Chapter 291: The Directionally Challenged Attribute Won't Change Just Because of a Map
"Haaachoo...!!"
I rubbed my nose, feeling inexplicable about this sudden sneeze—Who, who is cursing me?!
At this moment, Light Snow and I were already on the second floor of the Temple. Thanks to that kind Middle-aged Mage, I finally got to experience the feeling of being a Labyrinth Expert for once—no longer needing to rely on flipping a Coin to decide at a Fork in the Road. Unfolding the Map, the Corner of my Eye couldn't help but become Moist. Recalling the bitter past, sadness welled up within me.
What, you ask what to do when encountering a Crossroads? Idiot, don't you think about it? Would the Labyrinth designer let you walk a straight path? Of course, you choose the left or right side. Of course, if the Coin I tossed landed upright, I wouldn't mind choosing the straight path (In fact, because the Ground is mostly uneven or has Crevices, there's still a certain Chance the Coin will land upright, leading to Tragedy).
" Light Snow , blast them."
I commanded Light Snow with high spirits. As a patch of white Light shone, an Energy Pillar about half a meter thick shot out from Light Snow 's mouth, blasting towards the countless Skeleton Undead Warriors blocking the Passage ahead. With a loud bang, these pitiful Skeletons instantly flew high like bowling pins hit squarely, scattering into fragments in Mid-air. After the Energy Pillar passed, a sky full of Skeleton debris rained down, covering the Ground like accumulated snow.
The Energy Pillar that passed through the Skeleton horde finally blasted the Hollow Ones. These Hollow Ones weren't as formidable as Radament, who could withstand it head-on. After only a slight Pause of less than 0.1 seconds, the Energy Pillar pierced through their chests, instantly killing them. Finally, its momentum undiminished, it turned into a Single Point of White Light and disappeared deep within the Passage, only exploding with a bang upon hitting a building obstacle. Speaking of this, I can't help but marvel at the exquisiteness of Ancient Magic. Such immense Power only left a shallow pit on the Wall, and it even had an automatic recovery function. Ancient things are truly awesome.
After one Energy Cannon, only a few scattered Mobs remained in the entire Passage. Without us needing to act, these timid Skeletons would scatter in a panic. This way, a clear-out that would take others over half an hour, I finished in mere moments.
Hehe, you ask why I'm so proactive? That's obvious. Having finally been an "Expert" for once, of course, I have to break a Record. Death's Sanctuary has large groups of Undead Warriors and Hollow Ones combined. These Monsters aren't strong in themselves, but they are first-rate at wearing you down. A large Party of Undead Warriors + Hollow Ones would take even a High-Level Adventurer Team quite some Effort to clear out. Therefore, even with a clear understanding of the entire Layout of Death's Sanctuary, getting from the Entrance to the Bloody Witch's Lair, the shortest Record still takes a day and a half. But today, I, Druid Wu Fan, am going to break this Record. Who will dare call me Rogue's Number One Directionally Challenged Person then?
"Skeletons are just poor..."
I cursed resentfully. Hundreds of Skeletons only dropped a few Gold and one Potion. That Hollow One whose chest was pierced was decent enough, actually Dropping a piece of... Damn it, damaged Cloth Armor. I was so angry I almost spat blood. I couldn't help but viciously take out a bottle of Red Potion, pry open the bottle cap, and stuff it into the Hollow One's mouth. I patted my hands and walked away.
Where should I go next? I unfolded the Map and muttered, comparing it to my current location. After walking a few steps, an Explosion sound came from behind me.
Huh, this seems to be an eye-catching Red Mark. What is it for? A glaring Mark on the Map attracted my attention, and my Footsteps unconsciously followed the Map.
It seems like it's just one step further ahead. What could possibly be there? Looking at the empty Corridor, my Curiosity grew immensely. Let me see, there seem to be a few small words under the Map Mark. Hmm, it says: Be careful... Trap.
My Right foot had already stepped down firmly.
Huh?
The next moment, my Body disappeared from the Corridor. Looking closely, a dark Opening had appeared on the Ground where I had just stood.
Looking at the Wall that was ten meters high and straight, so smooth it could be used as a Mirror, I cleared my Throat and muttered to myself, "Ahem, years of Experience tell us that at this time, we must not rush. We need to consult the First Aid Manual to find the best countermeasure... Wait, what are those slippery, snake-like black Unidentified Objects drilling out from Underground? Holy crap! Help me~~~~!!!!"
