SGB: Episode 190
Episode 190: Item Power (5)
No. 8667 Outlaw of the Wasteland.
It's a Numbered Item that the beastman swordsman from the dwarf's team was wearing. As expected of a low number, it doesn't have any stat boosts, and it's relatively cheap.
It's because its usage effect is a bit ambiguous.
Increased melee physical damage against humanoid 'monsters', and the increase rate grows with the number of enemies?
There's no way it would be in high demand among explorers.
There aren't that many humanoid monsters in the labyrinth, and even those rarely travel in groups.
'And it even has a one-day cooldown.'
It's an item that's difficult to utilize properly unless you're specifically targeting Doppelgangers or that bastard on the 5th floor.
Thanks to obtaining this item, our chances of winning increased significantly.
Would it have been about 50/50 without it?
「Unsealing rate 70%」
The magic circle on the ground glows again, indicating that we're running out of time.
Since it increases by 5% for every 10 monsters, it means that over 60 clones have already been summoned.
「Current increase rate 401%.」
But it's not enough yet.
Therefore, we get into a tight formation against the wall, as planned.
And...
"Barhatun Wiar."
...Raven summons a stone wall with her magic.
It's a judgment to endure until that moment arrives.
However, she didn't completely seal off the wall. She left a gap big enough for two or three people to pass through on one side.
It was Raven's idea.
She said they would try to break through if it were completely blocked, but if there's a path, they'll try to go that way.
'It actually works.'
I block the only passage.
If I swing my mace in this state, the clones, including the one mimicking me, will all die in one or two hits...
...but I suppress the urge.
Our goal isn't to hunt clones.
Kwaaang!
The clones charge towards me, pushing and shoving each other as if protesting.
Of course, not all of them are like that.
"There's a hole over there!!"
A clone is breaking through the stone wall and creating a path.
I glance over, and it's the one mimicking me.
"Mr. Yandel, focus on that side! We'll handle this!"
The melee damage dealers and Woongie, summoned by the bear-like man, quickly form a human wall and block the clones, but it's not an easy task.
Because we have a huge penalty.
"Ack! Don't kill them!"
To block without attacking.
It's a condition that's difficult to fulfill unless you're a professional tank. I keep hearing the sounds of a difficult battle from behind.
But there's nothing I can do.
Things will just get worse if I try to help.
Rumble!
After about 2 minutes...
...the cave trembles again.
「Unsealing rate 90%」
It means it's finally time for the showdown.
"Mr. Yandel!"
I lightly jump in place since the ceiling isn't high.
It's a 'short jump' in technical terms.
「Character's total weight is over 500 kg.」
「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」
The clones, including my companions, are all thrown into the air simultaneously. Therefore, I charge forward as soon as I land, stepping on the clones.
「Threat level is temporarily greatly increased.」
Thanks to the increased threat level, the clones hurriedly get up and charge towards me like zombies, and I soon feel a tremendous resistance from beyond the shield.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
After about 10 seconds...
...I finally reach my destination, pushing everything aside like a bulldozer.
Boom! Boom!
The main body, mimicking me, is continuously exploding and using [Self-Replication].
I swing my mace without hesitation.
Thwack!
It feels like hitting tofu.
But it's enough to deal damage.
"Kyaaaaaaaaak!!"
The main body, which finished its infinite [Self-Replication] and transformed into me.
It's a bit different from before since it's in berserk mode.
There are two heads on its neck.
'Me, Ainar...'
Damn it, why her of all people?
The Doppelganger is using the essences Ainar possesses, on top of my skills.
「The nameless marauder has cast [Swing].」
「The nameless marauder has cast [Double Slash].」
The impact itself is different.
I would have definitely been blown back if it weren't for the Guardian Corps Insignia.
And the summoned clones are surrounding and attacking me from all sides.
But...
Whoosh!
...I ignore them all and swing my mace.
The two barbarian heads on the main body's neck smirk.
It's a mocking smile as if saying, 'You think that will work?'
I just smile back.
