Chapter 29: Raging Inferno Liger
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Outside of the Mysterious Realm
Principal Dalhmer emerged from the Mysterious Realm, his expression unreadable, as a group of puzzled teachers quickly surrounded him. The atmosphere was thick with tension, as moments before, a much more alarming signal had blared through the monitoring room—a warning far more urgent than anything they had encountered previously. Everyone knew the principal had ventured inside to resolve the issue and retrieve the student involved. Yet, as he stepped out alone, the teachers couldn't help but exchange worried glances.
Miss Clair, her voice tinged with concern, asked, "Principal, did the student… did they not make it?" The silence that followed was heavy. Dalhmer, however, responded with a calm question, "Did you not see the outcome already?" His words left the teachers momentarily stunned. How could he assume they had witnessed something that clearly eluded them?
It was only then that they explained the situation—they had been unable to observe the battle, let alone its conclusion.
Frowning, Principal Dalhmer asked, "Is the holographic projection malfunctioning?" Teacher James quickly assured him it wasn't. Confusion clouded the principal's features as he tried to piece together why they were unable to monitor the events inside the Mysterious Realm.
Mr. Hanz stepped forward, explaining that they had followed the principal to the entrance but had remained outside to guard it in case of emergencies. Understanding dawned on Dalhmer as he realized what had happened. Without another word, he motioned for the teachers to follow him back to the monitoring room. There, he began to recount the extraordinary events that had transpired inside the realm.
...
Mysterious Realm, Dusk Valley
Just after the battle with the Earth Bear concluded.
[Convert Beast Core to Harmony Essence? Y/N?]
Without hesitation, Gabriel selected "Yes."
[Prompt! You obtain 10,000 Harmony Essence!]
A satisfied smile spread across Gabriel's face as he quickly sorted through the spoils of battle.
[Skill Book [Earth Armor]: Upon casting, it surrounds the caster with an armor made of earth, increasing the caster's defense by 25%.
Duration: 5 minutes
Rank: White
Mana Cost: 50
Cooldown: 5 seconds
Usable by: Fighter Class]
"Tsk, this is useless to me. Should I sell it later?" Gabriel mused, weighing his options. Ultimately, he decided to keep the skill book for now.
Finally, he retrieved the boots dropped by the Earth Bear and equipped them.
[Name: Gold Boots]
[Type: Foot Gear]
[Defense: 25]
[Rarity: Green]
[Description: These boots have undergone a holy baptism by a high-ranking clergyman. Despite their bulky appearance, they are surprisingly lightweight and carry the blessings of the church.
Additional Attributes:
+30 INT
+10 VIT
+15% Max HP
Special Effect:
+20% Healing
+15% Movement Speed
Set Effect (3-Piece Bonus):
+200 Mana
+20% Mana Regeneration]
[Durability: 200/200]
"F*ck," Gabriel cursed under his breath, marveling at his streak of luck. He had assumed that completing the set would take a considerable amount of time, yet here he was, with three pieces already in his possession. Only the garment, headgear, and bracers remained, and he was already halfway to completing the set.
After the battle, Gabriel spent a few more minutes organizing his newly acquired items. Once he was done, he turned to Tigram, ready to move forward with his mission.
...
Tigram stared at Gabriel, his mind replaying the events leading up to their confrontation with the Earth Bear. Gabriel's aggressive tone had caught him off guard. He had always remembered Gabriel as calm and composed, even after they had parted ways. But now, his words carried an unexpected edge.
"Oi! Dipsh*t! What are your plans now?" Gabriel's voice cut through Tigram's thoughts, shocking him with its sudden harshness.
Tigram remained silent, trying to process what was happening. Gabriel, apparently frustrated by the lack of response, snapped again, "Oi! I'm talking to you, airhead!"
The repeated insult snapped Tigram out of his reverie. He stood up abruptly, anger simmering just beneath the surface. He couldn't believe Gabriel had the audacity to address him in such a disrespectful manner.
"Do you even need to ask?" Tigram retorted angrily. "Where do you think we are? Did you suddenly become retarded?"
Gabriel's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it seemed like he would leave Tigram behind and continue on his journey alone. But something stopped him. He turned back to Tigram, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes.
Without warning, Gabriel produced a book from thin air and tossed it toward Tigram. "This might come in handy," he said calmly before turning away and disbanding their party, resuming his journey toward the valley's center.
Gabriel had originally intended to sell the skill book after leaving the Mysterious Realm, but something in him had changed. Memories of the past Gabriel flooded his mind—the introverted, shy boy who had struggled to express himself, ultimately leading to the end of their friendship. Despite everything, Tigram had always been Gabriel's true friend, the one person he trusted above all others. Yet the previous Gabriel's inability to assert himself had driven a wedge between them.
But now, with a new lease on life, Gabriel was determined not to repeat his predecessor's mistakes. He knew that this world was dangerous, and to survive, he needed companions. He couldn't make it on his own.
...
Tigram seethed with anger as he watched Gabriel walk away, seemingly indifferent to his outburst. His pride stung, Tigram's frustration boiled over. In a fit of rage, he hurled the book Gabriel had given him back in his direction. "I don't need it!" he shouted, but his words fell on deaf ears as Gabriel continued walking without looking back.
