Chereads / NexaRealm: Best in the World / Chapter 160 - The Fire's Fury

Chapter 160 - The Fire's Fury

In the depths of the Shattered Abyss, Team Fire engaged in a fierce battle against the Abyssal Leviathan. The monstrous creature loomed over them, its bioluminescent scales glowing with an eerie light, casting long shadows across the jagged landscape. Despite the oppressive environment, Team Fire moved with coordinated precision, each member fulfilling their role with determination.

Kang-dae, the Tank, stood at the forefront. His massive shield absorbed the brunt of the Leviathan's attacks, creating a bulwark that allowed his teammates to operate with relative safety.

"Hold the line!" he roared, planting his feet firmly as the Leviathan's massive tentacle slammed against his shield.

Jin-kyong, the Marksman, was positioned at a distance, her keen eyes trained on the Leviathan's weak points. Each shot from her rifle found its mark, dealing steady damage to the beast.

"I'm focusing on the eyes and joints. Keep it distracted!" she called out, her voice calm and focused.

Sang-hee, the Mage, played a dual role, alternating between offensive spells and crowd control. Her arcane blasts struck the Leviathan with precision, while her barriers and area-of-effect spells kept the swarming minions at bay.

"I've got the left flank covered. Watch out for those shadow minions!" she warned, her hands weaving complex patterns as she cast her spells.

Soo-jin and Hana, the Fighters, darted in and out of the fray, their movements a blur of steel and fury. Soo-jin, with her dual blades, slashed at the Leviathan's vulnerable spots, while Hana's heavy strikes aimed to cripple the beast's movements.

"Stay close, Hana! We need to coordinate our strikes!" Soo-jin shouted, her blades flashing in the dim light.

The team's strategy hinged on this balanced approach: Kang-dae absorbed damage, Jin-kyong and Sang-hee provided ranged support and control, and Soo-jin and Hana delivered heavy melee damage. However, the tactic was not without its drawbacks. The Leviathan's relentless attacks and the constant wave of minions strained their coordination and resources. Half the game length had passed, and despite their efforts, they had only managed to bring the Leviathan down to half health.

In the commentator's booth, Dong-yul and Soo-min provided their analysis.

"Team Fire's balanced composition is showing its strengths in handling both the Leviathan and its minions," Dong-yul observed. "Where the main tanking ability is crucial in keeping the team protected, allowing the Marksman and Mage to deal consistent damage."

Soo-min nodded, adding.

"However, the drawback is becoming evident. Their damage output is not as high as Aerial's, and they're struggling to keep up with the Leviathan's regeneration and the constant influx of minions. They need to find a way to increase their DPS or risk falling behind."

As the battle wore on, fatigue began to set in. The coordinated rhythm of Team Fire's attacks started to show signs of strain. Kang-dae's shield arm grew heavy, Sang-hee's spells took longer to cast, and the Fighters' strikes lost some of their initial vigor. The Leviathan sensed this weakening and renewed its assault with greater ferocity.

"We need to push harder!" Hana yelled, her voice hoarse from exertion. "Soo-jin, follow my lead. Sang-hee, can you give us some cover fire?"

Sang-hee nodded, her hands glowing with energy. "On it. Jin-kyong, keep those minions off us!"

The team rallied, and their determination renewed. They knew that the next 15 minutes would be crucial. If they could maintain their tactics and find a way to increase their damage output, they still had a chance. But the Leviathan was a formidable opponent, and every second counted.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Shattered Abyss, Team Aerial was demonstrating their efficiency and prowess in dealing with the Abyssal Leviathan. Their health bar was significantly ahead, with the boss monster already down to a quarter of its total health. The team's composition, consisting of 1 Mage, 1 Marksman, and 3 Assassins, played a crucial role in their rapid progress.

In-su, the Mage, had shifted his role from purely offensive to more of a support function. His spells were not just about dealing with damage but also enhancing the team's capabilities and hindering their enemies. He cast protective barriers, healing auras, and damage-boosting spells that allowed his teammates to maintain a high level of output.

"Stay within range, everyone! I've got a mana burst ready," he called out, his hands glowing with arcane energy.

