Chapter 290: He's a Good Person, Right?
"Excuse me, esteemed Lord Druid, are you heading to the third level of Death's Sanctuary to contend for the Bloody Witch?"
"Hmm... I suppose so."
I tilted my head and thought for a moment. Tal Rasha told me to find him in Death's Sanctuary, but he didn't specify which level or direction. So, following common sense, most people would target the final Lair on the third level of Death's Sanctuary, which is where the Bloody Witch is located. As for whether I'd actually encounter the Bloody Witch, I didn't particularly care.
"What do you mean by 'contend'?" I noticed this Desert Warrior used a very interesting word: contend?
"Lord, it's like this."
The Desert Warrior, with a face full of stubble and a simple, honest look that made people feel good about him, revealed a knowing smile. When I asked him for directions to Death's Sanctuary, he probably guessed that this mysterious Lord Druid was likely visiting Death's Sanctuary for the first time and naturally wouldn't know the Rules inside.
After his explanation, I learned that the Bloody Witch was so popular that you actually had to compete to get to her. The Desert Warrior told me that the main reason was that the Bloody Witch was not only a Mini-Boss with a high Drop Rate, but she was also part of a Quest for Lut Gholein Adventurers. Furthermore, there was a Gold Treasure Chest in her Lair. Although this Gold Treasure Chest was frequently visited by Adventurers and usually didn't contain anything too good, a Gold Treasure Chest was still a Gold Treasure Chest. It was better than an ordinary Treasure Chest no matter how you looked at it. Coupled with the Items dropped by the Bloody Witch, there was a relatively high chance of obtaining Rare Items like Golden Equipment, Rejuvenation Potions, and Runes. At the very least, you could earn a Cracked Gem.
Of course, there were also Gold Treasure Chests near Radament on the third level of the Sewer and the Sand Maggot Queen in the Maggot Lair on the third level. But think about it. Radament's endless sea of Minions, plus the narrow Sewer Terrain, even I was left covered in dust and dirt back then. Those Adventurers would be sending themselves to their Death unless they formed five or six Parties. And the Maggot Lair, just hearing the name should give you an idea of how difficult and disgusting the Terrain inside is, right? In comparison, the Bloody Witch on the third level of Death's Sanctuary was undoubtedly much more appealing, so it was only natural that she was sought after.
To prevent conflicts from breaking out among these arrogant Adventurers due to the contention, the Mage Guild established a set of Rules. To prevent cheating, the competing Adventure Teams must first register at the Entrance of Death's Sanctuary. Once the time is up, the contention begins. A Magic Array is set up at the Door of the Bloody Witch on the third level of Death's Sanctuary, which can only be opened by registered Adventure Teams. The Door is an Ancient Mechanical Gate that automatically closes once someone enters. It can only be opened again from the inside. Therefore, whoever enters first is the winner, and other Adventurers can only wait for the next time.
Among these Rules, there were also detailed regulations such as participating Adventure Teams being unable to participate in the next contention, and so on. In short, after hundreds of years of additions and revisions, the Rules for the contention were quite complete and very fair. Adventurers were happy to accept them; if they couldn't win, it was simply because their Skill was inferior.
This gentleman also told me that the Bloody Witch's refresh time was probably tomorrow, so the contention would officially start this afternoon. If I wanted to participate, I had to hurry. As for why an Adventurer like him, who didn't have the Strength to participate in the contention, knew so much, well, seeing the word "Gossip" flashing in his eyes, I already understood perfectly.
After saying goodbye to this Mercenary Adventure Team, I urged Light Snow towards Death's Sanctuary. Equipment Items and the like no longer held much attraction for me. What I was thinking about was simply completing the Quests from Lut Gholein and Tal Rasha.
As the Sun's heat gradually began to decrease, I finally saw the Entrance to Death's Sanctuary in the distance. It was a building constructed from ancient Boulders, carved with simple Patterns. Although it was old and worn, its magnificent and grand Presence remained undiminished. Standing at the Great Hall Entrance, I felt a solemn Aura wash over me, making me straighten up and instinctively lighten my Footsteps.
There was a Figure at the Great Hall Entrance. Upon closer inspection, I found it was a Middle-aged Mage wearing a Robe. Although I couldn't recall his Name, he looked somewhat familiar. He was probably an official from the Mage Guild. Anyway, I was an old acquaintance and frequent visitor of the Guild, so it wasn't surprising to have an impression of him.
