After the blinded troll finished ranting, a radius of 10 metres around him was in complete disorder. The troll sat down on the mud while huffing and puffing, just like the sound of an old-fashioned bellows. Its greyish thick skin had also cracked from its outburst, especially the elbows and knee which cleanly exposed its flesh. Adding the minor wounds inflicted by the Symbiosis sect members, accumulating them would be like having a body covered in bruises.
Qiao Gun first went forward to check on the unconscious Diaz. Confirming that his head had suffered severe concussion and wasn’t going to wake up anytime soon, he stood up with an indescribable glow in his eyes. Such an extreme change even cause the nearby Gale to suddenly feel an unfamiliar sensation, as though the boss he always knew had changed to someone else.
“Now is our greatest chance!” Qiao Gun took off ahead, waving his fist up high. “That damned beast is completely blinded, moreover the storm is strong and loud. As long as one of us attack while the other distract it with sounds by the side, then our risk would be lowered greatly!”
Although Qiao Gun’s words were burning with passionate anger, Gale could not help but recall the horrendous mutilated scenes of his three dead comrades. With this thought, he stammered.
“Boss…..why not wait awhile? Since the troll is blinded, let it just die of blood loss.”
Qiao Gun’s face suddenly sank as he lashed out.
“Wait? You fool! The troll is a legendary creature, it has enhanced adaptability. Even though it is in shock from losing its vision, but once it gets attuned to that state it can easily utilized its ears to search for enemies. Then trying to kill it would require our lives to be at stake! I’ll go first! When I retreat, use your voice to disharmonize its hearing.”
Qiao Gun finally reached out for his close combat equipment, a relatively sharp iron hook. The hook flickered with a dark blue glow, and this object was common seen by Sheyan in the caribbean sea world. Many crippled pirates would install that to their decapitated limbs. But one that would have a dark blue glow was much rarer.
Qiao Gun lowered himself, the iron hook in his hand glimmered with a dark blue glow under the rain. He then charged towards the resting giant beast. Raising the hook, followed by a flash of cold metal, the sharp hook pierced into a crack that was already on the troll’s right knee. The hook tugged and ripped open as a chunk of flesh was carved out.
The troll jolted up with a miserable cry, like boiling soup had spilt on it. Grimacing in pain, it swept its hands against the source of pain. But after striking, Qiao Gun quickly rolled aside and simultaneously Gale shouted out from the side, masking Qiao Gun’s retreat. Following that, the frenzied aimless strikes of the troll pounded against the mud, blindness had totally impaired its usefulness!
“Your turn.” Qiao Gun was drenched in mud, looking extremely hideous as his eyes leaked out a crazed excitement. He wiped his iron hook, and flashed a murderous glare at Gale preventing him from having second thoughts. Under the coercing pressure, Gale’s eyes beamed with ruthlessness as he pulled out a sharp sawtooth sabre. Waiting for the troll to regain its composure and return to its resting mode did he creep forward. Then aiming towards the same location that Qiao Gun did, he thrusted in with immense force!
This heartless stab caused the troll to shriek in horror. The troll’s knee ligament and blood vessels had been severed off. Gale completely omitted pulling out his sabre, he bluntly let go and rolled away. Concurrently, Qiao Gun shouted out to dilute the troll’s hearing. Gale’s dodge was extremely thrilling, as the troll lashed out in confusion it pulled out the sawtooth sabre and flung it to the ground. Gale managed to retrieve the sabre and escaped without harm.
Under such circumstances, the troll’s life gradually drained away from the constant attacks and distraction. Yet the abundant strength of the troll was unable to the put to use. In the end, it didn’t even have the strength to cry out. Especially its right knee, Qiao Gun repeatedly assaulted it and even exposed its eerie white kneecap. Even standing was a chore as it swayed violently.
Of course, as the troll gradually adapted to its blindness, its strikes became more and more threatening. Qiao Gun was unable to dodge it and was blown away by it, although he wasn’t badly injured he still broke out in cold sweat. While retreating, Gale was accidentally kicked by the hysterical troll. Spitting blood as he flew from impact, the mud covered his entire face. His HP had instantly plunged from 70% to beneath 30%!
Presently, both parties were on the brink of exhaustion. But the only difference were that the two from the Symbiosis sect were slowly biding their time. Awaiting the cooldown duration of their medicines to finish before restoring their health. Yet the troll could only rest on its spot and relied on its own regeneration. Hence, it could be said that Qiao Gun’s side held the superior advantage. But at this moment, after regaining their health, Qiao Gun exclaimed resolutely.
“Let’s aim at his knee one last time. I’ve already calculated, after the next attack, its right leg should be utterly crippled! Let’s go!”
Gale wiped the blood off his mouth. Originally opening his mouth to say something, but decided to keep it in because he saw the crazed exhilaration on Qiao Gun’s face. He was like a completely different person, no matter what he said Qiao Gun definitely wouldn’t change his mind! The alluring prospect of slaying a legendary creature prompted him to advance without restraint.
The mud beneath their feet was icy cold. The disgusting stench of the troll was getting worse when mixed with blood. The numerous wounds on his body signalled intense pain to his mind. Yet Gale felt that this very attack’s speed and strength were executed perfectly, it even cleverly captured the instance the troll stopped!
The incisive sawtooth sabre penetrated deeply into the ash grey tendon. Thrusting deeper, the sawing feeling against the tough yet elastic tendon stirred up Gale’s heart. He then withdrew his body, stooping low as he charged to the left. Although this created a constant splashing sound against the mud, it was the fastest way to escape the troll. Furthermore, with Qiao Gun shouting at the top of his voice the other side, the newly blinded troll would never react to him in time.
After darting out, Gale’s body gradually loosened up, and even thought in his mind, “finally this is over.” Although he felt a strange discomfort, the same feeling when one left house without locking their door, he couldn’t think of what he was lacking. But when he discovered the insanely overbearing shadow casting over him from the troll’s attack, his earlier premonition was finally clarified….
Yells!
F***, that bastard Qiao Gun didn’t yell to distract the troll!
Although the troll had received a heavy blow, it gradually got accustomed to the darkness. Although the torrential rain was pouring, he could pinpoint the clear sounds that Gale made while rolling and darting away. After being pressured for so long, it finally unleashed out its belly filled with frustration. Roaring furiously as it rummaged towards the direction of Gale.
In his despair, Gale screamed out. His heart was filled with an intense hatred and the rage of being betrayed. He exploded out with his dying strength, using his hands to claw against the mud. Even the skin around his fingertips were torn and bleeding, as his survival instinct propelled him forward towards the nearby jungle. If he could successfully escape, undoubtedly the sounds he made would be greatly lessened. This would boost his chance of surviving in this region.
But ahead of him surfaced a person!
Qiao Gun!
Qiao Gun’s face was stupefied, remorse filled his eyes but overwhelming it was a fanatical look of relief and liberation!
Since the two belonged to the Symbiosis sect, any mutual attacks will not result in damages. They could only change it after the fight, and initiating friendly fire will result in dire consequences. But this didn’t mean their actions would be defying the laws of physics, they wouldn’t pass through each other as though they were invisible.
Thus, Gale knocked into the obstructing Qiao Gun. The massive feet of the troll stomped onto the lower body of Gale and into the mud. A searing pain electrified him. Before he could release a sound, he was kicked away swiftly. The wind blew against his face, as his surroundings turned fuzzy. As he landed, his vision turned dark and sank into the near death state, everything else was a blur.
Although the troll looked like a heavy blockhead, it had grasp its own predatory techniques. When it previously kicked out, it would support its weight with the other leg. But currently, its right knee was heavily wounded. As it habitually exerted force, the right leg transmitted a searing pain and was completely incapable of movement. It humongous toppled forward as it miserably collapsed to the ground. The troll released a sorrowful hiss, as it rolled onto the mud unable to get up.
Witnessing such a scene, Qiao Gun laughed out loud crazily. His laughter was sharp and piercing to the eardrums. His laugh carried a contented relief. Nearby, the troll heard his laughter and tried its best to move, yet its right knee completely gave way under its massive weight. It could only roar out angrily!
Suddenly, Qiao Gun’s laughter came to an abrupt end! It was like his neck was suddenly cut off. His face turned terribly ugly, an unexplainable fear and anger in his eyes. He gazed towards the right side of the dark forest. Enunciating his words slowly.
“Come, out.”
Within the dark forest, a figure slowly strolled out.
The unexpected new arrival had steady and even footsteps, as though every step was measured properly. His twin fist rested loftily by his side, as he approached like an unceasing and majestic mountain. The overcautious darkness behind, the earth and even the torrential rain withdrew around him!
Qiao Gun surveyed this man, obviously wanting to exert his dominance. Yet his expression exposed an astounded look.
“Its you?”
That man composedly replied.
“Of course its me.”
Qiao Gun laughed coldly.
“What a greedy ass pig. Seaman, you managed to hold onto your life after that troll’s assault. Then you should have cherished it and not come out to die!”
The new arrival was naturally the silently awaiting Sheyan. After Qiao Gun finished speaking, he received an urgent list of notification from the nightmare imprint:
“Contestant no.33192 has initiated battle!”
“Contestant no.33192 has initiated battle!”
“The peaceful status will expire in 10 seconds.”
“10 second counter has begun.”
“Contestant no.33192 proactively declared hostility against you, a penalty of 6000 utility points is deducted and 50% transferred to your account.”
After this list of information vanished, Qiao Gun was already approaching him with his faintly glowing dark blue iron hook and a malicious look. Striding forward with huge steps! A roar resonated out his throat!
“You fool! You think I’m weak beyond hope? You really think I laid all the cards out? Knowing oneself is the most important! If one’s eyes can only see the rewards, then his eventual outcome would be to die a humiliating death like a dog! Now you should be grateful to me. Because before I kill you, I will leave you 3 seconds to beg me!”
Sheyan’s expression was ignorant, as if totally treating Qiao Gun’s words like dog sh*t. This caused Qiao Gun to be further angered, his heart sprung up with ruthlessness. Brandishing his iron hook as he sliced down. Sheyan flipped his wrist, it was already holding onto his own ‘butchering bone hatchet’, immediately resisting Qiao Gun’s attack. However, he was lacking in strength, and got pushed back 3-4 steps.
Qiao Gun laughed hysterically.
“Look at your puny strength, you still think of leeching off me?”
Before his laughter ceased, Sheyan suddenly advanced and attacked with his hatchet! Qiao Gun’s expression turned serious, without attempting to dodge who pierced forward with his hook. “Tssk” a dismal wound was ripped open on Sheyan’s chest as blood sprayed out onto his face. Yet Sheyan’s face was completely indifferent, he only swung down the hatchet ferociously onto his right shoulder!
The two started exchanging blows, but the longer Qiao Gun fought, the more apprehensive he felt. This person in front of him obviously did not even possess 15 points of strength, and was greatly pressured by him. In addition to the dark blue weapon which he painstakingly raised to lvl6, his opponent should have succumbed to him long ago. But the cruel reality was that, his own life points had instead declined to an alarming state, below 50%!
At that instance, Sheyan once again took a hook from him. As the long iron hook cut against his skull, blood splashed out but his attack only left a small scar! The blood soaked Sheyan;s hair, but Sheyan seized this chance to step forward. The two guys faced each other, smelling each other’s sweat and blood. Even their intense exhalation of breath were knocking at each other! The veins on Qiao Gun’s forehead swelled up, he wanted to raise his arm to attack his opponent. Yet Sheyan’s face remained tranquil, with a fist he pounded against his left eye!
Blood mixed with eye fluid welled up and spilled out of his eyes. Qiao Gun clutched his left eye, his face twitching in pain as he furiously retreated. Sheyan didn’t chase him, but peacefully stood under the night sky. His appearance was mysterious and hard to fathom. Tightening his fist, he coldly shouted out.
“Sorry Mister Qiao Gun, in your eyes I’m merely a useless cannon fodder. But actually possess enough strength to kill you 10 times! ….Roll out your trump card Qiao Gun. Let me see what else you have under your sleeves!”
“Don’t tell me, this brat possesses a powerful defensive equipment?” The appalled Qiao Gun had abundant battle experience, his guess immediately neared the truth. Yet his face leaked out a sinister sneer, retreating two steps he replied.
“You think you can win with just high defence? I’ll tell you, for this day I’ve suffered in silence, the price I paid is definitely not within your imagination! Anyone who obstructs me shall die!”
After speaking, a faint phosphorescence appeared in his left palm. That glow gradually drifted in the wind, like a will-o’-wisp as it covered his iron hook. The originally flickering dark blue glow gradually turned translucent. It looked like an ethereal weapon.
“I got this from the Lord of the Rings world, spending an entire 300 party achievement point to acquire this item: Ghost whetstone! This object can temporarily grant my weapon the characteristics of the ghost army weapons, it can completely negate any defence! No matter if its an individual ability, thick armour or even the realm’s regulations! Everything will shatter against my ghostly weapon! …..Now, die!”
Qiao Shouted out as he raised the ghostly iron hook and delivered it forward! Sheyan’s heart shivered, he really didn’t anticipate that this person had such a terrifying object. He could only raise his hatchet to block. Instead, his resistance met nothing, as they faintly glowing translucent hook completely bypassed the hatchet and penetrated Sheyan’s chest!
This attack was extremely abrupt. Sheyan didn’t specialize in agility, and was unable to evade. He could only futilely brace himself. But just when glowing translucent hook touched the skin on Sheyan’s chest, a sudden gust of blue fog blew out. The hook once again materialized and left a shallow cut on Sheyan’s chest. Yet the fog condensed together forming into an ordinary rock as it landed onto the mud.
Concurrently, Sheyan and Qiao Gun both received a notification:
“Ghost whetstone ignores physical defence characteristics, conflict arising with realm’s regulations/Contestant no.1018 innate ability.”
“Conflict in data, calculating ranking precedence…..”
“Ghost whetstone takes precedence over the contestant’s 40% damage regulation.”
“Ghost whetstone takes precedence over your defence regulation.”
“Calculating…..”
“Your innate ability: Endurance takes precedence over the ghost whetstone.”
“Following the ghost whetstone’s special characteristics, any lowering damages effect is forcefully terminated, returning contestant to original status.”
(The ghost whetstone is extremely unique, adding it is like casting a spell. Therefore once breaks/obstructed, it will vanish. In the future this object will still surface, hence the explanation)
Qiao Gun glanced through the explanation, his expression was filled with disbelief. Instead, Sheyan seized this opportunity, pouncing forward as his advance ability Grappling lvl 2 displayed out a elbow strike followed by a knee before finishing off with his hatchet. He instantly hacked Qiao Gun’s arms as blood gushed out and he retreated pathetically. Finally he rolled away to avoid the chain of strikes. Once he stood up again, his face was ashen and his facial muscles cringing. His teeth clattering against each other, this wasn’t because he got miserably beaten up. This was because Qiao Gun could sense that the Seaman in front of him had completely suppressed him, he was completely overwhelmed!
Presently in Qiao Gun’s eyes, this male known as Seaman had previously shrouded his eyes with a dense fog. This costed him the grave misjudgement on his part.
Yet his eyes remained firmly stubborn!
It even carried trace of confidence and ridicule.
“Bring out your final trump card.” Sheyan’s lips curled into an evil smile. He tightened his fist as his palm whitened. Although he looked like a mess, his eyes were burning with a blazing passion. From far, his glare will also forcefully pierce into one’s eyes. It was brimming with a demanding arrogance, causing a suffocating sensation in others. Qiao Gun was finally stirred, a fear gripped his eyes.
“You…..how did you know! Who told you! Who?”
Sheyan gently squinted his eyes and mocked at him.
“Nobody told me, If you have to name someone, then that person is you.”
Qiao Gun’s expression was like he saw a ghost. Stumbling a step back he exclaimed.
“You…..you…..how is this possible!!”
Seyan sneered.
“I ask you, the Symbiosis sect shouldn’t be headed by you right?”
Qiao Gun replied.
“Of course not.”
Sheyan continued.
“From the information you provided previously, the head of the Symbiosis sect has at least entered this world a few times. He should be overflowing in talent and ability regarding spirit and intellect, that is how he is able to obtain the favour of an important storyline character in this magic prevalent world. Which explains his mighty status. Similarly, the mastermind behind the crew from the Banks Syndicate also took the same path, therefore there is such an intense conflict between the two parties.”
Qiao Gun snorted at Sheyan’s reasoning.
“So what? I tell you, our boss’s position has been raised to a metals Professor! HIs strength is frightening, something you can only wish to achieve!”
As he said the words ‘Metal professor’, his eyes flashed with an intense dread.
Sheyan noticed that point, yet he completely disregarded his words and replied emotionlessly.
“Something that can attract the two party heads, more or less it should be a renowned treasure with Harry Potter’s magical world. Our current timeline is a few days before Harry Potter enlists into the school, therefore the treasure with the greatest possibility of someone stealing it is…… the philosopher’s stone that is placed in Gringotts bank!
“Gringotts’ security is not as tight as it is rumored to be. Voldemort’s underlings have been tirelessly eroding at the security. In the movie, Dumbledore discovered this and dispatched Hagrid to fetch the philosopher’s stone, which is rumored to grant immortality, back to Hogwarts under the disguise of fetching Harry Potter. Sure enough, not long later Gringotts announced news of being robbed.”
“If one were to use this information appropriately, then contestant could completely seize this interval whereby Voldemort’s underlings had eroded the security, and snatch the object before Hagrid’s arrival!”
Qiao Gun’s face turned ghastly.
“So what?”
Sheyan couldn’t bother about his banter, he continued quietly.
“When a person has set his target on such an ultimate treasure like the philosopher’s stone, he would definitely expend all his strength and cards for this goal! No mistakes would be permitted! Especially with regards to Gringott, there it can be confirmed that a real person is investigating over there, and probing! If….I said if, that ‘metals professor’ is not a fool, why would he command this bunch of doomed to be wiped out group to challenge the troll? Don’t tell me that this metal professor luckily attained his position. Even his basic report were full of slip ups!”
Until here, Sheyan laughed out.
“Therefore, he definitely has a plan that can allow you guys to take care of that mountain troll, and raise your impression with Hagrid subsequently staying in this word….. But, this method is not something you wish to activate! Because this method, may very well harm your interests.”
Qiao Gun’s face changed. Sheyan continued.
“Although the drop loot of a legendary creature would be either a black or a silver key, it could never be compared against an alluring treasure that the boss in Harry potter’s word, Voldemort, desires! But, such a valuable object would never land into your pockets. Looks like you have deliberated very clearly, when the ‘metals professor’ acquires the philosopher’s stone and its benefits, you wouldn’t even earn a drop of benefit. But slaying the troll is solely operated by you, if you executed it discreetly, then every benefit is yours to take. Therefore….you betrayed him.”
Qiao Gun had calmed down, he coldly replied.
“Well said, continue, I’ll see what else you know.”
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders.
“Since you’re willing to listen, I wouldn’t mind saying. Previously I experienced the Pirates of the Caribbean World, during that time I discovered one crucial aspect. That is by using a power that doesn’t belong to you to engage in battle, and even if you win, your rewards and loots will be affected negatively, and could even drop a rank. Therefore, you are not willing to use the power provided to you by your metals professor. Because once you use this power that you cannot control, then the troll’s dropped loot will be greatly affected. But by doing this your life as a contestant will be secured, and the metals professor’s interest protected.”
“I can even deduce further that the power the metals professor loaned to you is not of an explosive burst of damage. The troll has at least 6000 HP, therefore a magic scroll that can inflict such severe damage to the troll should at least dish out beyond 2000 points. This will then ensure the success of your party. But! Perhaps the nightmare realm contains such a ridiculously terrifying scroll, but it is not something we can obtain as of now. If not, one will be able to carry out a massacre against every contestant, and even at least 30% of the storyline characters!”
“Hence, there is a high possibility that your metals professor entrusted you with a summoning scroll. The summoning scroll can summon a mighty storyline character or creature, and once you guys coordinate with it, you’ll be able to slay the troll with ease. But the metals professor would also know the weakness of this scroll if you utilized it. Furthermore I noticed that during your treacherous battle previously, you did not use any personal abilities…..it was like you were conserving your mental powers (MP). Looks like that is relatively important. Thus, this signified that in order to control the summoned creature, you needed to utilize a big amount of MP?”
“If I didn’t guess wrongly, you probably have prepared a light blue key on hand, of course a readily prepared pretext. When faced with the metals professor, you will be able to offer some excuses. For example, Diaz and I were undercovers from the Banks Syndicate and we interfered the slaying of the troll. Therefore, your forces were devastated and you were the only one surviving. Furthermore, because the troll was ‘contaminated’ by the summoned creature, the key it dropped was only a light blue one…… Then you’ll go on about how you let everyone down, and what can the metals professor do to you? He can only demote you, but your profits will be ten folds!”
Up till here, Sheyan had started breathing deeply. His eyes were like ablaze! His body muscles had started to tense up. Standing where he was, he gave off a firm and resolute aura. Glancing at Qiao Gun, he laughed out exposing his snow white teeth, which seemed to contain an indescribably maliciousness.
“Come! Qiao Gun, show me your final trump card. Let’s see what your metals professor gave you. If you pass this hurdle, I’m dead! But if not, then you’ll die!
Qiao Gun’s face was ashen, he remained silent. Retrieving a small cross from his bosom, the cross’s surface seemed to have a translucent crystal. The crystal rays circulated about, as clumps of black smoke repeatedly spiralled up from it. The smoke collided against the translucent crystal surface but was repelled back. Occasionally the smoke turned into a face, a fiendish look cried out in a silent wail.
Sheyan observed his scene, his face adopted a grim expression. Yet his heart sighed in relief, he had already determined that Qiao Gun’s summoned creature wasn’t the most frightening to him. Faced against his opponent, obviously Sheyan wouldn’t explain fully his entire inference. Sheyan wasn’t that much of a gambler, before he stood out to face Qiao Gun he already deliberated carefully. After confirming he had at least a 70% chance of victory did he show himself. Even though he lacked evidence, but if he could confirm that Qiao Gun’s final trump card was a summoned creature, then he could roughly guess what creature it was.
The metals professor’s goal was to reduce casualties, furthermore everyone on his side here were close combat specialist. Against the troll who had a beastly amount of life points, under normal circumstances the 3 requires for the summoned creature are:
One, to attract the troll’s attention and prevent the members of the symbiosis sect to suffer the troll’s attack.
2, the attack must be adequately high, able to inflict heavy damages on the troll for an extended period of time.
3, an ability to mass rescue, once an accident occurs it can save everyone quickly.
Able to fit these 3 requirements, a mountain troll coincidentally fits this list. Sheyan’s first thought was that Qiao Gun may summon out a troll! This was the species that he definitely wouldn’t want to face the most. Although its speed was slow, but every attack carried excessive strength. More frightening was the crushing damage it carried, instantly bypassing the defence he prided himself with!
Once that unfavourable outcome happened, Sheyan would instantly turn tail and run. He had already enquired of the nightmare imprint: all contestant’s summoned creature will also suffer from the ‘40% damage reduction dealt on other contestant’, moreover his own attacks against the summoned creature would not be impacted by the effect.
If Qiao Gun really summoned a troll, then Sheyan would first flee towards the direction Gale and Diaz were at. Allowing them to be the troll’s bait and thus earning some buffer time for himself. As long as he could persist until the venomous shrubs area, then he should be able to survive.
Apart from the troll, satisfying this requirement would be creatures who had high agility, close combat creatures. They moved fast, acted first and had high avoidability. Therefore, they will bolder in their attacks. This no doubt cuts down their risk and reduces the battle length…..
Thus, within the nightmare realm only a few fulfilled those criterias. Furthermore, such creatures were not very threatening to Sheyan, because their high rate of attack meant that each attacking strike wouldn’t be too powerful. In addition to the 40% reduction to contestants….. Factoring Sheyan’s innate ability endurance, he naturally had the maximum possible defence.
Qiao Gun shot a venomous glare at Sheyan. Grabbing the cross, he swiped his big thumb against the edge of it and open up a cut. The blood coagulated in along with his MP. As the blood entered, the crystallized surface suddenly cracked up like a cobweb as the black fog interacted with the blood and spiralled up. Afterward he dispersed into the atmosphere, forming into a figure before landing and metamorphosing swiftly into a person.
A blonde, black swallow-tailed coat wearing, bow tied, tiny, moustached European middle aged male.
His face was fair but his lips exceptionally red, and walked with a limp. He surveyed his environment, before bowing humbly at Qiao Gun. He had an air of nobility of the sixteenth century.
“Although this is pretty rude, coming home is definitely what a traveller wishes for having wandered around for an entire 7 years and 2 months. Thank you for rescuing me out of that dark place, regrettably now it is time for me to say goodbye.”
This male’s voice was deep and sweet-sounding. His articulation and rhythm was like a harp being played, full of noble charm.
“Stop!” Qiao Gun demanded. His mental powers had been depleted by now, yet his words carried a mysterious gloom. “Mr Edward, I’m sorry you need to stay awhile before heading home. If not, not only won’t you go home, you’ll have to return to the dark place for another 7 years and 2 months!”
Vampire Edward’s expression sunk, he suddenly took notice of the ancient cross in Qiao Gun’s hand! He could only shrug his shoulders and replied.
“Alright mister, give me your order.”
Qiao Gun pointed towards sheyan and raised his voice.
“Kill him! Immediately!”
Vampire Edward slanted his head towards Sheyan.
“This person’s body…..has been enshrouded by fate’s fog, I cannot see through him. Thus, I cannot confirm that I can kill him within 5 minutes. If 5 minutes later you still want me to attack….”
Speaking till here, Edward suddenly let out a mysterious and hysterical laugh, completely dashing all impressions of nobility he had on him. He widened his mouth, exposing two incisively sharp fangs and a crimson red tongue at Qiao Gun!
“Then you will need to offer your own blood! Every time you offer, I can last for another 5 minutes. But offering twice……you don’t need to know the answer. Because my then you’ll already be a dead man!”
Sheyan took deep breaths.
