This exceedingly powerful enemy has a characteristic that can be summed up in one phrase: "It becomes stronger in proportion to its enemies." It's a troublesome characteristic.
Really.
The level of Helmut will be 20 levels higher than the character who challenges it. Furthermore, the more people challenge it, the higher its stats grow.
But since its level is 20 levels higher than the attacker, at least a minimum of 5 people is required before confronting the boss monster.
However, it seems that players are also counted in the numbers when they manifest, and that's probably why the final onslaught was nullified when the numbers doubled.
The firepower seemed lacking, so manifesting wasn't a bad decision. Manifesting allows for high firepower support. Moreover, players can also act as a meat shield for NPCs, so as long as you're not careless... it should have been a win.
When I used the skill [Appraisal], the average level of the NPCs was around 40. By the way, my [Appraisal] level has increased. With an average level of 40, Helmut's level would have been over 60.
Enemies also acquire skills every 10 levels. Considering that, Liora is in an excellent position right now. She is low-level, and level 19. Even if the enemy's level increases by 20, it would be 39. The number of skills is also only four.
And most advantageously she is a one-man army tank!
A solo NPC! AH, of course, I am there. But since I won't and can't manifest it all depends upon her.
"Let's challenge it, Liora. Now is our chance!"
"Yes! God...! I won't disappoint you."
As we head towards the dome, a handsome guy in a flustered manner approaches us. He grabs Liora's shoulder and gives her a warning.
"Wait, you. You can't go any further. You'll end up fighting the field boss."
"God says, 'Defeat the enemy.'"
"God? Ah, you're a contractor too. Hey, spirit over there. It's not right to let such a child challenge the boss alone. You must understand if you watched our battle earlier, right?"
"Hm... not a spirit, a god."
"?"
The handsome guy tilts his head in confusion.
Suddenly, a beautiful woman appears beside him. It was a player named Tanaka who was fighting earlier. It seems that the effect time of [Manifestation] is still active. She speaks up.
"You'd better not. Isn't that child underdeveloped? Probably, you're planning to scout the enemy with a disposable NPC... but even if it's a game, it's not commendable to use a child as a sacrificial pawn."
"Liora. You believe me right?"
"Of course my god. This life is yours and yours alone~!"
"Then, let's ignore them and go."
"Yes, my God."
Ignoring Tanaka, who tilts her head at the mention of God, Liora starts running. However, the NPC is higher level than us. She is easily grabbed by the shoulder and stopped.
The handsome guy says:
"You can't escape a field boss battle until someone dies! I just lost a comrade too... even though we just formed a party—"
The handsome guy starts to speak tearfully.
But it's troublesome if they interfere too much. Hm, what should I do?
While I was pondering, Liora acted first. With teary eyes, she looks at the arm grabbing her.
"It hurts..."
"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to use so much force—"
"—!"
In an instant, the handsome guy's hand released. At that moment, Liora, without hesitation, charges into the dome.
▽
An overwhelming presence stands before us.
In the tranquil setting of the fountain square, an overpowering presence makes us forget the peaceful surroundings.
The Eternal Wanderer Helmut.
Facing it is a small young girl, holding a large scythe low and emanating the light of regeneration from her entire body.
"Oh. You dare challenge me with this diminutive form?"
"God says, 'You will die.'"
"Interesting. Since you dared to come here, meet your death."
The conversation ended there.
At the same time!
Both of them kicked off the ground forcefully and collided.
I immediately tried [Appraisal].
Normally, [Appraisal] effectiveness should decrease if there's a level difference, but for some reason, I could see everything. Is it because this information is already posted on the bulletin board?
Name: [Helmut] Gender: [Male]
Level: [39] Race: [Doppel General]
Magic: [Dark Magic]
Production: [Smithing]
Skills: [Defense Increase 39] [Iron Wall 39] [MP Substitute] [Scythe Arts 39]
Stats: Attack [390] Magic Attack [78] Endurance [500] Agility [78] Luck [78]
Unique Skill: [Eternal Force]
Title: [Demon Lord Army's Four Heavenly Kings]
It seems the opponent also uses a scythe.
A tremendous exchange of slashes ensued. Although the scythe is difficult to handle, Liora spins her body to unleash her slashes. Helmut, on the other hand, grips the handle firmly and swings it with solid strength.
"Hmph."
Liora's attacks landed on the enemy several times, but they didn't leave a scratch on the armour.
"Liora."
"Yes!! My GOD!!"
"..."
You really don't have to shout my name like that, you know.
Anyway.
It seems Helmut specializes in defence inherently. He seems to have judged that there's no need to fear Liora's attacks anymore, and he has abandoned defence to focus on offensive moves.
What he's about to unleash is a big, sweeping strike.
However, Liora didn't show any sign of dodging the attack; instead, she jumped. The trajectory of the scythe was aiming to cleave through Liora's chest.
Against that, I used [Darkness Creation] in shield mode, reducing the power and speed of the strike.
Liora trusts my interference.
Her straight aim is—Helmut's neck.
Scythe Arts—[Head Hunt]!
The scythe crashes into the neck of the armour with a roaring explosion. The massive armour is blown away. The armour that rolls on the ground stops when it hits the semi-transparent dome.
"Ugh, nuh!"
"Flash!"
"What—!"
Liora starts running, blinding her opponent.
Her scythe accurately aims to sever Helmut's now unguarded neck.
Though the neck muscles were severed halfway, he didn't hesitate; instead, Helmut swiftly swung his scythe around.
The handle of the scythe struck Liora's abdomen, and now it was Liora's turn to be blown away.
The unpleasant sound of bones breaking echoed through the battlefield.
"…But, I can heal in time."
"Don't rush, Liora. We have [MP Auto-Recovery] on our side. Let's reapply [Regen] as well."
"Yes, GOD! [HP Regen]."
It was good that I boosted her HP. If it were any weaker character, that strike would have resulted in death.
Liora wiped the blood from her mouth with her sleeve and readied her scythe again.
The Scythe Arts [Head Hunt] ignores defence and deals damage with five times the usual power. It's almost like a weapon art made specifically to counter Helmut.
The attack must hit the neck, but Liora should be fully capable of achieving that.
Even Helmut couldn't remain arrogant and faced Liora with caution.
"What's with your scythe skills? At that level, it feels unnaturally high."
"God says, 'DIE'."
"You can't even hold a conversation. IMPUDENT!!!"
The enemy is more rational, huh!?
But, it was a question meant to reveal our skills. Ignoring it was the best answer.
It seems Liora's scythe skills surpass Helmut's.
Liora's [Scythe Arts] skill level is only 19. However, her [Farming] skill is 24.
Her total skill level is 43, slightly surpassing Helmut's 39.
It seems skills are combined during combat; man, he really saved me the trouble of testing.
Thanks, Helmut-san!
"Liora, let's whittle him down without letting our guard down."
"Yes, GOD!!"
Liora nodded, and Helmut's expression relaxed under his helmet.
"I now take you as my serious enemy… If I don't crush you here, you could become an obstacle for the Demon Lord."
"DIE!!!"
"I'd like a bit more conversation, though."
Liora and Helmut's scythes glimmered.
"'[Life-Draining Blade]'"
Their voices overlapped.
Identical Arts clashed directly. The fight was about to get intense.