"Now, Elton," Gabriel commanded, his voice cutting through the humid air.
Elton, already prepared, took a deep breath, drawing his bow back. His sharp eyes focused on the narrow gap between the trees where Gabriel had indicated. He could see nothing—but he trusted Gabriel's instincts. Releasing the arrow, he unleashed his [Power Shot].
THWACK! CRITICAL!!!!
-10,000 HP
Seconds later, a loud cry was heard. The Vine Snake wiggled its body and twitched as pain became evident. Looking closely, the arrow that Elton fired was embedded in its right eye, bleeding.
Before the snake could retaliate, Gabriel's voice rang out again.
"Jane, go!"
With a blur of movement, Jane activated her [Phantom Steps], moving so quickly that she became a streak of shadows. In an instant, she was upon the Vine Snake, her daggers flashing in the dim light as she struck with [Phantom Strike], her blades barely cutting through the creature's thick scales.
SWISH! SWISH!
Her attack was followed by the summoning of her [Shadow Clones]—three perfect replicas of herself darting around the snake, attacking in tandem with her.
-------
[ Shadow Clone level 6: The user creates a shadowy duplicate of themselves that mimics their movements and attacks. The Shadow Clone deals a percentage of the user's base damage and can be directed to attack a specific target or move independently. The clone lasts for a limited time or until it is destroyed. At higher skill levels, the clone becomes more durable, deals more damage, and gains additional abilities such as teleporting back to the user or performing a final explosive attack when destroyed. The Shadow Clone deals 65% of the user's base attack damage.
Damage Dealt by Clone = (Base Attack Damage × Clone Damage Percentage) × Number of Attacks
Clone Duration: 20 Seconds
Number of Clones: 3
Mana Cost: 300
Cooldown: 20 seconds]
[Class: Assassin, Rogue, Shadow Blade]
-----
-3,000 HP
Vine Snake HP: 957,000/970,000
Gabriel took this buffer time to look at the details of the snake.
------
[Name: Vine Snake]
[HP: 957,000/970,000]
[Mana: 15,000/18,000]
[Patk: 22,500]
[Skills: Toxic Vines, Constricting Coil, Venomous Bite, Camouflage]
[Grade: Silver 5 ⭐, Lord Rank]
[Characteristic: The Vine Snake is a solitary predator that resides in the heart of the most impenetrable jungles. It is a master of stealth, seamlessly blending into the flora, which allows it to ambush prey with deadly precision. This creature is highly intelligent and patient, often waiting for days before striking. It is known for its cold, calculated nature, dispatching prey without hesitation or remorse. The Vine Snake leaves no trace of its existence, save for the shriveled remains of those who fall victim to its lethal embrace.]
---------------------
When he was done checking its stats, Gabriel proceeded to check its skills.
------
[Skill Name: Toxic Vines]
[Description: The Vine Snake can extend venomous vines from its body, entangling its prey and injecting a deadly toxin. The venom severely hampers movement speed and inflicts continuous damage. This skill is particularly lethal, as it also drains the target's mana, weakening their ability to retaliate.
Damage: Deals 3% of the target's max HP per second for 15 seconds. Additionally, drains 1,000 Mana from the target over the duration.
Cooldown: 30 seconds
Mana Cost: 500 Mana]
-------------
[Name: Constricting Coil]
[Description: The Vine Snake coils around its target with immense force, crushing bones and constricting airflow. This skill deals heavy physical damage over time and immobilizes the target, making it nearly impossible to escape. The longer the Vine Snake maintains the coil, the greater the damage, increasing incrementally.
Damage: Deals 5,000 Patk per second and immobilizes the target for 7 seconds. Damage increases by 10% for each second the target remains constricted.
Cooldown: 45 seconds
Mana Cost: 1,500 Mana]
-------------------
[Name: Venomous Bite]
[Description: The Vine Snake's fangs inject a powerful venom directly into its target. This venom not only rapidly reduces the target's HP but also has a high chance of inducing paralysis and weakening the target's defense, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.
Damage: Deals 200% Patk and has a 30% chance to inflict paralysis for 5 seconds. Also reduces the target's defense by 15% for 10 seconds.
Cooldown: 20 seconds
Mana Cost: 1,000 Mana]
--------------------
[Name: Camouflage]
[Description: The Vine Snake can blend perfectly into its surroundings, becoming nearly undetectable. While camouflaged, the Vine Snake's Patk and critical hit rate are significantly increased. This skill also enhances the Vine Snake's evasion, making it difficult for enemies to land attacks.