The scars and wounds covering his body could amount to 17-18. He seized this chance to regulate his breathing, his inhalation of air could be heard clearly. The vampires attack was like a gale surging forward, based on Sheyan’s mere 10 points in agility he was completely unable to see him, even retaliating was out of the question. He charged forward instead, trying to take down the mastermind and attack Qiao Gun. Instead, he opened up a huge loophole for the blood sucking demon to exploit!
Yet his eyes were passionate and deep, as resolute as a mountain range.
The vampire’s shadow appeared beside him, those sharp fingernails and teeth were not in the least inferior to daggers!
A vampire is not an explosive creature, yet its existence and regenerative abilities are often discussed enthusiastically by people. Fortunately there was a 40% regulatory binding, yet Sheyan still felt rather hard-pressed. The one he was facing was a vampire that had been imprisoned for 86 months, it was an extremely weakened vampire who could only execute physical attacks!
The distant Qiao Gun was leaning against a tree, as though he was about to collapse. His face was wrinkled with fears, looking he aged by 30 years in a flash. In order to maintain vampire Edward’s insane offensive, he allowed him to suck his blood once without hesitation! He probably still had some regenerative medicine with him, which allowed Qiao Gun to weakly support himself where he was standing. Using his venomous glare to spectate the battle.
The vampire once again swept past like the wind. The only thing Sheyan could do was to cover himself with his arms to contain the damage. Simultaneously he dove to the side, but the price he paid was severe. His sleeve felt a sudden chill and then numb, before a chunk of meat was robbed of Sheyan. Although Qiao Gun’s summoned vampire was limited by the 40% regulation, and was also trapped and famished from the long arduous 7 years, it was still a beast that shouldn’t have appeared in this word. It was still a high class legendary creature!
Every time his attacks successfully landed, it would remove nearly 15 HP off Sheyan. Although this number wasn’t high, but that was after minusing various factors, the estimated damaging strength of the vampire could actually reach to 80-90 points! Because it was summoned by a contestant, therefore it is classified as the contestant’s faction. Therefore when attacking another contestant, it will receive the 40% damage limitation. After adding Sheyan’s outrageous 37% defence damage reduction, and lastly the 25 points reduction innate ability endurance. This was why his resulting damage was reduced to only 15 points.
If it was Diaz facing him, then he wouldn’t even be able to last 10 seconds against this vampire!
“Ho….. there’s still 14 seconds before reaching 10 minutes.” At present, only able to defend and not attack, by constantly rolling and crawling, he persisted under the furious torrent of blows for close to 10 minutes. Thi was where his advanced ability: grappling lvl 2’s dodging tactics showcased its relative importance.
Apart from that, originally the already weakened vampire had insanely rapid speed, he had still been locked out for 7 long years. Occasionally he would stop to rest for a few seconds before resuming his attacks. Moreover, his damage dealt to Sheyan was too low, and couldn’t suck enough life points. This greatly restricted the frequency of him dishing out attacks.
Another reason was that Sheyan’s current HP regeneration was 15 points/minute. Furthermore, he still had the Endless Vodka to support him, instantly restoring some HP and temporarily increase his movement speed by 25%. In total his HP regeneration was 19 points, therefore within 10 minutes Sheyan had regained an additional 19 HP!
Hence, even of Sheyan was bleeding profusely entirely, and black spots filled his vision, Sheyan was still convinced of his chances. He could definitely persist till he was victorious!
Although he was in desperate straits, the tottering Sheyan still had a pair of fiery blazing eyes which even contained a tinge of insanity. It was like an untamed brutal and merciless beast was residing within his soul, unleashing out in the most critical of times as it fueled his unyielding and immortal battle conviction! This sort of sensation, was like a majestic cliff against the relentless waves, forever standing and never collapsing!
The vampire’s swallow-tailed coat fluttered at the back. This terrifying creature slanted his head, gracefully licking his bloodied finger.
“Hey kid, I really don’t like the way you are looking.”
Following that, the dark skinny figure abruptly vanished into the wind, and seemed to be sweeping away at everything from all sides. Suddenly that horrifyingly sharp fingernails clawed out in the form of visible wind blades. One blade turned to two, two turned to 10, 10 to hundred and hundred to a thousand as these wind blades occupied Sheyan’s entire vision. Following that, the thousands of flashes swept past him, dealing numerous heavy cuts to him.
This was the only ability vampire Edward could deliver under his current weakened state. Its might was frightening. When it arrived, the vampire he could feel a claw piercing into his abdomen and pulling out a chunk! At this moment, Sheyan could only shut his eyes as he held onto his butchering bone hatchet on his left, yet without the slightest trembling. Suddenly something struck against his throat!
“Boom!” Sheyan flew out 5-6 metres, and immediately did a back roll and got back up. 3 deep cuts appeared on his throat, as blood spurted out rapidly. His throat had received a devastatingly savage strike! Actually it was only superficial wounds, his eyes were like two flaming needles as it pierced towards the vampire!
“I’ve already seen through your tactics! Your moves cannot threaten me anymore!”
Based on his measly 10 points, Shayan actually dared to declare out firmly, saying that he could actually see through the vampire’s tactics. This was simply impossible. One must understand, vampire Edward’s agility had already hit the 50 points boundary in his previous world. If it was that easily seen through, then his agility attribute could just be taken as a joke. Therefore he could successfully block it, was because Sheyan grasped certain details.
And one of the details, was undoubtedly the floor.
When Sheyan started his battle with the vampire, it was amongst the vegetation of the forest. Therefore the ground was covered in dried leaves and branches, not leaving a single trace. When the battle turned intense, the vampire Edward was actually slowly lured towards the muddied pathway.
Although the vampire’s agility was high, this didn’t mean that he was able to exhibit his footwork without a trace, like stepping on water. In actual fact, even if the vampire wanted to fly it had to transform into a bat before doing so. Sheyan was completely unable to follow the vampire’s speed, but he could determine the direction based on the footsteps of that vampire.
Moreover, the vampire Edward was famished from its 7 years and 2 months of imprisonment. The logic was simple, its greedy insatiable hunger would cause its focus to narrow down on areas that would cause an outpouring of blood! That was where it would target!
Combining the two variables, and adding the fact that Sheyan had gather certain insights on the vampire’s battle capabilities and habits, he finally seize the opportunity at the most critical time and evaded the horrifying projection of clawing assault. The reason he boldly declared it, was to create a confusing facade tricking the vampire to adopt an unfathomable perception.
After hearing Sheyan’s words, vampire Edward cracked his neck, his face exposed an indignant and disdainful expression. As he was about to refute Sheyan’s words, his brows suddenly twitched as he glanced towards Qiao Gun who was supporting himself by the tree.
“Mister, I’m sorry inform you that the previously absorbed live essence has been completely consumed. If you can’t resupply me, then I would have to leave and return to my house. Although I also wish to ruthlessly discipline this brat in front of me, and let him understand the tragic consequence for boasting shamelessly and insulting a courteous gentlemen!”
Qiao Gun had already been drained of his life essence once. Furthermore, Edward had very clearly informed him that the next time would mean death. Yet based on Qiao Gun’s current predicament, how would he have the liberty to allow the vampire Edward to leave?
Just like how Sheyan was able to gamble with his entire life, Qiao GUn was similarly a person who could not take defeat. If Sheyan managed to take away everything and even if he didn’t die, defeat, frustration and subsequently punishment will never allow him to make a comeback.
Therefore Qiao Gun cast a murderous glare at Sheyan, he ripped open his shirt to expose his chest. His face twitching as he declared.
“Continue!”
Vampire Edward humbly bowed, using a praising tone to speak out.
“Hey, mister, I commend your courage…..and generosity. I assure you,I will definitely accomplish your heart’s request.”
His speech was elegant, but in a blink of an eye he arrived in front of Qiao Gun. Using his incomparably sharp fangs to pierce into Qiao Gun’s neck artery as he greedily consumed. After 2-3 seconds, Qiao Gun slumped down onto the mud, but he had a layer of faint blue hovering over him. Obviously, he still possessed an incredible medine which assisted him to overcome this hurdle. Hence, Qiao Gun’s appearance looked he was half dead. His fingers searched around within the mud, and the hatred within in eyes seemed to be about to escape out.
Edward’s coat fluttered as he charged towards Sheyan. He was like a gigantic bat soaring in at astonishing speed, filled with evil, maliciousness and a bone chilling sensation. His icy voice boomed across.
“Blood is the best reward for your shameless boasting!
Sheyan bent downwards and extended his arms wide while breathing heavily. His eyes were ablaze, giving one an impression of a sinister wolf baring its fangs. The strong gale rushed against his face as the rain mixed with the cold fog. Ahead, the horrific creature charged forward bursting with malicious intent, nevertheless Sheyan was surging with a bloodthirsty lust within him! Also an incomparably intense excitement!
The mud splashed out in all directions while the sound of the wind whistled against the ear. His tongue welled up with a fishy and salty flavor. Sheyan was struck sideways, his cheek appeared another cut, flesh hanging as blood flowed down soon after.
Faced against Edward, a vampire who just refilled on life essence, Sheyan was like sentenced to death by a thousand cuts, it was immensely torturous. Every time the black coat vampire fluttered near him, his body would form another deep cut, some were so deep it exposed his bone.
“Running is futile.” Vampire Edward appeared 7-8 metres away from Sheyan. Such was the insane speed he displayed that when he came to a sudden stop, the dried leaves spiralled down around him. On his left finger, there was a 20 cm long piece of flesh that was still dripping with blood, it was just sliced off of Sheyan. Edward brought it to his head, wanting to place that blood dripping strip of flesh into his mouth. With a look of tranquility, he shut his eyes and pondered as though infatuated with it. Following that, he fished out a spotlessly white handkerchief and wiped his lips, sincerely saying.
“My tastes buds are telling me that your flesh is extremely ordinary. Having the good fortune of being sampled by me, you are the third person.”
Sheyan’s face remained calm but silent. He continued to retreat towards the forest.
Vampire Edward shook his head, as though pitying the fate of mankind he continued.
“God says, avoiding reaps no rewards, amen.”
His body flickered, as he dashed towards Sheyan. His speed was at least 5-6 times of Sheyan’s, a naked eye wouldn’t be able to catch a glimpse of his figure. But at this moment, Sheyan suddenly waved his hatchet chaotically, wildly chipping at a tree. The tree loudly collapsed onto the pathway ahead of Sheyan as the mud splashed up to the heavens, and the splinters scattered in all directions.
At this moment, Vampire Edward had already appeared next to Sheyan like a ghost. No clue how he even made a detour to his right, his coat still fluttering aggressively in mid air, he raised his hands up high. Suddenly wind blades formed by his claw actions, as the hundreds of blades deeply slashed into Sheyan’s right rib, piercing into his liver!
“My favourite is a human’s fresh liver, especially the heat it carries.” Edward’s voice had lowered to that of a demon as it resonated into Sheyan’s ears. The five fingers pierced into Sheyan’s liver had started tightening, ripping out a miserable tear against the liver’s dark red surface.
But, but!
At this moment, his right wrist was caught by Sheyan. Simultaneously, Sheyan’s internal muscles including his liver started to contract inwards, creating a tremendous sucking pressure! Edward noticed the difference and tried his best to retreat, but it was useless in the end.
Now, he stared into Sheyan’s eyes.
There was a vicious, devouring look in his eyes. A fighting spirit that seemed like his soul was combusting with a huge blaze.
“Taste the flavour of a bullet running through your brains! You sick bastard!” Sheyan roared out fanatically! His roar was like thunder, penetrating the darkness all the way to the mountain range in a split second. In that instance, Sheyan could hear his breathing, and the intense beating of his heart. His mind rang with the phrase he cherished the most:
Living with great joy, dying with no regrets!
A crow black barrel suddenly appeared in his left hand.
This was an outdated weapon, but filled with an aura of death!
When this weapon appeared, even the flock of birds a kilometre away was alarmed, they flapped their wings and tore away further up into the sky!!
‘Ambition’ this black weapon originating from the caribbean sea world. In a split second, it connected with vampire Edward’s head before releasing a loud boom as a fiery spark sprayed forth!
In that very instance, within the vampire’s eyes were a vast black ocean and a humongous wave was surging in. Bent on thoroughly burying the entire vast black ocean!
A tinge of panic appeared on Edward’s face, and suddenly half of his brain bluntly exploded out! Thick and creamy blood mixed with white brain innards, spewed around the area looking extremely wretched.
From the start, Sheyan had been scheming.
Right from the onset, he never retaliated out. This was wasn’t because he was completely suppressed and had no chance of retaliating. But Sheyan knew, regarding a darkness creature like the vampire who had no mortal weakness and replied on their incredible regeneration, an ordinary attack was like punching against the water. It would only serve to increase its alertness, and didn’t bring other benefits.
Therefore Sheyan concentrated solely on defending, completely giving up attacking. This undoubtedly gave vampire Edward a misconception, as though the opponent was thoroughly unable to fight back.
Next was Sheyan’s action of chopping at the tree. The vampire was swiftly gaining on him, but he also understood the laws of physics. Sheyan’s action of chopping down the tree seemed redundant, but when chopping with his hatchet, he had already calculated the angle. At the instance when the tree was going to collapse, if the vampire stubbornly assaulted from the front, then the tree would pummel down onto him!
Of course that wouldn’t be fatal to the vampire, yet this vampire’s practice was showcasing his elegance at all times. Therefore, Sheyan had a 90% confidence that he wouldn’t assault from the front. At present, Sheyan’s left side was obstructed by another tree, therefore the blood sucking demon would definitely appear on his right or behind. Yet this respected vampire disliked sneaking up from behind, thus Sheyan grasped the direction is opponent would surface from. Sacrificing his own body, he successfully implemented his trap! When the conditions are right, the results would follow naturally! Success in one go!
“Your weapon: Ambition dealt 140 points of damage to vampire Edward.”
“Flintlock musket weapon effect: Ready activated. Current bonus of 50% for an explosive strike.”
“Your attack landed on the enemy’s head. Your explosive strike chance raised by 37%”
“Your weapon: Ambition’s attack is an explosive strike.”
“Your explosive strike upgraded by the ability Ready raises the 200% bonus damage to 250%”
“Your total damage raise to: 140 x 250% = 350 points!”
“You successfully struck vampire Edward’s head, Your weapon Ambition dealt a total of 324 points of damage after factoring defence.”
“You damage dealt to Edward’s head exceeded more than 1/6 of his life points. Thus, this attack results in an abnormality effect ot his head organ.”
After releasing the shot, Sheyan’s vision had also blacked out and was on the verge of collapse. During the battle with Qiao Gun, he looked rather pathetic but he was always sure of victory. However, after encountering the blood sucking Edward, his life had plunged to a dangerous mark of 30 points, he could collapse anytime. But Sheyan knew the current Edward was incapable of attacking him, thus he first wolfed down the last mouthful of the ‘endless spirited vodka’, His health restored to 55 points. Afterwards, he instantly consumed the medicine ‘aspirin’ that Qiao Gun had gifted him previously, and restored his health to 100 points! Immediately, he regained mental concentration, asserting himself with his hatchet on his left and the musket on his right!
The vampire Edward was thrown back upon impact, instantly crashing into the icy cold mud and rolling a few rounds in a total mess. He looked extremely miserable. But afterwards he immediately climbed back up. Clearly seen, half of his head had been utterly decimated! Around the reddened wound, the flesh there were frantically weaving together and growing. Occasionally black smoke would emit out, and after 10 seconds it restored back to before. Except, the vampire had already lost his calm and gentlemanly nature, he straightforwardly raised his blooded fist and barked out.
“This moron that dares to offend a sacred blood race! You think you can kill me with that? Never! Your behavior only serves to further intensify the torture you will suffer before you die!”
Sheyan replied.
“Is it? I obviously know that only holy water, silver weapons, and the cross can inflict mortal damages to you. You can easily regenerate from ordinary attacks….but you should know, this is Harry Potter’s magical world! You are a famished creature that was locked up for 7 years and 2 months, you don’t even belong here. Even your own life essence must is reliant on absorbing from people in this world to live on! The more life essence you use to treat yourself, this would only imply one thing: the more your time left in this world is shortened.”
(TN:It means using the blood he used to treat himself, the blood left in his body is lessened.)
Until here, Sheyan adopted a mocking tone.
“Now, respected Mr Edward, you can try attacking me. But after regenerating your broken skull and a portion of your brain, how long can your remaining life essence last? 1 minute or 30 seconds? If you take another one of my shots, then no doubt you wouldn’t have any life essence left to treat it. What then would your pathetic outcome be?”
Sheyan’s words penetrated Edward’s key point. If Sheyan was dying at left with 20-30 HP, then this vampire wouldn’t mind charging forward. But Sheyan kept some rejuvenating cards up his sleeve, he had completely restored his HP to 100 points. This was a huge problem. Previously, that bullet not only pierced into Edward’s brain, it further pierced his confidence.
As the saying goes, the best defence is offense. His previous impression of the harmless Sheyan suddenly changed to a sinister blade that had no qualms of dishing out severe damage. Besides Edward had a huge misgiving, he completely had no clue of the long 1 minute cooldown of Ambition. In addition to the musket special effect: Ready to reach an entire 50% explosive strike probability, it needed 50 minutes to slowly charge up!
Vampire Edward’s onslaught was not as courageous as before, his previously unrestrained grandeur was abandoned. Thus, his threat had greatly declined. Instead, he brilliantly resumed his graceful and quick wittedness completely pressuring Sheyan from the front. He repeatedly breezed against Sheyan like the wind, on the way removing chunks of meat from Sheyan. Under the rain, lumps of sorrowful flesh splattered onto the floor.
If Edward had adequate time, using this controlled dicing tactic complementing the raging storm was like a blunt knife slowly grinding Sheyan down! Sooner or later, Sheyan would be mutilated into tiny bits and pieces. But what Edward lacked now was time!
For now, such attacks were not considered fatal to Sheyan. As long as that crow black weapon ‘Ambition’ was in his hands, it would project a tremendous pressure onto Edward as his brain would subconsciously recall the decapitating explosion of the gunfire. Once he unconsciously got reminded of his former predicament, he would bitterly retreat! Therefore after persistently dishing out attacks for 3 minutes, that vampire finally halted its movements 10 metres away. Unwillingly staring at Sheyan for the last time, before he vanished into a black mist and faded away. Only his tattered swallow-tailed coat remained in the mud.
Sheyan leaned against the nearest tree for 5 seconds, making sure nothing odd followed up. At present, black spots appeared in his eyes as his legs turned jelly causing him to fall to the group. His current life points had reached a dangerous border, perhaps if vampire Edward had relentlessly delivered two more blows he would have sunk into near death state. If not for his unwavering willpower, he probably wouldn’t have lasted till now.
The rain continued to shower down. Sheyan laid in the icy cold mud, too tired to even move his fingers. He opened his mouth, allowing the rain to satisfy his thirst. After a short while, he regained his strength and managed to half kneel. The mud was cold and filthy but this didn’t deter Sheyan, as his shivering hands cupped together to scoop the muddy water to drink. After several mouthfuls did he turn his head to Qiao Gun.
At this moment, Qiao hadn’t died! He only sank into a near death state. Not only did Sheyan have his own hidden cards, similarly Qiao Gun managed to use a special medicine to save himself. If the vampire had managed to eliminate Sheyan, then victory was his. Yet now….Qiao Gun was just a meat paste waiting to be trampled on!
Sheyan didn’t offer Qiao Gun a pleading chance, he stomped down mercilessly into his throat. The dying Qiao Gun couldn’t even groan out as he died instantly, his eyes filled with despair and a thread of hatred. After Qiao Gun’s final breath, the incomparably exhausted Sheyan also received notification from the nightmare imprint:
“You killed a contestant under the free world setting.”
“Because the contestant initiated battle, your slayer value is not raised.”
“Milestone: Suspect activated. Kill 10 contestants. You can accomplish this milestone in any world. Completion rate 1/10.”
Just as Sheyan was about to drag Qiao Gun’s corpse to the mountain troll, he discovered a blood red key falling out from Qiao Gun! Sheyan suddenly recalled something which was a pointer notified when he entered the world: killing a contestant will result in a 33% possibility of loots……. Then this blood red key, it should be the dropped loot?
Sheyan picked up the blood red key, the notification sounded into his ear:
“You acquired contestant no. 33192 dropped legacy key. Below are your following options:”
“1, receiving 50% of the remaining potential points and utility points of the dead contestant.”
“2, 50% chance of receiving an equipment that the dead contestant was wielding. Note: equipment is randomly chosen.”
“3, randomly receive 3 objects from the contestant’s storage space.”
“4, 33% chance of acquiring a related ability scroll. Ability can belong to any ability the contestant had grasped (Inclusive of basic abilities, advance abilities, innate abilities) and successfully convert into a learning scroll. Ability scroll level will be based on the original level/2.”
For example, if Sheyan chose that, then he had a chance of drawing Qiao Gun’s basic meditation lvl 6, and the scroll he would obtain would be ‘basic meditation lvl3’. If it was indivisible, then the number would round up.
These 4 options no doubt caused one to be at a loss. Especially the first, how would he know how much potential and utility points he had, what if he had zero? Or the second, there was a 50% chance of obtaining nothing, and even if it succeeded the equipment may not be compatible. The 100% chance of obtaining something for the third option was slightly better, but obtaining a highly valuable object was slim. Regarding the fourth, Qiao Gun’s innate ability ‘flash’ was definitely a power ability, yet the chances of drawing it was equally tough.
If it was under any other circumstances, Sheyan would have definitely hesitated much on this choice. But now, without hesitation he selected the third option! Randomly obtaining 3 objects from the storage space. Perhaps his may not be the best option but to Sheyan, he wasn’t done with this Harry Potter world. If he could obtain any of Qiao Gun’s prepared objects, then he could definitely proceed with that……
A red glow brightly twinkled, creating a small blood red hole. Sheyan slowly observed it, and gritting his teeth he shove his hands in. The blood red hole simultaneously vanished, and 3 objects floated down in mid air.
A flashing blue glowing key, a jade translucent stone, and an issued stock of the Bank of England worth 50 pounds.
Sheyan glanced at that blue key, his heart surged with delight! He initially determined that Qiao Gun would have consumed his medicines excessively, and did whatever he could for the sake of his underhand plan. Therefore, by the time he died he probably exhausted most of his items. Besides being able to draw 3 objects meant there was naturally a good chance at obtaining the key Qiao Gun had prepared prior to this. He never thought he would received two other bonus rewards.
The reason Sheyan chose the third option, one was Qiao Gun’s key and the second was the vampire’s cross. Although the cross should be a one time usage object…..but whatever he had gotten what he desired. After careful inspection, the other two object attributes appeared.
Ghost whetstone (Usage left: 2 times)
Origin: Lord of the Rings world. Gondor. Purchased from ghost tribe (Aragorn II summoned ghost army)
Rarity: Black
Usage effect: Your next 3 attacks will ignore the opponent’s defence.
Pointer: Ignoring defence includes, Defence attribute, equipment defence, ability defence, and even…. Some of the realm/world’s regulation.
Pointer: Ignoring defence effects takes precedence when there is a conflict against any ability.
Usage requirements: Ghost whetstone can only be used on close combat weapons.
Object position: bag
Weight. 0.8g.
Description: Isildur’s heir, when will you release the men of the mountains!
50 magic pounds: Valuable item, It can be used in this world or exchanged for 200 utility points.
Sheyan hurriedly read the two objects, before rushing to the other end of the field. His goal was obviously to finishing off the dying troll. When he arrived, he got a shock because the troll had actually disappeared. However, from the blood trail on the ground, Sheyan inferred that the troll had probably started crawling to her lair.
When Sheyan chased up, he noticed that the formerly vigorous and lively troll was reduced to almost taking its last gasp. Its eyes were blinded and the right kneecap shattered. Crawling to the the lair had caused its wounds to bleed profusely. The troll had no treatment item to contain its bleeding, therefore dragging until now she was probably almost drained of blood. Furthermore, it probably didn’t have great health regeneration. Its physique was only 18 points, every minute it would only regain 9 points. To recover completely it needed at least over 10 hours.
Truthfully, Qiao Gun had been brooding over this plan for a long time. If he hadn’t had enough confidence of slaying the troll alone, then why would he get rid of his own subordinate?
Looking at the troll’s dispirited appearance, Sheyan finally sighed. His biggest reluctance now was to drag time. Once the fainted Diaz and Gale awoke, then his plans would all go to waste. Therefore, Sheyan plucked out ‘Ambition’, and aimed towards the head of the troll.
It seemed like the troll sensed an enormous lethal threat, she swung her head over furiously baring its teeth. But immediately became depressed again. Sheyan didn’t wait any longer, activate Ambition’s ability: Songs and Rum, and pressed the trigger.
After the spiralling grey smoke dissipated, Sheyan received the notification:
“You killed the junior class legendary creature, mountain troll.”
“Regrettably, your direct damage dealt to the troll doesn’t exceed 10%. Unable to clear the milestone: Fearless.”
Right from the start, Sheyan had been treated as the bait. His only damage dealt was the final strike to the troll, obviously he wouldn’t fulfill the 1/10 damage requirement. Since that was the case, Sheyan did not feel much regret in not getting the title. Moreover, he had already accomplished what he set out for. Being able to reach this step, he was already satisfied. The corpse of the troll slowly emitted spots of glow. Finally, a key dropped to Sheyan’s front. The luster of the key was astonishingly, a faint silver!!!
Sheyan deeply breathed in, suppressing his inner excitement as he picked the silver key up. He then hurriedly dragged Qiao Gun’s body over, and flung vampire Edward’s coat beside. The most crucial was then tossing Qiao Gun’s blue key beside the troll…..He then arranged the entire scene with utmost care. Then he went back to the place he initially received the first original homerun of the troll and pretend to be unconscious. Of course, he didn’t forget about smearing blood on his face first.