The Mage was clearly startled when he saw me, then smiled, "So it is Lord Fan who graces us with his presence."
I returned his Smile and nodded. Looking around, I found no one else, so I asked, "Has the contention already started?"
"Yes, it started two hours ago. However, with Lord Fan here this time, they probably have no Hope." The Middle-aged Mage laid on the flattery quite thick, but seeing the genuine look in his Eyes, he probably knew some of my Deeds.
"You make it sound like I'm bullying other Adventurers." I shook my Head with a Bitter Smile, and the Middle-aged Mage also laughed.
"Is this your first time participating, Lord Fan?" The Middle-aged Mage asked after registering me.
Seeing me nod, he mysteriously pulled out a Beast Skin Scroll from his bosom: "Lord, the participants in this competition are all veterans who know Death's Sanctuary inside and out. Take this, and the competition will be fair."
I unfolded the Beast Skin. Although I had roughly guessed what it was, upon seeing it, I couldn't help but reveal a surprised Smile—it was a Map of Death's Sanctuary. It was densely marked with many text Symbols, including the nearest Passages, what Monsters would appear in which Zone, and so on. With this Map, even I, a Directionally Challenged person, would find it hard to get lost.
"Thanks, old friend." I laughed heartily, casually pulled out two Chipped Gems, and stuffed them into his hand. Without waiting for his reaction, I stepped into the Temple.
Deep within the first level of Death's Sanctuary, a Party of Adventurers was locked in Battle. Their Enemies were a group of well-equipped Skeleton Undead Warriors. Behind these Undead Warriors, several large Mummies stood in the Corner. Their grotesque Appearance was somewhat similar to Radament's. The Black Light Masses they released from their hands Resurrected the scattered Skeletons one by one.
This Party of Adventurers seemed very experienced. They calmly formed a Formation, either forcing back or breaking up the Undead Warriors in front, patiently moving step by step towards the giant Mummies behind them.
Leading the charge was a Paladin. He held his sturdy Shield forward, blocking most of the Undead Warriors' Attacks. Then, in the instant he pulled back his Shield, the Longsword in his other hand transformed into several streaks of Light, slashing at the three Undead Warriors closest to him.
Paladin Tier 2 Combat Skill - Zeal. Its effect is to increase Attack Speed and simultaneously Attack multiple nearby Enemies.
After the sword light, the Paladin swung his Shield, instantly smashing the foremost Undead Warrior into a pile of White Bones. This was the Paladin's Tier 1 Combat Skill - Heavy Blow. With his Shield held forward, the Paladin continued to advance, repeating the same Action after the Skill Cooldown. Although monotonous, the Paladin showed no sign of impatience. His meticulous Demeanor and skilled, precise Movements, just like his Class, gave off a sense of stability and Safety.
On either side of the Paladin were two Ghost Wolves. These Ghost Wolves, about a meter tall, were less than half the size of Light Snow , and their Stats were incomparable. However, they were barely sufficient to handle the Undead Warriors' Attacks. At their feet, a Poison Creeper occasionally burrowed out. Its Poison Attack had limited Damage against Skeletons but could interfere with the Enemy's Offensive. The Female Druid, the owner of the Summons, was currently condensing a Rock Ball burning with fierce Flame in her hands. The moment she launched the formed Molten Boulder, without needing a reminder, the Paladin instinctively Dodged. The Rock Ball, carrying High-Temperature Flame, instantly burned the Skeletons in front into Bone Ash.
In the middle was an Assassin, utilizing her flexible Body to display her Martial Arts to the fullest. The Tier 2 Trap Skill - Lightning, occasionally thrown from her hands, turned the Passage ahead into a Death Zone of Lightning. The Undead Warriors hit by the Lightning had less than half their Life remaining, greatly reducing the Burden on the Paladin at the front. It was a pity the Assassin hadn't reached Level 24 yet, otherwise her Trap Skills Tier 3 Skill - Wake of Fire, would definitely be the Bane of these numerous yet fragile Skeletons.
Besides these three, there was also a Rogue Archer and a Desert Warrior. The presence of the Rogue Archer slightly compensated for the Party's Weakness in Ranged Attack Power, while the Desert Warrior covered the rear, making the Party's Defense more solid.