「Current increase rate 771%.」
Because you're not the only one who received a buff.
It's Extreme Damage Barbarian Mode.
Kwaaang!!
I use [Swing] with all my might, and the Doppelganger, who blocked it with his shield, staggers.
And a gap appears.
I swing my mace again without giving him time to recover.
Kwagic!
Ainar's head is crushed with a single blow.
But he doesn't collapse, since he has two heads.
It's not a problem.
I can just hit him again.
Kwagic!
The Doppelganger, having lost both of its heads, immediately turns back into a slime.
And then it hardens.
「Doppelganger has cast [Crystallization].」
It's his last resort.
Well, it's a very troublesome pattern, even if you call it a last resort.
「Magic damage reduced by 99%.」
「Physical damage reduced by 90%.」
It's practically immune to magic damage.
And it reduces physical damage by 90%. It's an OP skill.
And if you don't break it within the time limit, you have to repeat this whole process again.
It's ridiculous, but that's the original strategy.
Mass summon, transformation, crystallization.
You have to repeat this sequence and accumulate damage on the 'crystal' to shatter it.
Kwaaang!
But we have to bet everything on this one attempt.
That's why we didn't even bother killing the clones.
"Raven!!"
Raven and Parteian immediately cast their magic as soon as I shout.
It's not attack magic.
It's 'Mana Shield', which we also used when we were fighting the dwarf's team.
Raven shouts urgently,
"We can't hold out for long!"
I know without her telling me.
Just look at how many clones are around me.
It's a magic spell with a high consumption cost, so the two mages' mana will be depleted in less than a minute.
Therefore...
Kwaaang!
...I focus solely on smashing the crystallized Doppelganger, trusting in the thick mana barrier that's protecting me.
Kwaaang!
It's a tactic I wouldn't have even considered if it weren't for 'Outlaw of the Wasteland'.
I would have probably cleared the clones first and then focused on dealing damage together.
While worrying that we might not have enough damage.
Crack!
A crack appears on the crystal on the fourth [Swing].
It's strange.
I've experienced the [Crystallization] pattern several times, but it's already at this point?
Just how much damage are we dealing right now?
I can't tell the exact number, but it's truly astonishing.
Because we still have something we haven't used yet.
「Character has cast [Leap].」
Another 'short jump'.
「Threat level is temporarily greatly increased.」
And...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...immediately [Wild Release].
「Character's threat level is temporarily tripled, and physical stats increase proportionally.」
A powerful force erupts from my entire body.
Of course, this feeling of exhilaration only lasts for a short time.
But I judged...
...that it's enough.
「The destructive power of blunt weapons is greatly increased in proportion to Strength.」
The miraculous law of exchange where threat level is converted to Strength, and Strength is converted to the destructive power of blunt weapons.
「Current increase rate 771%.」
And on top of that, we add 'Outlaw of the Wasteland'?
I don't even have to worry about the 90% physical immunity.
Kwaaang!!!
Because my damage is being duplicated right now.
_____________________
「Killed Doppelganger. EXP +6」
「Guardian Kill Bonus. EXP +3」
_____________________
How long have I been smashing the crystal with my mace like a madman?
I don't know, but around the time my body starts to accumulate injuries rapidly because the 'Mana Shield' has ended...
Crackle!
...the crystal, cracked like a broken mirror, finally shatters like an exploding grenade.
It's not even a close call.
'About a minute...'
It broke much faster than I expected.
I was even considering gathering everyone and pouring all our damage into it...
But there was no need to use Plan B because of the variable that appeared at the end.
'Right, there should be days like this too.'
Although I'm happy, I also feel a strange sense of emptiness.
No one would call it lucky if no unexpected incidents happened.
'No, it's too early to relax.'
I clear my thoughts and come to my senses.
Four Hans Gs appeared in the boss room at the beginning, defying all odds.
'Could it be a variant rift like the 'Crimson Fortress'—'
Swaaaaaaaaa!
That's when the shattered fragments of the main body turn into particles of light and scatter in the air. And it's the same for the clones that were filling the cave.