Due to the previous contract agreement, Sheyan deduced that Diaz and Gale would search here for his ‘corpse’ to check for any loot that may benefit them. Sheyan waited for close to an hour, before hearing heavy footsteps from afar. However, he didn’t take any precaution, but feign unconsciousness. If the two intended to harm him, they had to first initiate battle and wait for 10 seconds. Furthermore with Sheyan’s current strength, even if they had ill intentions they wouldn’t be able to threaten him.
Diaz fainted fairly early. Gale’s physique was high which contributed to his health regeneration. Therefore, the two roughly awoke near the same time. The two were accustomed to mutual deception, upon seeing the tragic end scenario and Gale’s explanation on the traitorous Qiao Gun, they both utilized their imagination to craft out the entire story procedure:
Obviously the greedy Qiao Gun wanted to hog the benefits, therefore he craftily schemed against everyone else leaving the troll for himself. Who knew, he miscalculated and the dying troll managed to release a last ditch explosion of furious retaliation in its despair. Thus Qiao Gun and the summoned trump card vampire were killed by the troll ultimately. Also, the troll was simultaneously killed by the vampire and dropped the blue key. After the summoned time expired, the vampire had vanished.
The two cursed at Qiao Gun, and started to argue over the ownership of the blue key. Fortunately, the two had self restraint and didn’t start any violent conflict. Sheyan quietly appeared behind their backs and started releasing a variety of filthy words, as he suggested chopping of the troll’s head and return to find Hagrid. Regarding Sheyan’s fraud, the two of them had not even considered that possibility. They were deeply moved by this ‘Seaman’s’ luck, he actually didn’t die after receiving that insane strike.
When they returned to camp, the three were exhausted to the point of death. They hurriedly took a shower and changed out of their filthy clothes. Then following Sheyan they lugged the troll’s head over to Hagrid to explain.
Although Hagrid was tall and huge, the house he was staying in looked rather small from afar. The walls were built with the mountain range granite, small and large pieces that were well proportionate, it gave off a heavy and genuine aura. Its small roof was laid with planks from a pine tree, and deliberately painted green giving it a childish appearance.
The back of the house had a rhombus chimney, it looked like the cute nose of a mischievous girl. Spirals of smoke signified that Hagrid haven’t left, and was probably steaming his breakfast. The three anxiously headed over, straightforwardly knocking loudly against the the sturdy wooden door. Even the dust within the small cracks settled down. Very quickly, Hagrid appeared in front of them still wearing his red flower patterned pyjamas. He carried a sleepy expression and yawned, releasing a hoarse muffled tone.
“Hagrid’s visitation period is 4 in the afternoon, apart from that….!!! Dumbledore, what did i just see? The head of a troll?”
(TN:Dumbledore is just an expression)
Diaz’s charm was the highest amongst the three, thus he was the one that presented to Hagrid. Explaining that while hard at work to accomplish Hagrid’s mission, the suddenly discovered a strange scene. thus they went forth to investigate. Following that was an intense battle between men and beast. For the sake of the incoming students, for the sake of Hagrid’s hunting ground caretaker name not being tarnished, for the sake of Hogwart’s reputation, for the sake of…..
Being bombarded by Diaz’s emotionally penetrating words, Hagrid’s face turned red and then black. Finally he sighed, finally opening his little door and offered helplessly.
“Come in first.”
From his certain perspective, Hagrid was an optimistic, kind hearted, gentle, candid and extremely amiable to associate with. But that was only towards Harry Potter’s 3 person group, yet to Malfoy and others they had never received such treatment. Honestly, Hagrid’s attitude to the contestants were relatively normal, hence across all contestants, Sheyan and the 3 were the first to enter Hagrid’s small hunting cabin.
The house was not huge, and the things inside were piling up. A lantern and hunting rifle was hung across the wall, along with several paintings of people. The furnishings had a wooden color and luster, crude craftsmanship and looked distinctly rugged and durable. The only delicate furniture was the sofa, it was a sturdy birch with a brown leather skin nailed over it, and a cortex pillow. That smooth pelt enhanced greatly the comfort of anyone leaning against it.
Sheyan sat onto the Sofa, he felt a comforting sensation covering his entire body. It was like soaking himself into a warm bathtub, in a flash his eyes seemed to fight to keep itself from closing. At this moment, Hagrid walked out, bits of charcoal ash were lodged between his thick beard Once he saw Sheyan sitting on the sofa, he immediately turned nervous and exclaimed.
“Hey! Wait, it hasn’t had its breakfast!”
Upon hearing the word ‘breakfast’, Sheyan’s change in expression was magnificent. He instantly leapt up with a speed faster than the vampire, and took cover behind Diaz. Diaz as well bluntly frew out his Karabiner rifle and aimed.
Hagrid shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. He placed the tray in his hands onto the dwarve table, before returning with a wooden ladle from the back. He then poured the fresh water within the ladle onto the sofa. The water straightforwardly permeated into the cortex pillow, as though was as thirsty as being lost in the desert.
“Alright.” Hagrid wasn’t the least bit concerned about it. “You can continue sitting on it.”
Sheyan was stunned, and replied.
“Was that water….its breakfast?”
Hagrid was radiant with delight.
“Right? Although this Kelpie* made several errors in the past including overturning a boat in the loch ness, it is still extremely cute and innocent! Therefore I secretly caught one and the Ministry of Magic punished it by sending it to live with me. It just started hibernating but its fur is still nice and warm, thus I figured it would be a great guest pillow. Oh shit, how could I let that slip out.”
(TN: Kelpie* is a water spirit dog)
Diaz smiled slightly.
“Don’t worry Mr Hagrid, we were all engrossed in your specially made porridge, no one heard anything.”
After speaking, he picked up the tray and distributed the small wooden bowls overflowing with porridge to everyone else. Only then did he sample a taste and is expression changed drastically as he started to wolf down the remaining porridge completely. The other two were no fools, after seeing this they immediately picked up their steaming porridge and started slurping it down. Although the porridge was scalding to the gum and teeth, their faces showed only contentment.
“You consumed Hagrid’s porridge.”
“Your highest basic attribute permanently + 1 point.”
“50% of HP restored.”
“The next consumption will not increase any attribute points.”
Obviously, this was an additional reward for slaying the troll from the nightmare realm. The 3 glanced at each other, apart from rejoicing from surviving the calamity, they also contained a strange happiness.
Hagrid himself slurped down a bowl of porridge. He then stared at the enormous troll head and raised his brows saying.
“Reasonably speaking, this season shouldn’t have an appearance of a mountain troll…. But whatever, you guys did a great thing and prevented a misfortune for Hogwarts. This is simply deserving of an award. Alright then, you guys have earned my trust!”
When Hagrid finished, Sheyan and the rest received the notification:
“Hagrid’s impression of you is raised by 1000 points.”
“Current impression is neutral: 476/3000.”
Sheyan who had terrible affinity for charm sighed greatly, because he heard Diaz’s excited rambling. “Wow awesome! Impression actually rose by 1500 points….!” But the following information distracted Sheyan again.
“Main mission: ‘Acknowledgement’ complete.”
“You received the qualifications to enter Hogwarts school after the students enrolled.”
“You receive the status of Hogwart’s hunter.”
“Your achievement + 2 points.”
“Your duration in this world has been extended, you can continue staying in this world for 7 days. You can also choose to return to the nightmare realm. As long as you board train no.5972 of platform 9 3/4 you can return to the nightmare realm. Of course, you must not be in combat state.”
Hagrid raised his butt from that sturdy short stool, clasping his hands he said.
“Alright lads, there’s still some time from now till the start of school. I suggest you take a tour aside, once those little rascals start school you won’t have the luxury of doing so anymore. I believe you have noticed, this is a magical world. You can go and experience the beautiful landscape around Hogwarts, and meet several new species at Diagon alley. Please remember to wear along your Hogwarts badge, if not old Nick will not accommodate you.”
Obviously Sheyan and the rest wouldn’t display the Hogwarts emblem on their chest but stored it within the interspatial area of their nightmare imprint. When they took it out to observe, it was glowing faintly. Naturally, a special magic triggered when they moved from temporary worker to an official one. Furthermore, it even carried a +3% movement speed bonus!
At this point, Hagrid suddenly carried over 3 letters, he yawned absent-mindedly.
”
“Recently, I don’t know why I keep feeling sleepy after having breakfast….”
At this moment, a sudden strange sharp yelling sounded from the room. Sheyan had no idea, but Gale was normally a gamer. He could tell after hearing it one time, it sounded like a bug race puppy from Starcraft. He instantly recalled Hagrid’s rearing hobby and immediately stood up and left. Sheyan and the rest similarly followed suit.
THe three of them opened their envelopes, and discovered inside contained pounds that only could be used in this world. It should be their salary from Hogwarts. Extremely prejudiced, Sheyan’s salary was the lowest at 82 pounds, while the highest Diaz received 113 pounds.
“What do y’all plan to do now?” Gale suddenly asked after exiting the door.
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders and replied.
“First take a nap. THen settle the Bowtruckles in the noon time. I’m currently settled with 23, by tomorrow this milestone should be accomplished. After completing the ‘Doting man’ milestone, the title ‘Bowtruckles feedback (Fast)’ was pretty useful.”
Gale laughed.
“That title is indeed great. After title synthesization in the future, if that additional (Speed) can be added in, then its value would be tremendous. How about you Diaz?”
“Title synthesization?”
Sheyan suddenly captured the additional information from Gale’s words. He suddenly realized that when compared to people who joined parties, he was indeed disadvantaged. Specifically on the lack of knowledge and information. At present, Diaz had once again resumed his cold indifferent attitude, he replied casually.
“Of course I have things to do.”
Gale wasn’t affected, he sincerely replied.”
“I’ve already contacted the metals professor. After hearing our conclusion, he immediately placed down his things and rushed here. I reckon he is about to arrive. Our metals professor really wishes to chat with the two of you. Of course, I sincerely request for myself as well. Because in this operation, our Symbiosis sect actually produced a traitor like Qiao Gun. Five of us died, except me. If no one testifies for me, how am I going to clarify myself? Therefore, please stay behind to assist me in clearing my name.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t just waste everyone’s time. Within the symbiosis sect, someone has already completed the milestone: ‘Warmheated man’ and acquired the ‘Omnipotent’ title which grants +3 to all attributes. After this matter concludes, I will sell this list of mission information process to you guys at a low price.”
Gale’s words were reasonable, and filled with substantial enticement. Therefore, Sheyan and Diaz both decided to stay behind. Diaz naturally wasn’t guilty of anything and Sheyan had a confidence that his actions were completely unknown. Sheyan made use of the excess time now to find out more about the characteristics of the ‘Fearless’ title awarded after killing a legendary creature. In his heart, he was filled with wasted sentiments. Because the ‘fearless’ title can actually additionally raise the wearer’s life by 5%! This was extremely beneficial for Sheyan! If he had known this earlier, Sheyan would definitely take the risk to dish out 10% worth of damage to that troll. If not this title would have been completed by now, but now he had forever missed that golden opportunity.
The metals professor didn’t allow them to wait for long. After half an hour, he hopped out of the fireplace at Hogwarts train station. The metals professor’s body was covered with a cloak embedded fully with sharp metal scales and wore a mask. The mask was a poker, King of hearts. That mask was actually crafted with meat, and could even display his expression to perfection. He forcefully squeezed out a smile to Sheyan and Diaz before frowning at Gale.
“What happened? How did it turn out like this?”
Gale was obviously an uncouth brute, but in front of this metals professor he was as obedient as a cat. He reiterated the entire story in full details, narrating it completely and accurately and did not add in any personal assumptions.
After hearing Gale’s explanation, the metals professor invited Sheyan and Diaz to recount their side of the story. The questions he asked were all relevant. Such an arrogant person like Gale actually turned submissive in front of the metals professor as he answered his questions diligently. On the contrary, Sheyan was exceedingly shameless. He straightforwardly claimed that after being knocked unconscious from the troll’s first attack, he didn’t know anything else.
At present, when the Metals professor added up Qiao Gun’s previous behaviour and speech, he could basically confirm that Qiao Gun had traitorous intentions from the start. His only concern was Qiao Gun’s death. Primarily, Qiao Gun started planning his betrayal for a long time. If he was willing to lay hands on Gale, that meant the mountain troll should already be reaching fatality. Qiao Gun should have confidence of finishing it off himself.
Alright, everyone makes mistakes. Perhaps Qiao Gun panicked and made the wrong judgement, in his disaster did he realize that he was unable to finish off the troll alone. But after releasing vampire Edward, Qiao Gun still died. This was extremely bizarre.
The Metals professor had paid quite a huge sum to purchase the vampire Edward from a contestant who had just returned from the ‘Blade’ world. Although Edward was imprisoned for 7 years and 2 months and was weakened to the point that he couldn’t display most of his abilities, he was still a second class legendary creature. His strength should still be adequate. Of course, unless a contestant with outstanding charm who grasps taming abilities managed to tame him, then when Edward participates in the battle, the loots will surely be ‘contaminated’ and decline in class.
This was also the main reason why the metals professor was willing to handover the imprisoned Edward’s cross to Qiao Gun.
Vampires had high regeneration, high agility and high avoidability. It can totally restraint the cumbersome troll based on attributes alone. Even though Edward was weakened greatly, it was simply too farfetched that Qiao Gun would still be killed by a slow-moving troll even under the protection of a vampire.
Therefore, the Metals professor’s greatest suspicion was that someone was spying in the shadows. That person utilized a weapon that had an explosive power similar to a sniper rifle and finished off Qiao Gun in one strike! If not, a contestant who was expert in close combat would never be able to escape vampire Edward’s clutches after killing Qiao Gun.
Normally an experienced and knowledgeable man with great foresight, he had never expected such a freak like Sheyan would surface. Credit should be given to Sheyan’s innate ability ‘endurance’, it assisted Sheyan in outlasting a second class legendary creature for over 10 minutes. The funny thing was that if his enemy wasn’t a vampire but a troll, then Sheyan would be the one desperately fleeing for his life.
Since his heart already had a firsthand impression of judgement, then naturally the Metals professor’s biggest doubt was placed on Diaz.
Of course the Metals professor wouldn’t simply blurt out his suspicions. After pondering for a second, he replied.
“I understand now, thank you for both your support.”
After speaking, he started a trade between Sheyan and Diaz, preparing to sell the information process of the ‘Omnipotent’ title to both. The two sighed in relief. When facing such a young Metals professor, their hearts ultimately felt a stifling pressure. However after half a minute, Sheyan and Diaz raised their brows, they silently glared at Gale, coldly asking.
“May I ask, what does this mean?”
From the request transmitted by the nightmare imprint, it shockingly stated a 10,000 utility points asking price!”
The Metals professor laughed, his voice resonated with a light metal tapping sound.
“According to your agreement with Gale, as your reward for staying back, we were supposed to sell to you a list of information process about the ‘Omnipotent’ title. Is that a problem?”
Diaz stepped forward, his eyes blazing with frustration at being cheated.
“Its selling to us cheap! Cheap!”
The Metals professor answered softly.
“Do you know how much blood, sweat and tears we invested into this information process? Within the nightmare realm, it is a secret that we wouldn’t even sell to the public. If anyone wishes to purchase, they would have to pay at least 30,000 utility points! 10,000 points is already considered cheap, furthermore before purchasing, you have to sign a secrecy clause. You can only use this information for yourself.”
Diaz wanted to refute, but his eyes were shaken by the Metals professor’s warm yet icy glare. He kept silent and took a step back.
“Fine, fine! I’ll leave.”
The Metals professor laughed out loud.
“Young man don’t be rash and listen to me first. Just now Gale mentioned that you guys have certain deep sentiments of going through that life and death ordeal. Especially you Diaz, you actually dealt such horrifying damages to that mountain troll. And you, Seaman, you lured the troll into the pitfall by yourself, your courage and strength is definitely top grade! Actually I know that 10,000 utility points is a little expensive to a lone travelling contestant. It is actually a price that is hard to accept.”
Until here, the Metals professor swept a glance past Sheyan and Diaz’s face.
“But.. there’s another way. As long as you agree, I can divulged these information process to you. Would you mind listening to it?”
“So that’s the case.” Sheyan’s grinned on the inside. He released an astonished ‘Oh’ and replied. “What way?”
Instead, the Metals professor stared into Diaz’s eyes.
“Join us!”
Gale sincerely add on.
“Both of you have witnessed, our Symbiosis sect took a heavy blow in the side of close combatants because of that traitor Qiao Gun! Therefore, we really need two similarly strong contestants to join us! Furthermore, the Symbiosis sect is currently in preparations for a huge operation! If we attain success before the Banks Syndicate, then you’ll definitely received tremendous benefits!”
After Sheyan listened, his face still looked hesitant but moved at the same time. Gale immediately continued.
“You should know, new entrants into our party normally have an auditioning period of 3 years. Within those 3 years, most of their profits will be taken because in the end we will share both life and death. But i am willing to vouch for you, once you enter you will be classified as an official member. Seaman, don’t you have that taming 50 bowtruckles milestone? Once you join our party, you can exchange or use utility points to invite others to assist you. Apart from that, from my knowledge there are 4 others right now that are attempting the ‘Omnipotent’ title mission! If we can attempt that series of missions together, then the amount of work would be greatly reduced!”
Hearing till here, Sheyan couldn’t help but rub his hands from this pleasant surprise.
“If I enter, what are the conditions?”
The Metals professor didn’t place heavy emphasis on him. But currently there was indeed a lack of close combat contestants. Initially he wanted to offer no additional conditions, but because of his mistrustful personality, he replied.
“I’ve already seen your personal attributes from Qiao Gun. But I request that you release information on all your basic abilities to me, and I’ll assure your secret. But remember, trying to cover up anything is futile!”
Sheyan extremely bluntly exclaimed.
“No problem!”
The logic for this request was extremely simple. He suspected that the person who killed Qiao Gun had exceedingly strong long range abilities. That was how he was able to assassinate Qiao Gun without dying to the vampire. At present, only firearms and magic were able to produce such mighty long ranged attacks. And to be able to learn such attacks in the nightmare realm, one should have excellent corresponding basic abilities.
The reality was that great oaks are grown from little acorns. The realm places extremely heavy emphasis on basic abilities. The metals professor came across a top-notch spell in the Harry Potter world: ‘Avada Kedavra killing curse scroll’. Just to activate that magic scroll, it required basic prayer lvl12, basic meditation lvl 12, advanced magic lvl10,and proficiency in witchcraft lvl 7! What more the basic ability requirement to learning that killing curse.
Therefore in the Metals professor’s heart, if Sheyan was a swine disguised as a tiger and he was the one that killed Qiao Gun, then definitely he would have grasped a powerful far range ability. Thus, his basic long range combat, basic prayer, and basic meditation these 3 abilities should at least be above lvl 7!
When Sheyan acceded to the metals professor and broadcasted his basic abilities to him, he wasn’t eager to look but instead drew out a wand! Chanting several incantations, he suddenly sprinkled out a clump of glittering powder with his right hand. This powder was a sorcery material, made with bat’s excrement, a dead person’s tooth, 10 pieces of silica and 3 pieces of metronidazole grinded together. With the powder floating in mid air, the metals professor pointed his wand at it!
“Boom!” The powder suddenly emitted a crackling sound like a firework. The only difference was that a firework would scatter outwards, but instead the powder congregated internally. Then it swiftly formed into a strangely shaped eyeball.
This eyeball was roughly the size of a fist, it’s pupil was oddly huge and left only a small space for the white of the eye. It slowly floated up to Sheyan’s face and started to scroll through his basic ability information.
The Metals professor coldly declared.
“The ‘Eye of Truth’ has 50 points of perceptive sensing. Therefore, whatever concealment hurry up and remove it. If not, it will never be able to escape the vision of the ‘Eye of truth’!”
Sheyan exclaimed out with astonishment and a look of innocence.
“What do I need to conceal?”
Actually, Sheyan’s secrets were his personal attributes, innate ability and his equipment. His basic abilities required no such concealment. Therefore, his straightforward style further alleviated the metals professor’s suspicion.
Even though his heart had already confirmed that Sheyan wasn’t hiding anything, he still controlled the Eye of Truth to himself. He then look looked through carefully the basic ability information collected by the Eye of Truth.
“Hmm, ‘basic close combat lvl2’, ‘basic footwork lvl 4’, ‘basic endurance lvl2’… Wa! You have the rarely seen ‘expert grappling lvl2’ advanced ability. No wonder you managed to survive the troll’s attack.”
The Metals professor suddenly issued an expression of shock and praise. Because of Qiao Gun’s betrayal, the Symbiosis sect took a huge blow to their close combat capabilities. Furthermore, Sheyan had learned a pretty good advanced ability in advance grappling. This skill greatly enhanced Sheyan’s survivability.
The metals professor had seen a report before. On it was written: “Basic grappling and expert grappling these two advanced ability may look similar on first sight, but when raised to lvl7, expert grappling would produce an additional 7% avoidability and 9% resistance!” This was a huge disparity. In addition to Sheyan’s pretty outstanding performance in adaptability and strength, no wonder he was able to maintain his composure in front of such a terrifying creature like the troll and lure it for a kilometre.
“Looks like, he can be considered someone we urgently need.” After going through these, the Metals professor had a different opinion of Sheyan. He muttered in his heart.
“This contestant is still growing in potential, I should monitor his cultivation first. If he doesn’t harbour any ill ambitions, he should be tested first. That is if he manages to survive after this round’s operation.”
The Metals professor nodded at Sheyan, reaching his hand out.
“Welcome to the Symbiosis sect.”
After joining Sheyan naturally signed a list of agreements through the nightmare imprint. His privileges were pretty similar to before. The party members had a peaceful status to each other, and AOE damages would not cause friendly fire. If any side wishes to aggro the other, there will be a 10 seconds pre-warning initiation of battle and will be instantly penalized 6000 utility points.
More importantly, the aggressor would immediately be implied as quitting the party, the name would be announced to every party member within the world. Moreover after the battle concluded (Defeat or victory), 3 random objects and 1 random equipment would be transferred to the victim. If the victim dies, then the remunerations would be transferred to the highest status personnel within the party. That was probably why Qiao Gun didn’t dare to directly act against Gale, but only borrowed the troll’s might to act.
Furthermore, a higher status party member had a privilege. That was to instantly commence a trial against any party member. After the trial, he can instantly remove the peaceful status of that member, and expel him out of the party. However, the initiator of the trial will have his attributes lowered by 5%. At this point that will be vote. If more than 50% of the party members felt that the trial was fair, then the lowered attribute will be reinstated. If not it will remain permanently.
Apart from that, after joining the party he acquired a passive party ability: ‘Impossible comeback’. It will be instantly activated once the contestant reaches a heavily injured state. The contestant will instantly receive +10% avoidability lasting for 10 seconds. This effect seemed rather chicken ribs*, but it should be able to be improved. Once the party reaches a higher level, it should be relatively powerful.
(TN: *lol it means punitive)
A member can leave the party under a peaceful state and within the nightmare realm. But the member has to pay a fee of 5000 utility points and 5 potential points.
Once Sheyan joined the Symbiosis sect, the Metals professor proceeded to invite Diaz. After deliberating, Diaz resolutely refused. But through Gale’s mediation, he finally signed a temporary agreement contract. He was able to use 8000 utility points to purchase that information process, but he had to aid the Symbiosis sect’s operation. The metals professor still carried an immense suspicion, but most of the suspicion was placed onto Diaz.
If it was normally, he would have investigated this matter thoroughly! But now was a critical moment, the Banks Syndicate were closing up and the situation was extremely tight. Anything could happen anymore. Therefore he forcefully contained his suspicious nature and prioritized the things at hand. His time was extremely tight, after exchanging a few words he took off into the fireplace.
After joining the Symbiosis sect, Gale naturally became more amicable with Sheyan. Moreover the two had been through a life and death ordeal together, and Sheyan’s strength wasn’t lacking. After Qiao Gun’s death, his position was vacant. Gale naturally wished Sheyan could support his cause, and declared to Sheyan that he would undertake the responsibility of Sheyan’s remaining bowtruckle milestone. After the three discussed, the decided to head over to Hogwarts station to rest and wait for the train. Then they would pay a visit to the largest magic marketplace, Diagon Alley.
This time’s travel didn’t have the good fortune of having Floo powder for instant travel, they could only board the Hogwarts express. Moreover, the train from platform 9 3/4 only set off twice daily, one was from London to Hogwrats, and then back to London. According to the platform timing, the train should reach around 11 in the afternoon, hence Sheyan hadn’t missed today’s train.
Sheyan suddenly recalled that when they just arrived, Hagrid had told them about a small snack shop. He then decided to take a look. Instead, Gale leaned against a bench in the station and lazily lowered his shoulders.
“Confirm everything is sold. The things here are relatively cheap, this should be the welfare that Hogwarts gives to their workers. If they sold everything to a contestant, they would earn 2-3 thousand utility points at most. The two guys who stayed back at the station definitely exploited this welfare, they wouldn’t even leave a plastic bag to you!”
Sheyan was a little shocked. He bitterly smiled as he discovered that actually he was completely not as well informed as Gale who spent a long time with the party. Looking at the time, he asked Gale and Diaz who were about to fall asleep.
“Where’s the toilet?”
Gale looked rather tired. He yawned, probably indicating that he didn’t know. Instead, Diaz pointed to the left.
“Walk straight for 20 metres, its the room with the white roof.”
Sheyan followed his instructions to the toilet. The interior was rather clean. Sheyan observed his surroundings carefully searching before confirming that was no one around. He took a deep breath before fishing out the key he stored within his nightmare imprint.
That was the key the troll dropped.
That shocking faint glimmer of silver glow!
Even the composed Sheyan couldn’t help as his heart started beating faster! He calmed himself down, as he summoned the chest and opened it. Instantly, a list of notifications transmitted out by the nightmare imprint:
“You acquired a silver storyline item: Troll’s Horcrux.”
“You acquired a black class weapon: Troll’s legbone.”
“You acquired an unappraised object: A roll of thick leather.”
“You acquired 2000 utility points, 1 potential point.”
