Chapter 18
Ancient Desert Scorpion King
"Sigh."
I let out a deep breath.
A boss of a C-rank dungeon.
And the name is quite something too.
The King of Scorpions in the ancient desert?
Not a general, duke, or commander, but a KING, a fuckin king?
"…"
In the past, I would have been nervous and couldn't even dream of facing such an opponent.
Because I struggled even against a mere upper D-rank Orc.
'But now…'
It was definitely worth a try.
I had certainly dealt with C-rank scorpions easily.
"if five or more hunters of the corresponding rank gather and fail to clear it, the rank will be adjusted upwards!"
Isn't that the standard of the World Hunter Association!
Even for ranks below C-rank.
It's a dungeon that can be easily beaten.
Even though it's C to D-rank, I have a record of winning against hunters at a 1:5 ratio.
[The Ancient Desert Scorpion King Appears!]
[The 'Awakened Skeletons' (D-rank) are overwhelmed by the formidable presence. All stats are reduced by 20%!]
"Wow."
I shivered involuntarily.
The eerie energy emanating from the inside the door made my heart race.
"This is nerve-wracking…"
"Necromancer-nim... Are you okay?"
The younger sister of the sibling duo asked.
I smiled wryly and replied.
"I don't know. But One thing for sure is that the situation seems better than when I faced those Shadow guys earlier."
"W-Well, I suppose so."
no matter how formidable that Scorpion King may be.
Is it stronger than an A-rank Hunter?
"Hoo, hoo."
I took deep breaths, trying to ease my tension.
At the same time, I checked my energy.
[Hunter: Joo Dong hoon]
[Energy: 50/120]
Summoning the Old Master takes 20.
Summoning the skeletons takes 50.
That means I still had five more shot left.
"But."
It was slightly disappointing that the skeletons weren't in their best condition.
And I myself was exhausted to the limit from the previous battle.
However, I had the reliable advice of the old man more than anyone else!
"Hehe, my disciple. You don't need my help to deal with such trash, do you?"
'...Pardon?'
I was taken aback.
"Well, a disciple who can't even handle such a lowly mob. It's better to leave it alone than to raise them."
'Wait a moment.'
"What do you mean, wait? I'll be on my way now. Don't forget to call me tomorrow."
'Excuse me? Sir? Hey?'
[Skill, 'Teaching of the Martial arts' (S-rank) duration has ended.]
[The summoning of 'Master of The Martial Arts' is released.]
[This skill will be available for reuse after 24 hours.]
Ah, I see.
The time limit has already expired?
Damn it, useless old geezer.
I grumbled inwardly.
Ha.
Does this mean it might get a bit harder?
Gulp.
I swallowed my dry saliva.
First, I need to focus on the situation in front of me.
I observed the scenery beyond the open door.
-Kieeeeek!
In the distance, an enormous scorpion came into view.
About the size of a 5-ton truck?
The bright yellow pincers at the front were as large as an adult's torso, looking menacing.
The tail stinger attached to the back also seemed extremely dangerous.
The legs between its bent waist were grotesque as well.
"Uh, you want me to catch something like that?"
Kugugugung!
The scorpion burrowed into the desert sand at that moment.
What, is it attacking from underground?
"Bone 5!"
I instinctively shouted.
*Squeak!*
['Bones 5' uses the skill 'Air Shield (Lv.1)'.]
First, I hastily activated the shield.
I noticed that Bone 5 only had about 20 energy left.
"Spread out and form a large formation with the rest!"
*Squeak squeak!*
The skeletons moved as they had been trained.
Trustworthy Bone 4 went to the very front and brought down his shield as if saying,
"Let's see who can clash with me!"
However...
"What?"
I widened my eyes in surprise.
*Kwagagaga!*
The Scorpion King, emerging from the ground, ignored Bone 4 and went straight for Bone 3.
Squeak?
Seemingly startled, Bone 3 quickly withdrew instead of holding his ground.
'Huh, it even possesses intelligence?'
It was definitely different from the creatures we had fought until now.
Not only was its fighting style different...
'It's too gigantic and sturdy.'
And on top of that, it was fast.
*Shiiiiing!*
Just as it swung its body threateningly towards Bone 3, this time it was aiming for Bone 1.
"Bone 4!"
['Bone 4' uses the skill 'Low Gaze Atraction (Lv.1)'.]
