(A/N: The [""] will refer to party messages)
Sen was now trembling, as were the Sensory mages, "That's a D-Rank Boss... THAT'S A D-RANK BOSS!"
Martha was quick to clear things up however, "No, it's still an E-Rank Boss, but it does have the same level of defense as a Mid D-Rank Boss."
Sen and the others breathed a quick sigh of relief, still, the difference between an E-Rank Monster and an E-Rank Boss were still massive, and this one was no exception.
{You have received a party message from Martha Direndal!}
["Sen, Titanella, you both saw the name and description right? Please tell me I'm seeing things!"]
'There was a party chat system? Martha figured that out before I did, as expected of here! Ah, to that's how it works.'
["I see it, spouse of Sen, I can definitely fight it, but its durability is just on another level!"]
["Why are you still calling her that? you can just call her Martha, you don't have to worry about offending her by calling her by name!"]
Martha's face briefly flickered with amusement before she regained her seriousness. "It seems this situation has escalated beyond our expectations. I will focus on providing continuous buffs, debuffs, and recovery spells to support you. This boss is more formidable than we anticipated."
The morale of the main attack force soared upon learning that the Guildmaster herself would be aiding them.
A surge of incredible strength coursed through Sen, and he sensed the same empowerment radiating from the other guild members. They appeared invigorated, exuding a heightened sense of power and capability. Sen unleashed his abilities in unison, incorporating his newly acquired Gravity Magic. Although it only slightly impeded the titan's advance, as the battle progressed, the effect seemed to intensify, progressively restraining its movements.
The engagement could have stretched into a prolonged struggle if not for Martha's intervention. Sen and the attack force members were acutely aware that they still had a long way to go before harnessing this strength independently. As Zephyrion's mana reserves dwindled, its multifaceted defenses gradually eroded, allowing the guild members to inflict more lasting damage. An enthusiastic cheer erupted as the titan stumbled. "Keep it up, just a little more, everyone!"
Martha continued to inspire her guildmates, urging them onward. Zephyrion's overreliance on its array of powers ultimately proved its downfall. While more intelligent than standard monsters, it lacked the awareness to recognise its strategic misstep. The titan's stumbles grew more frequent, culminating in a sudden collapse. Guild members near its prone form scrambled for cover. As the titan dissolved, leaving no trace, a System notification materialised.
Sen hurried toward the anticipated loot drop, his anticipation palpable.
{Congratulations! Through the joint effort of the Mooncry guild attack force and Martha Direndal's support, you have successfully hunted and killed a D-Rank Boss! Rewards: 250k Luminite, 25 Million EXP, 6 Epic Active Skill Books, 1 Free all-round Inventory mega-upgrade! You have levelled up x5, All Stats +5!}
"Don't display my status window yet! I'll examine it after I exit the dungeon. But that Inventory mega-upgrade—what does it include?"
{10 upgrades to Number of Rows, 99 upgrades to Inventory subspace slots, meaning that you now have 99 Inventory slots, each one having a new volume of 11m x 11m x 11m}
'Ah, that's some serious plot armour- I mean that's an insane upgrade!'
{Again with that plot armour shenanigans, please stop saying that!}
'Sorry, sorry, I won't say it again!'
["Sen, you can take the Technomancy skill, you're the only one who can currently use it, and I don't plan on buying that ability, it should be something that is unique to you for now!"]
["I agree with Martha, that Technomancy skill is yours to take!"]
Sen gazed at each of them before sharing the loot's details with the guild. "There were a total of 6 Epic Skill Books dropped. They're skills that the boss could employ. I claimed the Technomancy skill since I'm the only one proficient in it. As for the remaining 5 skill books, I leave it to you all to decide who should obtain them." The guild members' faces lit up with excitement, and they eagerly moved towards the remaining skill books Sen had left behind.
Turning his attention to the dropped skill book, Sen examined it closely.
{Techno-Resonance Assault (Epic, Active):
Contained within this skill book is the arcane knowledge that unveils the secrets of Zephyrion's awe-inspiring prowess—Techno-Resonance Assault. This skill epitomises the fusion of elemental mastery and technological ingenuity, providing those who possess it a glimpse into the harmonious blend of magic and machinery.
Description:
Crafted from the echoes of a bygone era, Techno-Resonance Assault empowers its wielder with the ability to command a symphony of rogue robots, laser-equipped drones, and malfunctioning mechs. This orchestration of technological prowess and elemental control generates an onslaught of varied threats that challenge the adaptability of any hunter.
