Deep breath in. Deep breath out.
I sat on the edge of the platform, performing breathing exercises while enjoying the gentle breeze ruffling my hair.
Obviously, I did not have time to enjoy the beautiful landscape view of the Cross-Grass Valley. However, I also did not have the stamina left to get on with my tasks.
I had already taken a short half an hour lunch break with Stivi, watched the forums go crazy over my achievement of reaching the top of the platform and then go wild again when Stivi announced the beginning of Grandeur Guild's recruitment.
Yet, my stamina had only partially recovered. The Cliff climbing was just that strenuous and tiring.
Fortunately, my efforts had not been wasted. There was an abundance of Cross Grasses requested by Borsica on the platform, shining and shimmering under the glow of sunlight and Quest's highlights.
After finishing my meditation and breathing exercises, I had recovered nearly two thirds of my Stamina Bar meaning my body could handle another two hours of gameplay.
Rested well, I got up and started to collect the precious herbs, plucking each one carefully so as to not damage them. I did not possess a gathering skill, just like the majority of the player population, so showing this much care was only normal.
"9th…" I counted as I plucked the last herb near me. I had ruined three stalks of the dozen but a success rate of 75% was almost as good as those with a gathering skill.
I straightened up and found the next nearby bunch directly under the looming shadow of the Cliff wall. I walked over and crouched down to pluck the remaining 11 Cross Grasses when a cool, moist draft of wind gently blew over.
I appreciated its presence very much after toiling under the hot sun for almost half a day. At the same time, I wondered about its origin.
Rightly speaking, this kind of cool, moist air should not have existed at all on an open platform sixty feet high up in the air. Yet, I felt it as soon as I approached the Cliff.
It could only mean one thing. There was a secret cave hidden on this cliff wall.
The sense of mystery and the possibility of treasure tickled my adventurer's senses. I quickly rushed through Borsica's quest and approached the Cliff Wall until I could touch it.
It was then that I noticed a small opening in the cliff, a dark cavern hidden from plain sight. A subtle yet alluring fragrance wafted out from within, simultaneously sweet and metallic, like the promise of adventure and danger.
The scent beckoned me, and I couldn't resist its call. I took a deep breath, steeled myself, and ventured into the cavern, my senses heightened with anticipation.
I tightened my hold on the Redwood Longbow in my hands with an arrow already knocked on it, ready to shoot at a moment's notice.
As I stepped inside, the world seemed to transform. The cavern was dimly lit, with eerie shadows dancing on the walls. The air was heavy with the rich aroma, and my every breath was a heady mixture of sweetness and the metallic tang of blood.
My heart raced as I delved deeper into the cavern. I had already realized that the cave was but a tunnel leading to the dark unknown depths.
I was right as the tunnel opened up into a vast crater the size of a football field. It was then that I spotted it—an enormous ram with a fiery red fleece coat.
The creature lay at rest, its powerful chest rising and falling with each breath. Its nostrils flared out small, controlled puffs of fire, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that lit up the entire cavern.
The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The cavern itself seemed to tremble with its presence.
I couldn't tear my gaze away from the creature's powerful form for it wasn't just any ram; this creature was at least a Rare grade monster, a being of immense power and danger.
—---
Red Fleece Ram (Rare Elite)
Lv 5
Attack: ★★★★☆
Defense:★★★☆
HP: 2000
Skills: Fiery Breathe, Horn Bash
—---
A quick inspection confirmed my suspicions but it also alerted the beast to my presence. Its eyes, a fiery shade of orange, locked onto me with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn't take my eyes off the ram, knowing that it possessed the strength and ferocity to challenge even the most elite players.
I also knew that escaping from this monster was impossible. Its one Fiery Breath was enough to engulf the narrow tunnel and burn me to death before I could see the light at the end. My only path to survival was to fight and win.
The cavern's atmosphere was charged with tension as I prepared to face the formidable ram. The boss monster regarded me with fiery eyes, its muscles tense and ready for action.
There was no turning back now; it was time for the showdown.
The ram made the first move, its fiery breath erupting from its nostrils in a torrent of searing flames. I instinctively dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the fiery onslaught. The heat from the flames washed over me, and I could feel its scorching intensity.
Without wasting another moment, I launched the arrow already notched on the bow, letting it fly at the Ram's face.
-48 (Crit)
The red number brought a smile to my face but noticing how little effect it had on the Ram's HP bar made my heart sink. It had not even dealt 1% damage to the Ram and it was a critical hit!
The defenses of the Rare Elite monster were truly something. Combined with my 15% penalty for facing a monster 3 levels above me, it was a miracle I could deal even that much of a damage.
I took a deep breath and fastened my belt, realizing that this was going to be a battle of attrition.