Whoosh!
And a portal connected to the 4th floor opens in the center.
It really means the rift has been cleared.
"Huh! What! Did we defeat it?!"
"Ugh, I thought I was going to die. Aruru, can you give me a potion?"
"Later. You're not even seriously injured. We have to check that first! Essence? Numbered Item? Rift Stone? What dropped—"
Ah, right, we have to check that too.
I didn't even look properly because I was wary of something else happening.
Now it's time to collect the guardian's reward, the flower of a rift.
I gulp and look at the spot where the Doppelganger was.
"......"
"......"
There's nothing there.
'Don't tell me, this is the Hans effect?'
That thought briefly crosses my mind, but it's not good to blame everything on Hans. The drop rate for essences or Numbered Items is only 33%.
Well, it's a bit disappointing that even the Rift Stone, which has a 66% drop rate, didn't appear...
'...It's common.'
This happened often in the game too.
You struggle to clear a rift, but get no rewards.
"...Mr. Yandel, get a grip. These things happen."
"Th, that's right! We already got a lot, didn't we?"
My companions offer words of comfort as I stand there, frozen.
Tsk, it's not like I'm angry.
'...So the only reward is from the PK?'
Although it's a bit empty, it's ridiculous to even feel disappointed when I think about it.
I can't even imagine how much all this equipment would sell for.
We've already broken our previous income record, and I even absorbed the Manticore essence.
'...Right, this alone is practically like getting a Doppelganger essence.'
Hmm, is this the effect of positive thinking?
I suddenly feel energized.
"Misha, are you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah. I just got grazed. Grazed!"
"Drink a potion first."
I dismiss my disappointment and start cleaning up after the battle, checking on my companions.
Raven chuckles, looking at me.
"Indeed, you seem like a leader when I see things like this."
"Are you making fun of me?"
"No, I was being serious this time."
"......"
"Aruru, don't do that. You're making Bjorn embarrassed."
What is she talking about?
"Then let's go back up."
We return to the forest after cleaning up. The Doppelgangers on the upper level have already disappeared.
"You're safe! I'm so relieved!!"
"Sorry for making you wait, Miss Sarman."
I hand Guide Girl, whom we left behind, to the mace warrior.
For reference, the archer from the dwarf's team, whom we offered to the altar, is already dead.
"But how did this man...?"
"Uh, that's... I was worried he might wake up..."
It seems like they killed him before he regained consciousness.
It's a bit impressive.
This guy is also an explorer, after all.
I check the archer's equipment and backpack just in case, but it doesn't seem like Guide Girl took anything.
Then our business is concluded.
"Ah, here, you should take this. I used it well."
"You keep it."
"Really?"
Parteian gives Raven the 'Misplaced Trust' he lent her as a gift. Although it's out of uses, it's not a worthless gift.
There's a way to recharge it.
It would sell for hundreds of thousands of stones even if we just sold it.
"Thank you for saving us. If you need my help, come find me anytime."
I was thinking it was just empty words...
...but Parteian gives me a business card with the Narman school emblem on it.
Hmm, so he really meant it.
I should keep this and visit him when I need something.
'This feels like completing a side quest.'
After a brief farewell with the mace warrior and Guide Girl, I escort them to the portal.
"But you guys aren't leaving?"
"It's a rift we finally entered, right? We're going to look around a bit more and do some research."
"Hmm, I see?"
Parteian nods meaningfully as if he understands, and Raven smiles awkwardly.
"Then we'll be going."
They then enter the portal and return to where they were before.
"Will they... be okay?"
"What are you worried about?"
"Mages usually look after each other."
"That's not what I meant. I meant it was an unnecessary worry. It's the 4th floor, after all."
Although Hans G and the fairy archer died, the Tower of Heaven is a floor where you can wait if you want to.
They'll probably kill time like we used to and then return to the city.
"Well... that's true."
We turn away from the portal and climb back up to the forest.
Because there's still something left to collect.
No. 8667 Outlaw of the Wasteland.
