Chapter 82 - Floor Boss? Goliath!
Since no one had been severely injured, the rest time wasn't too long.
After treating all injuries of the familia members, the entire team, under Finn's command, continued moving forward.
This time, learning from the experience of the previous monster attack that assaulted the center of their team, everyone became extra vigilant.
Finn also made some adjustments to the expedition team's formation, ensuring they had enough teammates around for support in case of an ambush.
The upper floors of the dungeon were not unfamiliar to Loki Familia. Most members had been here more than once.
After regrouping, the team's speed increased.
In less than a day, the team approached the 17th floor.
During this process, Luke finally encountered one of the most representative monsters in the dungeon, the 'Minotaur.'
Swish!
A slash cut the Minotaur in half, and Luke turned around, continuing to roam on the edge of the team.
Luke's current task was to act as a free ranger. Whenever he saw a familia member struggling, he would intervene to rescue them.
At this point, Lv1 adventurers were struggling to keep up.
Without the assistance of Lv3 or higher adventurers, casualties might have occurred.
Theoretically, Lv1 adventurers were already at their limit near the 10th floor.
The members of Loki familia had pushed their limits by following the main force deep into the mid-floors of the dungeon.
Even so, they were way past their limits, waiting to cross the 17th floor and enter the safe 18th floor.
Those Lv1 adventurers who couldn't keep up would be left behind by Finn and the others on the 18th floor.
They would wait until the expedition was over before returning to the surface with the rest of the team.
But all of this depended on the team passing their first hurdle now.
On the 17th floor of the dungeon, the Monster Rex, the Floor Boss, Goliath!
As the expedition team reached the entrance of the 17th floor, in places where the Floor Boss already existed or was about to respawn, no other monsters would be present.
This was why the Floor Boss was also referred to as the 'Floor King' - a solitary ruler in the dungeon floor.
However, just as Finn was preparing to strategize against Goliath, Luke approached him.
"Finn, can you leave this Floor Boss to me?"
"...Are you serious?"
Finn looked at Luke and carefully confirmed with him.
"My strength, among the familia members, you're the only one who has faced me. You should be the most aware."
Luke waved his hand dismissively at Finn and walked towards the respawn location of the Monster Rex ahead.
"Do you really think I can't defeat Goliath alone?"
Watching Luke's departing figure, Finn, somewhat resigned, thrust his spear into the ground and shouted to the expedition team behind him, "Everyone, rest in place!"
Upon hearing Finn's command and seeing Luke's actions, almost everyone understood what was about to happen.
Without paying much attention to the commotion in the team, Riveria and Gareth quickly arrived by Finn's side.
"Are you serious, Finn?"
Riveria couldn't help but ask Finn first.
She was quite worried about Luke. After all, he's just a rookie adventurer at the moment.
Finn shook his head in response.
"I just asked Luke the same question a moment ago."
"Don't worry, he'll be fine."
…
Luke walked all the way to the respawn point of the Floor Boss.
On the 17th floor, aside from a passage at the entrance, there was only this circular cave where the Monster Rex respawned.
Directly across from the entrance of the passage was the entrance to the safe floor.
To reach it, one had to pass through this cave guarded by the Floor Boss.
Different from the stone walls outside, the walls inside this cave were glowing with seven colors of light.
The moment Luke stepped into the cave, numerous cracks appeared on the walls, and a huge figure emerged from the interior of the walls.
"This is truly a giant, isn't it?"
Luke looked at Goliath, feeling somewhat emotional.
Goliath's appearance was that of a colossal humanoid, and even the term 'giant' couldn't fully describe it. It was taller than an average building.
As soon as Goliath appeared, it fixed its gaze on the only enemy in the area.
It swung a massive palm, crashing down towards Luke like a meteor.
Its enormous size, coupled with monstrous strength, brought unparalleled destructive power.
This slap directly created a gigantic palm print on the ground.
Even with Prana activated, Luke wasn't sure if he could fully withstand this blow.
Fortunately, Goliath wasn't fast, and speed happened to be Luke's strong point.
With a flicker of blue starlight, Luke swiftly dodged Goliath's palm.
He tightly gripped Ser-Veresta at his waist and, facing Goliath's palm, sheathed it out forcefully!
Splat!
A pillar of blood soared into the sky.
Ser-Veresta's pure white blade effortlessly sliced through Goliath's defense.
"Gah-Roar!!!"
Perhaps sensing the pain, Goliath roared loudly.
It showed no concern for its injuries and frantically hammered both hands toward Luke.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
With each of Goliath's strikes on the ground, a massive crater appeared.
However, it never managed to land a hit on Luke's body.
Luke's body was adorned with shining blue star fragments.
Every time Goliath struck the ground, Luke would leave a slash on its hand.
Goliath's body was incredibly massive, and its two colossal arms represented more than just sheer strength. They also signified an enormous attack range.
When Goliath pounded the ground, Luke attempted to get close to its vulnerable areas but was continuously blocked by its two gigantic arms waving in the air.
The enormous palm, massive arms, and the tremendous air pressure generated when they swung made it difficult for Luke to approach at times.
The battle gradually reached a stalemate.
However, such a deadlock was not favorable for Luke.
If it turned into a stamina contest, the current Luke would be no match for the monster.
"Since I can't attack your weak points, let's start by cutting off your arms."
Luke observed Goliath's continuously swinging arms, and Ser-Veresta in his hand began to entwine with black flames.
Moreover, with the infusion of Luke's Prana, Ser-Veresta gradually transformed back into the shape of a greatsword.
At the moment Ser-Veresta completed its transformation, Goliath's palm came crashing towards Luke.
This time, Luke didn't dodge in advance like before.
He slightly tilted his body and, with Ser-Veresta in hand, forcefully slashed at Goliath's arm!
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