Sheyan didn’t have the luxury of time, he hurriedly stored his rewards into the nightmare imprint. Especially that black class weapon: ‘Troll’s legbone’ was gigantic, from his initial estimation it should be a dual handed strong weapon! For example, that 28 points of strength Venter would be extremely interested in this. In addition, that Unappraised object: ‘A roll of thick leather’ was not small as well. Sheyan was flustered as he tried his best to organize the interspatial space in his nightmare imprint. Finally, he managed to stuff the two enormous objects in and heaved a sigh of relief.
When he returned, Diaz and Gale had fallen asleep. They were all classified as Hogwart’s workers, and this place was protected by the security of Hogwarts station, thus it was a safe district. Therefore the two dared to be so bold. Sheyan followed suit and laid down on a bench feigning asleep. He then started to examine the newly acquired items.
Troll’s horcrux (Specially obtained/rare)
Object rarity: Silver storyline class
Usage effect: After using on a black class equipment/weapon, it will give it a ‘soul’ and raise that weapon/equipment to a silver storyline class.
Warning: If the Horcrux is not compatible with the equipment, it will break.
Material: Ghost
Weight: 3g.
Description: This is a valuable, rarely seen horcrux, it may even be comparable to dark gold class.
Description: Dying in battle to a troll is a glorious karma. When they hunt other creatures, they are already prepared to get hunted by others. Therefore, they will always calm when confronted with death. But all trolls loathe magic, they feel that magic stains the meaning of combat. Therefore once there is magic involved against the troll, this horcrux would never appear. The appearance of the horcrux signifies your valor in subduing the troll, and it recognizes you as a worthy opponent.
Troll’s legbone
Origin: Harry potter’s magic world
Equipment rarity: Black
Attack damage: 30 – 80
Material: Calcium carbonate / calcium phosphate / chitin
Additional installation: Handle
Weight: 87.34 kg.
Length: 281.4 cm.
Base attack interval: 5.8 seconds (Strength can shorten this interval, but not lower than 3.8 seconds)
Equipment requirements: Strength 25 points, physique 15 points
Durability: 120 points
Equipping: Strength + 2
Equipping: When dealing damage, 50% chance of neglecting 5 points of defence.
Active ability: Slaying bone toss. Hurling the massive bone at the distant enemy resulting in damage. Damage = (Aggressor’s strength – victim strength) x 2 and 40 points of fixed damage.
Additional attack effects: Knockdown. Causing Enemies who receive the attack to be knockdown for 3 seconds. Within this duration, unable to move, attack or cast spells.
Warning: After hurling out the bone, you will be regarded with empty-handed status.
Warning: The hurled out bone can be damaged, consuming its durability. When durability reaches 0, this weapon is unusable and requires repair.
Heavy blunt weapon special effect: ‘Penetrate’ When a blunt weapon attacks, Ignores the 50% increase in defence in armour class defensive equipment.
Equipment battle score: 21
Evaluation: It thirsts for a powerful soul to dominate it.
Unappraised object: ‘A roll of thick leather’.
Object rarity: Black
Material: ?
Weight: 27 kg.
After examining the 3 objects, Sheyan’s first reaction was to combine the ‘Troll’s Horcrux’ and the ‘Troll’s Legbone’ together to produce a silver storyline weapon! Although the warning states that if the horcrux wasn’t compatible with a weapon, it will break. But even using his pants to think he would know that the compatibility rate of the two was naturally 100%. But after giving it a second though, he immediately released this idea.
In such a threatening environment, undoubtedly enhancing his own capabilities took precedence. He was definitely incapable of equipping the ‘Troll’s Legbone’ for a long time, therefore selling it off to another would be the best option. Besides, Sheyan could keep that horcrux which had the potential to enhance a black class equipment. Because right now, Sheyan had two black equipments. If any could rise a class, its powers would be raised incredibly!
After confirming his intentions, Sheyan inquired and realized he could only use the horcrux in the nightmare realm. Thus, he could only shelve it aside. Although his power didn’t receive an instant boost, his profits were still relatively satisfactory. At this moment, the steam whistle of the train sounded, and the three simultaneously approached the carriage. The train only stopped for 15 minutes, once they missed it they had to wait till the next day.
10 minutes later, the three were sitting inside the train. Sheyan was pretty exhausted. He knew that time was precious, therefore he decided to take a nap during the journey and strived for the +3 attributes title at Diagon alley after he refreshed his mind. Previously he had inquired about title synthesization, but Gale courteously mentioned he wasn’t very clear. The only thing that was clear was that such a thing as title synthesization existed.
When Sheyan’s vision turned hazy, suddenly someone knocked the door of their private carriage room. He was instantly alerted but didn’t expect that Diaz and Gale simultaneously charged forward with joy. They hurriedly opened the door!
Sheyan was still a little shock, but he saw a middle aged woman pushing a cart outside asking them if they would like to purchase any snacks with a smile. He immediately realized that they had chanced upon a hidden aspect. According to the storyline, this sales madam would only sell products at the start of school or during the holidays when the train was transporting the kids. At present, it was their great luck to be able to encounter her.
Because of his delay in rushing up, even though he had the cash he wasn’t able to buy much. In the end he only purchased the following:
Bertie Bott’s every flavour beans x 2: A special snack in Harry Potter’s word. It can produce at random flavours of coconut, grape, spinach, liver, cow belly, pepper….even mucus, ear wax etc.
50% chance of eating a normal flavor: Instantly recover 15% HP.
33% chance of eating a weird flavour (Liver, cow belly, pepper etc): All attributes temporarily +1, duration: 24 hours.
10% chance of eating a disgusting flavour: HP instantly drops by 5%, all attacks raised by 10%. Duration: 12 hours.
Chocolate frog x2: A special snack in Harry Potter’s word. MP regeneration rate +50%. Duration: 120 minutes.
Upon opening package, 50% chance of obtaining a wizard card. A lone card can be sold for 100 utility points.
Gathering the whole set (12 different wizard cards), receive a hidden mission.
Mars bar: A special snack in Harry Potter’s world. After consuming, regain 33% HP and 33% MP within 30 seconds.
To purchase these items, Sheyan used the salary issued by Hagrid. The 10 points he used (considered a valuable item), can be compared to 2000 utility points in the realm. Moreover he had no use for collecting it. After that bargaining frenzy, nothing else special happened. While waiting for the train previously, Sheyan suddenly thought of a question and couldn’t help raising it.
“Why didn’t anyone think of attacking Harry Potter. Isn’t he just a little kid?”
Gale burst out in laughter after hearing that.
“Seaman, you really think Harry Potter is such a harmless and safe kid that even such frightening existence like Voldemort couldn’t kill! Then how would an average person see him as? I once heard a recount of someone that Harry Potter has 3 blessings on him. The 8-level love protection blessing that his mother, Lily, exchanged with her life which possess terrifying reflective ability. His father’s 7-level true fortune blessing. Dumbledore’s 7-level enchantment blessing! Once you attack him, then you should prepare to see God in a few seconds!”
“That’s right.” Diaz sincerely continued. “Apart from what Gale said, Harry Potter also possesses power ability to transform the substance of an object Remember the glass wall at the zoo inside the movie?”
“Harry Potter wanted to humiliate his cousin, and dematerialized the glass window obstructing the snake. It only materialized after a few minutes! As long as he willed it, such objects can be shifted easily. If his life was in grave danger, then he can probably do the same to your weapons, your brain, your body, legs, and even… your heart!”
As Sheyan listened, he suddenly felt that Harry Potter wasn’t just a young kid. He was obviously a supreme fortified stronghold by himself…. Sheyan discarded all notions of ever wanting to bully the kid as he laid on the seat and fell into deep sleep. He slept extremely soundly, until the train staff woke him up at London’s platform 9 3/4 stop.
3 hours of sleep was relatively enough for a contestant. After washing his face, Sheyan could feel his metal had recovered by 80%. They then boarded a cab that Gale hailed, and once again headed towards the place where they started, The Leaky Cauldron.
It was still 5 in the afternoon, and there was no one inside the bar. Only old Nick was diligently wiping his wine cups. After he saw Sheyan and the rest, he slowly addressed them.
“Lads, on the right roughly 13 metres from here is Mijasha cafe. They sell pretty good honey biscuits, and especially waiter 13 who has such a firm and nice butt. Why did you guys come here? I’ve sworn to Barry before, I will only sell alcoholic beverages after 6.”
Diaz who had the highest charm, didn’t hesitate to engage any storyline character.
“Hey Nick, I heard that the opposite cafe’s waiter 13 is a male, perhaps you like guys? Also, we are not here for a drink, our aim is the back of the bar.”
After speaking, Diaz displayed out his Hogwarts hunter emblem. Nick’s expression carried no dissent, but he still diligently examined the remaining emblems as well. At this moment, Sheyan felt rather thirsty, he knew that his measly points of charm was unable to gain any favourable impression on storyline characters. Thus he bluntly picked up a bottle of beer, and easily popped open the beer cap.
Suddenly old Nick furiously called out.
“Hey! I already said that until 6, I will not sell any form of alcohol!”
Sheyan exhaled in satisfaction, shrugging his shoulders he threw away the bottle cap.
“Old man, If I don’t pay after I drink then that’s not considered selling right?”
Old Nick was astounded, as though nothing was wrong and he couldn’t find the words to refute. With his gloomy face, he stood behind the counter.
At this moment, Gale was already standing at the back alley of the bar about to enter Diagon alley. There was an old brick wall with a cross shaped depression at their eye level, the depression seemed like a Chevrolet symbol to Sheyan. Gale lifted his finger and started tapping in a clockwise direction around the depression. Suddenly the brick wall starting shaking and opened up a pathway.
Suddenly, a furious roar from old Nick sounded over.
“Damned brat. You haven’t paid up!”
Sheyan laughed and kicked off, darting into the busy crowd within diagon alley. When Diaz and Gale witnessed Nick rushing over relentlessly, they both raised their arms innocently. Nick was already an old man, when the chaotic view of human traffic filled his eyes, how was he able to find Sheyan.
This was Sheyan and Diaz’s first time visiting Diagon alley. It was named the wizard’s marketplace, its liveliness and congestion was not far from London’s Westminster Abbey. The buildings here had a sixteenth century style with 2-3 floors and had pointy triangle roofs. These crooked houses aligning up looked really similar to passengers clogged up side by side each other in a congested bus. It carried an irregular yet charming effect.
It seemed that every house was a standalone independent store, their signboards were designed meticulously. Opposite from Sheyan, a lantern that could move by itself was hung above it. On the right, the signboard of that shop was able to pick up a cloth and wiped itself. Suddenly, Sheyan heard a steam whistling sound. He urgently turned around, it was actually a teapot placed onto a signboard which was releasing steam. As it caught onto Sheyan, it even winked its eyes and playfully puffed out batches of steam…..
“This place, its really….really mystical.” Sheyan and Diaz both had a dumbstruck expression. Instead Gale had already frequented here before, and was used to the peculiarity of it. Clapping their shoulders he sad.
“Go ahead and roam about, remember don’t buy anything. Even though it’s pretty chaotic here, most of tenants are good wizards and follow the regulations from the ministry of magic. Furthermore we are workers from Hogwarts, it should be relatively safe. I’ll go check if Phelps is around, I’ll be back soon.”
Since it seemed safe, Diaz ditched Sheyan and went ahead by himself. His personality had always been cold and remote. Sheyan didn’t mind and went his own way. The shops here were bizarre and magical. Sheyan have never seen the items they sold before, it was like seeing a whole new world.
His curiosity was piqued by a signboard from which hung a golden pair of scissors cutting incessantly.He walked in, in the end, there was no one inside while a barber stool slid over by itself. Following that, a pair of scissors immediately surged to his head! If not for pathetically fleeing out, his hair would really have been raped and violated.
After stumbling out, Sheyan then noticed several tiny words beneath the golden, the words were so small one had to use a magnifying glass to view them.
Hairdresser and shaving, 50 pounds per round, does not accept credit.
“Wow….just wow!” Sheyan wiped his cold sweat, tugging at his pouch as he hurriedly left the area. Trying his best to distant himself from that strange shop as far as possible.
Ahead him was a crowd surrounding a window, the crowd were youths that didn’t exceed 16 years old. Sheyan crept closer, and realized their envious gaze were all directed at a broom behind the window. Sheyan glanced through, he felt that these second generation wizards were really senseless. When he was at their age, he had already roamed across 5-6 countries and tasted the body of 7-8 different nationalities of females. And yet they were all excited over a stupid broom.
“….wait wait wait wait, broom!”
“Inside Harry Potter’s magic world, this household tool had two different uses! Of course ordinarily ones were used to sweep the streets, while the special ones when compared to Porsche, Maserati, Lamborghini, they were just trash!”
Thinking till here, Sheyan naturally participated with the group of kids and gazed into the window. A distinct name was written over the broomstick:
Nimbus 2000!!!
“So it is this.” Sheyan recalled something and hurriedly checked with his nightmare imprint. As expected there was a relevant milestone to his object: ‘I love Quidditch’, and its requirement was a Nimbus 2000!
Ever since knowing that titles could be synthesized together, Sheyan had a whole new attitude towards milestones. This milestone was relatively easy to accomplish, he just needed enough pounds. Based on his current net worth, he had 122 pounds and 50 of them could be brought out of this world. Thus, he carried an air of contempt as he stepped into the shop. However after 10 seconds, silently walked out with a crestfallen expression.
The price of the Nimbus 2000 wasn’t great, it was merely 5 figures, 11300 magic pounds. These magic pounds referred to the kind where contestants could bring back to the nightmare realm and exchange for utility points! More devastatingly, the shop only accepted magic pounds and not utility points! Sheyan finally understood why this Nimbus 2000 hadn’t been bought yet. It seemed like the easiest, but actually its price was the hardest to reach!
After leaving that magic sports shop, Sheyan suddenly halted after walking for a brief moment. He quickly headed to his left, and not long later a four storeys high building appeared before him. This building had an eighteenth century look, every floor was slanted to a different direction. It looked like toy building blocks that could collapse anytime. But from the signboard by the side, the previous time it renovated was actually in 1867. The building should have been around for over a millennium.
“Gringotts.” Sheyan gazed upon this renowned goblin bank. His heart constantly transmitted a strange and intense sensation, as though a thread was tugging at it like this place was filled with desolation and death. He circled the area, and that sensation suddenly vanished. Stunned and at a loss for a moment, he then resumed strolling the streets.
After several rounds, Gale rushed here anxiously. When he saw Sheyan he instantly became overjoyed.
“Finally found you, quickly come.”
Sheyan was slightly taken aback.
“What’s with the hurry?”
Gale led the way and replied.
“Obviously it is for your bowtruckle mission. Hurry, if not Phelps will have to work more.”
Sheyan was slightly puzzled. Bowtruckles loved the quiet and peaceful forest, it was even hard to find one at the outskirts of the forbidden forest. Yet this was a bustling city, there were pests everywhere…..how was someone able to help him with the bowtruckles here? The two passed through several streets and finally stopped in front of a shop. The signpost read ‘Magical Menagerie’.
“Isn’t this the place that sells pets?” Sheyan was roughly knowledgeable about the Harry Potter movie. ‘Crookshanks’ Hermione’s cat was bought from here.
“That’s right.” Gale straightforwardly headed into the shop and then called Sheyan in. He didn’t stop to look at the strange birds, snakes and animals but immediately headed in. The environment inside was much better than its exterior. Gale sat down firmly onto a chair, and glanced about. He then smacked down heavily onto the table with his hand.
“Phelps! Phelps! You idiot where is the thing I tasked you with?”
Instantly, another contestant rushed out from the nearby room. His face was a little scared. This contestant, Sheyan had already seen before. It was the guy who chose to work at Diagon Alley.
“Where are the bowtruckles you supposed to prepare?”
Gale called out loudly.
“At the back.” Phelps swallowed his emotions and replied.
“Bring us there.” Gale demanded. “Now!”
Sheyan asked.
“Why would there be bowtruckles here?”
Phelps looked at Sheyan but Gale scolded out.
“He is the newly added official member, Seaman! Not the same rotten eggs like you guys who can only hide at the back of a battle. When he asks you, you better answer him honestly!”
Phelps leaked a bitter and resentful look in his eye, but sincerely replied.
“Because when selling pets, Crups likes to eat bowtruckles if not it will turn violent and cause the caretaker much worries. Therefore Gariful Boss secretly smuggled in some behind the ministry of magic’s back.”
(TN: Crup is a species of dog)
Phelps led Sheyan round to the backyard and finally to iron cage. There were at least 18 bowtruckles inside, and ground beetles were prepared by the side. These bowtruckles were famished for a long time, and Sheyan fed the ground beetles as easily as feeding gold fishes. After 10 minutes, the nightmare imprint displayed the notification:
”
“You successfully pleased 50 different bowtruckles.”
“You completed the milestone: A doting man.”
“You acquired the title: Bowtruckles feedback (Fast).”
“Anywhere within 30 metres of trees, your HP regeneration under battle state will receive additional 25 points per minute. This title can be swiftly equipped even in battle, and can be switched away anytime.”
Sheyan finally experienced the benefits of a party. If he attempted it himself, there was a possibility that even after an entire afternoon, he wouldn’t have completed it! Suddenly he recalled another milestone that was linked to bowtruckles: ‘British museum honorary member’. He then enquired about this to Gale. After pondering Gale replied.
“That milestone probably provides good rewards, but it doesn’t have any link with us.”
Phelps eyes suddenly flashed with admiration and interrupted.
“The awarded title is also called British museum honorary member, its attributes are intelligence +3, MP regeneration speed +2.”
Intelligence +3 was quite an excellent attribute, MP regeneration +2 was even more practical. MP regeneration speed and HP regeneration speed were calculated the same way. This title to contestants who relied on active abilities/skills was undoubtedly essential. But judging from the nightmare imprint’s principles, acquiring it should be difficult.
To acquire that title may seem easy. Just send over a bowtruckle to the British museum. But one mustn’t forget, the bowtruckles are creatures who live in the magical world. Yet the British museum is a ‘muggles’ landmark! This brings in the authority of the Ministry of Magic, and they will certainly dispatch an inspector to pursue this.
Of course those pursuers wouldn’t treat it that as unforgivable crime and throw you into Azkaban. They would only treat the arrested contestant as a tourist that coincidentally encountered a bowtruckle and generously donated it to the museum. Therefore, even if he was caught, there will only be a flash of light and his memories erased.
However, this may seem like a light punishment but is is extremely disastrous. The flash of the pursuant will erase whatever experiences the contestant had in the world as well. Therefore, if Sheyan received that spell, Hagrid wouldn’t recognize him, even the items acquired from the troll would be erased…..when that time comes, completing the mission will be tough and the completion rate would be horrendous.
At this time, the boss of the Magical Menagerie was about to return. If not for that old man needing to settle some things outside, Phelps wouldn’t dare to invite anyone in. Thus, Sheyan and Gale left in a hurry. When they walked out onto the streets of Diagon Alley, Sheyan was a little curious why Gale would exert such superiority over Phelps and yet Phelps could only tolerate in silence. Gale immediately started explaining enthusiastically.
Actually from all chosen contestants, roughly 3/5 were close combat fighters. However, amongst these contestants, roughly 1/3 took the close combat with high agility route. The remaining concentrate on their attributes of strength and physique. Under normal situations, such contestants would be more resistant and more valiant in battle, thus they commanded the front lines.
After counting, contestants who were able to hold the frontlines were relatively common, roughly 2/5 of the total amount of contestants.
However, everyone understands the cruel nature of the nightmare realm. Especially after experiencing several worlds, long distance combatants would have a much greater survivability rate than close combatants. Thus, contestants who emphasized on strength and physique had a shocking mortality rate, comparing to long distance combatants it was at least 2:1! A party who has experienced 2-3 worlds later, would be faced with an extremely awkward situation. That was that the amount of close combatants that could directly engage the enemy was extremely scarce.
According to Gale, parties who were lacking such individuals were unable to complete or challenge many missions. Of course, amongst long distance combatants who entered the nightmare realm, some of them may have reached the peak of their abilities, and thus function fine without close combatants. But such an argument can only be made in the present world and not in the nightmare realm. Especially when the world’s difficulty level increases, creatures and challenges would be much stronger as well.
Citing a simple example, Qiao Gun’s assembled 6 man team was able to slay the mountain troll, but if there were 6 Diazes would they have succeed? The answer is obviously no. Primarily, when a gunner is moving, his accuracy will definitely drop and wouldn’t be able to dish out the maximum damage. Therefore, being able to cripple the troll was completely impossible.
Secondly, without someone restricting it, once the troll releases a Tree Toss of Slaying it would have instantly killed off a gunner! With their lives under threat anytime, who would be able to steadily dish out attacks? Moreover, the troll was a creature that was smart enough to flee. Once its HP plunges to critical level and escape, would the gunmen chase? And who would attempt to lure out the troll if it hides inside the lair.
Furthermore from a psychological viewpoint, this group could never have been assembled. When one’s life is under threat, they would certainly fight for their lives. Yet under normal circumstances when their lives weren’t under threat, who would dare to step forward and fight with their lives on the line.
This is like a long distance contestant telling another long distance contestant. “Bro let’s form a party to kill the troll, although some of us may die it may not be you. We will definitely be able to kill the troll and reap some benefits.” However, such a risky and dangerous outcome, who would be crazy enough to join your party.
Therefore, close combat contestants who were able to drag out and sustain in a battle were extremely rare. Thus, such contestants within the party would have high status and their words were highly influential. This was because the risk they took was undoubtedly several folds of those who hid behind and engaged in long range combat tactics. In respect to those ordinary party members, their status was on an entirely different level.
Just like in the previous party, Qiao Gun’s strength was vastly inferior to the metals professor yet he was able to become a core member of the party. Moreover, he even dared to threaten the metals professor’s interest and hog the loots from the troll by himself. Following this plan, if every close combatant in the symbiosis sect died except him, then the metals professor wouldn’t be able to do anything to him.
Thinking in-depth, there was no such thing as love or hatred without reasons in this realm. Gale treated Sheyan with such friendliness, his ulterior motive was due to the fact that the responsibility of the symbiosis sect’s position of a close combat contestant fell onto the both of them. Furthermore, Sheyan’s earlier display of strength was pretty good, if Gale wanted to replace Qiao Gun’s position, then he would definitely have to earn Sheyan’s support.
“So that’s the case…..” After hearing Gale’s explanation, his eyes flickered and his lips curled into a slight smile. Ever since he entered this party, he had already experienced noticeable convenience. Gale’s information further firmed Sheyan’s confidence on forming his own party.
“Let’s go. According to the party’s regulations, we have to assemble every afternoon at a secret location to exchange information. Of course special exceptions may happen. Professor instructed me to let you assimilate with the party first, and at the same time try to start the ‘warmhearted man’ mission.”
Gale had already led Sheyan to the end of Diagon alley. Glancing at the time, he then tapped on the wall a few times and once again return to the backyard of the Leaky Cauldron. The customers had started to stream in at this hour, and old Nick was extremely busy behind the bar counter. Yet when he saw Sheyan, he instantly glared at him intensely as Sheyan couldn’t help but toss 5 pounds over. In the next few days, he would have to frequent here quite often and there was no need to come to blows with that old man over a bottle of beer.
Old Nick gestured a ‘you better watch yourself’ hand signal and could not be bothered with him. As Gale strolled across the bar, he purposefully slowed down his footsteps and smile to every single storyline character. He then whispered to Sheyan.
“When the Metals professor first entered this world, he encountered a wizard in his very bar. His charm wasn’t very low from the start, and was relatively compatible with the wizard thus he managed to rake in several opportunities and got to where he was today. In this damned world where dangers lurk in every corner, as long as one seize their opportunities, they would be able to make it big!”
Sheyan noticed that Gale’s usage of words were that the metals professor ‘raked in several opportunities’ and not ‘raked in several benefits’. This meant that nothing in this world was served to you in a silver platter, one still had to work hard when opportunities arrive. The tragic fact was that many wouldn’t even encounter such opportunities! Just like Qiao Gun who was an ambitious and shrewd individual, yet he never encountered any good opportunities and had to create his own in the end by gambling everything he had…..yet this was an opportunity that Sheyan exploited.
Naturally, both didn’t meet any miraculous chance encounter. Especially Sheyan, he carried zero hope with his measly charm. Back in the real London, Gale brought Sheyan to a building that looked pretty old-fashioned. Upon entering the building, Sheyan could even feel a faint threat tugging against his heart, there was obviously a sniper or something close.
Sheyan remained emotionless as he entered the building, when he arrived at the third floor he was shocked to find an extremely luxurious hall. 5-6 people sat inside and based on their sitting arrangement, one could infer their statuses within the party. According to Gale, the Symbiosis sect used a rare item an ‘assembling rock’ to gather the members together. This this should be most of the members of the Symbiosis sect.
It looked like Gale’s words were not fabricated. The Symbiosis sect consisted of 12 people, and within those 12 there were only 5 contestant who focused their fighting style on strength. From the earlier battle performance, within those 5, two of them were average. As Sheyan thought of this, this party was clearly lacking in strength.
Sheyan’s appearance undoubtedly attracted many suspicious galres. Instead, Gale simply smiled and rudely sat down on one of the front seats. Naturally this invited several bewildered looks from the other people, and one of the male wearing a golden spectacles who was on pretty good terms teased at him.
“Gale, you can sit there for now, but when Qiao Gun arrives you still have to give it up.”
Gale shrugged his shoulders.
“Sorry Felix, Qiao Gun will never show up.”
The golden spectacled Flex giggled.
“Screw off, the last time you said that, a minute later Qiao Gun and his guys chased you away.”
Gale waved his hands.
“Nono, nobody is able to live after betraying the metals professor.”
After this sentence was issued, the lively hall suddenly turned silent. No one in the Symbiosis sect dared to joke about the Metals professor. Felix sincerely asked with a heavy expression.
“What about Cast, Matt and the rest?”
Gale bluntly explained.
“Inside the mountain troll’s belly. Exactly from what you can see, the current close combatants are left with me and this newly added official member. Seaman, who singlehandedly lured the troll out and was chased by it for one kilometre!”