It's a Numbered Item that the beastman swordsman from the dwarf's team was wearing. As expected of a low number, it doesn't have any stat boosts, and it's relatively cheap.
It's because its usage effect is a bit ambiguous.
Increased melee physical damage against humanoid 'monsters', and the increase rate grows with the number of enemies?
There's no way it would be in high demand among explorers.
There aren't that many humanoid monsters in the labyrinth, and even those rarely travel in groups.
'And it even has a one-day cooldown.'
It's an item that's difficult to utilize properly unless you're specifically targeting Doppelgangers or that bastard on the 5th floor.
Thanks to obtaining this item, our chances of winning increased significantly.
Would it have been about 50/50 without it?
「Unsealing rate 70%」
The magic circle on the ground glows again, indicating that we're running out of time.
Since it increases by 5% for every 10 monsters, it means that over 60 clones have already been summoned.
「Current increase rate 401%.」
But it's not enough yet.
Therefore, we get into a tight formation against the wall, as planned.
And...
"Barhatun Wiar."
...Raven summons a stone wall with her magic.
It's a judgment to endure until that moment arrives.
However, she didn't completely seal off the wall. She left a gap big enough for two or three people to pass through on one side.
It was Raven's idea.
She said they would try to break through if it were completely blocked, but if there's a path, they'll try to go that way.
'It actually works.'
I block the only passage.
If I swing my mace in this state, the clones, including the one mimicking me, will all die in one or two hits...
...but I suppress the urge.
Our goal isn't to hunt clones.
Kwaaang!
The clones charge towards me, pushing and shoving each other as if protesting.
Of course, not all of them are like that.
"There's a hole over there!!"
A clone is breaking through the stone wall and creating a path.
I glance over, and it's the one mimicking me.
"Mr. Yandel, focus on that side! We'll handle this!"
The melee damage dealers and Woongie, summoned by the bear-like man, quickly form a human wall and block the clones, but it's not an easy task.
Because we have a huge penalty.
"Ack! Don't kill them!"
To block without attacking.
It's a condition that's difficult to fulfill unless you're a professional tank. I keep hearing the sounds of a difficult battle from behind.
But there's nothing I can do.
Things will just get worse if I try to help.
Rumble!
After about 2 minutes...
...the cave trembles again.
「Unsealing rate 90%」
It means it's finally time for the showdown.
"Mr. Yandel!"
I lightly jump in place since the ceiling isn't high.
It's a 'short jump' in technical terms.
「Character's total weight is over 500 kg.」
「The special terrain effect [Recoil] is additionally applied to the damage radius.」
The clones, including my companions, are all thrown into the air simultaneously. Therefore, I charge forward as soon as I land, stepping on the clones.
「Threat level is temporarily greatly increased.」
Thanks to the increased threat level, the clones hurriedly get up and charge towards me like zombies, and I soon feel a tremendous resistance from beyond the shield.
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
After about 10 seconds...
...I finally reach my destination, pushing everything aside like a bulldozer.
Boom! Boom!
The main body, mimicking me, is continuously exploding and using [Self-Replication].
I swing my mace without hesitation.
Thwack!
It feels like hitting tofu.
But it's enough to deal damage.
"Kyaaaaaaaaak!!"
The main body, which finished its infinite [Self-Replication] and transformed into me.
It's a bit different from before since it's in berserk mode.
There are two heads on its neck.
'Me, Ainar...'
Damn it, why her of all people?
The Doppelganger is using the essences Ainar possesses, on top of my skills.
「The nameless marauder has cast [Swing].」
「The nameless marauder has cast [Double Slash].」
The impact itself is different.
I would have definitely been blown back if it weren't for the Guardian Corps Insignia.
And the summoned clones are surrounding and attacking me from all sides.
But...
Whoosh!
...I ignore them all and swing my mace.
The two barbarian heads on the main body's neck smirk.
It's a mocking smile as if saying, 'You think that will work?'
I just smile back.
