Salt Mine & Salt Snakes- XVI

Saad stood his ground, determination etched across his face as he faced the formidable salt snake that blocked his path. He knew that he wasn't ready to face the snake in such an unfavorable environment. After all, the only reason he was able to kill the salt snake earlier was because he was standing in a safe spot and attacking the snake without getting any damage. But it was different now. If the snake got inside, he would be dead in seconds.

Saad knew he had to make use of every advantage he had. He was going to use his new whips and his new rare skill, [Whip of Binding]. After all, in a fight even few seconds would be a lot to strike if he could just bind the snake with right timing.

Even with all that, the salt snake was still a level 35 behemoth, glaring at him with menacing white eyes. No matter how power Saad's attack skills were, his level and his stats were far lower compared to the 80 stats of the snake.

Saad's strategy was clear: weaken the snake from the safety of the tunnel before its time for confronting it head-on. He took a step forward, lashes of his dual whips crackling with energy. With a calculated flick of his wrists, he sent out a barrage of whip strikes, each aimed at the snake's vulnerable eyes and mouth. The problem was with the snake's ridiculous agility and evasion. Even so, it couldn't avoid 100% of attacks and some still passed through.

Saad had complained earlier about the small entrance but now he was thankful since it couldn't get in.

The Whip of Binding lived up to its name. With each successful strike, it had a chance to bind and immobilize the enemy. Saad needed every bit of that chance to tip the scales in his favor. The snake writhed and thrashed, its movements becoming erratic as the whip's magic took hold.

Saad could feel the tension in the air as he continued his assault. His heart pounded in his chest, and sweat trickled down his brow. He knew he was making progress as the snake's movements became more sluggish. It was weakening, and Saad was determined to exploit that weakness.

Thanks to the [whips of offering], his critical chances increased every time and stacked along with their 10 feet reach that made it possible that at least the shockwaves hit the snake. He had been gaining a bit of snake's health but unfortunately for him, his health was still full due t having not been dealt any damage. The minute the snake tried to unleash the saltaire strike, Saad was able to successfully place the 'divine mark' and Saad unleashed whip lash and whip tornado, dealing continuous damage. Thanks to his potions stock, he just had to mutter under his breath, "Use 3 potions of mana. Use a potion of agility. Use one potion of stamina."

But the snake was not going down without a fight. With a final, desperate lunge, it pushed its massive form through the tunnel, its scales scraping against the salt walls. Saad had no choice but to engage it directly.

With a battle cry, he launched his whips at the snake, his dual whips striking like vipers. The snake's salt attack left corrosive marks on his robes, and its aura of fear threatened to paralyze him. But Saad fought through the pain and fear, striking with tooth and nail.

Saad had to retreat despite his wishes and slowly but surely the stubborn snake was pushing him back into the cave.

As the snake pushed his huge body through the tunnel Saad had to run back, as the rubble hit his face and his HP dwindled. Blow after blow, strike after strike, they clashed in the confined space of the small cave room. Saad jumped back using the whips to strike and create a little distance in the narrow space. Saad's health dwindled, dangerously close to zero, but he refused to yield. His whips lashed out relentlessly, finding weak points in the snake's defenses.

Finally, with a final, powerful snap of his whips, Saad delivered a decisive blow. The snake let out a deafening hiss, its massive form convulsing before collapsing to the ground, vanquished. Saad, too, fell to his knees, exhaustion coursing through his body. He had emerged victorious, but it had come at a cost. With barely five points of health remaining, he knew he had pushed himself to the very limit.

Gasping for breath, Saad surveyed the aftermath of the battle, his gaze fixed on the lifeless salt snake. He had succeeded, but the ordeal had left him battered and drained. It was a hard-fought victory, and Saad didn't have to take the potions as he leveled up thrice along with the salt snake essence gathering into his inventory. This time though, he wasn't offered any card. That's when a message appeared in front of him and the murky red liquid started to float in the air.

[The crimson sovereign is amused.]

As he caught his breath, Saad couldn't help but feel a sense of annoyance when a message appeared before him, announcing that the Crimson Sovereign was amused. It was almost as if his equipment had developed a sense of humor, which made no sense at all. Besides why was it acting like a spectator when his job was to 'protect' Saad and he wasn't even doing his job properly? He couldn't dwell on it for long, though, as there were more pressing matters to attend to.

Saad decided to focus on his character's development. He knew that every stat point and skill point counted in this unforgiving world. With the essence of the defeated salt snake gathered into his inventory, he also noticed he hadn't received a card this time. It was a little disappointing but he quickly moved on.

First, he allocated his stat points. Saad chose to invest four points into stamina to bolster his endurance and avoid potential negative effects, especially since he had been testing the limits of his stamina during the battle.

Character Window - ID: 1221 

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Name: Kael Emberflame

Age: 15

Race: Human

Main Class: Whip Master (In Progress) 

Main Weapon: Basic Whip

Level: 20  655/2000 

HP: 540/540

Wealth: 5645 SC

Attributes:

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Stamina: 10  Strength 7 

Agility: 8  Intelligence: 7

Charm: 7  Dexterity: 22

Vitality: 7  Arcane Points: 50

Status point: 0

Skill points: 85

Next came the crucial decision of how to invest his skill points. Saad knew that his [Whip of Binding] had been instrumental in the battle, and he wanted to enhance its effectiveness further. With a firm resolve, he invested 75 skill points to max out his [Whip of Binding] skill.

Skill [Whip of Binding] MAX

Rank: Rare

Skill Type: Active Skill

Description: Whip of Binding is a rare and versatile skill that allows the user to wield a mystical whip imbued with the power of restraint and control. When unleashed, the whip crackles with energy, capable of binding and immobilizing enemies, giving the user a tactical advantage in combat. With precise timing and skillful execution, the Whip of Binding can ensnare foes, restricting their movements and rendering them vulnerable to further attacks.

Effects:

Binding Effect: The Whip of Binding has a chance to bind and immobilize enemies upon successful impact. When struck by the whip, enemies have a chance to become ensnared, preventing them from moving or taking actions for a brief period. This effect offers a strategic advantage by restricting enemy mobility and rendering them susceptible to attacks.

Duration of Binding: 15-25 seconds

Chance of Binding: 70% - 80%

Cooldown: 15 seconds

Mana Cost: 25 Mana

Stamina Cost: 10

With the skill maxed out, Saad felt a surge of confidence. The overall power had increased and he felt like it was a worthy investment. Sure an attack with immense power would be great but a skill that gave him time to react and gain advantage was better in his opinion.