swords, I believe I must rid myself of them."
As if in response, Frost and Caffein Mage unleashed a barrage of powerful magic spells upon the Frost King. But he proved to be a formidable foe, effortlessly evading or blocking their attacks. In a swift motion, he turned his attention to Fiona, the healer who had been diligently maintaining the team's health. With a single strike, Fiona was sent back to the respawn point, leaving the tanks, Fatty and Nobel Knight, vulnerable without her healing support.
Ares watched in horror as the Frost King's attention shifted to Fiona, the team's healer, who had been tirelessly supporting their health throughout the battle. In a single, devastating strike, Fiona was sent hurtling back to the respawn point, her presence extinguished from the battlefield. The absence of her healing support left Fatty and Nobel Knight vulnerable, unable to sustain their health points without her aid.
As if sensing their weakened state, the Frost King quickly dispatched both Nobel knight and fatty. Then his gaze fell upon Sword Fairy, who valiantly stepped forward to engage him in battle. Her swordsmanship was swift and precise, impressing even the Frost King himself. However, his praise was short-lived as he swiftly struck her down with a single, ruthless strike.
Sword Fairy's lifeless body joined the fallen Fiona, Fatty, and Nobel Knight. The team's ranks had been decimated, with only Ares, Frost, and Caffein Mage remaining to face the indomitable Frost King. The weight of their fallen comrades hung heavily in the air, fueling Ares's determination to protect Frost and Caffein Mage at all costs.
A sense of desperation filled the air as the team struggled to land a single hit on the Frost King. Ares attempted to summon his martial soul, but it refused to manifest, adding to the mounting tension. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Loot Goblin and Stealthy Slacker managed to stun the Frost King momentarily. However, their triumph was short-lived as they fell victim to the Frost King's retaliatory strike, their lifeless bodies joining Fiona's in the realm of the fallen.
Ares, didn't let the chance go and his determination reaching its peak, seized the opportunity. With impeccable timing, he unleashed the Heavenly Slash, his sword intent surging forth with unleashed fury. The stunned Frost King felt the impact, his health diminishing by 10%. The battlefield was now reduced to Ares, Frost, and Caffein Mage, the last remaining fighters. The others, including Sword Fairy, had fallen.
Ares recognized his grave error, knowing he had been forewarned by Park Sejong not to attempt the final stage and to protect their healer at all costs. He cast aside his regrets and made a solemn vow to protect Frost and Caffein Mage. Clearing his mind, he drew forth the legendary sword, Vaisnav Astra. Its appearance left the Frost King astonished.
Frost King Arcturus: Intrigued "Ah, a splendid blade. It seems I hold a piece of that legendary sword as well."
The Frost King placed his sword back into its sheath and drew another, causing the frost energy in the air to surge and twist. Ares's surprise was palpable as he realized the sword before him was also a fragment of the mythic Vaisnav Astra, reforged into a different form. A heightened state overcame Ares as he charged towards the Frost King, their swords clashing with an explosion of raw power.
Ares unleashed a relentless onslaught, combining his sword skills and attack-boosting abilities. The Frost King noticed the radiant aura of Ares's sword.
Frost King Arcturus: With a grin "You possess not only a sword aura but a sword heart as well. Truly, you are a talented wielder of the blade."
Ares attacked with unwavering ferocity, deftly blocking every move from the Frost King. In that moment, it felt as though only the two of them existed, the world around them fading into a blur. Verses of a poem recited by Ares's grandfather resurfaced in his mind, igniting a fire within him.
With each strike, Ares's sword grew sharper, his attacks more potent. His senses heightened, enabling him to precisely block and dodge every move of his opponent, his body reacting instinctively to predict the Frost King's maneuvers.
he poem repeated itself in his mind:
"In the realm of warriors, where steel meets skill,
Ancient poets sing of the sword with a thrill.
A dance of blades, a symphony of might,
Unleashing valor and courage in the night.
With each strike, a tale of heroes unfold,
Their prowess and honor, timeless and bold.
Through artistry of combat, they express,
The essence of their souls, an eternal caress."
With every strike, Ares felt a profound awakening within him. He had experienced this sensation before during the trial of the Mythology Interface. His sword intent grew stronger and more resolute, matching the relentless pace set by the Frost King. Ares unleashed the Blazing Fury Slash, and the Frost King struggled to withstand the onslaught, desperately blocking each strike.
However, the Frost King's defenses could not hold against the relentless assault. The small barrier obstructing Ares's sword intent shattered, granting him access to the second level of sword intent. In that instant, an inferno erupted from Ares, causing the very fabric of the ice dungeon to tremble. A colossal flame materialized, giving birth to the Crimson Flame Phoenix, Ares's second martial soul, unleashed alongside his newfound second level of sword intent.
The inscriptions and platform revolving around Ares's sword martial soul ignited, illuminating the battlefield. Every strike he delivered now carried a fiery slash. Empowered by the second level of sword intent and the awakening of his martial soul, Ares swiftly overwhelmed the Frost King. Frost and Caffein Mage watched in slack-jawed awe, as Ares's dragon martial soul was now joined by this new formidable power, their expressions a testament to the overwhelming power now surging within Ares.
Ares unleashed the Heavenly Slash once again, integrating his second level of sword intent into the skill. Enhanced by mana, fire, and lightning, the attack became an awe-inspiring spectacle, rending the heavens themselves. With a resounding boom, the slash shattered the Frost King's defenses, striking him with unstoppable force. His one million health points swiftly dwindled to zero, and he collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Frost King Arcturus: With a wistful smile "Good luck on your journey in the way of the sword, little fellow."
With those parting words, the Frost King's presence faded into nothingness, leaving behind only the victorious Ares and his triumphantly burning Crimson Flame Phoenix. Goosebumps covered the skin of those who witnessed this astounding display of power.