I mean, I did expect it to be big from the description, but seriously. This beast is huge.
After searching through the 56th floor for a while, I finally found the entrance to the labyrinth leading to the Floor Boss.
However, blocking the entrance lay the GeoCrawler, its massive body coiled in a seemingly peaceful slumber.
The creature's bulk was even more intimidating up close, its armored segments rising and falling with each deep breath.
I glanced at my status.
[Name: Haru]
[Level: 58(12%) ➔ 64(2%)]
[STR: 107 ➔ 113]
[AGI: 66 ➔ 78]
[Skills:
Spear(Lv. 263(22%)) ➔ (Lv. 301(39%)),
Threefold Piercer(Lv. 309(1%)) ➔ (Lv. 350(9%)),
Fighting Spirit(Lv. 332(19%)) ➔ (Lv. 373(10%)),
Burst Speed(Lv. 278(23%)) ➔ (Lv. 302(17%)),
Battle Healing((Lv. 39(40%) ➔ (Lv. 62(11%)),
Acrobatics((Lv. 1(0%) ➔ (Lv. 33(53%))
Spear Throwing((Lv. 1(0%) ➔ (Lv. 18(20%))
]
[Extra Skill:
Demonic Spear(Lv. 31(11%)) ➔ (Lv. 80(0%))]
[You have 2 ➔ 3 ➔ 1 Skill Slots left]
Although my level was quite high, as I had the chance to train my skills and learn a new one while gathering all the materials required for the Blood Nightshade, it wasn't enough to ignore this Field Boss.
The GeoCrawler was meant to be unbeatable without the proper quest. Its only weak point was its soft belly, but reaching it and targeting that spot would put me at significant risk.
Even with my new combination of Burst Speed and Acrobatics, this would be a difficult task. Without proper preparation, it'll be incredibly difficult for me to achieve this.
As I observed the Field Boss sleeping peacefully, I reached a few conclusions.
One easy way to handle this would be to lead the boss to the nearby NPC village, distracting it with the villagers to create an easier window to strike.
But this option went against my morals.
I am a merciless killer.
That fact will not change, no matter what.
But, at least, I had never harmed anyone I deemed an innocent.
Only those who came buzzing my way like flies or those cockroaches too ugly to exist in this world.
For that reason, I threw away this idea.
The best part was that it was actually Asuna who had proposed something similar to the party originally.
'She's got guts, I'll admit that.'
Her cold logic to not see NPCs as normal humans was impressive. As someone who had grown used to treating fictional characters as real humans, I couldn't fully accept it, even though I knew they were just a bunch of intricate code.
Thinking of Asuna, though, felt kind of awkward.
I mean, I did 'betray' her and all.
But I couldn't dwell on that now. I promised myself I would make it up to her in the future.
Just wait for me to clear this damn game.
Anyway, since that option was not available, I had to come up with something else.
Even if I triggered the hidden event with Ruru, the NPC holding the 'key' to resolve this situation, I wouldn't be able to use her song to defeat this Field Boss.
It would be a colossal waste to learn the skill required for it, given the limited number of skill slots.
I only get one skill slot for every ten levels.
Right now, I have one available, but who knows when I'll need it for something crucial? Using it for such a narrow-minded goal would be foolish.
With no better options in sight, I had to take a risk.
I silently approached the beast.
Once I got close enough, my breath was steady as I readied my skill, [Spear Throwing].
Just like its name implies, this skill does nothing but correcting the path of the spear to make it easier for you to hit the target, while also slightly increasing the force and speed behind the throw.
This skill is a bit underrated in my opinion.
Why?
Well, let me use it.
I hurled the spear with all my might, watching as it traveled through the air with great precision, also thanks to the +5 accuracy of the weapon. Without fail, It struck the monster's left eye, embedding itself deep.
Nice.
The GeoCrawler woke up with a thunderous roar, shaking the ground beneath me.
Its enraged bellows echoed through the area.
I could see the fury in its remaining eye, but I couldn't care less.
'You don't even know what's coming next, bro'
I grinned as I pulled another spear from my inventory and immediately aimed for the other eye, using the same skill to throw it.
Why would I bother using my Blood Nightshade? That would only make the combat ahead more difficult.
Instead, I decided to use the spears I had sitting in my inventory.
Their stats might be trash, but they're still weapons.
Though, of course, there was a downside.
The beast, now fully awake and roaring in anger, deflected the spear with a swift movement, its rage intensifying.
I knew it wouldn't be this easy.
Instead of advancing further, I pulled out two more spears, determined to use the unique mechanics of this game to my advantage.
In any other game, throwing two spears simultaneously might be considered cheating, but here, it was just another tactic.
As long as your mind can handle the split focus, your skills and the stats of the weapons will do the rest.
I used [Spear Throwing] to hurl both spears at different locations.
The GeoCrawler could only defend against one, and as it did, the other found its mark.
I got lucky this time.
Although I had aimed for its shoulder, its quick movement to defend resulted in an even better outcome.
The spear struck a softer spot between its armored segments on its side, eliciting another roar of pain and fury.
The GeoCrawler's movements became more erratic, its massive body thrashing as it tried to locate me.
With only one eye left, it had a harder time spotting me if I stayed on its blind side. Despite having the advantage, ending the fight wasn't going to be easy. The GeoCrawler knew its weak points better than anyone and was determined to defend them against my spears.
Even though I had taken out its eye and landed a solid hit, I had probably only managed to chip away a small chunk of its HP.
Since it's a Field Boss, I couldn't see its health bar, but I could make an educated guess. I had likely taken out about 10% of its total health.
---
Author's Note:
I wanted to write yesterday, I really wanted to.
But then, the majestic sleep no jutsu claimed me.
10 hours.
I've slept for 10 fucking hours.
That's the amount I normally sleep in 4 days.
Anyways.
Death Sentence assigned to: cockroaches, wasps, mosquitoes and crane flies.
Die.
As of late I keep getting those b*tches anywhere I go like it's a fucking boss fight anytime I step out of my house.