At this moment, the massive doors swung open and a huge male with wavy hair walked in. He grew a small beard and his left eye was embedded with a black gemstone, exuberating a pressing boldness in him.
Upon his arrival, everyone else adopted a strict expression. This man surveyed the environment and then extended his hand to Sheyan. Using a robotic tone he offered.
“I’m Fanu, I heard about you from the Metals professor. Welcome to the team, Seaman!”
This Fanu was the second ranked member of the Symbiosis sect. After extending his formalities to Sheyan, he then turned to face the audience.
“Wayne, No.13, Deke. You three will join the close combat team, Gale will take charge of the team.”
The faces of the three guys instantly twitched after Fanu called them out, but they could only nod in low spirits. Sheyan noticed, Wayne and No.13 equipped shotguns, and Deke carried a huge bow with a dagger across his waist. Obviously, although their range were comparatively short, their main attributes were invested in long range combat. This meant that by joining the close combat team, they would similarly face dangers upfront but Gale and Sheyan’s chances of survival will vastly outweigh theirs.
After Fanu finished speaking, he turned and heading out. When he reached the door, he turned back once again.
“Right, Metals professor instructed me to tell you guys. Quickly assist Seaman in assimilating into the party and help him out with the warmhearted man milestone. Of course everything should follow the regulations.”
Sheyan returned a smile to everyone.
After Fanu left, Gale dragged the three new additions aside and started chatting with them. The golden spectacles male, Felix, walked over to Sheyan with a beaming smile.
“Hi Seaman, welcome to the Symbiosis sect. The planning for the warmhearted man milestone is undertaken by me, what is your current progress?”
Sheyan unfolded his hands.
“I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. Currently, I haven’t even taken the first step.”
Felix nodded.
“I understand. I need to explain something to you. When you enjoy the benefits of the party, this doesn’t mean that you receive aid without any requirements. When you receive a member’s help, you will also had to aid them in something. However, if you aren’t able to provide any assistance, then you will have to assist them financially, if you get what i mean.”
Sheyan nodded his head.
“I understand fully.”
The golden spectacled Felix flicked his fingers as a mini laptop appeared. A ppt. file was then presented to Sheyan as Felix explained.
“To complete the milestone ‘Warmhearted man’, you must complete the final mission of: Eeylops owl emporium / Gringotts manager / Magic sports shop (the shop that sells Nimbus2000) / Borgin & Burkes magic shop. These shops will not instantly offer the final mission upfront, you must progress incrementally and earn the trust of the 4 bosses. According to our statistics, from beginning to the end, the entre milestone requires 23 missions to be fulfilled.”
After Sheyan head that, he felt a sense of helplessness. Felix was extremely satisfied with his reaction as he smiled slightly.
“Amongst those 23 missions, 6 of them requires one to personally deliver items. We’ve already added up the most optimal and efficient route there. Currently, two of our counterparts have accomplished it, you can invite them to escort you with 500 utility points.”
“Ok, no problem.”
“Amongst the rest, 4 missions are procuring missions and the fastest method to obtain those items have already been determined. Currently there are 4 members handling this mission type, under normal circumstances, 1 member will handle one mission and straight up collect the essential item the rest needs at the same time. (For example, if the boss requires one bottle of beer, Sheyan will instead gather 4 bottles for the other members. Of course, the other members will help him collect their respective mission object). You can join up with them, and use utility points to purchase the mission objects they have. Of course, you can also request the member with the highest charm to help you purchase, but this will also require an amount of utility point fees.”
“There are nine killing/gathering missions. Their contents include slaying magic creatures and gathering their fur, harvesting the creature’s souls, stealing the creature’s excrement etc. The suggested way is to gather a team which will reduce the amount of work needed. If you need any strong party members to assist you, I can recommend them for free but you will still need to pay a certain fee to obtain their aid.”
“For the final 4 missions, two missions require mission objects which can be bought for a high price in the black market. The remaining two have to be personally completed, and outsiders are unable to interfere.”
“Therefore Seaman, according to our calculations, to completely all the prerequisite missions, you will have to prepare at least 4700 utility points. If everything goes smoothly, you will take at least 5 days before receiving the final mission. One important point to take note is that only by completing all 23 missions, or you will be unable to obtain any benefits on the way. Ok, If you understand everything I still have a last question. Amongst the 4 shops, which is the shop that you feel you will be the best in communicating with?”
Not sure why, but when Sheyan thought of that strange sensation he had nearby Gringotts, he instantly murmured out.
“Gringotts……”
When Sheyan coughed out that word, the surrounding contestants leaked out a relieved and happy expression on their faces. Sheyan caught onto this point, he instant regretted and wanted to give himself a tight slap! However, it was impossible to swallow back his words after speaking out, thus he maintained his steady expression.
“Ok.” Felix smiled. “I admit your reply really solves a huge headache I have.”
Apart from that…” The golden spectacled Felix smiled widely. “I have the highest charm within our party, if you need me, please don’t stand on ceremony.”
Sheyan nodded as he extended his hands.
“Pleasure to work with you.”
With the aid of the party, Sheyan managed to complete the first few missions swiftly. From 6 in the afternoon till 10 at night, out of the 23 missions only 10 were left. But according to them, this was merely the beginning, the real test had yet to arrive. Very quickly, Sheyan finally realized what this ‘real test’ was all about. Because formerly, all his interactions involved ordinary folks loitering around Gringotts. Yet now he needed to step into Gringotts.
Gringotts wizarding bank is a goblin start up bank, known to be secured and reliable. They operated 24 hours daily and of course incur additional costs after standard working hours. Sheyan arrived at this Picasso style white construction. Their massive bronze door was glistening under the illumination of the surrounding lights. Two goblin security guards wearing a scarlet gold uniform stood menacingly by the doors.
They had a pair of pointy long ears, large nose and green skin. Tying up their brushy hair and raised their broad thick lips as though giving off a sinister smile. Their height didn’t even reach 1 metre, and this height was unable to produce any threat to any matured individuals.
After pondering a moment, Sheyan then started ascending the flight of stairs up to Gringotts wizarding bank. Instead he was obstructed as the goblin on his left flashed a grotesque smile at him. Using a queer unctuous tone.
“Hey friend, you cannot enter just like that.”
An ominous premonition started to well up in his heart.
“Then how should I enter?”
This security guard remained silent. Sheyan started at its sinister smile, his heart stirred as he drew out a 5 pound note.
“Now can I enter?”
The left goblin moved to the side, yet the right one suddenly stood forward and obstructed him. Sheyan now understood why the other members were not willing to take on Gringotts. Jesus! If given a second chance, Sheyan would never have mentioned the word ‘Gringotts’.
Sheyan finally passed through the first layer of door, but suddenly a huge silver door appeared in front of him. A warning was carved into the huge door by the goblins of the Gringotts wizarding bank. Profanities or not, those words were carved onto the door with scalding gold, it looked as new as before as though it would never fade with eternity. Sheyan’s only solace was that this silver door had no security guards, this meant that he was able to preserve his precious 10 pounds.
Sheyan carefully inspected the place, only after confirming that he wouldn’t be charged any extra fees did he pass through the silver door. He stepped into a spacious marble hall. The hall was laced with over 10 bulky and rough marble chairs, which looked extremely exorbitant. A pair of eyes occasionally appeared on the pillars, sneakily sweeping the area before vanishing. This should be the surveillance mechanism, catching any unlawful behaviour.
Dozens of goblins sat behind the sales counter made with beech wood, waiting for customers. Because there weren’t many customers now, some were munching on crackers shaped like small animals. Some were examining the blemishes on the marble with their magnifying glass, and the bored ones were mindlessly pressing the mini weighing scales in front of them with their fingers. There was an unexplainable shrewdness within the eyes of these little stubby green creatures.
Sheyan’s main goal was to find Gringott’s main manager called Infinite Franc. Fortunately, in order to elevate his lofty status, he purposely wore a glaring red suit with green collar and sat at a prominent location. He grew an extremely arrogant beard. Sheyan figured he had to interact a lot with that fellow from here on, and his main issue was his pathetic charm. Thus, he used his ‘insight’ ability on that goblin.
Infinite Franc
Goblin
Height 3 foot 2 inches (0.92 metres), weight 33 kg
Strength ?
Agility ?
Physique ?
Perceptive sensing ?
Charm ?
Intelligence 50 points
Spirit ?
Basic attributes ?
Abilities ?
Description: Goblins are greedy and intelligent creatures. They seek nothing but profits and most are trustworthy. They possess exceptional keen sense regarding business, and would serve anyone who offers them money.
Some talented Goblins may even grasp certain mysterious high level abilities, but will only occasionally use these abilities to protect their personal wealth.
Goblins amongst other species within the nightmare world, are the least likely to be influenced by the basic attribute ‘Charm’. The only thing that can influence their impression and actions is one thing, and that is money.
After viewing this list, Sheyan’s heart surged with a pleasant surprise. This wasn’t all that bad. Other contestant weren’t willing to interact with the goblins not because they were reluctant to part with their money, but because charm wouldn’t influence them and they were unable to obtain any benefits. But to Sheyan who was vastly ‘crippled’ with regards to charm, what relation was there? If it couldn’t work then so be it. The most he had to do was spend more!
“Mr Infinite, pardon for the interruption.” Sheyan walked to the goblin’s front with great manners. Instead, this Mister Infinite completely ignored him.
But Sheyan was prepared.
“This is the recommendation letter given to me by Mr Yisis at the entrance.”
Infinite raised his green eyelids, but continued writing with his goose feather pen.
“Come back the next morning at 7:59 and 6 seconds, oi! For the love of money, anyone who isn’t punctual will never earn the respect of others.”
Then Infinit straightforwardly flung the recommendation letter into the paper basket right in front of Sheyan. Sheyan sighed helplessly, however he immediately thought of the pleasant scene of others with high charm being served the same shit attitude. He immediately felt rather good and his spirits were rejuvenated instantly. Thus he immediately took out another sealed ‘Recommendation letter’ that he prepared beforehand.
“Time is money Mr Infinite, that is what I always believe in. Regarding myself disturbing your time, I’m willing to compensate for my behavior.”
“Compensate?” After hearing this word, Infinite’s two pointed ears immediately jolted up. Sheyan could clearly see the hair on his ears standing up one by one.
“Yes, this is my most sincere compensation.” Sheyan delivered a 10 pound note upfront.
Mr Infinite’s face finally showed a slight interest, but he continued with his own things in silence. Sheyan gritted his teeth and drew out another 50 pound note and offered it. (Note: 50 pound was the biggest monetary denomination at the time, it was like China’s biggest currency was a 100 Yuan note)
This brought instant results. Infinite immediately smile widely as he stood up and and poured water into a paper cup. Although Sheyan was a little thirsty, but thinking of the polluted water inside that probably was shared with dozens of others, he politely declined. Yet in his heart he couldn’t resist being slightly proud of himself. This 31 points buffalo of physique is finally receiving the same treatment as a 31 points charmer!
“Time is money my friend! Your word describes my heart! Since we have such an amicable relationship now, then I don’t mind being frank. Recently, something happened that left me hard pressed, my skin is fading!”
Until here, Infinite brandished both arms emotionally.
“Heavens. I swear on money, I’ve never experienced such a thing. Since my youth till adulthood, my skin has always emitted the healthiest of green. My dearest Marsha was mesmerized because of my skin. But now, my skin is starting to show obvious signs of fading. Previously those who looked on with envy and jealousness, and even my affair partners will distance themselves from me! Therefore I recently endured and paid 30 shillings to my father to ask about this problem……”
Speaking till here, the respected Mr Infinite swept around with his eyes. He then lowered his voice.
“He told me the liver of a healthy centaur may be of use. But it definitely has to be fresh, fresh! The kind where the warm blood hasn’t started coagulating!”
Coincidentally, while wandering around in the afternoon Sheyan had came across a presentation on centaurs. There were certain restrictions, and he immediately awkwardly asked.
“But, Mr Infinite. Although my knowledge is superficial, I’ve heard that centaurs are under the protection of the Ministry of Magic.”
Infinite crept in with his eyes and secretly uttered.
“My friend, the meaning of regulations is breaking them.”
Sheyan recalled the reports supplied by the Symbiosis sect. Probably due to most people not willing to interact with these unethical greedy goblins, therefore the introductory and mission regarding Infinite were the most brief. Up till now, there wasn’t any information or explanation that he recently received. However, Sheyan had always been outstanding in reacting to such emergencies.
“Alright Mr Infinite, based on our current friendship , I will certainly help you. But for the love of money, you cannot possibly ask me to find such a creature in the entire Great Britain myself. Apart from that, in order for your skin to regain that mesmerizing lustre, I should at least be supplied with some information on that creature right.”
Infinite smiled with his thick lips, he was glad to see someone actually considering for his own benefits. However, he started rubbing his left index finger and thumb together. Sheyan cursed in his heart, he knew without parting with the kid he would never entice the wolf. He then stuffed the rest of his remaining pounds into the goblin’s hand. Anyway other party members would definitely be willing to exchange pounds for utility points.
Undoubtedly, Sheyan’s actions once again earned positive reaction from Infinite. This creature that completely disregarded ‘charm’ even proactively dragged a chair in for Sheyan to sit. His face was smiling so splendidly like a flower bloomed on it. Lowering his voice even further he continued.
“At Knockturn alley, number thirteenth. You will definitely find what you need. They will ask you for a passcode, just reply ‘glimmering gold’, and you’ll be fine.”
Knockturn alley? Sheyan was bound to go there, because one of the 4 main shops to complete the ‘warmhearted man’ milestone was located there. Borgin & Burkers magic shop. That was the place where dark wizards roam about, withering head, enormous black widows, snakes, withering hands and bones were common merchandise sold there. However, it was filled with huge amounts of shoddy quality goods and counterfeits. Rumour has it that an unfortunate kid in the party spent a huge amount on a wand that could enhance his power by 100%, but it was actually an ordinary baton……
Yet Sheyan recalled clearly that the number 13 was a taboo to Europeans. Therefore even Knockturn alley such a place filled with dark wizards didn’t possess any thirteenth building. But looking at Infinite’s expression, he was extremely sure. Furthermore Goblins were world renowned for their greed, but also their credibility when it regards to matters concerning money. Thus after walking out of Gringotts, Sheyan instantly rushed to Knockturn alley.
Knockturn alley was extremely peaceful during the day, but even more deserted when night falls. Only a few isolated and fim lamppost illuminated the shady area. Adding on the occasional whimpers and crowing, it felt just like a cemetery. Sheyan had always been bold, but he couldn’t help turning nervous when he arrived here. In this world, it was a fact that spirits and souls were an existence in this world. He finally reached the end of knockturn alley with an emotionless face, he could only see shop number twelve selling tribal objects. At present, its door was shut tightly, and on it was a skeletal hand with a signboard ‘Closed’ swaying by its finger. Beside it was a piece of flat land, where was that number thirteenth?
Sheyan was currently pondering, but suddenly a person appeared from the empty space! Light even leaked from behind, and he could roughly hear certain chattering. This person cautiously took a few steps forward, but suddenly smiled.
“Seaman, you’ve came here too.”
Sheyan used his hand to block the light, he too offered a smile.
”
“Hey, Jack! What a coincidence.”
Shockingly, he was the person whom Sheyan met when he first entered the nightmare realm, beardy, ‘Jack the Ripper’. He walked out with a face full of delight, obviously he had just earned several benefits. Sheyan was also in a hurry to uncover the mystery of this Knockturn alley no.13. He offered a quick greeting and rushed up, discovering the secret involved.
Actually this empty space seemed like a desolate ruin on the surface, but actually a concealed valve was located on it. By bending down and pulling it, it will reveal a channel downwards. This channel revealed a strand of light. Probably in the daytime, a certain magical illusion will be placed on the exterior and only be released at night. Thus it was extremely hidden.
Sheyan followed the stairs down, and a warm alcoholic smell welcomed him, it even contained traces of blood stench and leather. Ahead was a noisy large hall that was split into two by a horizontal iron fence. The side where the iron fence was protecting was a long sales counter, it looked similar to a modern day bank. Inside sat barbaric males who wore leather, and all of them seemed to have some sort of disability. The decorations within the hall were knives, swords, cracked shields, and even a severed ox head and deer skull could be seen.
The hall’s signpost was crafted like an ox head, the words written on it were pretty queer.
“London core meat joint venture, Knockturn alley branch”
There was also tiny imprints: “Supplement various rare leather, fresh organs, young animals, eggs.”
Looking at that, Sheyan finally understood. This place should be the organizations for those poachers. Such a grey industry even operated within the magic world, their supply chains were vastly interconnected, and it probably covered the entire magic world long ago.
For example, the righteous representative Dumbledore, his sorcery materials he used for casting spells, wasn’t there at least one illegal item? Did Hagrid obtain his dragon egg honestly? Even the little Harry potter’s pet owl, Hedwig, it couldn’t have possibly escape from a farm itself. Even the rarest core type wands had a phoenix feather as its core. Furthermore the materials to craft wands even contained dragon’s heart, Veela hair, tail hair of unicorns and Thestrals etc. It would be hard to comprehend that these creatures would proactively send in their vital parts to further the powers and abilities of wizards…….
Sheyan was immediately obstructed by a large brute who had a face that seemed to have braved many hardships. A profound scar could be seen extended across his neck, his words carried a strand of threat.
“Password sir. If not please turn 180 degrees and leave or we will make you leave.”
“Glimmering gold.” Sheyan smiled. That brute immediately changed to a peculiar expression, like a famished person absorbing totally into a delicious feast but suddenly realized he had choked on a housefly. Obviously Mr Infinit had left left a good impression here. Still that brute opened the way, unhappily pointing towards a vacant window space.
Sheyan walked up and sat down on a old footstool. He directly started.
“I need information on centaurs. Best if it includes attacking methods, weakness, distribution locations.”
The person behind the iron fence gasped. He couldn’t help but examine Sheyan, swiftly examining Sheyan’s build as his words nimbly followed up.
“Although this might be a little rude, but if you do not possess adequate capabilities, finding a centaur would be equivalent to offering them a free meal.”
Sheyan laughed and replied.
“Trust me, I haven’t gotten sick of living yet.”
The person inside didn’t bother saying much.
“30 pounds, and you’ll get what you want.”
Sheyan sighed. He was currently left with the 50 magic pounds that he stole from Qiao Gun, but these could be exchanged for utility points. He couldn’t just say he was bankrupt, so he just offered up that note.
The person handed him a mini book along with the change. Sheyan scrolled through and started memorizing the information about centaurs.
Centaurs
Species: Half human
Height: 2 – 3 metres
Features: Human head, torso and 4 limbs similar to a horse. Different variety of horse color.
Diet: Purple Alfalfa, roast meat
(TN: alfalfa is a type of flower)
Nature: Centaurs are intelligent, and can understand human language but carry a strong contempt towards humans. Once attacked by humans, it will demonstrate very intense retaliation.
Human relation: White/brown centaurs are more amicable towards humans, they will not initiate interactions nor will it attack humans. Few black/grey centaurs harbour hostility towards humans, they may occasionally attack humans on their own. Many missing mountain climbers and backpackers were assaulted by black centaurs.
Lifestyle: They travel in a pack of 10 – 50. However, a centaur is an omnivorous creature, it may leave the pack to go hunting.
Ability: Under normal situations, brown/white centaurs are proficient in magic, magic treatment, divination and astronomy. Black/grey centaurs are outstanding with the lance, and can display several basic treatment and witchcraft but are not proficient in it.
Weakness: Centaurs do not have high intelligence (Low MP), therefore prolonged battles do not suit them. Under normal situations, centaurs would only carry 3 – 5 lances. Once their lances are expanded, they they would sink into an awkward predicament of empty handed.
Important point: Centaur’s front and back hoofs contain immense power, their kick is extremely mighty. Thus it is best to mount a side attack. Centaurs are smart, once they realize they are unable to fight they will flee. If possible, first attack its legs to remove its mobility.
Distribution location: Glasgow / Yorkshire (black/grey centaurs)
Distribution locations: Tai He valley / Orkney / Forbidden forest (Brown/white centaurs)
Seeing this list of information, Sheyan had a firm resolution in his heart. When he was about to leave, that huge brute once again blocked his path.
“Since your password is ‘Glimmering gold’, then you should have been recommended by that stingy green shorty?”
Sheyan helplessly shrugged his shoulders, and smiled bitterly.
“I still have matters with Mr Infinite.”
That brute used a mocking tone.
“Since you’re willing to pay, then he probably welcomed you happily. Let’s cut the crap, what did that goblin ask you to do?”
Sheyan slightly hesitated, but he reckoned this brute was able to gather information from his own people. Thus, without hiding anything he replied.
“He needs a centaur’s liver.”
“This fool.” That brute spat onto the floor. “I won’t hide from you. Our organization is in urgent need of centaur leather. If you can bring in some, we will definitely purchase with a high price. What do you think?”
Sheyan’s heart stirred, and then turned delighted. Actually interacting with the goblin would incur heavy financial losses, but similarly provided a compensating opportunity. He immediately asked.
“What price?”
The brute replied.
“I’m John. If you return back alive with centaur leather, you can straightforwardly find me to sell it. White/brown centaur leather is the most expensive, every piece sells for 400 pounds. Black/grey centaur leather is cheaper, 200 pounds for each.”
Sheyan nodded and walked out. He then turned his head to face the brute.
“If I was you, I’d begin raising the adequate cash.”
John laughed out loud but didn’t continue replying.
After leaving this building thirteen, he once again went to look for Infinite. Since he found a new livelihood, that remaining 20 pounds didn’t matter to him anymore. This time’s return, was to find this well-informed goblin and make his time more efficient. Because centaurs are located in remote regions, if Sheyan were to travel he would take 2-3 days and he still had to complete the remaining missions. Therefore, if he could travel through the fireplace using Floo powder, that would be the best choice.
This time, Infinite was extremely delighted to accede to Sheyan’s request. This wasn’t because he had a special relation with Sheyan now, but more so of the use of that 20 magic pounds. Furthermore, Sheyan could also use that Floo powder to return and this saved him a great amount of time.
Infinite dispatched a house-elf to follow Sheyan to assist him in familiarizing with the place, but it obviously couldn’t help in battle. This showcased the true essence of a wealthy goblin. Although Sheyan was relatively tired, he still instantly travelled to Yorkshire using floo powder.
Yes, Sheyan’s destination was Yorkshire and not the forbidden forest, because he was a person that deeply understood his own strength. Currently, Sheyan was able to rise so quickly, his innate ability endurance was indispensable. However, it would be powerless against magic or witchcraft.
Even though white/brown centaur leathers were more valuable, they were professionals in magic and may even have some powerful wizards as their friends. Needless to say, just based on being proficient in divination and astrology was already a huge problem. Sheyan was completely helpless when faced with an opponent who was able to predict the future through the stars and magic. Therefore, Sheyan did not rank the benefits as top priority. He was instantly fixated on the black/grey centaurs as his target. Most of the time, Sheyan’s considerations were based on safety and his confidence level.
After reaching Yorkshire, under the lead of the house-elf, Sheyan came near the site of the reported activities of the centaurs. He casually captured a few small animals and roasted them. Filling himself and trying to see if he could lure out a centaur at the same time. But instead he was disappointed.
Fortunately, Sheyan had immense patience. After deliberating, he allowed the house-elf to lead the way as they walked along the depression of the mountain. Centaurs are mobile creatures, water is essential to them. Therefore, by walking along the depression of the mountain range, they were bound to find a water source. Sure enough, Sheyan found clear hoofprints along the side of a small lake within the mountain depression. However, these hoofprints were linked together closely, one could instantly tell it was a huge pack. Sheyan reckoned that if he faced a black/grey centaur alone, there was a chance of victory. However if he were to come across two terrifying centaurs that had speed doubled of his, then even fleeing was out of the question.
But since he was determined to hunt a centaur, Sheyan had already made certain preparations. Since centaurs were a species that had human characteristics, then it was simple. He simply had to deal with them like how he dealt with humans. When would a person leave his group on his own accord? That was when they discovered certain benefits and were not willing to share them with the rest. Besides, based on the information report, undoubtedly ‘Purple Alfalfa’ and ‘roast meat’ would be his breakthrough essentials.
Alfalfas are a form of pastures that horses, cows, pigs, goose etc love. Around the mountain area, most of the purple alfalfas had already been eaten by the centaurs. However, to find them from another area wasn’t difficult. For example, the fireplace Sheyan used, there was a pasture of purple alfalfas at the backyard. Utilizing his house-elf, Sheyan did not expend much effort to gather a bunch of alfalfas, and spray pesticide onto them. Then he sprinkled the alfalfas around the water source. Following that, he purposely set up a small camp with the home-elf, and created a tiny bonfire before eliminating the flames. He then casually set up several clumsy snares, and proceeded to leave this mountain district to find a safe place to nap.
Sheyan doing all this was purely just a facade. He understood that the manner of setting up was extremely unprofessional. To a centaur who spent long periods inside the forest, this was simply child’s play and would be easily seen through. But that was basically his motive.
To these centaurs who were hailed as conquerors of the forest, once they discovered the existence of poachers who adopted such clumsy methods to try and harm them. What would their reaction be? Even if they didn’t stomp in fury, there would still be extremely agitated and would want to educate these ‘idiots’ they were not to be trifled with. Moreover, Sheyan paced to and fro around the mountain trails 2-3 times, and such aimless trails to the centaurs, were extremely perplexing.
According to their habits, animals normally find water in the daytime or evening. Centaurs were similarly considered mobile creatures, and would probably possess that habit. Therefore, the biggest possibility was during the morning run for water, they would have discovered Sheyan’s discarded poison alfalfas, and furiously dispersed to find him.
Based on Sheyan’s estimation and the report he grasped, such explosive fit of anger would only last for 3 hours before the centaur’s patience wore off. Then they will once again return to their nest to rest, drink or eat. However, there will be a small batch of centaurs who had slightly broader patience and would continue searching for roughly half an hour before returning. This was akin to a beehive, after half a day of searching for nectar, most bees would return but there will always be a lone bee flying around.
