With a swift slice of his knife, Zhao Shen dispatched the wild boar minion and tucked this "ingredient" into his pack. The out-of-control Crimson Lotus Wild Boar charged forward like a runaway vehicle, executing a robust version of a graceful drift.
Zhao Shen's physical aptitude rated a dismal D, and he had not allocated any points to agility. Under normal circumstances, he would have been unable to react swiftly enough to evade such a powerful charge.
However, do not underestimate the heightened senses of a chef, particularly one with the enhanced perception of a Culinary God. Beyond taste and smell, he possessed an extraordinary ability to observe every ingredient with meticulous precision.
Thus, Zhao Shen discerned the path cleared by Bai Yue and the oncoming charge of the wild boar. After collecting the minion, he gracefully squatted down, allowing his rear to touch the ground to reduce the impact. Then, with a deft push from his right foot, he executed a horizontal roll, completing a 360-degree maneuver.
Indeed, this was the legendary technique known as "Donkey Rolling." One must admit, Zhao Shen was likely the first to wield such a lowly tactic with such elegance; yet, its practicality was undeniable.
In the blink of an eye, he narrowly escaped the impending collision, rolling out just a few centimeters from the oncoming boar's hooves, evading a charge that was both anticipated and unexpected.
...
The furious Crimson Lotus Wild Boar suddenly lost its target. In its mind, this was a season of copious breeding, where the sweltering heat of Blazing Balaka enhanced the circulation of its delectable red oil. Only with an impeccable balance of meat quality and prime lean flesh could it find its ideal mate, judging potential partners by texture, quality, fat content, aroma, and that alluring red oil—a wondrous worldview intrinsic to its being.
With no regard for the feeble insect that dared to disturb its pursuit of perfection, the wild boar charged angrily at everything within its sight. It was unwilling to let this moment become mere experience points; these pests must pay with their lives.
What calamity would befall the frail priest's body when struck by a two- or three-hundred-pound beast at full speed?
...
In an instant, the white robe was stained crimson, as though cut by a blade against silk. Poor Brother Priest did not even have the chance to emit a final cry before he became the scapegoat in this tragedy orchestrated by Bai Yue.
Zhao Shen rolled away just in time to avoid disaster, but the priest, positioned beside him, was ensnared in a struggle with the wild boar minions and could not divert his attention. He remained oblivious to the fact that they had lost aggro on the boss, and a tusk had pierced his trachea. His eyes widened in shock, mouth agape, yet no sound emerged; the extreme agony twisted his features, a testament to the indelible mark this experience would leave on him. Apologies, but this felt all too real.
Even more excruciating than the pain was the chilling sensation in his lower region; another tusk was perilously close, mere millimeters from his most sensitive area. If it advanced even slightly further, our unfortunate priest might be left with enduring trauma from this simulated life, permanently exiting this charming yet terrifying world at level five.
"Damn it, what now? How are we going to fight without a priest?"
Bai Yue wished for Zhao Shen's demise, but he could not afford to lose the priest. To be precise, anyone else in the party could perish, but the priest was absolutely indispensable!
The wild boar minions, having lost their master, would automatically attack the nearest target. Bai Yue believed he could manage one, but without the priest to heal, their troubles would multiply indefinitely.
...
"Mind your own business; I'll handle the Crimson Lotus Wild Boar and one minion myself."
While Bai Yue was primarily responsible for the aggro mishap that led to this tragedy, the priest's slow response also contributed to his fate. Even a level five novice could evade the onslaught; since Bai Yue had taken charge of one minion, they could hardly voice objections—this was simply unfortunate for the priest.
Yet, Zhao Shen observed everything with keen eyes. How could Bai Yue, who effortlessly struck down the agile Fire Spirit Cat, lose aggro on the cumbersome Crimson Lotus Wild Boar? His positioning had been off, inadvertently exposing his direction. Had Zhao Shen not reacted quickly, he might well have been the one lying on the ground, frozen in fear.
As the saying goes, one should reciprocate kindness. Zhao Shen had already gained ample rewards from this dungeon trip; upon discovering the existence of the unique Crimson Lotus Wild Boar as an ingredient, he knew he could procure it through market transactions. Had it not been for his sense of fairness, he likely would have exited long ago.
Of course, since someone dared to conspire against him, he was not inclined to let them off lightly. When the second wave of wild boar minions approached, he instinctively shouted in a panicked yet familiar tone, "Oh no, this little piglet is about to take aggro!"
Could a piglet even take aggro? Bai Yue felt as if he might vomit blood. If he could momentarily disengage, he would undoubtedly draw his sword, as a mere ordinary attack would easily attract the minion's attention.
The cause of the aggro shift was simple: Zhao Shen had not attacked the wild boar minion charging from the cave, and under the wild boar's summons, it charged straight at Bai Yue.
...
"Damn it, you idiot! Are you insane? Are you trying to get us killed?" Bai Yue's panicked voice rang out. One additional minion was manageable, but two would seal their doom.
Currently, the other two teammates were entangled with the wild boar minions that had just emerged, while Bai Yue was caught in a three-way assault, and Zhao Shen was leisurely munching on dumplings, observing the chaos unfold.
"It's so hot!" Zhao Shen remarked nonchalantly.
"Bro, what are you doing? Hurry and deal with the minions!"
"Yes, big brother, if you don't act soon, we're all going to be wiped out! A complete party wipe results in a 30% loss of experience!"
Despite his teammates' desperate pleas, Zhao Shen remained unperturbed, strolling leisurely through the noxious "beauty" of Blazing Balaka. He even retrieved another rice dish from his backpack, embodying the essence of a famished spirit.
"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have let the Crimson Lotus Wild Boar charge you. I was wrong, my friend; I misjudged the situation. I'll give you all the gold from this dungeon, I don't want to lose experience. This is my only healing potion; if you don't act soon, we're truly doomed!" Bai Yue quickly realized Zhao Shen was retaliating against him, a cold sweat breaking out as he never expected this novice would be so clever. He hastily gulped down a vial of red potion, recovering twenty percent of his health.
"Oh."
Zhao Shen feigned disinterest, responding with a nonchalant "oh," yet offered no further reaction.