Chapter 258 - 176: Whispering Stone Slab
Even though he’d just been sent flying by a tail swipe and finished off by a mob, that wasn’t enough to make Li Miao give up.
From their first encounter, he had more or less figured out the Lion Serpent’s strength.
It was at the peak of the Scorching Charcoal Tier—maximum Temperature.
And compared to the players, who were incredibly squishy, its Basic Attributes were exceptionally high. But unlike with Tasolomo, the difference in power wasn’t so vast as to be hopeless.
In short: it was tough, but beatable!
Before that could happen, however, the players were in for a grueling battle.
After all, as players leveled up, the Wax Oil required for subsequent levels increased. Most veteran players were only around Level 35, still a ways off from the Temperature limit of the Scorching Charcoal Tier.
Of course, there were a few exceptions.
Fortunately, as players—Candle Spirits blessed by the Power of the Spirit Candle—their greatest strengths were their infinite Resurrection Ability and their powerful capacity for adaptation and exploration.
And in a high-difficulty "game" like Spirit Candle, players had another distinct characteristic: they were used to "the grind," and their mental fortitude was extremely strong.
So, even if they died again and again, they wouldn’t just give up.
Of course, that was true for most players.
As for certain players...
BUZZ—
The targeted power emanating from the Illusion-Dispelling Needle instantly shattered the Lion Serpent’s Lost Illusion Array, forcing it into a brief state of confusion.
Faraway seized the opportunity without hesitation. He switched his Execution Gloves to the Eagle Lizard Hook Claw and used Execution Step, appearing behind the Lion Serpent like a phantom.
SHLICK!
The sharp Eagle Lizard Hook Claw slashed across its body, instantly opening a deep wound on the Lion Serpent. The beast let out a pained hiss.
Though his first strike was successful, Faraway didn’t press his advantage. Instead, he immediately rolled to the side, dodging the Lion Serpent’s heavy tail as it came smashing down.
BAM!
The entire room trembled.
Faraway got up and switched his Weapon again. The Applicable Curse Formula transformed into a Magic Staff, gathering and erupting with crimson light that then exploded.
"ROAR—"
A strange roar echoed. Instead of weakening from the damage, the Lion Serpent grew even more frenzied. Its aggression ramped up as it lunged at Faraway, fangs bared.
Faraway frowned and rolled again.
This was the very attack that had killed him earlier—it had to be the Lion Serpent’s Combat Skill, [Mad Snake Lion Bite]. The damage was terrifyingly high.
Li Miao could probably withstand it, but Faraway hadn’t invested many Attributes into Constitution. Taking a single hit meant he’d have to start over on the spot.
The Lion Serpent could use Illusion Technique-type Magic, but it was even better at close-quarters combat!
Otherwise, it would be hard to explain the wounds on the Eagle Lizard that had refused to heal for so long.
BAM!
This time, Faraway got lucky; the Dodge Effect triggered.
But the danger wasn’t over. In fact, it seemed to have increased!
The Lion Serpent’s terrifying bite had pierced straight through the floor, and its massive body followed, burrowing down.
RUMBLE RATTLE.
The entire floor vibrated slightly, accompanied by a continuous scraping sound.
Faraway’s expression was calm as he put his Execution Gloves back on.
The Lion Serpent’s Blood Volume was already low. As long as he could withstand this next ferocious assault, he would have a chance to take it down.
Just then, the scraping sound from below abruptly stopped.
Even though he couldn’t see its body, Faraway rolled again without a second’s thought.
BOOM!
The floor exploded upward as the Lion Serpent burst through, its massive jaws snapping at empty air.
Seizing the chance, Faraway quickly started dealing damage, calmly switching Weapons as a barrage of Magic and Arrows rained down on the Lion Serpent.
The Lion Serpent’s Blood Volume dropped rapidly.
CRASH! CRASH!
The Lion Serpent seemed to have entered its final frenzy. Its serpentine body thrashed about, weaving in and out of the floor and the room, tearing open one hole after another.
The area Faraway had to move in was shrinking fast.
Of course, this also meant the Lion Serpent was constantly taking hits.
With a BANG, the floor exploded again. Faraway, who had already moved to evade, didn’t back away to deal damage from a distance this time. Instead, after dodging the bite, he whipped out the Eagle Lizard Hook Claw and slashed violently at the creature’s neck.
SHLICK!
Warfire raged, and blood sprayed everywhere!
"HSSS—"
With a final, mournful cry, the Madness faded from the Lion Serpent’s eyes. Its huge, heavy body slumped lifelessly onto the floor and began to dissipate into Ashes.
[You have slain the Lion Serpent]
[Acquired: Wax Oil ×80]
[Acquired: Fire Seed·Lion Serpent (Initial Stage)]
[Acquired: Battle Ash·Mad Snake Lion Bite]
[Acquired: Lion’s Mane Cape (Excellence)]
[Acquired: Whispering Stone Slab (Epic)]
After putting away his Weapon, Faraway consumed a Wax Block to restore his status before picking up the Lion Serpent’s drops.
After he collected everything, the room’s floor repaired itself, and the chamber was plunged into darkness once more.
Faraway searched for a while but found nothing else.
’Looks like that so-called "trace of a god" must be among the drops...’
...
「The Prison Players’ Chat Group」
Poems and the Faraway Place: "[Linked Equipment Info] [Linked Item Info] @Storyteller."
Poems and the Faraway Place: "The Eagle Lizard Hook Claw seems to have a special effect against the Lion Serpent. Anyone who meets the Attribute requirements can use it to make the fight a bit easier."
Poems and the Faraway Place: "I’m logging off for now."
After sending the item information to the group, Faraway typed two brief messages and logged out, every bit the expert player.
This naturally drew some stunned reactions from the others.
My hamster’s name is Guagua: "I just got back from beating the Eagle Lizard and was about to show off... (pokes fingers together pitifully)"
Time for Mushrooms: "He already beat the Lion Serpent?! Oh, it’s Faraway Lord. Never mind, that’s normal. (sips tea calmly)"