Buff: Increases Patk by 35%, critical hit rate by 25%, and evasion by 20% for 12 seconds.
Cooldown: 60 seconds
Mana Cost: 1,500 Mana]
-------------------------------
Gabriel remained calm, though his heart pounded in his chest. "Stay focused! That's a Lord-rank monster!" His voice was firm but reassuring. "We'll use this battle to practice our coordination—no need to panic. Remember, we've beaten worse."
Zhao Kong and Gareth exchanged uneasy glances. "Practice?" Zhao muttered under his breath, wiping sweat from his brow. "With a Lord-rank?"
Gabriel overheard but smiled, shaking his head. "This Vine Snake is only Silver 5⭐. It's strong, yes, but so are you. You've upgraded your gear, trained harder, and improved since we last faced a Lord-rank creature. Don't underestimate yourselves. I'm here. We'll win."
Gabriel's words steadied them, and the tension in their shoulders eased. Confidence returned as they shifted their focus back to the battle.
The Vine Snake recoiled slightly but quickly adjusted. Its predatory instincts kicked in, and it struck back at one of the clones with blinding speed.
WHOOSH!
The clone dissipated into mist as the snake's fangs tore through it, realizing too late that it wasn't the real Jane. But the snake wasn't easily fooled. It immediately lashed out at the real Jane, its massive tail sweeping the ground in a deadly arc.
SWISH!
Jane rolled to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the strike as the tail slammed into the ground where she had stood.
"Zhao, now!" Gabriel called.
Zhao Kong, the team's shield, was ready. He raised his massive tower shield and charged forward, closing the distance to the snake with long, heavy strides. As he reached the beast, he leapt into the air, slamming his shield into the ground with a tremendous force. "Earth Smash!" he roared as the earth trembled beneath the impact, sending shockwaves through the ground and stunning the Vine Snake for a few moments.
BOOM!
-1,500 HP
Vine Snake HP: 955,500/970,000
The Vine Snake hissed in fury, its movements momentarily halted by the shockwave. Seizing the opportunity, Gareth was next to act.
"Fire Serpent!" Gareth shouted, his staff glowing with a fiery red light. A serpent made of pure flames erupted from his staff, coiling through the air and striking the Vine Snake's body. The flames wrapped around the snake, igniting its scales, the fire burning hot and dealing continuous damage.
FWOOSH!
-2,800 HP
Vine Snake HP: 952,700/970,000
But the Vine Snake wasn't done yet. Its eyes glowed with a venomous green light as it activated [Toxic Vines]. Dark green, poisonous tendrils shot out from its body, wrapping around Jane and Zhao Kong, entangling their limbs. The vines injected a deadly toxin, sapping their health and mana while slowing their movements.
-1,000 MP
"These vines... they're draining me!" Zhao growled, trying to pull free.
-1,000 MP
"Me... too," Jane said as she tried to set herself free.
"I've got you!" Gabriel responded quickly, raising his staff. "Cleanse!" he shouted, sending a wave of holy light that washed over Jane and Zhao Kong. The toxic vines withered instantly, and the poison's effects vanished, restoring both their health and mana.
FLASH!
Freed from the vines, Jane and Zhao re-engaged, but the Vine Snake was already preparing its next move. Its massive body coiled, and with blinding speed, it launched itself toward Gabriel, its amber eyes locked onto the healer. It was going for the kill.
"Gabriel, watch out!" Gareth shouted.
Gabriel didn't flinch. He had anticipated this. Raising his staff once more, he called out, "Light Barrier!" A shimmering wall of radiant energy appeared in front of him, just as the Vine Snake's venomous fangs struck.
CLANG!
-22,500 HP
Vine Snake HP: 930,200/970,000
The barrier absorbed the impact, deflecting the attack and reflecting some of the damage back onto the snake. The Vine Snake reeled back, hissing in fury. It slithered quickly, disappearing into the shadows of the jungle as it activated [Camouflage], fading from sight.
"It's hiding again!" Gareth said, scanning the area for any sign of the beast.
"No, it's preparing for an ambush," Gabriel corrected, his eyes narrowing as he considered the snake's next move. "Jane, activate [Night Cloak]—find it before it can strike."
Jane nodded, her form becoming even more shadowy as she activated [Night Cloak]. Her senses heightened, she scanned the area, her eyes piercing through the darkness. After a moment, she saw it—the faint shimmer of the Vine Snake's body hidden in the underbrush.
"Found you," she whispered, then dashed forward, her daggers at the ready. With precise, calculated strikes, she attacked the hidden form of the snake, her clones mimicking her movements.