After grinding for over ten minutes, this five-person Adventure Team finally broke through the Undead Warriors' blockade and quickly approached the two giant Mummies. The giant Mummies were called Hollow Ones. Their relationship to Radament was like the relationship between Fallen Shamans and Bishibosh; one was an Ordinary Monster, the other a Mini-Boss, but they were essentially the same type. These Hollow Ones, besides having High HP and high Defense, didn't have particularly outstanding Abilities. Their biggest characteristic was their ability to Resurrect Undead Monsters. Paired with numerous Undead Warriors, they were a perfect match.
Just as the Hollow Ones were within reach and everyone's faces couldn't help but show Smiles, a sudden change occurred. From the Crevice in the Ceiling above them, several dark Shadows suddenly dropped down. These Shadows had the shape of Bats, with Wingspans of half a meter. Their entire Bodies were enveloped in a layer of Lightning Glow, and their flapping Wings were quite terrifying. The Paladin walking at the very front was caught off guard and bitten by two of these Bats. His entire Body immediately trembled, and he was unfortunately afflicted with the Paralysis Status.
"Dear..." The Female Druid immediately exclaimed. The two Ghost Wolves instantly blocked the Bats, and the Paladin's Paralysis Status didn't last long. With his Defense, the Bats' Attacks weren't a big problem. The Female Druid was simply worried.
"Yihana, dear, I'm fine. Oh, these damned Sand Bats." The Paladin angrily swung his Longsword, hacking at the Bats and making them squeak wildly. To be embarrassed in front of his Wife, this grudge was significant.
Soon after, these Lightning Bats, named Sand Bats, fell under the group's assault. When they came back to their senses, the Hollow Ones had cunningly retreated a few steps during this time, and the Undead Warriors had surrounded them again. Everyone couldn't help but show a Bitter Smile—they had to keep grinding!
After the two Hollow Ones finally fell, the Undead Warriors, having lost their core, scattered in panic. Under the five people's sharp Offensive, only two or three managed to escape in the end.
"I'm exhausted." The Assassin, who had been fighting hard for a long time, no longer cared about his Image and sat down on the Ground, complaining. The task of cleaning up the Battlefield was handled by the diligent Paladin and Desert Warrior, while the two ladies—the Female Druid and the Rogue Archer—rested nearby.
"Damn it. The Monsters in Lut Gholein are too cunning." The Assassin kept complaining. Thinking back now, how cute the Monsters in the Rogue Encampment were.
"Mardon, if you're complaining now, the road ahead will be even harder." The Paladin heard him and smiled, throwing him a Light Life Potion he had just picked up.
"Druv, don't you think so? Think about the appearance of those Sand Bats. The Monsters actually know how to use Tactics." The Assassin rolled his Eyes and casually gulped down the Life Potion.
"Mardon, that kind of thinking is not advisable. It's true that the Monsters are Smart, but they are still far behind us Humans. The biggest reason is that we've gotten used to the Monsters in the Rogue Encampment and are taking things too much for granted. Otherwise, we wouldn't have fallen for such a simple trick. Instead of complaining, you should self-reflect on your own wrong mindset."
The Assassin, rendered speechless by the Paladin's lecture, snorted lightly to save Face and retreated to a Corner to continue grumbling by himself.
This Adventurer Team was precisely the three-person Squad of Druv, Yihana, and Mardon from the Rogue Encampment. Unlike Lars and his group, realizing they were short-handed, Yihana hired a Rogue Archer to supplement the Party's Ranged Attack issue, and Druv hired a Desert Warrior in Lut Gholein to enhance the Party's Defense. As for Mardon's spot, after everyone discussed it, they decided to hire a Sorceress in Kurast to increase the Party's Magic Attack Power. Now the Party had increased to five people, further elevating the already considerable Strength of Druv's Squad and establishing a significant Reputation in Lut Gholein.
After a short Rest, the five continued onward. There were quite a few Powerful Adventure Teams participating in this contention, so they couldn't afford to Relax. After dealing with a wave of Spear Cats (an evolved form of Stone Throwers), Mardon, who was scouting ahead, suddenly stopped and turned back, signaling to the others from a distance—another Adventure Team was spotted ahead.
After turning a corner, ahead was a Stone Pillar Corridor. At the End of the Corridor was a Fork in the Road. This was the most common road type in Death's Sanctuary.
At this moment, four people were gathered in the center of the Corridor. One of them was squatting on the Ground, doing something unknown.
"Sak, what happened?" Although they were a Competing Team, Druv still greeted them warmly. This suddenly appearing Adventure Team was also quite friendly with him.
"Oh, it's you. Come take a look."
The person squatting, named Sak, was also a Paladin and seemed to be the Captain of the Adventure Team. He turned his Head and replied with a Smile.