Sheyan’s target rested on the centaurs who were more patient!
The morning air was extremely fresh, beetles were dancing around the fluttering dried leaves. The birds seemed like they were still sleepy and were unwilling to chirp. Sheyan’s entire body was covered with twigs, his disguise was pretty average. After having a good rest, his mind was refreshed as he quietly crept back to the district of centaur activities. He moved cautiously, under the cover of the trees as he constantly observed his surroundings.
Not long after entering the mountain district, Sheyan discovered fresh hoofprints on the lakeside. He knew his plan had succeeded, and his heart celebrated a little. The terrain here was not precipitous, mainly comprising of 100 metre tall hills and valleys. Vegetation was dense, the trees were mostly beech, Dilleniidae, pine trees, rubber trees etc. Shrubs and floral species had more variety. Clematis montana, convolvulus, bell flowers, snow flowers, phanera variegata were species that were commonly seen.
Because of reports of black/grey centaurs attacking people, this led to rare human activities here. Therefore, the pathways were all vegetation and not wide spaces. If Sheyan did not possess a contestant’s physique, he would certainly have a rough time. Also, if he didn’t have the aid of the house-elf, then movement would be less swift and less convenient.
However, Infinite was really a greedy swine, his so called ‘borrowed’ house-elf was originally serving him. He rented only the elf to Sheyan for 3 hours, any additional hours would incur a 1 pound fee! But in such a harsh unfamiliar environment, leaving this house-elf was really difficult.
While pondering, Sheyan suddenly felt a chill across his left shoulder, as though a icy slab slid past! Sheyan wasn’t a stranger to such a feeling, it was the warning from his perceptive sensing! He immediately ducked and leapt to the side, but his vision capture a black shadow flying in through the branches and leaves. It was like a blood-thirsty black snake, disintegrating any branches or flowers in its path. That pointed end of the shadow spelled tragedy, as he devoured the air towards Sheyan!
Black Centaur
Lance thrust!
Although his agility wasn’t high, he was fortunate to have raised his advance ability expert grappling to lvl2. This was in addition to his perceptive sensing at least providing him with 0.5 seconds of forewarning! Therefore Sheyan managed to dodge, and rolled to the side before standing up. His clothes and even his head were covered with mud and twigs, making him look extremely sorry.
Yet Sheyan wasn’t spared any breathing space. Through the wild splattering of twigs and leaves, another terribly ruthless lance surged forward. Sheyan could even smell a fishy stench coming from the tip of the lance! The lance was extremely stable and accurate, and gave off an illusion of distorting the air. But Sheyan could deduce now that for some unknown reason, when the lance was released, its temperature would raise rapidly which cause the air to have a refracted appearance! This couldn’t be describe by throwing tactics, this was a category of witchcraft!
Against the incoming ruthless lance, Sheyan was completely unable to dodge. But he had already prepared himself during the initial ambush. While rolling away, he slapped against his shoe. 5 short but sharp needles were stuck to the top of his shoe, therefore it was extremely threatening when used to kick others. But this time, Sheyan slapped onto and similarly receive 5 tiny values of damage. Instead, it activated his accessory: Obsidian fossil anchor to the maximum and ensured Sheyan was able to receive the enemy at the optimum condition!
The lance thrusted towards his chest. At present, a crow black hatchet had already appeared in Sheyan’s hands, blocking his front! If Sheyan didn’t dodge the first lance, and wasn’t prepared defensively against the second, he should have died in the realm already!
As the lance crashed against the black hatchet, sparks burst forth and even a creamy black liquid sprayed out and sprayed onto Sheyan’s skin. It carried an unfathomable stench and a burning sensation. Furthermore, the lance carried an immense strength completely overwhelming Sheyan’s 13 points of strength. The lance continued forward, pushing the hatchet as it heavily crashed against Sheyan’s chest.
Sheyan was half-kneeling at the moment. After receiving such an impact, his vision turned black his the webbing between his thumb and index finger was split apart with blood flowing out. Even the air was forced out of his chest giving rise to a suffocating feeling. Obviously, the enemy’s strength vastly outweighed Sheyan’s. Fortunately, a third lance wasn’t shot over, if not he was bound to suffer serious damages.
At present, loud rustling against the shrubs could be heard from the forest. Suddenly an enormous black centaur leapt out. The bottom half of the centaur resembled a vigorous and sturdy horse, but muscular body extended out from the ‘horse’s head’. An elongated black mane grew out from its back, and slanted down from its spine, like a black flame fluttering in the wind. Wooden decorations, vines and engravings hung from its body, and the most striking one was 3 deathly white human skulls hanging around its waist.
The centaur had 4 thick and robust legs, and had a layer of smooth black hair covering its surface. It looked like a smooth and greasy transparent layer. The outline of the muscles swelled completely brimming with energy and vigor. His face was covered with thick facial hair, even reaching out to his features. The edges of his nostrils were moist and filled with creases. The only distinction was the centaur’s eyes. It was colored with a strange red, if one were to compare, it was like the bloodshot eyes of a death row convict being hung, brimming with a relentless cruelty.
“Filthy human! I could smell your disgusting odour from 3 thousand poles away(Centaur’s measurement, 1 pole is roughly 0.3 metres). In god Sumen’s name, I will tear your guts out and strangle you with it. Only then your sin of contaminating the purple alfalfa will be cleansed.”
Sheyan treated his words like a fart, his gaze landed on the centaur’s waist. There were 3 clear suspending hooks, and two of them were empty. The last one hung a black lance. This lance was rough on the surface, as though covered with a layer of transparent fat. The incisive pointy tip was soaked with a black liquid, as drips of it fell to the ground.
Sheyan activated his insight ability. His eyes flashed, naturally his perceptive sensing outdid his savage creature. The attributes of the creature instantly appeared.
Hertz Ruhr. Shuin
Species: Centaur
Status: Kekaer centaur clan, Vice chief
Height 7 foot 2 inches (2.15 metres), Weight 183 kg
Strength: 22 points
Agility: 12 points
Physique: 6 points
Perceptive sensing: 10 points
Charm: 10 points
Intelligence: 9 points
Spirit: 8 points
1
Basic close combat lvl3, Basic far range combat lvl3, basic prayer lvl1, basic meditation lvl1
Special individual ability: Black venom lvl2, Hertz Ruhr. Shuin has grasped several simple witchcraft techniques which combine with certain plants to form a new venom. It will then smear the black poison onto its weapon. An attack that successfully lands on the opponent, will create an debuff lasting 15 seconds. Sustaining 12 – 27 points of poison damage(Subjective to opponent’s resistance) every 3 seconds.
Warning: Every pulse of black venom may result in a critical damage!
Special individual ability: Lance slaughterer technique. Hertz Ruhr is brave and fierce by nature, he doesn’t use bow and arrows. Instead he uses long lances to attack his enemy. When he sees the enemy, he will hurl his lance and deal additional damage, damage depends on the difference in strength. When nearby, he would use the lance to start a carnage against his enemy, and will not be fearful like other centaurs.
Special individual ability: Bloodrite, Witchcraft. Able to sacrifice his own life essence (Life span) to rapidly regenerate his HP. Highest amount of regeneration: 25% of his HP.
Centaur special ability: Swift gallop. Able to maintain regular speeds in most terrains.
Centaur special ability: Cast. Centaurs are expert hunters. Even without bows and arrow or spears, they can pick up rocks and attack the enemy from far range. Of course the attack effectiveness will greatly reduced.
Centaur special ability: Vigor lvl3. Grants additional 1200 HP.
Meeting this centaur ‘Hertz Ruhr. Shuin’ Sheyan could not tell if his luck was good or bad. His first encounter was straight up a boss class. But after viewing this centaur’s attributes he was relatively determined, because although his strength was high, his physique was the weakest. Adding both, it only amounted to 28 points. It wasn’t even higher than his own physique. Primarily, this meant that even with his 22 points of strength, he wouldn’t be able to deal that sick ‘crushing’ damage to Sheyan.
Secondly was his resistance bonus. Once the enemy’s combination of strength and physique exceeds him, then there will be a resisting action and carries 10 – 15% of success. If the enemy’s combination of strength and physique is lower than his, then the success rate increases to beyond 50%! Of course, resistance bonus will only lessen the damage. A case where the enemy’s attack was completely resisted is rarely seen.
At present, the sunlight was penetrated the mountain fog and shone onto them. Under the intense glare of the sun, the fiendish Hertz Ruhr trampled onto the ground as the broken vegetation puffed up into the air. The ground was slightly shaking as the enormous centaur roared out loudly before drawing out that lance and swept across!
That was Hertz Ruhr’s individual ability!
Lance slaughterer techinique!
Sheyan swung his hatchet in retaliation. “Boom!” As he received the attack and was recoiled 3-4 steps back. Yet he still lost close to 40 HP. One could tell how powerful that attack was. Instead, Sheyan couldn’t help but feeling that the attack was only so so, after experiencing the astounding 35 points of freakish strength the troll had. This current degree of damage no longer caused Sheyan’s heart to suffer any pressure.
In actual fact, Sheyan was really devastated after the battle against the troll. He was deeply traumatized, and even thought about getting a shield to use in the future. If not for using a shield requires him to learn the relevant shield grasping ability, or it would only exhibit 80 – 90% of the effectiveness, Sheyan reckoned that he should really purchase one at all cost after returning to the nightmare realm.
Hertz Ruhr fanatically waved his lance, cutting through the wind in curves. It was like a gigantic snake trying to engulf its prey. The lance shuddered as it buzzed through the air. The malicious pointy tip produced a silent screaming and distorted ghastly illusion, attempting to threaten its weaker opponent.
Sheyan remained emotionless, holding firmly onto his hatchet. His left arm sustained a scratch as the wound turned black and started to fester. But his defence deriving from his 31 points of physique could already be hailed as outstanding in this world’s difficulty. Very quickly, the wound vanished. But still his HP continued to decline as it swiftly plunged to 200 points.
Probably because Herz Ruhr could feel that Sheyan could repeatedly successfully resist against his attacks, therefore in his rage he attempted to quicken up his attack speed. His broad rough hands tightly clutched onto his long lance as he waved violently, producing several agile shadows. His poisonous and vile weapon produced miserable shrills, as though thirsty for its prey’s life and the taste of fresh blood.
Under the flurry of lance attacks, Sheyan didn’t retreat but instead advanced. Suddenly, a loud clank resounded followed by a crow black hatchet shooting out of the deadlock and heavily chopping against the waist of the enormous beast. The hatchet was originally good for hacking, after this hatchet dove in, even the enormous Hertz Ruhr with his immense body lost his balance as his 4 legs stumbled down half an inch.The Centaur’s defence wasn’t high to begin with, that hatchet managed to hacked out a huge chunk of flesh as blood spurted out, as though even his intestines were about to spill out.
Truthfully speaking, centaurs were a species that had really low physique. Their life points were roughly similar to the terminator. The only difference was that they could engage in both far and close range battles, and even utilized witchcraft or magic. They also were not affected by the terrain and could even pass through mountain ridges with the speed of a motorbike. If their defence and life points were high, then this class of legendary creature would certainly be unstoppable……
Even after receiving such a fatal blow, Hertz Ruhr seized this great opportunity. Roaring out loud, he raised his lance and thrusted at Sheyan. Sheyan was late to pull back his hatchet as he could only parry the lance half an inch to the side, as the lance deeply pierced into his abdomen!
This savage spearing was extremely accurate and lethal. Sheyan’s 200 HP instantly plunged to nearing 100 HP after receiving the lance! Furthermore, the attack resulted in blood loss and poisoned effect. Seeing his attack landing, Herz Ruhr rejoiced and got careless. Unfortunately, he had not witnessed how Sheyan dealt with that vampire Edward. If not, he would certainly be more cautious.
Sheyan straightforwardly grabbed onto that spear.
On his left hand, a familiar black barrel steadily took aim!
Its murderous intent flooded in like a torrential tide, overflowing!
That black barrel seemed like it was sucking in all essence of life, and transforming into death!
“Boom!” Hertz Ruhr could only feel his front legs receiving an incomparably immense force before feeling a searing pain and then emptiness! Unable to tolerate, he cried out in pain and loosened the lance!
Ambition, this musket originating from the caribbean sea, once again displayed its menacing might it used to rise up as one of Davy Jones’ treasure!
“Your weapon: Ambition dealt 140 points of damage to Hertz Ruhr.Shuin.”
“Musket weapon ability: Ready activated. Current bonus explosive strike probability: 50%”
“Your weapon: Ambition attack is an explosive strike!”
“‘Ready’ explosive strike bonus damage increases from 200% to 250%.”
“Your total damage dealt is: 140 x 250% = 350 points!”
“You successfully shot Hertz Ruhr’s left front leg. Your weapon: Ambition dealt 328 actual points of damage after factoring defence!”
“Your damage dealt to Hertz Ruhr’s left front leg exceeds his HP by 1/6 , resulting in a crippling effect!”
A blood dripping massive front leg knocked against the tree behind and ricochet back as it landed into the moist earth and soft moss. An ant fled in horror but was attracted by the blood stench. Ignoring this warm and convulsing long leg, it started to happily taste it and return to gather its friends for a huge feast……
“Your severed hertz Ruhr’s front left leg!”
“Your bullet is lodged into Hertz Ruhr’s body, resulting in a blood loss effect and subsequent damage!”
After releasing that shot, Sheyan immediately borrowed the recoil and rolled backwards. He then exerted strength and pulled out the lance and tossed it away. Blood gushed out from his abdomen as Sheyan quickly tore his clothes and wrapped his wound.
Sheyan’s HP rapidly drained away under the effects of the blood loss and poison. Yet Sheyan focused on miserable Hertz Ruhr neighing in agony. He smiled sinisterly as he fished out a twinkling stainless steel cup. Drinking a mouthful as it restored 25 HP. After Sheyan waited for his condition to stabilized, he was still left with 60 HP. Complementing his excelling 15 points defence, his survivability was indeed flourishing as compared to an ordinary contestant.
On the contrary, Ruhr was in a far worse state. Not only was his left front leg blown apart, the poisonous lead bullet was even lodged in his body. Even his only weapon was gone, it could be described as a complete reversal. But it was still a vicious and untamed beast by nature. After recovering from the painful shock, still collapsed on the ground, he started waving his arms and roared in anger. He even picked up rocks and started throwing at Sheyan. This sort of attack could be threatening to long distance combatants like Diaz. But Sheyan who had the ‘endurance’ innate ability, it only dealt 1 point in damage, it was like tickling him.
After gaining the absolute superiority, Sheyan heaved a sigh of relief. The reason why he had no choice but to bait himself to use Ambition was simple. He hadn’t even grasped long distance combat lvl1, who knew what his accuracy was. Furthermore, he wasn’t talented in shooting to begin with, regarding Ambition a weapon that had a minute long duration, once he missed his opponent would turn to be on guard. More importantly, that 50% explosive strike bonus, special musket weapon ability: Ready would be totally wasted!
Under the circumstance that he had to land the bullet no matter what, Sheyan could lure the enemy in and sacrifice himself to injure the enemy. That was the only way he could create an opportunity to open fire at the enemy!
In actual fact, Sheyan also wished he could slay his enemies from afar, and blow away the spiralling smoke from his gun as his dashing coat fluttered against the wind. Then confidently walking down to retrieve his loots. But the cruel reality was that when Sheyan obtained his ‘endurance’ innate ability, he similarly lost the capabilities for long distance combat. Thus, he could only operate Ambition as a close combat weapon…. Citing an example, if Diaz was able to possess the frightening weapon Ambition, then he would be able to bring out the potential of it by two folds!
Casting pearls before a swine/ possessing what is not meant to be yours…..
Facing this Hertz Ruhr who had already lost 80% of his mobility, Sheyan’s following assaults were relatively easy. He strictly followed the report, and maintained his positioning at the side of the centaur. When the opportunity arrived, he would carefully hack at the centaur. Until the minute long cool down of ‘Ambition’ finished, he once again opened fire. Although there wasn’t a explosive strike, its powerful 140 points of damage was still extremely terrifying.
3 minutes later, the valiant centaur Hertz Ruhr finally laid lifelessly in a puddle of blood. It died with a remaining grievance. In its final attempts, he tried to activate his witchcraft bloodrite and make a last effort, but Sheyan was already prepared for this. Once he saw him chanting, without hesitation Sheyan immediately pounced up and chopped at his mouth and even resulted in an explosive strike. Although Sheyan was kicked backwards afterwards as even broke two rib bones, he was still able to endure such an attack. And Hertz Ruhr’s final hopes at survival were utterly destroyed……
After slaying this mighty centaur, Sheyan received a bad news from the nightmare imprint:
“Your reputation has dropped by 300 points amongst all centaurs!”
“Every centaur hostility rate towards you has increased by 2 points.”
Note: Hostility rate refers to if Sheyan and Diaz were standing together, and Diaz shot the centaur, the centaur would surely chase Diaz. However, if Sheyan’s hostility rate was higher, when the centaur sees Sheyan he would immediately change its target and attack Sheyan. Even if Diaz was freely opening fire and stabbing the centaur from the back, he would be ignored.
Picking up Hertz Ruhr’s dropped key, Sheyan was helplessly disappointed. This fella only dropped a dark blue key, it was a huge difference from Sheyan’s expectation of dropping a black key. Actually he couldn’t blame Ruhr but his own expectation was too high. Actually for a small boss, there was indeed a chance of dropping a black key or even a smaller chance of dropping a low grade silver storyline weapon/equipment. But that was only all probability. It couldn’t be that Sheyan’s luck was always thriving and everything would be presented on a silver platter to him.
At present, Sheyan couldn’t spare any time to examine the key contents. Time was of utmost importance. He could not confirm if any other centaurs had discovered movements in this area. Thus swiftly restoring his life points took first priority. Looking at the sorrowful corpse of Ruhr and his furious dying expression, Sheyan’s heart stirred. He quickly called the home-elf to soak his feet with blood and swiftly run off, thus creating a facade that the culprit had fled.
Concurrently, Sheyan surveyed his surroundings before dragging the Ruhr’s corpse to a large tree. This large tree had a dense and thick canopy, Sheyan quickly climbed up before carefully treating himself. He conducted a simple cleaning and stitching. By doing this, although it couldn’t be compared with the instant effects of the medicines in the realm, it could temporarily increase his HP regeneration by 10%. Following that, Sheyan ate a jelly bean from Bertie Botts every flavor bean. Fortunately he didn’t encounter a mucus flavour type of disgusting flavour, and recovered his HP by 15%.
Roughly 50 minutes later, Sheyan’s HP had rejuvenated to above 150 points. A distant galloping sounded from the distant grass as another centaur arrived. When the centaur saw Ruhr’s corpse he was astounded, immediately rushing up to cast a spell. Spots of black glow appeared around his hands, it looked like he was trying to treat him with witchcraft.
Sheyan glanced down at him and activated his insight ability. He discovered this centaur was extremely ordinary, completely incomparable to Ruhr. He did not even possess any individual special abilities had had only 800 plus HP. Sheyan then courageously leapt down and mounted this unlucky centaur. Raising his Butchering bone hatchet he started chopping and hacking away.
This ordinary centaur didn’t possess lance techniques like Ruhrm. Under a surprise ambush, his only specialty in shooting couldn’t even be displayed. His speed wasn’t worth mentioning. He neighed in horror as he bounced about frantically trying to shake off Sheyan. However, Sheyan wrapped his arm tightly around his neck, and ruthlessly unleash ‘Ambition’ right against his head.
This time, Ambition didn’t carry the bonus effect of ‘Ready’. Instead, it similarly produced an explosive strike as the bullet landed against his head! Especially when Sheyan directly utilized Ambition like a close combat weapon, accuracy was irrelevant and even the chances of an explosive strike soared. Instantly blowing off the centaur’s head with one gun! Although this wasn’t enough to end its life unlike the present world, it was enough to send this centaur into a disfunction and near death state! Mournfully groaning as it swayed its head violently and rotated around. Sheyan then seized the chance and furiously assaulted its legs. After a short 3 minutes, this unlucky centaur finally succumbed to Sheyan’s assault.
After picking up the dead centaur’s key, Sheyan once again repeated his actions. Continue to hide himself atop the tree as he lay in wait and ambushed a total of 5 centaurs. Actually, he was fortunate that the centaur had relatively low voices, and thus their cries could not travel far. Furthermore, that house-elf helped to further mask the blood stench, and thus this thin stream flowed forever. (Chinese idiom – work steadily at something little by little)
Apart from the first Hertz Ruhr, the other centaurs were all ordinary. Their strength was average and they didn’t produce any good rewards. Sheyan even nearly exhausted most of his purchased Bernie Botts all flavoured beans. Although he still had the mars bar and chocolate frog, he still wasn’t going to expend all his hidden trump cards here.
While ambushing the centaurs, Sheyan got a slight scare. While finishing of a centaur who still had a tiny amount of HP left, another one rushed over from the side. Fortunately he hadn’t activate Ambition’s ability: Rum and Songs yet, which he did and instantly finished off the injured centaur. If not he really would have to face the dangerous predicament of 1 versus 2. Even if that was so, his HP had dropped to 30 points, and didn’t dare staying on.
Although Sheyan made it seem like hunting centaurs was not difficult, it was not something that others could handle. Because centaurs were proficient in both close and long range combat, and didn’t have terribly low HP, to be able to face up to them singlehandedly required two conditions. One was that he needed to have adequate resistive capabilities. Brittle contestants like Gunmen and wizards would already be struck down half dead by a centaur’s spear or arrow. Secondly, one needed to possess essential explosive strength or abilities. If not the centaur could easily escape. Also it was important to end the battle in a short time to prevent an awkward scenario of 1 vs 2.
These two conditions seemed fairly simple, but to most contestants it was like the difference of heaven and earth! Under the realm’s advocation of party cooperation, it was almost impossible for such a perverted individual like Sheyan to appear.
Citing a simple example. If the Symbiosis sect managed to slay Scarface Harry and the dropped loot was the Obsidian Fossil Anchor that Sheyan was wearing, would the Metals professor want it for himself? Definitely! But would he dare to keep it for himself? No! Because if he did so, all the close combat contestants who held the frontlines would be crushed, and the party would slowly disintegrate. No matter who wanted that object, it was given to someone who would need it the most. Even the commander in chief wouldn’t dare to snatch it for himself.
On the contrary, if they obtained ‘Ambition’ such a mighty black grade weapon. Obviously all the close combat contestants would want to possess it. But in doing so, those far range combatants with high agility would start a riot which would already be going against the regulations of a party. To survive in this world, nobody would be foolish enough to go against the regulations, which would then cause the entire party to fall apart!
When Sheyan limped out of this hillside area, it was close to noon time. Moreover from the distant hills, the greenery was vibrating and the air carried fuming roars of the centaurs. When Sheyan decided to leave, those centaurs had already discovered something was wrong. They become vigilant and allocated themselves in 3 man groups before searching around. If Sheyan had stayed, most probably that beautiful scenery would be the last thing he saw.
At present, Sheyan’s reputation amongst the centaurs had already plunged by an entire 5000 points. Every centaur’s hostility rate had raised by 5 points. Sheyan reckoned that as long as a centaur saw him, even if there were mountains of daggers and seas of flames ahead or a naked sexy woman roasting meat behind, Sheyan would still remain as their hit target. Therefore, he ignored the heavy injuries on himself, only stopping after he walked out of the district.
Sheyan rested by a stream, as he stated to sort himself out. Washing his wounds and wrapping them, he then had the chance to examine his spoils of war.
A total of 4 keys were produced from 5 centaurs. Such a harvest was pretty good. But in respect to centaurs who had no distinct shortcomings, the difficulty rate of hunting would also provide higher returns. If not it wouldn’t be accordance to the realm’s ‘high risk high returns’ logic.
Within the 4 keys, one was dark blue, one light blue, and 2 white ones. Sheyan always had a secret fantasy, that was to one shot produce ‘n’ amounts of chest from ‘n’ amounts of keys. This was like a childhood delight where kids would place all their food in one basket before satisfyingly consuming it. After hunting the centaurs, Sheyan was finally able to fulfill this fantasy. Very quickly, the nightmare imprint flooded him with a list of notifications:
Scroll: Black Venom
Material: Parchment
Grade: Dark blue
Description: This is an evil blend of Hertz Ruhr.Shuin’s witchcraft and certain vegetation. After learning, you will able to concoct the poison: Black Venom.
Detailed introduction of skill: Please consult an expert.
Learning requirements: Basic meditation lvl3, Basic prayer lvl 3/ or grasped advance ability: basic witchcraft.
Equipment battle score: 10
Description: You best bring along a bottle of air freshener.
Weapon: Hertz Ruhr. Shuin’s wooden lance
Grade: Dark blue
Material: Beech wood
Attack power: 11 – 30
Attack interval: 2 seconds
Durability: 15/33
Attack range: 3 metres (Close combat) / 25 metres (hurling, cannot guarantee accuracy because the current user do not possess the prerequisite abilities)
Equipment: Puncture damage + 10, Weapons that possess puncture damage as a greater chance of dealing linked injuries to the enemy. Loss of blood rate + 10%, blood loss damage +10%.
Equipment: Strength + 3
Equipment position: Hand
Weight: 8 kg
Equipment battle score: 13
Description: Once the tip is smeared with black venom, the strongest killing potential can be unleashed.
The following items that Sheyan received were:
Fresh centaur liver x 2: Fresh duration: 120 minutes, uses ‘?’
Intact grey centaur leather x 2: untanned, uses ‘?’
Intact black centaur shining leather x 1: untanned, uses ‘?’
Black shining long mane x 1: uses ‘?’
Fresh centaur leg meat: Fresh duration: 360 minutes, uses ‘?’
Centaur heart x 2: uses ‘?’
According to Sheyan’s theory, those items that carried a ‘?’ at the back should be something valuable. Probably certain storyline characters may even purchase it for a high price in Diagon alley. A pity that the centaur business was illegal. If not Sheyan may have already seen middle aged men wearing exorbitant clothings and selling centaur parts on the streets.