SLASH!
-1,500 HP
SLASH!
-1,500 HP
Vine Snake HP: 927,200/970,000
Each strike landed with deadly accuracy, cutting into the snake's invisible body. The snake hissed in pain as it reappeared, unable to maintain its camouflage under the assault. Enraged, it struck out at Jane with [Venomous Bite], its fangs glowing green with deadly venom. But Zhao Kong was faster. He stepped in front of Jane; his shield raised.
"Not on my watch!" he roared, activating [Iron Wall]. For five seconds, his body was invincible, and the Vine Snake's venomous fangs struck harmlessly against his shield.
CLANG!
"Now, everyone! Focus your attacks!" Gabriel commanded, his voice firm as he prepared his spell. He raised his staff high, the divine energy building around him. "Celestial Judgment!"
BOOM!
-47,355 HP
Vine Snake HP: 879,845/970,000
A beam of pure, divine light shot down from the sky, crashing into the Vine Snake with the full force of heavenly retribution. The snake screamed, its body writhing as the light tore through its defenses, burning away its scales and reducing its resistances.
[ArmorDwn] Reduce Armor by 50%
Seeing the snake severely weakened, Elton fired another [Power Shot], the arrow piercing through its exposed underbelly.
THWACK!
-4,025 HP
Vine Snake HP: 875,820/970,000
The snake's movements grew frantic as its health dropped further. It lashed out wildly, trying to crush Zhao Kong with its tail.
WHOOSH!
But Zhao activated [Shield Might], bashing the snake's head with his shield, forcing it to focus its attention on him.
CLANG!
Gareth followed up with another burst of flames. "Arcane Explosion!" he cried, and a wave of magical energy rippled outward, engulfing the snake in a burst of fire and force.
BOOM!
-5,800 HP
Vine Snake HP: 870,020/970,000
But the Vine Snake wasn't finished yet. In a final, desperate move, it activated [Constricting Coil], wrapping its immense body around Zhao Kong.
CRUNCH!
The pressure was immense, the air being squeezed from his lungs as the snake tried to crush him.
"Hold on, Zhao!" Gabriel shouted, quickly casting [Light Barrier] once more.
FLASH!
A protective wall formed around Zhao, blocking the damage while reflecting it toward the snake, allowing him to break free from the snake's crushing grip.
-20,000 HP
Vine Snake HP: 850,020/970,000
"Now!" Gabriel called. "Everyone, hit it with everything you've got!"
--------
Outside the Mystic Realm
"Gabriel's team is holding their own against a Lord-rank Vine Snake," Principal Chen noted calmly, his eyes still fixed on the screen. "His strategy is sound, and his use of his skills to assist his teammates was perfectly timed."
Principal Dalhmer nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Gabriel has always shown great promise. He possesses a calmness in battle that is rare for someone his age. That calm guides his team well."
The battle raged on the screen. Gabriel's team had just dodged a vicious tail swipe from the Vine Snake, and Gabriel quickly followed up with a [Light Barrier], protecting Zhao Kong as the tank took another hit from the enraged monster.
Mr. Hanz grunted, leaning forward in his seat. "That Zhao Kong's a tough one. He's taking hit after hit, and he's still standing. But it's Gabriel's quick thinking that's keeping him alive. Smart move, casting [Cleanse] right after that [Toxic Vines] skill hit both Jane and Zhao.
"Humph," came the disdainful voice of Ms. Ru Aram. She barely glanced at the screen, her attention more focused on inspecting her perfectly manicured nails. "That team is decent enough for this academy's standards, I suppose..."
But before she could even continue her words, Mr. Hanz interrupted her and said, "Decent enough? Hehehe, I remember earlier, whose students it was that were rescued by my academy's representative who's 'decent enough'?"
Hearing his words, Ru Aram once again felt embarrassed. She muttered to herself, anger beginning to build, "This Hanz..."
Looking at her, Mr. Hanz found an opportunity to talk again, "Ah, save it, Ru," Mr. Hanz said in a mocking voice, turning his attention back to the battle. "Gabriel's team is showing more heart in this one fight than your academy does! Just admit it!" Then he waved his hand, indicating that he was done talking to her.
Ru Aram waved her hand dismissively, not backing down, as though the battle on the screen was beneath her. "I've seen stronger teams crumble in the face of a true challenge. This Vine Snake is certainly strong, but hardly a match for an elite squad."
Mr. Hanz opened his mouth to retort, but Principal Dalhmer's calm voice interjected. "The strength of a team is measured not only by the challenges they face but by how they work together to overcome them."