The five of them curiously gathered around and were immediately met with an astonishing sight.
Starting from where the Paladin named Sak was squatting, a scorched mark appeared on the Ground, extending all the way to the End of the Corridor. The Wall, which had been Magic Reinforced and was said to be unshakable even by a Sorceress's Level 10 Fire Ball, had a Large Pit blasted into it.
The air still held residual, turbulent Energy Aura. Combined with the scorched mark on the Ground and the Large Pit on the Wall at the End, even an idiot could guess that this was caused by some kind of Skill, similar to an Energy Attack.
The question was, what Class Skill could have such great Power? Looking at the straight mark, it somewhat resembled a Necromancer's Tier 4 Skill - Bone Spear, but no matter how strong a Bone Spear was, due to its inherent Energy Stats, it shouldn't leave a scorched mark on the Ground!
"What caused this?" Druv also squatted down, his finger gently touching the scorched mark. The residual heat transmitted to his fingertip confirmed that this scorched mark had been made not long ago, and its owner might still be nearby.
"Look—" Sak, who had been studying for a long time, stood up and pointed to a large pile of Crushed Bones scattered on both sides of the scorched mark.
"Originally, this Corridor was occupied by Undead Warriors and Hollow Ones. This strike, let's call it an Energy Cannon for now, this Energy Cannon happened to Instant Kill most of the Undead Warriors along the way. Then, here, should be the position of the Hollow One. Based on the Quantity of Undead Warriors, this Hollow One was likely a Chieftain or even Elite Level..." He pointed to several locations and explained in detail, as if he had witnessed it firsthand.
Druv didn't speak, but listened quietly to Sak's explanation. He and Sak were from the same batch of Students who came out of the Training Camp, so he naturally knew that Sak was much, much stronger than him in terms of Combat analysis.
"So, the Target of this Energy Cannon should have been that Hollow One, and looking at the mark left on the Wall, it's very likely a One-hit Kill." After saying this, Sak himself shook his Head Incredulous. To Instant Kill a Hollow One, which is known for High Defense and High HP, and is at least a Chieftain level or higher, it was impossible, unless it was an Expert from Harrogath.
"Are there any Clues?" Druv watched Sak closely. From his every Action, he could tell that Sak definitely knew something.
"I can't make a definitive conclusion either."
Sak shrugged his shoulders, "But I just ran into another Adventure Team, and they said they seemed to have seen a White Giant Wolf, but it was just a flash, and they didn't see it clearly."
"A White Giant Wolf?" Druv was stunned. He exchanged a glance with Sak, and something came to their minds simultaneously. They both gave a Bitter Smile.
"Are you still planning to continue with this contention?" Druv patted Sak's shoulder, saying with lingering fear.
"Of course I'll keep going, even if Hope is slim. What about you?"
"I'm not planning to waste time. I'd rather go back to the Stony Tomb and see if the Crawler has spawned. Old friend, it's not that I look down on you, but with that kind of Monster around, you have absolutely no Hope." Druv laughed.
"Then consider it Leveling Up," Sak sighed helplessly, seemingly not opposing Druv's Statement.
After chatting for a few minutes, the two Adventure Teams parted ways at the Fork in the Road. At this point, the Desert Warrior, who had been looking curious since the beginning, finally came closer. He had Class-Changed and Leveled Up in Lut Gholein, so he wasn't very clear about the matters in the Rogue Encampment.
"Boss, what were you guys talking about just now? I don't understand." The simple-minded Desert Warrior asked, scratching his Head.
"Big Guy, do you remember when I told you about the Rogue Encampment? You should know that Lady Sharna has a Younger Brother, right?"
"Of course I remember that." When mentioning Lady Sharna, the Desert Warrior's face was full of admiration.
"I've also heard about Lady Sharna's Younger Brother. They say he has Strength not inferior to Lady Sharna's, but I don't believe it. It's mostly exaggeration." He shook his Head. Having witnessed Lady Sharna's mighty Appearance in the Arena, the Desert Warrior didn't think anyone else could be compared to the Queen of Lut Gholein.
"After seeing that scorched mark just now, do you still think so?" Druv smiled meaningfully.
"You mean..." At this, the Desert Warrior's Eyes widened. After a long pause, he licked his lips and asked cautiously.
"What kind of person is that Lord?"
"What kind of person, huh?" Druv hesitated. Upright? Brave? Kindness? Evil? It seemed none of them quite fit.