「Current increase rate 771%.」
Because you're not the only one who received a buff.
It's Extreme Damage Barbarian Mode.
Kwaaang!!
I use [Swing] with all my might, and the Doppelganger, who blocked it with his shield, staggers.
And a gap appears.
I swing my mace again without giving him time to recover.
Kwagic!
Ainar's head is crushed with a single blow.
But he doesn't collapse, since he has two heads.
It's not a problem.
I can just hit him again.
Kwagic!
The Doppelganger, having lost both of its heads, immediately turns back into a slime.
And then it hardens.
「Doppelganger has cast [Crystallization].」
It's his last resort.
Well, it's a very troublesome pattern, even if you call it a last resort.
「Magic damage reduced by 99%.」
「Physical damage reduced by 90%.」
It's practically immune to magic damage.
And it reduces physical damage by 90%. It's an OP skill.
And if you don't break it within the time limit, you have to repeat this whole process again.
It's ridiculous, but that's the original strategy.
Mass summon, transformation, crystallization.
You have to repeat this sequence and accumulate damage on the 'crystal' to shatter it.
Kwaaang!
But we have to bet everything on this one attempt.
That's why we didn't even bother killing the clones.
"Raven!!"
Raven and Parteian immediately cast their magic as soon as I shout.
It's not attack magic.
It's 'Mana Shield', which we also used when we were fighting the dwarf's team.
Raven shouts urgently,
"We can't hold out for long!"
I know without her telling me.
Just look at how many clones are around me.
It's a magic spell with a high consumption cost, so the two mages' mana will be depleted in less than a minute.
Therefore...
Kwaaang!
...I focus solely on smashing the crystallized Doppelganger, trusting in the thick mana barrier that's protecting me.
Kwaaang!
It's a tactic I wouldn't have even considered if it weren't for 'Outlaw of the Wasteland'.
I would have probably cleared the clones first and then focused on dealing damage together.
While worrying that we might not have enough damage.
Crack!
A crack appears on the crystal on the fourth [Swing].
It's strange.
I've experienced the [Crystallization] pattern several times, but it's already at this point?
Just how much damage are we dealing right now?
I can't tell the exact number, but it's truly astonishing.
Because we still have something we haven't used yet.
「Character has cast [Leap].」
Another 'short jump'.
「Threat level is temporarily greatly increased.」
And...
"Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!"
...immediately [Wild Release].
「Character's threat level is temporarily tripled, and physical stats increase proportionally.」
A powerful force erupts from my entire body.
Of course, this feeling of exhilaration only lasts for a short time.
But I judged...
...that it's enough.
「The destructive power of blunt weapons is greatly increased in proportion to Strength.」
The miraculous law of exchange where threat level is converted to Strength, and Strength is converted to the destructive power of blunt weapons.
「Current increase rate 771%.」
And on top of that, we add 'Outlaw of the Wasteland'?
I don't even have to worry about the 90% physical immunity.
Kwaaang!!!
Because my damage is being duplicated right now.
_____________________
「Killed Doppelganger. EXP +6」
「Guardian Kill Bonus. EXP +3」
_____________________
How long have I been smashing the crystal with my mace like a madman?
I don't know, but around the time my body starts to accumulate injuries rapidly because the 'Mana Shield' has ended...
Crackle!
...the crystal, cracked like a broken mirror, finally shatters like an exploding grenade.
It's not even a close call.
'About a minute...'
It broke much faster than I expected.
I was even considering gathering everyone and pouring all our damage into it...
But there was no need to use Plan B because of the variable that appeared at the end.
'Right, there should be days like this too.'
Although I'm happy, I also feel a strange sense of emptiness.
No one would call it lucky if no unexpected incidents happened.
'No, it's too early to relax.'
I clear my thoughts and come to my senses.
Four Hans Gs appeared in the boss room at the beginning, defying all odds.
'Could it be a variant rift like the 'Crimson Fortress'—'
Swaaaaaaaaa!
That's when the shattered fragments of the main body turn into particles of light and scatter in the air. And it's the same for the clones that were filling the cave.