Chin-hwa, the Marksman, showcased his unparalleled speed and precision. Despite his role, he moved with the agility of an Assassin, constantly repositioning to find the Leviathan's weak points. His arrows flew with deadly accuracy, each shot chipping away at the boss's health.

"Focus attack on the right fin! We can cripple its movement," Chin-hwa directed, his eyes never leaving the target.

The three Assassins, though not individually significant to the story, contributed massively to the team's strategy. Their speed allowed them to evade the Leviathan's attacks and deliver rapid strikes to its vulnerable spots. They coordinated their movements, striking in unison and then dispersing to avoid retaliation. Their role was crucial in maintaining the team's DPS at an optimal level.

As for the minions summoned by the Abyssal Leviathan, Aerial's strategy was simple yet effective. Instead of engaging them directly, they used their superior speed to outrun and evade these smaller threats. This tactic allowed them to focus almost exclusively on the Leviathan itself. The Assassins led this manoeuvre, darting in and out of combat, drawing the minions away without letting them become a significant hindrance.

In-su, being the slowest in the team, had adapted by using his spells to manipulate the battlefield. He cast an area-of-effect, or AOE slowing spell, creating a field that significantly reduced the movement speed of any minions that ventured too close. This not only protected him but also created a safe zone for the rest of the team to retreat to if needed.

"Slow field is up! Use it to your advantage!" he announced, keeping an eye on the positioning of both allies and enemies.

In the commentator's booth, Dong-yul and Soo-min provided their insights.

"Aerial's composition is truly showcasing its strengths here," Dong-yul observed. "With In-su shifting to a Support role, they're able to maximize their damage output. And their strategy of evading the minions rather than engaging them head-on is proving highly effective."

"I stand with you on that, Dong-yul. This is a prime example of how team composition and strategy can make a significant difference. Aerial's ability to adapt on the fly and use their speed to avoid unnecessary conflicts allows them to focus all their efforts on the Leviathan. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy that's paying off," Soo-min nodded in agreement.

The commentators watched as Aerial continued their relentless assault. Their coordination and execution were nearly flawless, with each member playing their part to perfection. The Leviathan's health continued to drop steadily, and it was clear that Aerial's strategy was putting them in a strong position to win this round.

The energy in the arena had shifted dramatically. Aerial's supporters, particularly the fangirls, were back to their loud, enthusiastic cheering. The disappointment and frustration from the first round had dissipated, replaced with renewed hope and excitement.

"Go Aerial! Show them what you're made of!" shouted one fan, her voice barely audible over the collective roar of the crowd.

The atmosphere was electric. Every successful hit on the Leviathan elicited cheers and applause from Aerial's side. The supporters were on their feet, waving banners and chanting the team's name. The intensity of their support was palpable, creating a wave of energy that seemed to ripple through the entire arena.

Even Team Fire's supporters had grown quieter, feeling the pressure and the dominance of Aerial in this round. They watched with bated breath, hoping for a miracle but knowing that Aerial's performance was nearly flawless. The tension in the air was thick, a stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere on Aerial's side.

Dong-yul and Soo-min paused their commentary momentarily, soaking in the energy of the crowd.

"This is what makes NexaCorp Korea University tournaments so thrilling," Dong-yul remarked. "The passion, the intensity, the sheer excitement of the fans. Aerial is giving their supporters plenty to cheer about right now."

"And it's not just about the gameplay. It's about the story each team tells and the journey they go through. Aerial is showing incredible resilience and adaptability here. This second round is shaping up to be a decisive one," Soo-min nodded, adding.

As the timer ticked down, both teams pushed harder, but it was clear that Aerial had the upper hand. The commentators' voices blended with the crowd's cheers, creating a symphony of anticipation for the final moments of the round.

As the final minutes of the round approached, the intensity reached its peak. Both teams were giving their all, but it was evident that Aerial had the upper hand. Their relentless assault on the Abyssal Leviathan showcased their strategic brilliance and raw power. The crowd's energy was palpable, with Aerial's supporters roaring in anticipation of a decisive victory.

Even the commentators, Dong-yul and Soo-min, were caught up in the excitement, their voices reflecting the electric atmosphere of the arena. The Leviathan's health bar dwindled further, and with every successful strike, Aerial edged closer to victory. The stage was set for a dramatic conclusion, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats as the clock counted down the final seconds.