The humiliation of being ignored by someone he considered a rival gnawed at Tigram. He felt small and powerless, his pride bruised and battered. With nowhere else to vent his anger, Tigram let out a primal scream of frustration, hoping to release some of the pent-up emotion inside him.
After several moments, he took a deep breath and retrieved the skill book from where it had landed. Resolute, he turned and walked in the opposite direction, putting as much distance as possible between himself and Gabriel.
...
Thirty Minutes Later
Gabriel had been walking for what felt like an eternity, yet his restlessness only grew. "Patience! I need to be patient," he muttered to himself, trying to steady his nerves. He had a set to complete, but the uncertainty of where to begin gnawed at him. As he walked, he kept glancing at his status panel, searching for a clue, a sign—anything to guide his next steps.
...
[Name: Gabriel Heart]
[Class: Cleric]
[Level: 3, Iron Early Stage]
[Health Point: 1790/1790 (710)]
[Mana: 3120/3920]
[Experience: 21/3000]
[Magic Attack: 342 (+500)]
[Defense: 267]
[Attributes: STR: 10, AGI: 6, DEX: 12, INT: 39 (+77), VIT: 21 (+42)]
[Skills:
Light Hurricane Level 3
Healing Totem Level 3
Goddess Blessing Level 1]
[Tome Skill: Tail Wind]
[Talent: [☯] Yin-Yang Soul Harmony (D)]
[Harmony Essence: 11,600]
[Equipment: Survival Staff, Survival Robe, Survival Boots
Equipment Effect:
+60% Healing
+40% Max HP
+300 HP
+200 Mana
+50% Mana Regeneration
+15% Movement Speed]
...
"I need to finish this assessment first," Gabriel resolved, his confidence bolstered by the new equipment he had acquired. The power flowing through him was exhilarating, and he was already contemplating the possibility of hunting down bronze-level monsters.
The prospect filled him with anticipation—not just for the experience points, but for the potential loot. Though he knew the chances of obtaining valuable items weren't particularly high, the mere thought of the rewards he could earn sent his spirits soaring. Excitement and energy coursed through him as he considered all the possibilities that lay ahead.
...
Deep Within Dusk Valley
A lone figure stood against the backdrop of the darkened valley, his silhouette sharp against the fiery glow of the monstrous creature before him. The young man wielded a staff, his posture unwavering, as he faced off against a beast engulfed in flames—a creature that appeared to wear the fire like armor.
Gabriel exuded an aura of calm confidence, his sharp features set in a determined expression. His angular face bore a slight, almost amused smile, and his silky-smooth hair fluttered in the wind. He stared down his opponent—a half-lion, half-tiger monstrosity with two massive, razor-sharp horns jutting from its head, claws that could tear through flesh with ease, and fangs that gleamed ominously in the flickering light. The flames that enveloped its body radiated intense heat, turning the air around it into a shimmering haze.
This was the Raging Inferno Liger, the fearsome boss of this magical realm—a creature so powerful that even Principal Dalhmer would hesitate to face it head-on.
...
[Name: Raging Inferno Liger]
[Health Point: 250,000/250,000]
[Mana: 4400/5000]
[Physical Attack: 1600]
[Defense: 400]
[Rank: Bronze Stage ★, Lord Type]
[Skills: Mighty Roar, Scorch, Incinerate, Flame Blitz]
[Description: The Raging Inferno Liger is a magnificent creature known for its fiery nature and unyielding fighting spirit. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, this majestic beast is always eager to explore its surroundings and engage in combat with any foe brave enough to challenge it.
In battle, the Raging Inferno Liger's body becomes enshrouded in fierce, blazing flames that serve as both weapon and shield. These flames intensify as the creature's opponent grows stronger, enabling it to unleash even greater heat and fury.]
...
The Raging Inferno Liger growled deeply, its gaze fixed on Gabriel with burning intensity. Despite his composed exterior, Gabriel could sense the creature's wariness. The Liger, recognizing a formidable adversary, remained on high alert, muscles coiled and ready to spring into action at the first sign of danger.
Gabriel, understanding the Liger's hesitation, decided to provoke the beast. With a smirk, he made a provocative gesture, daring the mighty creature to make the first move.
The Raging Inferno Liger wasn't one to be taunted. Enraged by Gabriel's audacity, it unleashed its fiery wrath. The flames that surrounded it roared to life, their heat intensifying to a near-unbearable level. The ground beneath the Liger began to smolder as the intense heat radiated outward. With a deafening roar, the Liger made its intent clear—it was ready to incinerate any threat that dared to stand before it.
ROOOOOAAAARRRR!!
[Mighty Roar: Letting out a majestic roar, the user intimidates the target, lowering its attacking power (Physical and Magic) by 20%.
Duration: 15 seconds
Mana Cost: 100
Cooldown: 10 seconds]
[DamageDown] Effect: Reduce Magic Attack!
[Scorch (Passive): When the Liger uses Intensified Flame, it applies a [Burning] effect to the enemy. This effect causes continuous fire damage over time, making it difficult for the enemy to recover from the attack. The [Burning] effect also weakens the enemy's physical attack.
DOT: 2.5% x HP per second
Burning Duration: 5 seconds
Mana Cost: None
Cooldown: None]
[Burning] Effect: Flame Damage Over Time! Weaken! Reduce Physical Attack!