Whoosh!
And a portal connected to the 4th floor opens in the center.
It really means the rift has been cleared.
"Huh! What! Did we defeat it?!"
"Ugh, I thought I was going to die. Aruru, can you give me a potion?"
"Later. You're not even seriously injured. We have to check that first! Essence? Numbered Item? Rift Stone? What dropped—"
Ah, right, we have to check that too.
I didn't even look properly because I was wary of something else happening.
Now it's time to collect the guardian's reward, the flower of a rift.
I gulp and look at the spot where the Doppelganger was.
"......"
"......"
There's nothing there.
'Don't tell me, this is the Hans effect?'
That thought briefly crosses my mind, but it's not good to blame everything on Hans. The drop rate for essences or Numbered Items is only 33%.
Well, it's a bit disappointing that even the Rift Stone, which has a 66% drop rate, didn't appear...
'...It's common.'
This happened often in the game too.
You struggle to clear a rift, but get no rewards.
"...Mr. Yandel, get a grip. These things happen."
"Th, that's right! We already got a lot, didn't we?"
My companions offer words of comfort as I stand there, frozen.
Tsk, it's not like I'm angry.
'...So the only reward is from the PK?'
Although it's a bit empty, it's ridiculous to even feel disappointed when I think about it.
I can't even imagine how much all this equipment would sell for.
We've already broken our previous income record, and I even absorbed the Manticore essence.
'...Right, this alone is practically like getting a Doppelganger essence.'
Hmm, is this the effect of positive thinking?
I suddenly feel energized.
"Misha, are you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah. I just got grazed. Grazed!"
"Drink a potion first."
I dismiss my disappointment and start cleaning up after the battle, checking on my companions.
Raven chuckles, looking at me.
"Indeed, you seem like a leader when I see things like this."
"Are you making fun of me?"
"No, I was being serious this time."
"......"
"Aruru, don't do that. You're making Bjorn embarrassed."
What is she talking about?
"Then let's go back up."
We return to the forest after cleaning up. The Doppelgangers on the upper level have already disappeared.
"You're safe! I'm so relieved!!"
"Sorry for making you wait, Miss Sarman."
I hand Guide Girl, whom we left behind, to the mace warrior.
For reference, the archer from the dwarf's team, whom we offered to the altar, is already dead.
"But how did this man...?"
"Uh, that's... I was worried he might wake up..."
It seems like they killed him before he regained consciousness.
It's a bit impressive.
This guy is also an explorer, after all.
I check the archer's equipment and backpack just in case, but it doesn't seem like Guide Girl took anything.
Then our business is concluded.
"Ah, here, you should take this. I used it well."
"You keep it."
"Really?"
Parteian gives Raven the 'Misplaced Trust' he lent her as a gift. Although it's out of uses, it's not a worthless gift.
There's a way to recharge it.
It would sell for hundreds of thousands of stones even if we just sold it.
"Thank you for saving us. If you need my help, come find me anytime."
I was thinking it was just empty words...
...but Parteian gives me a business card with the Narman school emblem on it.
Hmm, so he really meant it.
I should keep this and visit him when I need something.
'This feels like completing a side quest.'
After a brief farewell with the mace warrior and Guide Girl, I escort them to the portal.
"But you guys aren't leaving?"
"It's a rift we finally entered, right? We're going to look around a bit more and do some research."
"Hmm, I see?"
Parteian nods meaningfully as if he understands, and Raven smiles awkwardly.
"Then we'll be going."
They then enter the portal and return to where they were before.
"Will they... be okay?"
"What are you worried about?"
"Mages usually look after each other."
"That's not what I meant. I meant it was an unnecessary worry. It's the 4th floor, after all."
Although Hans G and the fairy archer died, the Tower of Heaven is a floor where you can wait if you want to.
They'll probably kill time like we used to and then return to the city.
"Well... that's true."
We turn away from the portal and climb back up to the forest.
Because there's still something left to collect.
I wonder if those two will join the future clan
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