The power dwelling within the spear demanded release. Its overwhelming, insatiable mana whispered to me, tempting me with countless violent solutions. Keeping it bottled up was impossible—it clawed at my will, threatening to erupt. If I didn’t channel it soon, it would explode and take me with it.
Gritting my teeth, I tightened my grip on the handle, feeling the icy vibrations of its energy coursing through me. With a surge of will, I used the spear’s power to launch myself into the air.
As I breached the safety of Istvan’s shield, the world outside hit me like a hammer. A cold, salty gust of wind tore at my face, carrying the tang of blood and sea. Above, the storm roared its fury, the rain lashing against me like needles. My ascent was short-lived—a massive, slimy tentacle shot up, intercepting my path with terrifying speed.
My heart pounded as I twisted midair, the spear’s glowing tip ready to meet the attack. The icy bubble surrounding me absorbed some of the tentacle’s momentum, slowing it just enough, but the impact still reverberated through my arms, rattling my bones.
When the grotesque, stinking limb collided with the spear, a piercing shriek tore through the battlefield, shaking the air with its intensity. The creature’s enraged mana surged, an oppressive wave of power crashing down on me. My chest tightened as if the ocean itself had smothered me. That’s the Boss’s power for you!
The tentacle forced me downward, the strength behind it unrelenting. My heels skidded on the ice-covered ocean, the frozen surface splintering under the pressure. Yet, as the cold mana from my spear flowed outward, frost crept along the tentacle’s flesh. It hissed and groaned, its movements slowing as the freezing energy locked it in place.
My breaths came in ragged gasps, visible in the storm-chilled air. The spear thrummed in my hand, its power growing colder, sharper, and more relentless with every passing second.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[You lost 60 HP]
[Target lost 420 HP]
[You healed yourself for 82 HP]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
I paused, frozen in disbelief at the scene before me. The chaos was surreal, almost like the dizzy walk home after a night at the pub. Was this truly the power of a hero? My combat skills felt as good as those of a level forty Priest—laughable in the grand scheme of things—but overpowered at this point.
That hesitation cost me. A tentacle lashed out, raking past me with terrifying speed. The spear in my hand pulsed hungrily, almost as if it demanded blood. I gave in, allowing its force to propel me forward, closer to the grotesque enemy.
My heels skimmed the frozen surface of the ocean, each step leaving behind a spreading trail of ice as the water beneath me solidified, dodging.
The Boss lashed out in desperation, its tentacles slicing through the air with vicious intent. But my agility far outstripped its clumsy attacks. Each strike missed by mere inches as I weaved and darted, my movements fueled by the icy magic coursing through me.
The sound of tearing ice was deafening, a thunderous roar that echoed across the frozen battlefield. Saltwater surged through the cracks, only to freeze midair in the storm’s frigid grasp, turning into jagged crystals that joined the snow swirling around me. The rain transformed into a blizzard, driven by the furious power of [Ice Dance]. Is this ability really this strong at higher levels? Truly a marvel level.
Sweet.
I leapt to avoid a massive chunk of ice crashing from above, the storm’s fury adding to the chaos. But I miscalculated. One of the Boss’s tentacles snapped out with lightning speed, its slimy sucker wrapping around me. Yuck! The creature let out a guttural, triumphant scream, dragging me across the frozen expanse with relentless strength. My body slammed against the ice as its other tentacles descended, attacking with brutal precision.
The last strike sent me careening into the freezing ocean. The shock of the water stole the breath from my lungs, and darkness closed around me. I struggled to find my bearings, but my own magic betrayed me. The freezing energy that had empowered me now became a prison, encasing me in jagged ice that pressed painfully against my skin, cutting into me with every desperate movement.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[You lost 58 HP]
[You lost 10 HP]
[You lost 10 HP]
[You lost 10 HP]
[You lost 10 HP]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Help! My precious spear answered my desperate plea. Its power surged in response, and I let the mana within it manifest. However, I wasn’t ready for it. Instead of stopping at the weapon, the mana surged into my veins.
