Fallen Hero

The scene just now was cool but my gaze shifted toward the pillars, featuring symbols and statues on the top end of them. The pillars are the key to solving the puzzle located on the altar.

-Boss [Fallen Hero] is challenging you to a duel-

The aura covering [Fallen Hero] seems ominous at first glance. However, it also shows signs of honesty and affection. In the lore of the game, he is the hero who saved the people of Artheana by winning against the Elven Kingdom. In the process, he lost his life.

"He's challenging us to a duel. If you bow and point your sword the boss will confirm your acceptance."

"Got it."

When she was about to move, I reminded her.

"And don't forget about the boss's moves that I talked about. Good luck."

After giving me a nod, she bowed her head and pointed her sword toward [Fallen Hero]. And [Fallen Hero] repeated a similar gesture.

They moved to the circular space in front of the altar. [Fallen Hero] made the first move and after taking a step toward Jennifer, slashed from up left to right side of Jennifer with his longsword. Jennifer quickly positioned herself and angled her sword to her right side.

The impact from [Fallen Hero] was strong enough to break her stance and Jennifer had to step back. Without wasting time, Jennifer put strength into her legs and rushed at [Fallen Hero], swinging her sword collided with his longsword, and they vibrated the room with each clash.

I slowly moved outside the duel area and examined the walls looking for the clues that would help me solve the puzzle. Going back to the pillars they each have statues and symbols.

The first pillar has a majestic phoenix, symbolizing Fire. Carved symbols on the pillar depict flames and embers.

The second pillar showcases a serene mermaid, representing Water. Waves and water droplets are intricately carved into the stone.

A stoic minotaur, embodying Earth, adorned the third pillar. The symbols etched into the pillar depict rugged terrain and mountains.

An elusive sylph was on the fourth one, symbolizing Air. Whirlwinds and gusts were decorating the stone surface.

The next one had a regal griffin, perching proudly, representing the combination of Air and Earth. Symbols intertwine both elements.

The last was a mythical sea serpent, wrapping around the pillar with its body. Symbolizing the union of Water and Fire. Symbols meld both elements seamlessly.

To activate the puzzle, you have to align the symbols on the six pillars according to a specific pattern. The pattern is a representation of elemental harmony, where Fire, Water, Earth, and Air align seamlessly.

There are observation stones, each marked with a distinct sequence of symbols around the room. These stones serve as clues to the correct alignment of the pillars. 

However, even though how hard I looked, they were not visible. It's probably because we have to defeat [Fallen Hero] first. You were only able to do the puzzle after the boss battle too but I figured maybe the stones would already be around.

I turned to check how the duel was going. They were still clashing their swords. Thanks to Jennifer's sword, her agility gave her an advantage to avoid [Fallen Hero]'s attacks. But they seem to be in a stalemate. This means with each passing second, Jennifer will get more tired but [Fallen Hero] will carry the same performance.

Her sword skills are excellent and can keep up with [Fallen Hero]. However, Jennifer lacks the experience that comes with fighting real opponents and putting your life on the line.

Well, this was the reason why I took the risk and captured those Gray Slimes. Before she exhausts all of her stamina, I should start the plan B.

I was on the other side of the room, behind [Fallen Hero] and Jennifer could see me easily. Reaching my backpack, I picked up two containers and gestured to the containers in my hand.

Jennifer noticing my gesture, nodded in response. 

On the way, I was able to replenish my [Mana] and I am thinking of casting <Fireball >. So that we can stun [Fallen Hero] for a few seconds and release the Gray Slimes on him.

The intermediate-grade spell <Fireball > will drain half of my [Mana] if I only cast the smallest one. You can make a bigger <Fireball > by putting more [Mana] into the spell, like how teacher Trixie did to cast that huge <Fireball >.

I should at least put 70% of my [Mana] to make sure it stuns the boss. After pouring [Mana] into my hand and about to cast <Fireball >, Jennifer jumped on the [Fallen Hero] and put pressure on him.

I cast <Fireball > at that moment and aimed at [Fallen Hero]. If the boss was in a higher-level dungeon, he would already sense my [Mana] flow and be vigilant against me. Being a lowest-level boss, he couldn't even react to my <Fireball > and got a direct hit.