Finally, Little Ghost, who couldn't bear to watch, flew up and used a Rope for Light Snow to pull me up.
"You're an idiot who will press a Button without hesitation when you see one," Little Ghost said, pointing at my nose. Hmm, it seems that's indeed the case.
"Your Body is always one beat faster than your Brain." Is that saying I have strong limbs but a simple mind? Fine, I'll admit that too.
"That's one thing, but the Biggest problem is, your Body is one beat slower than a Pig." Hey, hey, we're all out here trying to make a living, can't you save me some Face/Reputation?
"Look at your Hair, you never comb it, it's all sticking up. Are you competing with others to see who has more cowlicks?" You're stretching it too far, aren't you looking for trouble? Want to try my Devil's Ten Fingers of Hell's Thousand Kneads?
"All in all, you're a Directionally Challenged Person, a Directionally Challenged Person who will definitely get lost even with a Map." Going in circles, have we returned to the Qidian?
Finally, under Little Ghost's strict Supervision, I had no choice but to follow the shortest Route marked on the Map. Eh, eh, I'm really curious, what will appear at the place marked with the Bloody Dagger after turning left, right, east, west, up, and down at that Crossroads, passing through three Corridors and four Great Halls, and walking another thousand meters? And also, what good thing will happen at the location marked with a big blood-red Skull Marker? I'm really curious, truly too curious...
After spending a day, I finally arrived at the third floor of Death's Sanctuary. This Speed is truly unprecedented. Alright, let's strike while the iron is hot, first take a nap, and then we'll talk.
When I saw that the Green Magic Mark at the End of the Corridor was still Lit up, Little Ghost and I High-fived in celebration. Although due to "this and that unavoidable" Accidents, I didn't break the day and a half Record, the Result is that I am still in first place. Gold Treasure Chest, Bloody Witch is calling out to me.
As I slowly passed through the final Corridor and arrived before the Mechanism Gate of the Final Hall, the Green Mark on the Wall disappeared. At the same time, the Green Marks held by the Adventurers from other Parties participating in this competition also dimmed. Everyone was stunned, not understanding where this Unexpected Challenger had come from. Only Sak shook his head with a Bitter Smile, looking at the Mark, and let out a long sigh. As for Druv and the others, they had already left Death's Sanctuary and were on their way to the Stony Tomb.
As the Door slowly rose, I stepped in with my front foot. Before I could even see the Layout inside clearly, a pale white Sea of Skeletons rushed forward. What a unique and enthusiastic welcome ceremony.
Easily withstanding the Offensive of the Sea of Skeletons, after Werebear Transformation, I relied on my Height Advantage and instantly took in the entire Boss Lair's Layout. First, blocking the Entrance were naturally the Cannon Fodder Tier Undead Warriors, numbering about a hundred. Behind the Undead Warriors were their Old Partners, the Hollow Ones. And our Target this time—the Bloody Witch—was currently hiding in the deepest part of the Great Hall, surrounded by four Huntresses. These four were not ordinary Huntresses, but Mini-Boss's followers. Their Strength/Power was no less than Champion Monsters, but their Drop Rate was only that of Normal Monster Level, making them one of the most hated Monster types by Adventurers.
Besides the Bloody Witch and her four Followers, there were also over a dozen Mummies roaming in the middle. Although I didn't see the other Monster that Adventurers hated in Death's Sanctuary—the Sand Bat—based on the Experience from the journey here, I knew these cunning bats must have ambushed themselves in a Crevice on the Ceiling, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Once you enter their Territory, they will overwhelmingly land on your Head, catching you off guard. Their Attack, which comes with a Paralyzing Effect, is truly a Headache for Adventurers.
Such a Lineup, such Terrain, it's truly not easy. A Normal Adventurer Team wouldn't dare to confront them directly unless they used some small tricks. Even a High-Level Adventurer Team must tread on thin ice. If they accidentally lose formation, Party casualties would be a small matter; total annihilation is not impossible. So, Danger and Opportunity exist together.