I used an aggro skill first.
*Kreeeek?*
Then, the Scorpion King's gaze turned towards Bone 4.
Oh, could it be?
This skill works even on a boss-level entity?
*Kugugugu!*
This time, instead of burrowing into the ground, it charged powerfully forward.
['Bones 4' uses the skill 'Minor Block (Lv.1)'.]
As expected, Bone 4 was fearless.
No matter how strong i was, I had no confidence in stopping a charge like that.
*Kwaaaaaang!*
The explosion-like roar reverberated through my ears.
The ground trembled, and clouds of sand billowed up.
"Eueuk!"
Though my stomach churned slightly, I can still endured it.
Eventually, when my vision cleared up.
"Oh, did you block it?"
I shouted. It was amazing.
Bone 4 shield had clearly blocked the Scorpion King's claw.
It had a few scratches, and he had retreated about ten steps, but it didn't matter.
"Attack, everyone!"
I ordered a full-scale assault. Bone 5 used up all his remaining energy to launch a fireball.
Swish, swoosh! Boom, crash!
Bones 1 to 3 each rushed in, utilizing their respective skills.
In response, the veins in my eyes popped out.
Like my head was on fire, I relentlessly beat down on the creature.
Weaknesses? Vital spots? Who cares.
I just commanded to attack with all our might, one blow at a time.
I put my whole body into it.
And so, for ten seconds
*Kieeek!*
With a roaring howl, the creature spun around.
It was a splash-type attack that hit the entire surroundings.
"Uh oh."
*Pabababat!*
Except for Bone 4 with his shield, all the close-range forces were thrown back.
*Squeak!*
Bone 1 and 2 who were forcibly retreated, ground their teeth as if irritated.
'But it's effective.'
The corners of my mouth twitched upwards.
The greenish liquid smeared all over the creature's body.
Its was unmistakably a blood.
' an Awakened Skeleton.'
As expected of the Top D-class, the fact that our attacks were effective was a positive sign.
"Alright, even if you die, it's okay! Keep going!"
*Squeak squeak!*
Bone 1 and 2 nodded vigorously.
In reality, as long as the attacks were effective, it was enough.
There was no need to save our bodies.
Because...
[Hunter: Joo Dong-hoon]
[Energy: 50/120]
As long as I have energy left, my bones are practically invincible.
This was a moment that demonstrated why being a Necromancer with unique abilities is such a game-changer.
*Swoosh, swish!*
[The Summoning of 'Bone 1' has been released.]
[The Summoning of 'Bone 2' has been released.]
Even if the melee units' health is depleted...
[Skill, 'Awakened Skeleton Summon' (D-Grade) is used.]
[Consumed 10 energy.]
['Bone 1' appears.]
[Skill, 'Awakened Skeleton Summon' (D-Grade) is used.]
[Consumed 10 energy.]
['Bone 2' appears.]
I just need to summon it again, and it will be enough.
*Kieeek?*
The Scorpion, which was fighting fiercely, looked at my bones in disbelief.
The feeling of bewilderment was so palpable even I could sense it.
'Well, I understand that feeling.'
But, could what can you do? sorry, but in the end, I will be the victor.
I continued to give the command to charge.
Bone 1 and Bone 2 were each summoned twice.
And finally...
*Swoosh!*
The Scorpion King's neck snapped under the greatsword of Bone 1.
"Whew."
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Honestly, it was a close call.
I had 10 energy remaining.
If the creature had held on a bit longer.
it would have been me who dies.
[Ding!]
['Scorpion King of the Ancient Desert' has been defeated.]
The sound signaling the end of the dungeon rang out.
At the same time...
[Status of 'Bone 1' is adjusted.]
[All stats increased by 1!]
[Skill, 'Low Slash' (Lv.4) increased by 2.]
[Status of 'Bone 2' is adjusted.]
[All stats increased by 1!]
[Skill, 'Low Thrust' (Lv.2) increased to 2.]
[Status of 'Bone 3' is adjusted.]
[All stats increased by 1!]
[Skill, 'Low Rapid Fire' (Lv.2) increased by 2.]
[Skill, 'Clear Sight' (Lv.2) increased by 2.]
[Status of 'Bone 4' is adjusted.]
[All stats increased by 2!]
[Skill, 'Low Block' (Lv.1) increased by 3.]
