34 Green Spider Queen (I)
[Player has discovered Spider's Lair]
The air hangs heavy with an unfamiliar, acrid scent, an unsettling miasma that shrouds the place. As I step further into the heart of the lair, my senses are assaulted by the sight of countless cobwebs, their intricate designs reminiscent of a macabre tapestry, and the crunch of bones strewn across the ground. It's no surprise, really, given that this forsaken place serves as the natural realm of the arachnid denizens.
For novice adventurers, this haunting domain presents an ominous challenge. Spiderlings, ever watchful, skitter across the tangled webs, poised to strike at the faintest hint of intruders. The mere act of striking these eight-legged fiends carries a risk—a poisoned bite that could lead to agonizing debilitation. But I stand undaunted, for I have mastered one of the sacred arts of the Cleric, a skill that can mitigate even the most poisonous of afflictions, including the dreaded venom of these spiders.
----
[Dispel]
1st Tier
Cooldown: 60 seconds
Mana Cost: 150 MP
Info: This nifty spell will rid you of nasty special conditions like [Poison], [Paralysis], [Burn], [Blind], and [Sleep]. It'll tackle even more of life's little challenges as you level it up.
Note: If only we could "Dispel" ourselves from life's problems as easily! If that were the case, therapists would be out of business faster than you can say "Abracadabra!"
-----
I concur with the note, if only things were that easy. While the [Dispel] skill is already proficient at removing a variety of Special Conditions, it has yet to reach its full potential. Once upgraded, I'll be able to dispel more debilitating effects like [Petrify] and [Seal]. In the early stages of the game, there's no urgency for me to enhance this skill since I won't encounter these conditions frequently.
I tread cautiously in this place, making sure not to create unnecessary noise. The spiders in this area possess a unique ability to swarm players within seconds, and I'd rather not draw their attention.
Stepping lightly, I avoid disturbing any cobwebs, as even the slightest disturbance could trigger a spider onslaught. My objective is to confront the formidable Green Spider Queen, an area boss. Engaging in a solo battle with an area boss demands careful planning to conserve my energy. I'm fully aware of the monster's strength, and I won't underestimate it, even though my level surpasses its level 10 area boss designation. I witnessed a level 20 player fall to this monster, highlighting its formidable nature.
Fortunately, my footsteps are soundless, and the local monsters pay little heed to my presence, granting me a valuable advantage. In no time, I reach the entrance to the Green Spider Queen's lair.
[Warning: You are entering a treacherous realm. Proceed at your own peril. Danger Level: 2 STARS]
Unfazed by the ominous warning, I stride defiantly toward the sinister lair. Within moments, the colossal form of the boss materializes before me.
"It's been far too long, my queen," I declare with a resolute tone.
The Green Spider Queen rises to its towering height, its eerie hybrid form coming into view. From the neck down to its waist, it possesses a humanoid allure, while its lower half sprawls into a grotesque spider's abdomen. The juxtaposition of beauty and monstrosity is unsettling, yet captivating. Unlike other humanoid monsters in this virtual world, this creature remains mute, bearing only the consciousness of a ruthless predator.
My weapon materializes in my grip as I prepare for the impending clash. With a calculating gaze, I scrutinize the boss's status, comparing it to the records from a previous timeline.
[Green Spider Queen] Area Boss Level 10 HP: 500,000/500,000 Attributes: Insect, Humanoid, Poison
I care not for the initial strike, only the victor's outcome. The Green Spider Queen decides to strike first. Its silk-thin web launches toward me, but it's so lethargic that I can predict its path with ease. With a nimble roll, I evade the impending threat and extend my hand, targeting the imposing creature.
"[Basic Fireball]!"
The incantation is barely uttered before my Versatile Weapon transforms into a sleek firearm. The fiery projectile erupts from my grasp, followed by a barrage of bullets that perforate the air with deadly precision.
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
The Green Spider Queen howled in agony as my attacks struck its massive form. It swiftly prepared for an area-of-effect (AOE) attack, conjuring a menacing cloud above its head. I recognized the impending threat – it was the Acid Rain, a malevolent spell that inflicted continuous damage for a full 30 seconds and had a daunting 70% chance of inflicting the [Poison] Special Condition.
"Damn, it's showing its true power so early?" I muttered, but I didn't let panic take hold.
Swiftly, I darted behind the boss to evade the impending AOE attack. One advantage I knew was that the boss's AOE had a blind spot at its rear. My concern, however, was that it would move if it sensed anyone lurking there.
"Roar!"
The boss seemed irked that I was hiding at its posterior, but I paid no mind. Upon closer inspection, it wasn't even a proper woman so why the heck is it even concerned? The boss commenced its movement. Unfazed, I relentlessly tailed its rear.
After a minute of charging, the colossal, ominous clouds above its head, the towering beast halted its movements and unleashed a torrent of acidic rain upon the surrounding area, instantly melting everything it touched. Seeing the boss immobilized during this onslaught, I decided there was no time for niceties.
"[Berserk]!"
A crimson aura enveloped my entire being as my strength surged, but I could sense my defense dwindling. I wasted no time, transforming Versatile Weapon into a fearsome axe.
Gripping the weapon firmly, I swung it down with all my might, striking the boss's vulnerable spot.
-10,000! Critical!
-9,200!
...
My attacks were now greatly amplified thanks to my Berserk state. In a matter of moments, I managed to deplete 100,000 HP from the boss. The combination of my Berserk state and my high level provided invaluable assistance in whittling down the boss's health. However, as the boss broke free from its immobile state, it struck the ground with a resounding crash. Spikes materialized, and I swiftly sidestepped as they emerged near my feet. Yet, I underestimated the size of one spike, and it grazed my arm, inflicting damage.
-2000!
-Inflicted with [Poison]! Losing 10 HP per second! Quick, consume an Antidote!
My HP had been reduced to near-critical levels. The benefits of my Berserk state had come at the cost of weakened defenses. Had I not been in this state, the damage would have been far less severe. Another strike, and I'd be defeated, all while suffering from the debilitating effects of poison.
"[Heal]! [Dispel]!"
My HP received a meager 100-point boost from the healing spell, but it was insufficient. I had to endure a lengthy cooldown of a minute and thirty seconds for the [Heal] skill to become available again. My HP wasn't yet capable of healing over time at 1 HP per second due to my inadequate training. I'd have to bear with it for now and maximize my chances of gradual self-healing.
The Berserk State was fleeting, and as my HP slowly regenerated following a successful [Heal] cast, the effects of [Berserk] began to wane. My Defense Value returned to its normal level. The Green Spider Queen, perhaps sensing my vulnerability, unleashed a venomous assault in my direction. I had no intention of meeting my end this way; failure to complete the quest was not an option. With resolve, I reverted to my tried-and-true class – the Magic Knight. Having dedicated most of my life to mastering this class, I was in my element.
The Green Spider Queen, now aware of the critical state of my HP, intensified its attack, spraying venom like a Gatling Gun. The poison streamed forth with such rapidity that I was forced to sprint desperately.
"[Silent Sprint]! [Breathless Breathing]!"
I charged forward with all my might. I cared not for the length of the battle or the endurance it required; as long as my HP didn't plummet to zero, I clung to a glimmer of hope.
"[Flaming Sword]!"
The decisive moment had arrived – it was either victory or defeat in that very instant.