A searing, unbearable heat flooded my body, setting every nerve ablaze. Stupid 100% reality limit! I couldn’t hold back the scream that tore from my throat as the mana erupted, bursting out of me in a massive explosion that sent shards of frost and light scattering in every direction.
The battlefield transformed into a swirling chaos of ice and snow as the storm intensified, concealing my movements. With the ice madness providing cover, I darted toward the Boss’s massive, ludicrous body, weaving between the flailing tentacles and jagged chunks of tumbling ice. Cracking ice and shrieking winds created a deafening noise that filled the air. Suddenly, an unexpected blow came from below, shattering the ice beneath, and bringing a swarm of elite floaters onto the frozen surface.
Sweet.
A wicked grin twisted across my face, happy but impossible to suppress. It betrayed my true intentions. These creatures weren’t a challenge, not anymore. Not at my current power level. Their fragile, pathetic forms didn’t stand a chance. All it took was one slash. With one devastating swipe of my spear, I sealed their fate.
As the spear’s blue light enveloped them, the frost spread with merciless precision, creeping over their bodies like a living thing. The icy power froze them in place, their forms locked in a chilling stasis. They became sculptures of despair, frozen in time.
Knowing my time was limited, I surged forward, my steps light and sure despite the ever-expanding unstable ice beneath me. For a moment, I even soared, the mana within the spear propelling me like a force of nature. The raw power coursing through me was exhilarating, driving me straight toward the massive, foolish foe ahead. The storm howled around me, but all I could hear was the pounding of my heart and the spear’s call to finish what it had begun.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[Critical hit! Target lost 910 HP]
[You lost 47 HP]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The system rewarded me with nice numbers as I landed a hit on the main body. When my strike connected, a strange substance gushed out, burning my exposed skin. Stupid non-existent armor. Thanks a lot, dear developers. Magic coursed through my veins, filling me with ice-cold relief from the searing pain, but it wasn’t enough to stop me from screaming.
“You! You ugly, dirty, stupid boss!” I yelled, slashing again. More of the vile substance sprayed, this time coating my entire body. Terrific.
The Boss was deadliest at a distance, but his only close-range defense was his stupid acid. Lucky me. Ice Dance slowed his movements, while my battle-hungry spear absorbed his blood, bolstering my attacks. I pressed on, striking fast to chip away at his gelatinous mass. With a last slice, I cut clean through his slimy body, and the battle was over.
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[Ilaginous has been defeated. +900XP. XP to the next level: 1992/2450]
[You are the first to defeat World Boss! Due to the circumstances, a reward has been withheld]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Hey System, aren’t you stingy? World-Boss and only this? I guess the spear did most of the work, but still…
With the big guy out of commission, I sprinted back to the ship—there was still a battle raging, after all. My spear still functioned, and I wasted no time unleashing chaos on the remaining enemies; they fell like level-one noobs. Having slain the final floater, I searched the battlefield, ready for another fight. My gaze landed on Istvan’s fragile frame, his familiar sinister smile twisting his lips.
“Easy now, Hero. The fight is over,” he said calmly, striding toward me. “It is the spear talking.”
I locked eyes with him, gripping my spear tightly, every muscle ready to strike. “No, it’s not! En garde!” I lunged, thrusting my spear through the space between us, but he sidestepped with an almost lazy grace. Before I could strike again, his staff moved in precise, fluid motions, completing a spell that made my spear vanish.
“Hero! Your reckless charge nearly cost us everything!” His voice hit like a hammer, hard and unwavering. “You secured the victory, but your soul was on the line. As an immortal you shouldn’t have a real one, but you’ve got a piece of one! It’s curious, but you, yes, never do that again. Never!” The chilly edge of his words shattered the intoxicating rush of power coursing through me. The ice shielding my pain thawed, leaving me staring at him, dumbfounded.
How?
How could I, an experienced warrior, let myself sink so far into it?