On the screen, Gabriel's team was coordinating perfectly. Jane was darting in and out with her [Phantom Steps], dealing minor but consistent damage to the Vine Snake's exposed flanks. Zhao Kong had activated [Iron Wall] just in time to absorb a powerful strike, and Gareth had just cast [Fire Serpent], his flames wrapping around the Vine Snake's massive body, slowly burning away at its HP.
Principal Chen's eyes flickered with interest. "They're whittling it down, slowly but surely. Zhao Kong's tanking has been solid so far, but the snake is still unpredictable. It could easily turn the battle around if they're not careful."
"They're not being reckless," Principal Dalhmer said quietly, his eyes half-closed in thought. "Gabriel knows the risks, and he's keeping his team steady. It's rare for a Priest to lead so effectively. His timing with his buff to increase speed was excellent, ensuring that Jane and Elton could dodge the snake's sudden strikes."
Ru Aram smirked. "Of course, they're not being reckless. They're terrified. If they make one mistake, they're finished. That's hardly commendable."
Mr. Hanz bristled. "You call that fear? They're in the middle of a battle with a Lord-rank beast, and they're holding their ground. Gabriel is making sure his team moves as one. He's not leading with fear—he's leading with strategy. Something your academy could learn from."
Ru Aram's icy blue eyes flicked toward Mr. Hanz with barely concealed disdain. "Our academy doesn't need to learn from anyone. We lead."
Before the argument could escalate, Principal Chen spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Enough. This isn't about comparing academies. We're here to observe. Let the battle speak for itself."
The stadium reverberated with the sound of Gabriel casting [Celestial Judgment], a powerful beam of divine light descending from the sky to strike the Vine Snake.
BOOM!
The creature let out a guttural hiss as its scales cracked under the holy assault. The screen flashed with numbers as the damage from the spell dealt a significant blow to the snake's HP.
Principal Chen's eyebrow arched slightly. "Impressive. That hit reduced the Vine Snake's defenses considerably. It's only a matter of time now."
Ru Aram sighed dramatically. "It's taking them far too long. A well-prepared team would've finished this monster by now. It's embarrassing, really."
Mr. Hanz chuckled dryly. "Oh, really? Because I distinctly remember one of your 'well-prepared' teams getting completely wiped out by a Lord-rank Flame Wyvern not too long ago. Didn't they spend hours preparing for that fight?"
Ru Aram's face flushed slightly with irritation. "That was… a different situation."
Principal Dalhmer's soft chuckle interrupted their bickering. "Let us focus on the task at hand, shall we?"
On the screen, the Vine Snake's movements were becoming more erratic, its health steadily dropping. Gabriel was directing his team with precision, calling out orders as they circled the snake, dodging its wild tail strikes.
WHOOSH!
THWACK!
Jane's [Phantom Strike] hit its mark again, while Elton's [Power Shot] pierced the snake's underbelly.
Principal Chen spoke again, his voice calm but filled with the weight of experience. "They're executing the plan well, but they'll need to be careful in these final moments. The Vine Snake is growing desperate."
And desperate it was. The Vine Snake lashed out with its venomous fangs, attempting to wrap its coils around Zhao Kong.
WHOOSH!
But Gabriel was ready. He raised his staff high, chanting quickly as a [Light Barrier] formed around Zhao, absorbing the incoming damage. The snake's venomous bite struck the barrier, but the shield held.
CLANG!
Mr. Hanz let out a low whistle. "There it is again. Gabriel's timing with that [Light Barrier] is perfect. He's saving his team from a lot of pain with those spells."
Ru Aram rolled her eyes. "He's just doing what any competent Priest should do."
Ignoring her, Principal Dalhmer nodded in quiet approval. "Indeed. But few can execute it so calmly, especially when the stakes are high."
The Vine Snake, furious now, activated its [Constricting Coil], trying to trap Zhao once more. This time, it managed to wrap its massive body around him, the coils tightening with immense force.
CRUNCH! Zhao grimaced, but even as the air was forced from his lungs, he remained steadfast.
"Zhao!" Gareth shouted from behind, his staff glowing as he prepared another spell. But Gabriel was faster.
"Light Barrier!" Gabriel chanted again.
FLASH!
A shimmering wall of light appeared around Zhao, blocking the crushing force of the snake's coils.
"Now!" Gabriel called. "Everyone, hit it with everything you've got!"
As they kept watching the display on the screen, they remained amazed by Gabriel and his team's performance. Every move they made and every skill they used was executed with precision.