[Skill, 'Low Gaze Attraction' (Lv.1) increased by 3.]
[Status of 'Bone 5' is adjusted.]
[All stats increased by 2!]
[Skill, 'Fireball' (Lv.1) increased by 3.]
[Skill, 'Air Shield' (Lv.1) increased by 3.]
"Holy shit!!!."
I gaped in astonishment.
Is it really a C-class boss? The level of growth was completely different from training.
Seeing all stats increase was a first, and the skill levels also rose significantly.
It was truly a storm of growth!
"Should I be exploring dungeons rather than training?"
The accumulating sense of accomplishment instantly swept away my fatigue.
I blinked my eyes and continued to look at the skill levels.
Just so you know, the maximum skill level is 10.
According to the senior hunters, when a skill reaches its maximum level, it evolved to a higher-level skill.
"Not much left."
It wouldn't be long before the 'Low' tags in front of the skills would be removed.
The rewards didn't stop there.
[Discovered 'Venom Sac of the Ancient Desert Scorpion' (C-class).]
[Would you like to acquire it?]
"Oh, a loot?"
Of course, I would acquire it! I nodded, and a bright white light flashed.
At the same time, a faint bead appeared in my right hand.
[Item: Venom Sac of the Ancient Desert Scorpion]
[Grade: C]
[Type: Material]
[Description: The essence of poison hidden within the tail of the Ancient Desert Scorpion King. Contains about 20 types of potent poisons.]
[Effect 1: Can be used as an ingredient for crafting.]
[Effect 2: Can be used as a skill material.]
"What? It Just a material?"
It was a bit disappointing that it wasn't a power potion, but it wasn't bad.
Since it was a C-class material, there would definitely be someone looking for it.
'Well. There are so many hunters. Someone will surely need it.'
Typically, from C-class and up, the prices Will increase significantly.
It was a kind of danger bonus.
Just as I was smiling contentedly and about to pick up the item...
*Creak.*
Bone 3 approached, his eyes gleaming with greed.
His covetous gaze was undoubtedly fixed on my pocket.
"What's this? Why are you like this?"
['Bone 3' reacts to 'Venom Sac of the Ancient Desert Scorpion King'.]
"Huh?"
[A hidden condition has been fulfilled!]
[Condition: Create Poison Arrows!]
- Some kind of skill or material is required to obtain the new skill, 'Poison Arrow' (LV.1)!
- Obtain 'Poison attribute skill material' of D Rank or higher!
"What?"
It was bewildering.
Could skills be unlocked in this way?
Wow.
It seemed like Dark Lord had a reason for singing "Dungeon, dungeon~" every time.
They give you rewards like this when Defeating a boss.
[Would you like to learn the skill 'Poison Arrows' (Lv.1)?]
"Yes."
I nodded.
I'd rather have this.
While I could sell the material for money.
for me, making my bones stronger was the top priority in becoming a Ranker.
[The status of 'Bone 3' is adjusted.]
[Acquired the skill 'Poison Arrows' (Lv.1).]
'Exhilarating.'
It was a very satisfying moment.
[Congratulations!]
[You have cleared the stage: Ancient Desert Scorpion King!]
[Clear rewards are arriving!]
*Swoosh!*
At that moment, my vision blurred.
It was the process of returning to the entrance where the gate was originally located after clearing the dungeon.
"I... I'm alive!"
"Hehe, you really are alive. Thank you, Necromancer-nim... I will never forget this favor for the rest of my life."
The siblings, soaked in gratitude, shed tears.
It was a moment of surviving after near death, so the relief was bound to be overwhelming.
I smiled broadly.
"Consider it a valuable experience. Don't just follow anyone who offers a lot of money"
But they were still young.
Based on this experience, they had plenty of room for growth.
I quickly sent the siblings back.
Because...
[Clear rewards have arrived!]
This guy needs to be checked quickly too.
Boss loot and dungeon clear rewards are usually handled separately.
[Rewards has arrived!]
[Congratulations!]
[Acquired the item 'Traces of the Ancient Desert' (B-class).]
*Swoosh!*
Just like when the venom sac appeared earlier, an item materialized in my right hand.
'But.'
The form of the newly created item felt a bit unfamiliar.
"this...?"
I tilted my head in puzzlement.
"It's a key, isn't it?"
An item shaped like a key?
As an E-class mercenary, I had never seen anything like it before.
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