After releasing the home-elf, Sheyan used floo powder to return to Diagon alley. But he was not in a rush to find the beloved Mr Infinite, because he was completely unable to pay the rental fees for that home-elf yet. Sheyan had concrete grounds to believe dire consequences of owing money to a Goblin. The worst scenario would be that Infinite would call a bunch of guards and strip Sheyan off any valuable objects on hand. Besides, the freshness of the centaur liver was 2 hours, there was adequate time to rush back.
Although it was daytime, Knockturn alley was still sparse and lifeless. Dried leaves floated along with the breeze, causing it to really feel like a cemetery. Sheyan received several frustrated snorts as he brushed shoulders with several people wearing windbreakers on the way.
London’s third meat joint centre was even more covert in the daytime. Sheyan could clearly see a crooked nose old hag arranging her street stall in front of the trapdoor. The stall sold damaged goods and the old hag was scrawny and tanned, shivering underneath her thick coat completely unconcerned about everything going on around her. Sheyan approach her to chat, but she completely disregarded Sheyan. Naturally his 2 points charm once again displayed ‘great’ results.
Nothing he could do about it, Sheyan glanced around as he realized there weren’t much people around. He could only produce the centaur leather that was still dripping with blood, and straightforwardly declared.
“John, if you still want the goods, you still have 1 minute to do so.”
However Sheyan’s repeated exclamations were fruitless. Instead, that old woman glanced through the leather. Initially she was calm and collected, but after careful examinations here eyes flashed with surprise as she coughed out a hoarse voice.
“Centaur leather? You want to trade for money?”
Sheyan scoffed.
“Of course, that’s if you can afford it.”
The old hag lowered her hoarse voice.
“Let me see.”
She approached closer as she used her scrawny fingers to caress it.
“Such a rare occurrence, it actually doesn’t have burnt scars from magic. 100 pounds for one.”
Sheyan instantly pulled the leather back, smiling he replied.
“Hi Aunty, bye aunty.”
But he couldn’t actually blame the old hag. Sheyan had terrible charm, and the reason why that brute John would offer such an honest valuation was because of two reasons. One was that he was really lacking that product. Secondly was the follow up mission up mission of the goblin, Infinite. The original intent was to compensate contestants who suffered losses from the goblin who disregarded charm. Therefore the reward was fairly generous. Thus, the nightmare realm programmed John to offer a fix valuation regardless of charm. This was to prevent contestants with high chance for reaping such hefty rewards.
The old hag reluctantly gazed as Sheyan kept the leather. She unwillingly asked.
“What else do you have?”
Sheyan had already determined that she was a shark, and decided not to interact with her anymore. He frustratedly reply.
“Yes, many, but you cannot afford.”
Just when the old hag was about to continue speaking, Sheyan heard a sound from the back. Knockturn alley was a dangerous and suspicious place, he was constantly on guard as he immediately swung around. But instead faced with John whom he was searching for. As John witnessed the leather he was carrying, his eyes instantly sparkled as he pulled him to aside and whispered.
“Woah, heavens! Did you persuade the noble Queen Elizabeth to start a war against those barbaric centaurs? Come here, we must be careful of those morons from the Ministry of Magic!”
While speaking, he led Sheyan into the nearby building and down a level into a basement. He then secretly pulled open a trapdoor on the wall, and Sheyan once again returned to the illegal trading hall. But now as a VIP guest.
“The quality is pretty good, there’s no scars, no damned blemishes from magic, no remnants of magic chemicals. Brat, you really did a good job.”
John slapped the 3 pieces of leather in excitement.
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders.
“Dear John, those are not important to me. What is important is you suggest a price that befits the quality.”
John laughed.
“You will be satisfied. What was our initial pricing?”
Sheyan instantly replied.
“White/ brown leather for 400 pounds a piece. Black/grey leather for 200 pounds.”
John immediately fished out a thick stack of notes.
“Since the quality of your centaur leather is shockingly good, I’ll pay 300 for one piece. How about that?”
Presented with such lucrative conditions, Sheyan was about to agree but he suddenly had a thought. Hertz Ruhr is obviously a mini boss class, why is the price for his leather the same? Hesitating a little, he then retrieve Ruhr’s leather from the tray.
“Ok, I’ll only sell two.”
Following that, he realized that the pounds John paid to him were currencies that couldn’t be brought out of the world. He immediately interrupted.
“I don’t want this currency, change me to that….well, the one that you call magic pounds.”
John clasped his hands and smiled bitterly.
“Hey brother, if that’s the case, then the price will change.”
Sheyan sighed, heedlessly as he stored back the 3 leathers.
“Since that’s the case, I don’t mind asking around if there are others who are interested.”
After Sheyan dished out this ultimatum, John turned passive. Finally after a to-and-fro tussle, Sheyan kept Ruhr’s black leather, and sold the remaining 2 for 450 magic pounds. Translating that, Sheyan had gained 1800 utility points (50 magic pounds equates to 200 utility points). However, John was still feeling very reluctant about that black leather, thus he advised Sheyan that if he had a change in mind, he could give him a call.
At present, Sheyan still had several valuable centaur parts on hand, for example the fresh centaur horse meat, centaur heart etc. Those things may even be mission objects. Originally, Sheyan wanted to peddle his goods within this trading hall but he immediately discarded this notion. The contestant’s social circle was pretty small in the nightmare realm, once discovered by someone that he was selling such precious objects. This could easily lead to others suspecting his real strength, and once the Metals professor hears of it, wouldn’t he be in big trouble? Worst scenario was losing his life here.
Since that’s the case, he immediately kept that thought and enquired with John first. After confirming his other goods received no reception, he left. However, as he walked out of the surface entrance, someone shouted at him to stop. It was that extremely crooked old hag.
“Little boy, how about showing what you have to me again.”
Sheyan knew this old hag was extremely stingy, he initially didn’t want to interact with her. However after considering his charm level, he sighed and figured he should just show everything to her. After thinking for a moment, the old hag pointed to her stall, and a set of items appeared in Sheyan’s eyes:
Bezoar: Stones retrieved from a goat’s stomach, an extremely useful antidote.
Bubble stem: The sap from a bubble stem is exceptionally effective against troublesome acne.
Gillyweed: Ability to breathe underwater after eating a gillyweed.
Magic apple: Also known as Mandrake, an extremely strong antidote. Can restore the original state of someone who has metamorphosed or cursed. However the cries of a Mandrake plant, may be fatally dangerous.
Truth serum: An extremely strong magical medicine causing the user to speak the truth. Just a drip is enough to cause most people to leak their darkest secret.
Sheyan was so astonished he almost shouted out.
“Truth serum, there’s actually truth serum, and magic apples?”
These two potions had both appeared in the storyline, and were considered top grade. Probably only professor Snape who was talented in potions was able to store up some, its value was hard to determine. For example, if the metals professor snuck a drop of truth serum to Sheyan…..but, why would this thing appear here? Flashes of thoughts jolted his mind, he looked down once again but only discovered the potions that were on sale were all of low grade. There were only potions that treated welts etc and beneath some potions even wrote small words like “unappraised” “Expired” etc. He then rolled his eyes and replied.
“Oi, deceiving others when you’re so old already, can’t you show some virtue to this grandson?”
The old hag was exposed but she remained firm as she fished out another object.
“Fanged frisbee (Magic object): A green frisbee which will bite anything in its path after being thrown out. Duration: 30 seconds. Within this duration it will not be disrupted and after it stops, the magic vanishes. It will then become an ordinary frisbee.”
Sheyan pondered for a moment.
”
“What do you want in exchange?”
“Everything.”
“You’re good aunty, goodbye aunty.”
“Wait wait…..”
In the end, Sheyan exchanged the centaur back leg meat and the two centaur heart for that frisbee. After exchanging, he realized he got cheated by this granny. Because although the frisbee would bite anything, its damage was only 1 point….. Sheyan knew that he was the victim in this exchange, but circumstances didn’t allow him to slowly sell away the other 3 objects. Secondly, time was running out. But more critically, if the Metals professor’s aim was really the philosopher’s stone, then this frisbee may be really be useful in the end!
Sheyan had wasted quite a bit of time here, looking at the centaur liver, its freshness would only last another 53 minutes. Thus he immediately strided over to Gringotts with wide steps. Sadly he still had to fork out that small entrance fee to the two guards. As he walked through the second door, that strange sensation reappeared! It was like something over here was calling out to him, but very quickly that feeling vanished. Sheyan focused himself and once again stood in front of Infinite.This fella was very diligently reading his newspaper at his desk. Once he saw Sheyan he immediately lashed out in frustration.
“Hey, nobody taught you knock before entering?”
Sheyan glanced around, there wasn’t even a door. Infinite had started his annoying jittering.
“Mister, you must understand that a creditor’s authority is extremely high. Especially after kindly lending out his elf but instead the elf was overused. This poor elf had his life reduced by a few years. And I had to pay up additional cash to employ another house-elf…..”
“Shut up.” Sheyan felt his balls growing against this chattering.
…
“What? What did you say?” Infinite’s pointy ears jolted up. His face started turning red in anger. Even his right hand had started to grab onto his golden whistle. Once he whistled, security would appear and throw Sheyan out after beating him to a pulp…..
“I told you to shutup!” Sheyan raged out. As he toss over 30 magic pound notes while scolding. To exaggerate his actions, Sheyan even specially exchanged his 30 pound notes into 30, 1 pound notes. Notes scattered out into the air, it was an impressive spectacle.
“20 pounds for the rental cost, remaining 10 pounds as gratitude to the Laji (The elf).”
“Eh! My dear friend, please seat down. Relax, I will immediately shut my damned mouth. But I have to tell you, Laji belongs to me, small fees like this will only make him lazier. Therefore, you can directly pass me the small fees. I will consider awarding him a delicious meat soup at night! Its price is extremely fair for such a good quality elf, I suggest you purchase two delicious meat soup for him!”
Sheyan was speechless at the goblin’s contrasting enthusiasm as he was pulled to sit down. He then produced the mission object.
“Mr Infinite, I’ve brought you fresh liver, not only one but two! For the sake of your beautiful skin color and the continual mesmerization of young females towards you, please immediately take the cure.”
Goblin Infinite instantly turned overjoyed as he received the mission object.
“My friend, I exceptionally commend your thoughtfulness.”
After receiving the centaur liver, he placed the blood dripping object onto a tray before taking out his knife and fork. Sheyan was shocked and appalled, in his heart he was thinking how could this goblin have such a cruel appetite like a vampire. He never expected that Infinite would suddenly produce a brass bell and swayed it gently. Suddenly the ceiling rolled open as an immense shadow like a raincloud burst down. It was actually an enormous vulture with black feather and a white crown!
The talons of the vulture gripped tightly onto the light frame on Infinite’s head. That light frame was specially installed as it didn’t even shake from the impact. The respected Mr Infinite then slowly sliced at the bloody liver, feeding the bird one strip at a time. After it finished eating, Infinite stared expectantly at the butt of the vulture like a little kid. Then then placed the tray near its anus, anticipating excitedly for the moment this vulture’s anus would tighten and then loosen…..
Sheyan suddenly felt a slight headache. Looks like the goblin’s inherited secret method was fresh bird excrement, which could beautify. No wrong, it was the fresh excrement after eating a centaur’s liver that could turn their skin green. He only hoped this unique skincare product was used externally and not for consumption…..
3 minutes later, with a glossy and green face, Infinite warmly spoke.
“My friend, thanks for helping with this huge problem. Why are you standing so far away?”
“……I’m feeling a little warm, standing here to get some air.”
“Then I think you need a glass of water.”
“Oh shit, isn’t that the paper cup from yesterday?”
“My friend, don’t be alarmed. Gringotts is currently responding to the superiors on their appeal for greater efficiency of water to safe every single penny. Therefore, we only wash the cups once a month……”
“Don’t come near! Beloved Mr Infinite listen to me first. For the love of money, every goblin should not distant themselves from their safe box.”
“Eh! What you say is right. Alright, I’ll place the water here…. Oh, if you’re not thirsty then I’ll have a go. Recently a ton of waters cost was raised by 2 pennies.”
Infinite happily shut his eyes and he raised that already yellowish cup to drink the water. After enjoying his fresh bird crap facial mask, he suddenly remembered something else.
“Oh right my friend, can you help me with something else?”
Sheyan smiled from ear to ear. I’ve waited for this a long time. Hurriedly replying.
“At your service, respected sir.”
“My fifth child is only 3 years old….you know, a kid always has weird thoughts. As parents, we should try our best to satisfy him but of course it shouldn’t require spending of money. He is really stubborn in thinking a Bowtruckle doesn’t have a gallstone. Therefore, I hope to correct his childish mindset. Are you willing to help me?”
Infinite very sincerely offered.
Sheyan was shocked as his face turned numb. From the report given by the Symbiosis sect, Infinite should obviously give him another mission, and this mission would have to incur a large sump of pounds before offering the final mission ‘Bowtruckles gallstone’. But why did it instantly skipped that step? Such a huge deviation, perhaps he had discovered a hidden storyline?
Looking at the notification of the nightmare imprint asking if he wanted to accept the mission, Sheyan gritted his teeth and selected ‘yes’. But nothing extraordinary things happened.
‘Assisting Infinite to obtain a bowtruckles gallstone’, Sheyan accepted this mission just like that. It was just like a naked beautiful Polish woman laying in a crib for him.
Shyan was overjoyed as he rushed out of Gringotts, fearing that Infinite may rush out and claim back the mission. But as the saying goes, your fears always comes back to haunt you. As Sheyan stepped out of Gringott’s doors, an anxious panting sounded from behind. Followed by the lone nasal voice of Infinite.
“Wait, wait, stop!”
At present, Sheyan hated his pathetic agility, in this instance, if he could swap his agility with his physique, he was willing to pay any price!
Looking at this huffing and puffing green shorty, Sheyan really felt like swinging a kick at him. However, he only smiled.
“Mr Infinite, what else do you need.”
“I….why did you have to run so fast?” Infinite was extremely impatient.
Sheyan tightened his fist and endured, using a constipated voice he replied.
“Urgently need to pee.”
Infinite realized his misinterpretation and could only blink his eyes. Embarrassed he lowered his voice and asked.
“Umm….. do you feel like my skin had gotten a little smoother? Greener?”
Under normal circumstances, acquiring a bowtruckle’s gallstone seemed like an easy task but it was actually pretty tough. It was sold by old Hanks at Knockturn alley. Hanks had an eccentric personality, and normally wouldn’t deal with outsiders.
To gain the qualifications of negotiating with Hanks, one had to specially curry his favour raising his impression from cold to respected. This took a long excruciating process. If Sheyan were to do it, based on his pathetic charm points, his remaining duration here may not even be enough. Fortunately, Sheyan had joined a party, he only needed to pay an additional 2500 utility points to obtain the service of the golden spectacles Felix who had high charm. Felix was extremely delighted to purchase his last item and passed it to him.
While trading with the golden spectacles Felix, Sheyan also exchanged his previous mission information to the others in the party. Instead, he was informed that the current bunch of Banks Syndicate members were also stuck at that step. Their request was coincidentally a centaur leather he had in hand, the higher the quality the better. The starting price would at least be 3000 utility points, and it had to be done by the next afternoon at 2. After that time, they would set out to hunt the centaurs.
Sheyan was slightly affected. Primarily, he was slightly enticed by that 3000 utility points. Instead, his heart shivered, because this may be the Symbiosis sect purposefully testing him, or a smoke bomb released by the Banks Syndicate. If he dived head on for that 3000 utility points, then it would’ve been a disaster. Thus, he sighed at the prospect of getting rich. He would rather let the remaining centaur leather rot in his hands, as he continued carrying out his mission.
After seeing Infinite again, although that ‘beauty mask’ was already washed off, it had left a lasting impression on Sheyan. As he transferred the bowtruckle’s gallstone to Infinite, he successfully received the notification:
You completed Infinite’s commission.
Milestone ‘Warmhearted man’, Gringotts manager part completed.
Seeing this notification, Sheyan was extremely moved. Dealing with this goblin was like his money pouch having a dagger constantly stabbing at it, the pressure to his heart was really too great. Prolong exposure to this would really cause him to have heart related illnesses. Therefore, he was prepared to instantly leave and swore never to return.
But at this moment, Infinite suddenly released a long depressing sigh. That bright mood suddenly metamorphosing into a depressive atmosphere caused Sheyan’s goosebumps to rise over his entire body. Although he had already swiftly made his way out, his footsteps were interrupted by a single phrase:
“The legend about the abyss of Gringotts…..”
Gringotts…….abyss…….legend?
Sheyan’s ears immediately turned attentive. What sort of place was Gringotts? A bank! And it was the most prestigious bank known for its excellent security, a model for all banks! Its underground abyss was undoubtedly their treasury, even the philosopher’s stone, a treasure that was able to grant immortality was kept inside it. What other secrets were there to the abyss? He suddenly recalled that during his mission, one of the step was actually neglected….. Unless, this was the hidden mission that he discovered?
To his horror, when Sheyan rushed back, Infinite already had his mouth shut. He only kept sighing as he shook his head. Knowing the nature of goblins, Sheyan new he had to operate his funds and produced a SSS grade capital. To his astonishment, after tossing out 100 magic pounds, 200 magic pounds, 450 magic pounds…. Infinite did not even bulge. He was adamant in keeping quiet!
Sheyan gritted his teeth, and started producing his goods on hand. A shining black mane, centaur leather……
But this brought no response, causing Sheyan to turn flustered. He knew that if he walked away to raise funds, then according to the nature of this noble race of goblins, he would probably not be acknowledged anymore. This meant that he had to start all over again, and perhaps not even get the luxury of starting over. Sheyan bit his lips hardly, as he produced out the dark blue grade wooden lance he acquired from Hertz Ruhr. He offered it up.
“Esteemed Infinite, I feel that your exotic office is lacking a decoration…..”
Infinite received the item and finally opened his mouth.
“Hais, this thing has plagued my heart for a long time my friend.”
Sheyan let out a sigh of relief, his heart finally regained composure. His body seemed like it was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. He didn’t care much, as he immediately plunged his ass into the nearby chair.
“Please tell me, Mr Infinite. Tight-lipped Seaman is not a name I got for nothing.”
Infinite’s twin eyes opened widely, as though submerged into his memories.
“The Gringotts building has been around for close to 10,000 years. Within this time, 357 managers have been changed, and only every manager has the rights to know about the ultimate secret of Gringotts. This secret is buried deep into their hearts, and not allowed to leak to anyone else…….If not, it would spark panic and unrest in the entire world!”
In Sheyan’s heart, he finally felt investing in this old man finally reaped the rewards. In total he had spent at least 6-7000 utility points of effort, if he didn’t receive any hot news, then how would it appease his recent bits of heartache? He then listened to Infinite’s gentle voice.
“Actually……Gringotts is not a bank.”
“What?!” Sheyan was shocked. In Harry Potter’s magic world, Gringotts prestige as a bank had even exceeded the present world’s banks. More absurd was the fact that this Gringotts manager actually declared that Gringotts wasn’t a bank. This was too far-fetched that it was like Steve Jobs declaring that Apple would changed to a totally new industry and produce oil or constructions.
“Gringotts… is actually a prison!” It was like Infinite was under a hypnosis, his tone was filled with horror.
“Within the abyss of Gringotts, there lies a demon that is the nightmare of all goblins! It creates massacres and slaughters,the advocate of terror, bringer of cries and destruction. It is greedy and ruthless, with its plundering evil claws! Its name is shameless, despicable and evil! Once it appears, it will sneer sinisterly and plunder away all your wealth but mercilessly leave you with your life! Heavens, I cannot even say its name, I don’t dare to say his name! I’m such a weak scumbag, I don’t even have that courage!”
“A demon that was imprisoned for 10,000 years? Don’t tell me his name is Illidan? When it walks does it leave a trail of fire?” Sheyan wanted so badly to ask in his heart. But observing Infinite’s horrified expression, he chose to remain silent.
Saying till the back, Infinite had already started waving his arms about frantically. His voice had transformed hysterically and he finally bluntly straightened his head before fainting away. Sheyan was astounded as he quickly shout at the surrounding workers to conduct CPR on him. He then quickly found that yellowish paper cup and he splashed the cold water onto Infinite’s face. Very quickly, that goblin woke up greedily licking the water around his mouth and around him not wanting to waste it. He then sighed and continued with a lingering fear in his voice.
“Prison Gringotts has always been very peaceful. In order to bring in additional income, a few thousand years ago we started to change reconstruct it into a bank, and succeeded in doing so. Every goblin had already believed that the demon has died in the deepest abyss, and the legends gradually got forgotten. Until a few months back, I constantly wake up in the night and always hear an unexplainable eerie laughter in my ears.”
Until here, Infinite once again trembled.
“That sound….I don’t wish to recall it! That demon is definitely dead, its soul must be interweaved into these keys, that should be the case!”
After speaking, Infinite gritted his teeth, and retrieved a paper cutter from the side. Raising his green and wrinkled left hand, and then his pointy long finger. He then squinted his eyes as he sliced! Blood shot out and that finger actually was severed. While landing on the ground, it actually produced a metallic sound.
Infinite released a mournful cry. Although a severed finger couldn’t be considered fatal, blood actively sprayed out from the wound, shooting out like a blood arrow onto the surrounding walls. Looking at the amount of blood, Sheyan was really fearful this fella would die of blood loss! If that’s the case he would surely be implicated. At this moment, several goblin guards rushed over, but instead the agonizing pale faced Infinite waved them away.
That outburst of blood lasted roughly 30 seconds and abruptly halted. It really was like a formless tap was controlling the amount of blood gushing out. Infinite looked at his severed finger, his face pale as he let out a sigh.
“F***, I finally got rid of you.”
He then looked to Sheyan.
“I know you should’ve come from a very very distant land. Bring this damned key away and bury it within your hometown. For the love of money, let that abomination forever be buried deep within Gringott’s abyss!”
“Key? You call this a key?”
Sheyan asked
Infinite replied.
“That’s right. All of Gringott’s important secret door locks can only be opened by the correct goblin’s finger! Only the grand goblin race can craft out such genius methods! If a fool tries to stick a key into the lock, he will be in for a great surprise!”
Sheyan cautiously bent and picked up the severed finger of Infinite. Pinching it casually, he felt it was incomparably tough, and needed immense effort! His strength was already 13 points, close to 3x the average male. Who knew what the density of this severed finger was. His nightmare imprint delivered the notifications.
“You received an item: Gringotts abyss cell key. grade: ‘?’. Uses: ‘?’. Your current nightmare imprint is vastly lacking to meet the relative requirements, unable to obtain other information.”
“Wtf.” Sheyan cursed in his heart, he felt wronged. The nightmare realm really emphasis on mission and battle capabilities balance. After forking out thousands of utility points to exchange for this, he wasn’t able to reap instant rewards. So what if it was a godly weapon? Unless……. Sheyan’s eyes suddenly flickered thinking till here. He faster kept this item as he stepped out of Gringotts.
For the remainder of the day, Sheyan constantly rushed about as the utility points on hand streamed out like water. He was finally left with 200 points. At the end, he even had to fork out 2 potential points, 2 low grade items and the chocolate frog to others. Fortunately the benefits goes without saying. His Milestone ‘Warmhearted man’ apart from completing the Gringotts manager step, he also completed the Eeylops Owl Emporium final commissioning.
That mission also seemed simple on hindsight but was actually immensely tough. Although it was a simple delivery of letter, it needed to be delivered to Hanwell island at the extreme north of Iceland, then to Jekselen Peak in Norway, and finally to Alaska, US and return with the receipt! The locations to deliver to was obviously not in the city. It was all in the icy cold, remote and desolate places. Moreover the location in Alaska was actually the tallest mountain in North America, Mount Mckinley. If the weather wasn’t good, he wouldn’t even find it in a month. Hence, according to the real mission process, the duration was unthinkable.
Of course there was a cheap trick to use. That was to deliver with magic. With such distance, even Floo powder was of no use. The only method was to use two magic methods: Portkey and Apparate. These two magic could only be used by powerful wizards. But to request for their help….requires great reputation.
(TN: Apparate is a magical form of teleportation)
Therefore amongst the 7 basic attributes of a contestant, charm may seem like it influences the battle capabilities the least, but in fact possessed the greatest assistance! Sheyan had profoundly experienced this fact. His terrible charm had already resulted in many ‘surprises’ for him. If he didn’t have the aid of the party, then he could only give up this ‘Warmhearted man’ milestone! But Symbiosis sect…. Sheyan’s lips pursed sinisterly, only the Metals professor and Fanu were pretty skilled, how would they possibly contain him?
In Sheyan’s face now was the final mission of the magic sports goods shop:
Assist the owner to steal the crafting blueprints for the new broomstick, Firebolt.
And the final mission of Borgin & Burkes magic shop:
Obtain the blood of a unicorn.
These two missions required him to personally accomplish them. Because it was very dangerous, and nobody was willing to aid him.
Sheyan calculated his time, he had not much time left in this world. Amongst the two missions, the first was completely unfamiliar. The second could be done swiftly, but was relatively dangerous. Just when he was deliberating in his heart, the pets shop worker Phelps found it. Gesturing to him he urgently issued.
“Metals professor has an order to quickly assemble in half an hour! At the usual.”
Sheyan was taken aback.
“Why didn’t I get the message?”
Phelps replied.
“Party communication requires the Metals professor to initiate after returning to the nightmare realm. Only his nightmare imprint has the adequate level to use such a technique.”
Sheyan nodded. Although he was new, but because of the fact of being a close combatant contestant, his status was no doubt higher than Phelps. But Sheyan didn’t belittle Phelps because of that. Contrasting the relation between Gale and Phelps, he instead tried to develop a relation with Phelps.
