Chapter 28

The boss room is an open space.

Inside, several tombstones stand haphazardly, and at the back, an undead creature awaits.

A monster in the form of a skeleton, clad in a black cloak, grips an ornate staff in both hands. It is over two meters tall and floats in the air.

No doubt, this is the dungeon boss.

"Status"

As I chant, information appears before my eyes.

――――――――――――――――――――

【Dark Sorcerer Spirit】

- Recommended Level: 35

- Dungeon Boss: 【Spirit Mausoleum of the Underworld】

- An undead mage with insatiable curiosity who continued to hone his skills even after death. Possesses high intellect and power, capable of performing numerous miracles.

――――――――――――――――――――

A Dark Sorcerer.

The recommended level for defeating it is 35, and it uses various spells.

In exchange, it has no close-range attack methods and is a boss completely specialized in magic.

‘Kekekekeke’

The enemy spots me and Shuna and lets out an ear-piercing laugh.

Seeing this, I kick off the ground without hesitation and accelerate.

I dive in to deliver a slash.

However, even in front of me, the Dark Sorcerer shows no confusion.

As it raises its staff, a jet-black magical power overflows from the magic crystal at the tip and envelops its body.

“—Ha!”

A few seconds later, my blade strikes the Dark Sorcerer.

However,

‘Kekekeke’

The only sound that rings out is the Dark Sorcerer's mocking laugh.

My blade is completely blocked by the jet-black magical power.

(…Yeah, this is what I expected.)

This is one of the skills used by the Dark Sorcerer, called 【Dark Enshroud】.

It is a spell that wraps the body in a dark magical barrier.

When protected by this barrier, the Dark Sorcerer becomes invincible and cannot take damage.

Of course, there are ways to break through it.

Holy attribute attacks can destroy this barrier.

In other words, there are no other means to break through Dark Enshroud, and a holy attribute user is essential for defeating the Dark Sorcerer.

That's why the possession of a holy attribute skill is one of the entry requirements for this dungeon.

“Alright”

Confirming that my first attack failed, I take a step back to put distance between me and the Dark Sorcerer.

This was all within my expectations.

I launched the attack knowing that it wouldn't deal damage.

The reason is—

‘Kekekekekeke!’

The Dark Sorcerer lets out a shrill scream.

Two jet-black magical orbs appear to its left and right.

These are the attack skills it possesses, called 【Dark Lock Orbs】.

They deal massive damage upon direct hit and temporarily immobilize the target.

It then launches both magical orbs at me.

(Alright, just as I planned.)

Yes, this is the reason I attacked even though I knew it wouldn't deal damage.

Even if I couldn't deal damage, I could still draw the enemy's hate.

Thanks to this, all the magical orbs were launched at me instead of Shuna.

If even one of them hits me, our defeat is almost certain.

But—nothing happens if they don't hit!

“Parry”

‘Giiii!?’

I activate Parry and deflect the two magical orbs in different directions.

With my current status and the effect of the 【Guardian's Legacy Sword】, it was entirely possible to deflect the Dark Lock Orbs.

While the Dark Sorcerer is confused by the blocked attack, I call out to Shuna.

“I told you before, that was the 【Dark Lock Orb】! If you get hit, you'll take massive damage and be immobilized! I don't intend to let them hit you, but be careful just in case!”

“Yeah, got it!”

Shuna nods forcefully.

And in her hand, a holy attribute light orb is already floating.

She had prepared it while I was engaging the Dark Sorcerer.

“Whenever you're ready, Zeros!”

“Alright—Slash!”

‘Kii!?’

I release a slash that hits the Dark Sorcerer's head.

Although it doesn't deal damage, I manage to make the enemy flinch slightly.

I shout immediately.

“Now, Shuna!”

“—Sacred Missile!”

The light magic projectile hits the Dark Sorcerer directly.

With a blinding light and an explosion, the dark armor shatters instantly.

‘Giiiiiiiiii!’

However, the Dark Sorcerer's response is quick.

It lets out a scream filled with anger and redeploys the magical barrier in less than a second. However, this time the barrier is transparent.

(Just as I thought.)

After the Dark Enshroud is destroyed, the Dark Sorcerer cannot use the same skill for a few seconds.

During this gap, attacking and finishing it off is the strategy in ‘Cleone’.

The magical barrier it just deployed is only a temporary measure and has no resistance.

(In other words—this barrier can be destroyed by attacks other than holy ones!)

“Slash!”

I swing my sword at high speed and release five consecutive slashes.

The first one only creates a crack in the barrier, but the second one successfully breaks it.

Of the remaining three, the third and fourth strikes hit the Dark Sorcerer's body perfectly.

‘Kaaaaaaa!’

Despite writhing in pain, the Dark Sorcerer manages to reactivate Dark Enshroud.

As a result, the fifth strike is blocked.

I frown slightly.

(It was a bit slow in reactivating. But the next time, the fifth strike should connect.)

Based on my current status, each Slash deals about 15% of the HP.

Since two strikes hit this time, it should have reduced the HP by nearly 30%.

Assuming the next three strikes will hit, I can deal 45% damage each time I break the 【Dark Enshroud】.

If I repeat this process twice more, I should be able to defeat it.

Even if I fail, thanks to the preparations, I have a fourth chance, so there's no need to worry unnecessarily.

“Alright! Shuna, let's keep this up!”

“Yeah, Zeros!”

Shuna responds forcefully to my words.

She is handling the battle well against a higher-level opponent.

If we continue like this, our victory is certain.

Yes, it should be certain—

(…What is this feeling of unease?)

—Despite this, something is nagging at me.

A tiny feeling of unease that is hard to put into words.

Or perhaps, it could be called a bad premonition.

It's hard to imagine a significant problem waiting for us, but if that's the case, what is this…

‘Kekekekeke’

As I think this, the Dark Sorcerer is preparing Dark Lock Orbs while emitting a creepy laugh.

(No, I'll think about it later. Right now, I just need to focus on defeating this thing!)

I tighten my focus and parry the incoming magic once again.

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