As soon as [Fallen Hero] went into a stun, I threw one of the containers toward Jennifer and she caught it mid-air. I quickly approached him from behind and opened the container. At the same time, Jennifer followed me and did the same from the front.

The Gray Slimes flow out from the containers with force and stick themselves on the [Fallen Hero].

We quickly made some distance from the boss, and he started moving again. Slashing and trying to hold onto the Gray Slimes but failing and worsening his condition.

"Now, Jennifer!"

With my words, she started closing in on [Fallen Hero] and I did the same. If we left him like that he would get rid of the slimes in 10 or so seconds. We rushed and started slashing carefully. Jennifer aimed at his sword and I struck down his legs.

Each force disturbed him from getting rid of the slimes and I could sense the change in [Fallen Hero]'s aura. It felt like he was angry and showing hostility toward our cowardly act deprived of honor.

[Fallen Hero] slowly started to melt and some of the armor parts started falling. 

When he was about to die, we took the chance and killed the Gray Slimes. They exploded and finished [Fallen Hero].

-You and your team defeated [Gray Slime]-

-You and your team defeated [Gray Slime]-

-You and your team defeated the boss [Fallen Hero]-

-Congratulations! You defeated a boss for the first time-

-Achievement unlocked! Title [Without Honor] obtained-

-You have gained attribute points-

[All stats +10]

-Trait Effect [Training Duality] Active-

[All stats -9]

I opened up my stats.

[Player: Dylan Snowlion]

-Attributes-

[Strength: 13.3]

[Stamina: 18.3]

[Mana: 33.1]

[Mind: 999]

[Vitality: 26.1]

[Intelligence: 74]

[Faith: 1]

[Charm: 63]

-Traits-

[Psychopath] Details>>

-Skills-

[Torture Lv.5] Details>>

[Snowlion Swordsmanship Lv.8] Details>>

[Archery Lv.4] Details>>

[Traps Lv.5] Details>>

-Titles-

[Without Honor] Details>>

This title is…

[Without Honor]

<Those labeled "Without Honor" embody behavior deemed dishonorable and corrupt, deviating intentionally from accepted moral codes virtues.>

-Title Effect-

<Dishonorable actions will assist you in growing your attributes with a 10% boost.>

-This title complements your trait and enables you to gain up to 100% boost in attribute growth-

"..."

"Big brother? Are you okay?"

Noticing my blank gaze on the air, Jennifer worried.

"I'm fine. You must be tired. Just sit down and guard the entrance while resting, meanwhile I will solve the puzzle."

"Aaah~ I don't know how long I will be able to rest. My big brother is too smart he might even solve it in a minute~."

I didn't even react to her words anymore. When she saw that, she was pouting.

Now, going back to the puzzle, I searched the room without missing an inch. There were observation stones, each containing different sequence of symbols.

Following the sequences, I aligned each pillar toward the correct symbols. It took me around 20 minutes to figure out the correct order and positioning. Once I completed the puzzle, all the pillars started to turn toward the altar and each exuded their represented elements to the altar.

The altar opened up, and the top part was now showcasing the artifact. The tunnel on top of the altar reflected the artifact's beauty with the sunlight it transported.

The artifact was a bracelet, adorning a gem in the middle and the shape of an eye. Its iris was portraying the clear sea, breaking the sunlight on its collision.

Taking several steps, I went up to the artifact.

[Seafoam Gaze Bracelet]

<A captivating bracelet with an eye-shaped gem, portraying the clear sea. The collision of sunlight on sea's surface is depicted within gem. Seafoam Gaze Bracelet grants enhanced vision and ability to unveil detailed information about individual.>

-Limitations-

<After targeting an individual, there is a cooldown of two hours before the Seafoam Gaze Bracelet can be used again.>

"Wow! It's so pretty~!"

"Not going to give it to you, so better give up now."

I saw her pouting and making a 'Hmph'.

I reached and picked up [Seafoam Gaze Bracelet].

*Crumble *Shake 

After I took the artifact, the room began to shake and crumble. When I was about to run…

*Thud

"Big Brother!"

Some kind of stone wall shaped like a circle dropped down from above and trapped me in the middle where the sunlight was coming from.