After being sentimental for a moment, I came back to my senses and found that the Undead Warriors had mostly been killed. There was no choice, although four Hollow Ones were resurrected, their Resurrection speed simply couldn't keep up with the slaughter speed. As for the other four Ghost Wolves, needless to say, Light Snow took them down one with two claws. If Giant Claw Tear was used, it was an Instant Kill. However, when it comes to dealing with minions, Poison Creeper is the most effective. It drills out from Underground and bites down, and the Toxin immediately spreads among the dense enemies, causing a large area to fall down. As for Lazy Crow, well, it was having a great time Harassing and Interruption the Hollow Ones' Resurrection Spell.
Damn it, leave some for me! I let out a Bear Howl and was the first to pounce towards a few Hollow Ones. The Bloody Witch, seeing her Minions cleared out in an instant, panicked greatly. She immediately summoned her four Followers and over a dozen Mummies, even calling down the Sand Bats from the Ceiling that were originally intended for a surprise attack. A mighty group of dozens of Monsters approached us maliciously.
The Bloody Witch's Mini-Boss Stats are Extra Strong and Extra Cursed. This fellow actually thought that just because it had gained a few muscles and was a bit bigger, it could show off its might. It swung its Whip with a whooshing sound, turning into a Shadow, and whipped towards the fiercest Light Snow . This time, it hit an iron plate. Light Snow , crying out in pain from the whip, turned around. Her cold eyes were full of rage. With a Roar, the Advanced Intimidate, which was even better than the Bloody Witch's, emitted outwards, causing the surrounding Mobs to fear they couldn't avoid it. In an instant, a Vacuum Zone formed around them, with only Light Snow and the Bloody Witch in a standoff.
The Bloody Witch saw the situation was bad—the Enemy seemed to be a little bit stronger than itself, just a little bit. Its Eyes rolled, and without warning, it cast Amplify Damage on Light Snow . Then, bringing the Minions behind it, it swarmed forward, planning to overwhelm the Old Master with chaotic punches.
Is this really a Mini-Boss? I've never seen one so shameless. I couldn't help but laugh. Xiao Er and the others swarmed forward at the same time and Tanked the Minions. As for the Bloody Witch, I'll leave it to Light Snow . I really couldn't muster the energy. This fellow is cunning and can cast Amplify Damage. If I get Cursed and then hit by a whip, that would be really, really painful.
Light Snow , who accidentally got hit by the Curse, was angry inside but did not act bravely on impulse and directly clash with the opponent. Instead, she took evasive measures. The Low-level Amplify Damage only lasts for a few seconds, and coupled with Light Snow possessing certain Resistance, the Curse disappeared after a short while. At this point, Light Snow , whose fierceness had erupted, engaged the Bloody Witch.
Don't tell me, this Bloody Witch truly lives up to being a Mini-Boss Level monster. Its skills are indeed solid. When fighting, it truly lives up to its name, mad and bloody. It whipped the whip with a whooshing sound. At first glance, the whip shadows were numerous and looked quite impressive. Besides that, Shield Bash, Cast Curse, Groin Kick, it used whatever was malicious, even more shrewish than a shrew. If Light Snow hadn't yet advanced to Elite Tier 2, she might have actually had to take some Effort to take it down.
Unfortunately, that was just an 'if'. No matter how mad the Bloody Witch was, a Gap is a Gap. It cannot be reversed by just a bit of madness. Finally, it fell down with an unwilling gaze, and glittering Gold Coins Dropped all over the Ground.
Damn it, that's too stingy. Since coming to Death's Sanctuary, I haven't encountered anything good. The Drop Rate is even worse than Normal Adventurers. Could it be that I'm here during my Bad Luck Period?
After putting away the dozen or so Gold Coins, a few Potions, and a medium quality Blue Level Military Shovel that the Bloody Witch Dropped—this thing that actually looks like a Scythe used for harvesting wheat and somewhat resembles a Hoe, who invented this Dark Humor? Can't they make some more normal weapons?
Next, there was a Gold Treasure Chest. Sure enough, with a 'ding' sound, a few pitiful small Gold Coins were lying inside. I felt around inside. Fortunately, I finally got a Cracked Skull, which was considered a small comfort.
But I didn't come here to drop Equipment. After tidying up, I stood there stunned, staring blankly at the empty Great Hall. This, what should I do next? Just stand here foolishly spacing out, waiting for Tal Rasha to come knocking?