Capabilities:
When invoked, this skill enables the summoning and manipulation of rogue robots, empowering them with the wind's whispers for precision strikes. Laser-equipped drones emit beams infused with elemental energy, resulting in devastating damage upon impact. Malfunctioning mechs, guided by the user's will, navigate the battlefield with eerie agility, serving as instruments of chaos.
Cost: 390k MP/Sec
Lore:
Techno-Resonance Assault is born from the union of magic and technology, mirroring Zephyrion's journey within the Desertron Dungeon. This skill book imparts the wisdom to bridge the gap between elemental mastery and the relics of forgotten machinery. By delving into the fusion of these two realms, hunters gain a glimpse into the heart of Zephyrion's power—a power that defies convention and embodies the theme of the Desertron Dungeon.
As a master conductor of chaos, Zephyrion orchestrates a cacophony of elements and technology, leaving a lasting impression on those who face this skill's might. Through the mastery of Techno-Resonance Assault, hunters stand ready to harness the fusion of advancement and primal forces, embracing a legacy that speaks of the harmonious blend of the past and the future.}
Sen also decided to buy the passive skill attached to the "Techno-Resonance Assault" ability, and looked the description.
{Techno-Fusion Mastery (Epic, Passive):
Unveiled within the pages of this Epic-grade skill book is the elusive secret of Techno-Fusion Mastery—a passive skill that unlocks a profound connection between elemental manipulation and technological innovation. Rooted in the essence of Zephyrion's enigmatic power, this skill delves deep into the heart of the fusion that defines the Desertron Dungeon.
Description:
Techno-Fusion Mastery grants its bearer an unprecedented mastery over the harmonious interplay of elemental forces and technological constructs. This passive skill seamlessly melds the precision of machinery with the raw might of elemental energy, resulting in an unparalleled control over their combined might.
Capabilities:
Upon mastery, hunters experience a 15% increase in damage output when coordinating elemental attacks with technological weaponry. Additionally, the efficiency of elemental-infused projectiles is heightened by 20%, rendering them more potent and versatile in combat situations.
Lore:
Techno-Fusion Mastery is a testament to the unity of elemental magic and the ingenuity of technology. Just as Zephyrion's assault melds these two facets, hunters who master this skill can evoke the same synergy. The pages of this skill book echo with the whispers of the wind and the hum of machinery, urging hunters to grasp the intertwined threads of magic and mechanism.
As the Desertron Dungeon's legacy endures, Techno-Fusion Mastery embodies the essence of innovation and adaptability. Hunters who embrace this skill become conduits of the very harmony that shapes the dungeon's challenges, wielding elemental and technological fusion as a formidable force that resonates with the echoes of Zephyrion's legacy.}
The rewards proved to be more abundant than anticipated, befitting the spoils of a triumphant victory against a D-Rank Dungeon Boss. Yet, Sen's expedition through the Desertron dungeon had provided him with a reality check that humbled his perspective significantly. His prior assumption of being competent enough to handle a multitude of monsters was swiftly dismantled. The stark reality reminded him of his current standing as an F-Rank Hunter, despite his recent promotion to E-Rank. The progression felt marginal in the face of his newfound understanding.
A mix of frustration and self-disappointment surged through him. The complacency that had crept in due to his unique abilities had led to a misguided belief that the System's capabilities alone would elevate him above peers of his rank. However, the core aspect of being a successful hunter was rooted in experience—a quality he lacked when it came to the practicalities of hunting. The preceding dungeon venture had been largely sustained by the protective mantle of his fellow guild members.
This experience had delivered an invaluable lesson in humility, driving home the realization that his perceived invincibility was a facade. The System, while an incredible tool, could not replace the wisdom garnered from real-world encounters. Sen internalized the notion that reliance on the System alone was insufficient. It functioned as an enhancer of effort and diligence, but it was no substitute for the depth of experience. This insight mirrored his intense physical training, where sweat and determination showcased their true worth.
Amidst this introspection, a sudden System notification punctuated his thoughts, pulling him from his contemplation.
{Your contracted beast, Titanella, has started to undergo her first evolution, please support her as much as possible during the evolution process!}
That's Part 1 complete, I decided to make it shorter, I've cut out most of this chapter and have moved it to the 2nd part! Part 2 will be released tomorrow, after I make some good progress with writing my next Fanfic chapter. I will include the usual end-of-chapter message after publishing part 2! See you all in Part 2, peace out!