Shangri-La Frontier's Second City: Secondil
In Secondil, a hub for pioneers preparing to cross the marshlands, many new players face Shangri-La Frontier's brutal baptism. The Swamp Digger, a massive area boss, tests their mettle.
"What do we do about the Swamp Digger?" a heavy warrior groaned.
"It's a huge area boss in a marsh that cripples mobility. We got wiped last time by that move," a female mage said.
"We need a strategy, or we're not reaching Thirdrema," a male cleric added.
In Shangri-La Frontier, guilds serve as cooperative hubs where registered pioneers can form official parties or take on quests to earn Marni. Secondil's guild was no exception, and at a corner table, a three-person party—fresh from a retreat against the Swamp Digger—held a strategy meeting.
The team consisted of a heavy warrior tank, a female mage specializing in fire and water, and a male cleric handling healing and buffs—a well-balanced lineup.
"We could use another member," the mage said. "A scout-type to dive in and deal damage."
"Let's check the recruitment board," the warrior suggested.
"But can they handle the Swamp Digger?" the cleric worried.
As they pondered, a voice interrupted. "Hey, mind if I join you?"
A male player in light warrior gear stood before them.
"You look like a light warrior," the heavy warrior noted.
"Yeah. I'm here to take revenge on the Swamp Digger," the light warrior said. "Tried it solo and got crushed. Let me join your strategy. Oh, and I've got a secret weapon for it."
He opened his item inventory and placed a Throwing Orb: Sonic Blast on the table.
"What's this? Looks like a baseball," the mage said.
"Heard from the Enhance Trading Company's NPC shop that they just started selling these consumables," he explained. "Rumor is, it's a key item for the Swamp Digger."
"You know how to use it?" the warrior asked.
"Tested it. The power's legit. Costs 5,000 Marni per orb, though."
"Kinda pricey," the cleric said. "But if it beats the Swamp Digger, it's worth it… maybe?"
The heavy warrior, eyeing the baseball-like orb, turned to his team. "What do you think? Add him to the party?"
"I'm in," the mage said. "More attack options should take it down faster."
"It'll strain my MP, but I'll manage," the cleric added.
"So, we good?" the warrior asked.
"Thanks, I owe you," the light warrior said. "Let's take down that Swamp Digger."
With a new ally, the party steeled themselves for the challenge—a critical step to shed their novice status.
The Treacherous Marsh Wilderness: Swamp Canyon
In the marshlands, where the area boss Swamp Digger lurked to devour intruders, the party waged battle.
"Come on, Swamp Digger!" the heavy warrior roared, activating his Provoke skill to draw aggro. He braced his greatshield against the beast's massive charge.
"Guhhh! Now, hit it!" he shouted.
"Got it! Fireball!" the mage called.
"Support up! Magic Up!" the cleric added.
Buffed by the cleric, the mage's fireball slammed into the Swamp Digger's flank, staggering its hulking frame.
"Since that loss, I've been grinding and prepping," the light warrior said. "Time for payback!"
Using Tabi to negate the marsh's movement penalty, he drew two Lake Mallets from his inventory, hammering the beast's gills.
"Gijaaa!" the Swamp Digger screeched.
"Don't overextend, light warrior!" the heavy warrior warned.
"You either, heavy warrior!" he shot back. "From the feel, its gills are the weak point!"
"Got it—target the gills! Cover me!" the heavy warrior ordered.
"On it!" the mage replied.
"Yes!" the cleric affirmed.
The light warrior relayed intel as the scout, the heavy warrior tanked and directed, and the mage and cleric provided support. Having conquered the Voracious Serpent in Fasteia as a trio, their skills were solid. Joined by a solo player who'd nearly bested the Swamp Digger, their morale and confidence soared.
"Hmph!" the heavy warrior grunted.
"Take this!" the light warrior shouted.
One-handed sword slashes and dual mallet strikes battered the gills, red polygons bursting from the Swamp Digger. It writhed, diving deep into the marsh.
"It's diving!?" the mage gasped.
"No, this is…!" the light warrior warned.
A tremor shook the ground, the marsh gripping their feet like quicksand.
"Is this…!?" the cleric stammered.
"The Swamp Digger's solo-killer move…!" the heavy warrior growled.
As the ground threatened to swallow them, the light warrior unequipped his left mallet, pulled a Throwing Orb: Sonic Blast from his inventory, and gripped it tightly.
"Everyone, cover your ears!" he yelled.
He slammed the orb with his right hand, unleashing a deafening sonic wave. The marsh exploded as if hit by a bomb, launching him slightly into the air. He crashed back-first, taking minor damage but successfully canceling the Swamp Digger's special move.
"I stopped its solo-killer! Finish it!" he shouted, stunned from the blast.
"Leave it to us!" the heavy warrior roared. "Let's end this!"
"Yes!" the mage and cleric shouted in unison.
Seizing the chance, the trio attacked the stunned Swamp Digger.
"Skill: Neck Slash!" the heavy warrior bellowed.
"Fireball!" the mage cast.
"Magic Up, Attack Up!" the cleric chanted.
Buffed to the max, a fiery explosion and a critical slash struck the gills. The Swamp Digger shattered into polygons, exploding in defeat.
Experience points rolled in, and level-up sound effects rang out for all. They'd survived.
"Hell yeah… we finally did it!" the light warrior cheered, his stun fading.
As relief washed over them, the heavy warrior extended a hand. "Light warrior, if you're up for it, stay with our party. You're a huge help."
Behind him, the mage and cleric smiled warmly, nodding.
"! Hell yeah, I'm in!" the light warrior said, grabbing his hand and standing.
Thus, a new scout joined their ranks. In the Frontier, woven by fate and chance, another bond was forged.
The world stood still, yet those who walked together joined hands, moving forward…
Beyond the Swamp Digger, to Thirdrema
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