Those who can enter the nightmare realm were outstanding individuals who possessed innate gifts. Phelps wasn’t an idiot, since he chose to accept his work in the pets shop, obviously the benefits he could gain weren’t less than the a main mission reward. This meant that either his charm wasn’t low, or that he encountered a chance opportunity. This sort of people who were able to endure silently, were normally able to produce astonishing results.
Half an hour later, Sheyan had reached the assembling ground of the symbiosis sect. Apart from the metals professor and Fanu, the rest were all present. Sheyan quietly stood behind Gale, keeping a low profile. Gale appointed as the new close combat head, he was finally sitting on his dream position. His eyes flashed with excitement, and he was pleased at Sheyan’s reserved behavior. He constantly chatted with him, and even introduced him to the unfamiliar faces around.
The golden spectacles Felix hung a faint smile on his face, he looked like he maintained his graceful demeanor at all times. He really seemed like a lawyer. There were many long distance combat contestants. Their head was a middle aged black man named Mogensha. He had thick lips, bald head that look like Morpheus from the Matrix. He was hugging an eye-catching golden AK (Its gun barrel and butt were made from gold, not the entire gun), with a cigarette in his mouth as he leaned by the window alone. He looked like an apathetic person.
The group waited for roughly 50 minutes. It had long overshot the agreed timing. Gale impatiently snorted.
“Where’s the boss? Isn’t he always very punctual?”
After Sheyan heard this behind him, his pupils shrank. Punctuality is an essential component of a qualified leader, if not his subordinates will follow the wrong example, which meant efficiency would certainly be compromised. Moreover in the nightmare realm, time made a huge difference in life or death! Some that wasn’t punctual, may not even live for long!
Therefore a hidden reason was behind the delay of the Metals professor….. It definitely wasn’t something good!
Gale’s words were heard by the majority. Naturally not only Sheyan noticed this point, several others shuddered in their hearts. They simultaneously looked towards Mogensha. Naturally his perceptive sensing was the highest. Mogensha stroked his eyebrows, he then stood up and walked to the window, and gently shook his head.
Suddenly the earth starting shaking beneath their legs! This vibration came from the building itself!
The first vibration was like a fuse, in a blink of an eye, the second earthquake happened!
If the first was said to be gentle, then the second was like an explosion threatening to tear the place apart!
Sheyan’s face instant changed as he immediately slapped his hand onto his feet. His physique instantly soared to 31 points!
The brick and wooden composition of this building produced cracking sounds as the building shook violently. In the middle, a 10 metre long crevice appeared, it was split apart 3 metres wide! Sheyan and the rest were located in the roof, under the intense vibrations, the benches and furnishings started to slide into the crevice. The ceiling bricks also started to rain dust down onto them. Although the group of contestant far exceeding the capabilities of an average person, they could only tightly hold onto the surrounding firm objects they could find. Following that, a burst of light shone into their eyes. A gap in the ceiling allowed the suns rays to penetrate through.
Sheyan’s heart quivered, his face turned ashen. If this was an attack by a contestant, he didn’t even hear any explosive sounds or felt any threat! Such terrifying strength was not inferior to the mountain troll!
Very quickly, odd creaking and grating sounds resounded from below. Following that, A devilish looking humongous tree stump burst up from below, its branches frantically spasmed out like tentacles as it smashed against the rubble around it. Wood splinters and dust dispersed in all directions. The tree’s roots were like dried human veins as it covered and penetrated into the ground! Some of the roots were still wriggling and pulsing as those absorbing some sort of fluid from the ground!
Sheyan finally understood, the thing that broke this huge building should be strength germinated from this demonic tree! In the present world, the germinating roots of plants could even penetrate through skulls or rocks in their path. With the appearance of this demonic tree, its germinating strength was immense. However, looking at its enormous might, its fatal flaw should be on its speed, and enemies could be free to roam about. As long as a contestant was well versed in middle or long range attacks, then it would simply become a live target.
At this moment, the fuming and startled contestants started to cough out curses.
“Felix! Why the F*** did you summon a Whomping Willow for?”
“Despicable fool, the Metals professor would reaching anytime. See how he takes care of you!”
“……”
“Whomping Willow?” the ground beneath Sheyan had already collapsed. He was single handedly holding onto a wall shelf as he hung in mid air. Coincidentally during his mission yesterday, he came across a handbook about this. He instantly recalled the information on this creature.
Whomping Willow
Scientific name: Willow
Species: Dicotyledon plant family, Malpighiales, Willow tree branch
Height: Junior 3 metres, Matured as tall as 10 metres
Attack range: Equal to its height
Tree special ability: Take root. Immune to dizziness, poison, blood loss, crippling effects.
Tree special ability: Fear of fire
Tree special ability: Tree bark. Possess additional HP as well as defence.
Suddenly, four black dressed figures flew up into the air, simultaneously proclaiming in a stiff and cold tone.
“Ministry of Magic on duty formation!”
Consecutively, every Symbiosis sect member received a notification from the nightmare imprint:
“You have entered the duty formation of the Ministry of Magic members!”
“Why is the ministry of magic here?!”
“What is going on?”
“Where’s the Metals professor?”
In that instance, the members all started losing their pillar of confidence as they plunged into chaos. Concurrently, the construction that they were taking cover in was finally pulled by the Whomping willow, and it collapsed loudly! Bricks and timbre rumbled as they tumbled down, and the entire construction was in ruins as dust spreaded up several hundred metres into the atmosphere.
At this moment, several fierce looking contestant leapt down from the surrounding buildings holding onto their weapons. The one leading the charge was holding onto a dual handed broadsword. The sword was layered with fiery flames, and a faint glowing and transparent armoured slowly circulated over his body surface. That armour was a mid grade buff ability from one of the wizard contestants in the banks syndicate, it was called ‘Mental armour’ which could absorb huge amounts of long distance damage. It was extremely powerful, but the cost of casting this ability was not low. Moreover, it was linked to a high grade advanced ability.
Sheyan had formerly seen this person before, it was the outstanding 28 points strength Venter! It seemed like the Banks Syndicate had seized the chance when the Symbiosis sect suffered a major setback in their close combat powers. They had set up such a ruthless ambush to finish off the Symbiosis sect!
At present, because of his innate ability endurance and his high 15 points of defence, he didn’t suffer any damage even when he fell down. Instead, the collapse of the building gave him adequate buffer time! Thus he first composed himself, moreover his exceptional perceptive sensing had already alerted him of the banks syndicate members at the instance the building crumbled down.
“No doubt this is an ambush planned beforehand!”
“The crucial pivotal figure for this ambush should be Felix.”
“His status is high, therefore he should have been able to grasp the whereabouts of the two heads of the party, the Metals professor and Fanu!”
“His capabilities are strong enough as he prepared such an ability to destroy the entire building. Thus he was able to construct such an awkward scenario where the long distance combatants of the symbiosis sect would lose their advantage!”
“He is extremely cautious to be able to conceal this until now!”
”
“Of course there is a bigger question. There were only about 30 people entering this world, and the Symbiosis sect entered with full strength…… where did these excess Banks Syndicate members come from?”
Several thoughts flashed through Sheyan’s mind. He instantly thought of one point. That was if he was from the Banks Syndicate, he would definitely aim to eliminate the close combat fighters first!
Since that’s the case, he quickly hid himself back when he was just about to charge out with his fist. Buried underneath the rubble, he could already see the sun rays penetrating through. He slowed down his breathing close to nothingness. In this chaotic situation, nobody was able to notice him.
Cries had started to echo out. Although it was extremely chaotic after the building collapsed, contestants with high agility weren’t affected badly. Therefore the current unfavourable condition of the symbiosis sect were as follow:
Primarily is the contestants with high agility would could move about freely. They relied on their speed and avoidability to evade much of the danger as the building collapsed. Most of them were long distance combatants, and only one or two were close range.
Next was the close combat team members. Because their strength was relatively high, they were able to protect themselves, as they crawled out from under the rubble. Estimated to join back the battle within 2 minutes.
The most unlucky were the miscellaneous members, they did not possess strength, agility nor physique. Even crawling out from being buried was difficult!
Therefore when Venter charged into the cloud of dust with his dual handed sword, the people he faced were the panicking agility contestants without any protection! Under the immense pressure of his 28 points of strength, those guys without at least 14 points of strength will suffer from additional crushing damages!
Through the cracks of the rubble, Sheyan could see an agility contestant, Aokarl, being chopped at by Venter. Although he raised up his dagger to block, it was futile. The dual handed flaming broadsword directly chopped into Aokarl’s shoulder blade. Venter then slanted his body and slashed horizontally like a revolving gale! The frantic cries of the contestant sounded out as he was thrown off by the slash as he landed heavily on the ground. He was already heavily wounded, as his other enemies fought to deal the finishing blow. Leaving a corpse and a shimmering blood red key.
Although there was the 40% damage limitation, that contestant couldn’t even resist for 3 seconds!
As Aokarl died, gunshots pierce through the air! With such controlled precisions, as the bullets entered the air, it even left a faint spiral trajectory trail behind it. Naturally the gunmen from the Symbiosis sect knew that this was a desperate moment as they immediately retaliated in self defence.
The bullets spiralled towards Venter, but instead formed several ripples onto that transparent armour of Venter when it collided. Venter’s eyes were bloodshot as he stomped off the ground heavily causing the ground to crack beneath his feet. Venter held onto his fiery blazing broadsword as he raised it high above his head. In a flash, he had covered 7-8 metres with one leap as he swung down towards that gunmen!
Instead, the guman wasn’t a weak individual, Sheyan recalled his name was Chevslokov. Faced with Venter’s lethal strike, he released a burst fire as he skilfully did a back roll and widened the gap to 5-6 metres! This method was extremely familiar to Sheyan, he had seen Cazider do the same trick to escape his own attacks in his first world. But the only difference between the two was the Cazider was able to release a grenade to prevent the enemy from advancing. Instead, Chevslokov was able to pull apart a bigger distance.
The flaming broadsword crashed down heavily, leaving a splitting burnt crack onto the ground as stones flew up! More frighteningly was that flames from the sword suddenly rummaged together, burning fiercely as it formed a flaming trail across the floor engulfing forward as it completely circled around Chevslokov! Following that, two other contestants behind Venter pounced forward with a pincer attack, as they easily slayed Chevslokov! Once again, a shimmering blood red key fell onto the ground.
When Chevslokov died, Sheyan had already dug out a pathway towards the surface of the rubble. He could feel the ground slightly shaking, knowing that it should be Gale demolishing the ruins in his way with his explosive strength. If he and Gale joined forces now, then the victory of the Banks Syndicate would be restrained. But in such a situation, Sheyan would no longer be able to be a tiger disguised as a pig. And the terrifying might of his 31 points of physique would be in full display for all to see…….
At that point, the painful experience with the troll, and whatever hidden stories about Qiao Gun would start surface some suspicious point and finally be utterly revealed….. At that moment ‘Seaman’ would have to flee and walk individually again. Hence, for his personal interests, the poor Symbiosis sect would have to be betrayed once again. Continuing Qiao Gun’s legacy, Sheyan would continue to place his personal interests above the party as he disgracefully continued playing the role of a coward underneath the ruins.
But Sheyan did not stop at there. After careful considerations, instead of going up he went down inside. After listening to the commotion carefully, he turned around and started drilling further down into the ruins through the cracks.
In just a brief moment, 3 members of the Symbiosis sect were massacred in a sound of the thunder. The rest of them were in a highly disadvantageous position, their beaten states looked extremely sorry. According to the standard logic for contestants battles, once an enemy manages to approach a long range combatant closely, it wouldn’t be like the modern warfare where they were many ways to counterattack, using daggers etc. Instead it’ll be like the olden times when a swordsman carrying a huge blade and shield as they rendered a bowman helpless.
The Banks Syndicate had already planned beforehand. They allocated the nimble ones to suppress the close combatants of the Symbiosis sect, while Venter led a group of contestants who were experts at slowing down the enemies into a massacre.
When Venter finished off Chevslokov, he had expanded fully the flames on his sword. Although it wasn’t as threatening as before, it still carried enormous strength and every blow was at least around 24 points of strength. Along with the assistance of the other contestants, every swing of his broadsword was devastating. It carried a dense blood stench through the air, and delivered crushing damages with every blow. It rustled against the wind as it chopped disdainfully down against its pathetic enemies. It felt like he carried the aura of a God of war!
Not even half a minute later, another Symbiosis member was added to the casualty list, creating a chain reaction as the multitude of casualties were piling up like snow. Another agile far range contestant, Qian Zhi from the banks syndicate, was freed up to assist Venter and the other guy! If this carried on, in a mere few seconds, the entire symbiosis sect would be slaughtered atop the ruins.
But at this moment, two massive hands erupted out from the ground as the stone rubbles sprayed in every direction. The hand tightly gripped onto the ankle of an attacking banks syndicate member, pulling as he straight up face planted into the ground! Indeed Gale had finally freed himself! To a contestant who had formidable lower back strength, such a fall could only delay from probably a second. Yet this unlucky member had to be dealing with a middle-tier long range contestant in the Symbiosis sect, Mogensha!
If he didn’t have the skills, how would he be able to distinguish himself amongst the intense competition of the long range combatants? How would he convince his subordinates?
Mogensha immediately captured this critical opportunity, as he abruptly leapt up. While hanging in the sky, the golden AK started to spray out its bullets. “DA DA DA” It was the standard consecutive shots of the AK!
The reflex action was: Once anyone lost their balance, in order to keep themselves from falling, they would surely reach out their hands as cushion to the ground or even propel themselves up.
Mogensha’s released first bullet directly headed towards the left wrist, that the Banks Syndicate member was supporting himself with! This caused him to lose his support!
The second bullet flew towards a nearby brick, smashing the brick as it bounced back and knocked against the back of his head. Unless a contestant was physically strong, when such an impact crashed into the back of the head, it would probably knock out their vision for a second or two! This undoubtedly earned more time for Mogensha.
The third bullet headed for another Banks Syndicate member on the right. That guy was currently locked onto another Symbiosis sect member with a cunning sneer with a dagger in his hand. The bullet struck against the dagger producing sparks, causing it to lose its mark as it only scratched against the surface of the Symbiosis sect member!
Although this burst fire looked simple, it actually damaged, hindered and assisted! It also created an opportunity to widen the gap! More importantly, this was an outcome resulting in Mogensha’s supreme technique to capture the fleeting opportunity and turned the tides slightly.
Concurrently, Gale wasn’t sitting idle by the side. After hurling himself out of the ground, he equipped himself with the sawtooth saber as he ferociously launch himself towards the contestant ahead of him. After that contestant received a slash, he suddenly awoken from his dazed state as he groaned loudly and swung his weapon to block Gale’s second slash.
At the same time, gunshots resounded. Mogensha repeatedly open fire while retreating urgently, as the twin bullets crashed against the contestant’s weapon. This caused the ‘originally about to block Gale’s attack’ weapon to once again deviate from its path, and the final few bullets pierced into his head! Gales ferociously drilled his saber into the contestant’s chest! This time he heavily wounded the contestant, as he released a horrified shriek in the wake of death.
At the same time, the representative of the Banks Syndicate, Venter, was also intercepted. When Gale erupted out, another two members from his close combat team had similarly burst out with guns blazing! They were the shotgun users, Wayne, and no13. The two pointed their guns towards Venter’s three man team and started firing. Because the shotgun possessed a change of the special effect repel, in addition to the frightening damage in close proximity, Venter’s three man team could only search for a cover. Only a monster like Sheyan would dare to valiantly charge forward against a dual firing shotguns!
Of course, every force has its flaws. The shotgun’s weakness was its limited magazine capacity. It could only contain 7 rounds, even if it was modified, the magazine would hold 9 rounds at most. After that was a long arduous process of reloading. Therefore although Wayne and No.13 seemed unstoppable, they could only drag on for roughly 20 seconds. Following that their battle capabilities would greatly decline, reduced to lower than a fish.
But 20 seconds was adequate for Mogensha to get rid of his current hurdles, and rush back to support! Once a long range combatant was released from the deadlock, he would be able to easily command a collective firing effort. Organizing the contestants firepower towards a single person and finally reverse their current disadvantageous position substantially.
In actual fact, after just 10 seconds Gale had successfully dealt with his contestant. Presently, his left hand was holding onto a bronze shield with a clan ‘coat of arms’ engraved onto it. His right hand was naturally holding on that unique sawtooth saber. He directly stood in front of Venter, like a fence blocking his way out!
Although Gale didn’t master any relevant advanced ability regarding his shield, he only couldn’t exhibit the maximum defensive potential of the shield – that was like how Sheyan wasn’t able to display ‘Ambition’ to its fullest potential but utilized it as a close range weapon – It wasn’t totally useless! Moreover, the shield Gale was holding onto was giving of a faint black glow, therefore it should at least be of a black grade. Furthermore, the darkness occasionally concentrated at certain spots, as though the glow materialized adding to the impregnable feeling it gave off.
This shield was actually bestowed unto Gale after he assumed responsibility as the head of the close combat team. According to the Metals professor, it was indeed a little undeserving, but his current situation was indeed awkward. At present, the symbiosis sect’s close combat powers had suffered a huge setback, if he didn’t enhance Gale’s strength and they suffered an incident, it would be extremely disastrous to the party as a whole. Moreover the Symbiosis sect had placed every eggs in one basket by using the assembling rock, then his party’s odds at winning would reduce by a huge margin.
Venter inhaled deeply as he raised his broadsword up high. The glaring sunlight reflected against the sword, giving off a glowing sensation.
Suddenly, a ripple of magic transmitted from the distant building. Then a shocking huge fiery ball of fire formed at the window, the flames raging as the ball of fire bluntly shot towards Venter’s broadsword.
The fiery ball connected with the sword but didn’t result in any explosion. Only a loud splashing sound like water could be heard. It was like a dying flame once again being reignited.
On Venter’s dual handed broadsword, a hunting flame combusted into life like a splendid torch in his hands!
He puffed loudly as he advanced forward across the middle.
At the same time, a bright yet beastly cold glimmer flashed across the weapons of the two assisting Venter. It straightforwardly assaulted against Gale viciously! Obviously the three were greatly in sync, and their mutual understand was matchless.
Clear gunshots reverberated out. Mogensha was nowhere to be found, naturally he had already found suitable cover. Yet the bullets spraying out of his golden AK were relentless, the incoming bullets even contained a tinge of electric light. After securing his position, Mogensha had started to activate his personal abilities!
A gunman who could unleash his assaults without constraints possessed immense battle capabilities. At the present stage, it far exceeded the strength of most close combatants, but when in close proximity, that was a whole different story.
Mogensha released two bullets strapped in sparks as it directly penetrated into the two contestants who were about to attack Gale. Not only were they hurt by the bullets, they felt a paralysis sensation over their bodies. Instantly, a gap was formed between Venter and them. At this moment, it was too late for Gale to retreat. He bluntly received that blazing broadsword with his shield and an evil smile.
“Kiang!” A booming clashing of metals resounded. Gale’s strength couldn’t match up to Venter as he stumbled back 6 steps, while Venter’s sword recoiled from the impact. The overflowing scathing flames collided against the condensed black fog of the shield.
Simultaneously, at the instance the shield and sword collided, a powerful elastic tension sound could heard. It was the tight yet elastic bowstring being released from a great bow. Deke, who was constantly hiding in the shadows finally found his chance. Drawing his bow as he pulled the power tightly, he released an arrow towards the thing of a banks syndicate contestant!
This arrow was extremely incisive as it screeched through the air as a black shadow, piercing into the contestant and causing him to roll 7-8 rounds on the ground. His entire thigh was split open. The Symbiosis sect gunman who was currently fighting him wasn’t someone to be trifled with, he seized the chance as he opened fire with his dual gun, and added a grenade into the fray. It seems like even if he didn’t die, he would at least be half dead. The gunman didn’t pursue but instead swiftly headed to Gale.
It looked like the Symbiosis sect had finally organized themselves in a basic formation, splitting into a triangle spear head formation. The tip of the spear was Gale with his resistive shield. Behind, to his left and right were the shotgun users, Wayne and no.13. Bowman Deke took the rear guard, and the other gunmen had found their shelters, dishing out attacks behind their cover.
The situation was clear. If Venter wasn’t able to swiftly remove Gale, then he would very possibly suffer under the onslaught of gunfire. His strength was high, but that didn’t mean his physique was. If not for that mental armour covering him, he would probably already received heavy damages.
Moreover from the previous clash, although Venter possessed overwhelming strength, the possibility of overcoming a 18 points physique inducing defence and that massively tough shield was low. Once the Symbiosis sect’s long range firepower regained favourable positioning, then undoubtedly the victory would be hard for the Banks Syndicate!
Venter ignored his predicament as he roared out and pounced into the sky! His dual handed broadsword blazing with furious intent, it was like a fishing struggling against the net. Either the net breaks or he dies. Gale as a new head looked at this wild onslaught with a cunning sneer on his face. He had already calculated that if he continued to stand firm, although he would suffer heavy injuries but the firepower aid behind him would be able to pressure Venter to his death! Suddenly, Wayne and No13 stepped forward to cover him, while he retreated to use his bandage. It could be said defeat was inevitable for the Banks Syndicate.
Venter was hanging in mid air and unable to evade. No doubt, Mogensha leading the far range bombardment wouldn’t rest on such a good opportunity. He focused at Venter and opened fire. The transparent mental armour covering venter had already started losing its lustre, as the onslaught created cracks and finally shattered it! However, Venter heavily breathed in, he was determined to not look back.
Just as Gale inched forward with his shield and his mocking smile, a wooden door on the next building burst opened! A skinny person wearing a black gown and pointy wizard hat stood forward. His entire body was concealed by the cloak and he even looked like as tender and delicate as a female.
But his following actions sent a chill up the backs of every member of the Symbiosis sect.
A bone piercing chill!
Waving his wand towards Gale, the contestant shouted out.
“Expelliarmus!!!”
He actually casted a disarming charm! This charm carried immeasurable usefulness within the entire magic world of Harry Potter. Even during the final battle, Harry Potter used his spell to defy Voldemort’s avada kedavra curse and obtain victory. When the spell finished releasing, that contestant started coughing violently and even stooped down and vomited out blood.
But as the spell collided. Gale felt his grip of the shield becoming unstable. He could feel that this originally heavy and rugged shield had transformed into a slippery loach as the shield was blown away. In a flash, that blazing fiery broadsword chopped down onto his skull. A piercing gun sound travelled through the air. Through the corner of his horrified eyes, Gale could see an old fashioned Karabiner rifle. Its black barrel was aiming directly at the spot between his brows. Lastly, an icy cold expression.
“F….. F****! Even Diaz had been bought in by the Banks Syndicate.”
Gale died
Even though he consumed a medicine that could restore 50% of his HP.
Even though that shield would return to his hand in 3 seconds.
Even though Venter was heavily wounded in that instance.
Even though Wayne and No.13 tried their best to open fire to assist him……
But Gale still died.
If only Venter attacked him, then Gale still had a high chance of survival. But after Diaz joined the foray, then death was inevitable. One must understand, Diaz was actually an exceedingly powerful character that was overlooked. His attacking might was incredible, probably no one on scene could match up to it. Just based on that battle with the troll, the damage Diaz dealt alone to the mountain troll probably dominated 70% of its life! The most frightening aspect of his assaults could be described with one world: Stability! Gale died an extremely unwilling death.
Actually, Diaz being in cahoots with the Banks Syndicate and rippling up his initial agreement was bound to happen. Undoubtedly, the Metals professor had already suspected him to be a unscrupulous fisherman. Although Diaz had a icily arrogant personality, he was no fool. The Metals professor’s suspiciousness was clear to him. Since that was the case, his minor dispute with the Banks Syndicate previously amounted to nothing. It was just a tiny cold war, while the other was being a thieving suspect. Only, the Metals professor had never expected that the Banks Syndicate would break the realm’s barriers, and receive emergency reinforcements! If not he wouldn’t have displayed such obvious suspicions towards Diaz but instead to the Banks Syndicate instead.
With Gale’s death, the frontier defence of the Symbiosis sect instantly crumbled. Furthermore at this moment, the golden spectacled Felix’s controlled Whomping Willow shook into action. Stirring against the ruins as dust filled the entire sky, it was like someone tossed out 10 smoke grenades in the area.
This undoubtedly was favourable to the close combat contestants. One noteworthy point was that up till now, Felix had not chosen to explicitly attack a Symbiosis sect member. Obviously he wasn’t willing to incur the frightening backlash of going against the party’s regulations. Of course in this moment, nobody was stupid enough to conduct a trial against him in this circumstance. Once Felix decided to directly be involved, then the entire situation was further snowball.
Cries and wails echoed through the atmosphere as contestants fell one after another. Of course some attempted to flee, but the formation created by the ministry of magic staff created a massive effect, completely encompassing the entire battle. This was able to prevent outsider muggles from viewing, and prevented the internal people from escaping. Naturally after the battle begun, the 4 members of the ministry of magic had shifted the civilians away. Hence, even using the innocent as shields were impossible.
Within this massive blood fest, nobody noticed that Sheyan was hiding in a small room not faraway from the battle zone. He had started to gesture at 3 contestants behind him, pointing to them their target. The place Sheyan was pointing to was shockingly a room in the opposite building.
Within that building, was the expert supporter contestant of the Banks Syndicate with assisting abilities. He was currently busy within that room.
The Banks Syndicate was a higher ranked party than the Symbiosis sect. Comparing the Symbiosis sect’s party ability: Impossible comeback, the Banks Syndicate party ability was: Sinking boats. In the instance where they are heavily wounded, they will receive a protective shield. The HP of this shield is 100 points, and will continually protect the user. Naturally in this situation, this ability was far superior to ‘Impossible comeback’. Thus the mortality rate of the Banks Syndicate was far lower.
This time the reason why the Banks Syndicate was able to produce such groundbreaking results, first was the betrayal for the golden specs Felix. Secondly, they received great buffs from the assisting abilities: Mental armour, flaming blades enchantment, expelliarmus….. Furthermore they probably possessed certain healing abilities as well. Because when anyone from the banks syndicate was heavily wounded, as long as they could be rescued out they would all evacuate towards that building.