Duke’s voice cut through the tension, commanding and authoritative as ever. “Let’s focus on what’s important, Istvan,” he said, leaving no room for objection. He turned to me, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “Hero, kneel.”
I blinked, trying to process his words. Kneel? That could only mean two things, and my mind latched onto the worst possibility. My knees hit the ground before I could stop them. Execution? Is this how it ends?
The sun bathed a vibrant meadow, teeming with dangerous wasp monsters. On one side, near the ridge, players were tirelessly constructing a crude stone wall. They darted about with purpose, working nonstop, and the sight brought a small, satisfied smile to Lucas’s lips.
Ian, dressed in striking blue assassin gear, approached the fledgling fortress, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief. He’d never imagined something like this could exist outside of a formal guild.
Though his goal had been to track down Charlie, stumbling upon this odd operation felt like an opportunity he couldn’t ignore. Whatever Charlie’s plans were, he was determined to undermine them. “This is insane! Why are all these players working like that? Are you some secret millionaire, Lucas?” he asked, unable to hide his curiosity.
Lucas turned to him slowly, pulling his scarf higher to lend an air of mystery. “I’m a crypto-bro. Got more money than I know what to do with. You gotta invest in this fortress,” he said in an even tone, though the amused glint in his eyes gave him away. What an amateur liar, Ian thought with a smirk.
Before Ian could respond, a small girl came bounding over, her excitement bubbling over into a high-pitched squeal. She fidgeted, barely able to contain herself. “Lucas! I finished my quest! I can do more! Give me another one, please!”
“Of course, Lilith108,” Lucas replied, already navigating the system menu with practiced ease.
“It’s just Lilith for you, Lucas! Drop the numbers!” she giggled, hopping up and down as she adjusted a few loose stones on the wall.
Lucas shook his head, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “For this to work, I have to be precise. We wouldn’t want someone else accidentally getting your quest, now would we, Lilith?”
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[You created Quest “Build the Wall” for the player Lilith108]</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 75, 122, 0.93); margin: 10px auto; width: 90%; border: none; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 2px; padding: 0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center; margin: 3px; padding: 5px; color: rgba(218, 213, 206, 1) !important; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25) !important; background-image: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)">[Build the Wall]
Requirement: 10x [Manufactured Stone]
Reward: 200 builder-XP
* The keeper of East Fortification need help with construction of the essential defenses. He is offering an experience with work on this big project in exchange for ten [Manufactured Stone].</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
“Thanks! I’ll be right back!” Lilith shouted before darting off like her life depended on it.
Lucas watched her go, grinning, but Ian didn’t share his amusement. He glared after her, shaking his head in disbelief. “Lucas, are they working for free? What the hell is going on?” Ian muttered, his suspicion growing. The evil Charlie must be behind this, exploiting the game somehow.
Lucas’s grin only widened. “Do you know how rare it is to find work for builders in this game? I’m the only one giving them quests, and I always max out the rewards. Sure, it racks up fortress debt, but if the system allows it, why wouldn’t I?” He punched Ian lightly on the shoulder, his enthusiasm unshaken. “Forget that. Let’s have some fun. Have you seen the monsters here? This meadow is the perfect farming spot! If you can just hold the wasps off for a bit—”
“No way,” Ian interrupted, shaking his head firmly. “Have you even looked at them? Level ten and poison! Get a proper warrior and healer first, then we can talk. You’re nuts if you think this will work.”
Lucas just smirked. “Don’t worry about it. If you hit their stingers hard enough, they’ll fall off and won’t attack. Trust me.”
Ian groaned, but after more of Lucas’s relentless persuasion, they made their way to the meadow. Lucas cast his trusty spark spell, pulling two wasps toward them. As the buzzing enemies closed in, Ian tensed, his muscles coiled and ready. He lunged, aiming a swift slash at their stingers.
He missed.
The wasps easily dodged and retaliated, one of them stinging Ian and inflicting poison.
“Only a madman would try this, Lucas!” Ian yelled, clutching at his wound as the poison spread. “Is this because I skipped out on paying yesterday?”