Volume 20 Chapter 6: Inferno Dungeon

Weed decided to go hunt first before tracking the young Chaos Warrior.

"I need to prepare before entering the dungeon."

Fire resistance increases with every hunt of the Chaos Warriors in Las Phalanx.

The corpses of the Chaos Warriors were also valuable assets towards the Necromancer and Golden Bird, at the same time, was earnestly assisting in the battle.

As the battle goes on, Weed was surprised to see Golden Bird being surrounded by light and then its body and legs started to grow.

Its neck, wings, waist, all had started to enlarge!

It had transformed itself gaining a size of 3 meters and 20 centimeters.

Its golden flowing feathers were embedded with beautiful jewels.

A diamond crown was worn atop its head.

Golden Bird can use polymorph, the ability to change the body.

Mooooooo!

"Golgolgolgol!"

The other sculptures of life gave out a shocked reaction when they saw Golden Bird.

In a way, they were wondering why they weren't created like that.

As sculptures made by Weed they have high pride when it comes to their appearance but they can only feel ashamed after seeing the difference.

"You guys are still good. Just do not forget what the Wyverns looks like."

"......."

Yellowy and Geumini became quiet when they heard about the Wyverns.

They were lucky that they weren't as hastily made like the ugly Wyverns.

Weed then led the undead.

"Chaos Warriors, let's go!"

The Chaos Warriors makes use of short distance teleportation during the battle making them hard to hit but then Golden Bird suddenly brandished its claws in an empty area.

"Keek!"

The moment the location of the teleporting Chaos Warriors had been predicted, the claws and beak was used to attack the vitals points.

*Ttadadadadadak!*

Golden Bird has launched a series of deadly attacks like a woodpecker!

The Chaos Warriors could not hold against the attacks and have quickly died.

Golden Bird soared into the air after tearing and discarding the monsters.

It had a terrifying combat ability.

The transformed Golden Bird then engages Weed in a conversation.

"Weed-nim, we have won."

"Well of course."

Monsters in Las Phalanx have their fire attribute magic and skills increase for almost two times.

For this reason, high fire resistance is required.

While hunting for Chaos Warriors the fire resistance had been raised up to 22%.

"If the 10% increase resistance in a restricted zone is included then it is now at 32%."

Weed originally has good resistance and this is due to him having a high amount of fortitude.

Weed, Seoyoon, and the sculptures of life move along with the undead.

Resistance wasn't the only thing that increased while hunting Chaos Warriors, 18 axes were acquired along the way and because of that Weed's backpack had an increase in weight.

Due to Weed's Skeleton status his power to carry the backpack has been reduced.

Items that are worth a lot of money are not meant to be left behind!

Weed usually hides and leaves his loot in hidden caves and blind spots but he doesn't want to do that to the expensive ones.

And with a large backpack against his shoulders and collarbone, Weed walked silently towards the dungeon.

It is now time to resume the quest and enter the dangerous dungeon.

"Tori, Van Hawk."

"Yes master!"

"At your call master."

"You two head first in the dungeon."

Weed putting his servants to use!

Since this is an extremely dangerous dungeon there are sure to be a lot of Chaos Warriors together with their subordinates.

***

Meanwhile, Drinfeld and Griffith were expanding the area of their exploration in Las Phalanx.

Their reinforcements from the Hermes Guild in Haven Kingdom have yet to arrive at Las Phalanx.

In the meantime, they were trying to increase their adaptability in fighting in a terrain full of volcanic eruptions and cracks on the ground.

"Compose yourselves and let's show them how the elites will conquer this land."

The coalition of high level Navy Knights and Pirates has united themselves.

Although the hunting wasn't very efficient, if they were to be ambushed again by Weed they could immediately launch a counterattack.

"I don't care what means and methods you use just bring me Weed's head at any cost. The Hermes Guild will give out a handsome reward."

They no longer have the pride they once shown.

Drinfeld's group then successfully hunted a bunch of Bollards.

Great volcanic eruptions followed awhile later.

***

CTS media and LK game broadcast aired the adventures in Las Phalanx live!

They have suffered great humiliation and intense mockery in the board but it soon calmed down.

The expedition led by Drinfeld advanced towards the fissured grounds of the Sculptor's Heritage.

Excitement filled the viewers watching the footage CTS media broadcast.

"The Sculptor's Heritage, now this is a totally unexpected place. Do you think Weed came here?"

"It seems so."

The expedition continued their hunting and due to the effects of the Sculptor's Heritage it had become much easier.

"Drinfeld, you mainly use a large knife as a weapon same as with the other Navy Knights, why is that?"

"The damage it deals is big and it has high durability which is necessary when fighting against sea monsters and Pirates."

"So that's why you use it though it is still hard to fight here in Las Phalanx."

"I agree. It takes a very long time to sail here and the levels of the monsters are quite high."

"It was dangerous to fight while avoiding the volcanic eruptions wasn't it? Seeing them directly sure is a terrifying experience."

"I, Drinfeld, together with the 2nd Fleet was chosen by the Haven Kingdom because we can adapt well with dangerous environments."

"What about Weed? He seems to have adapted well after coming here first."

"In an adventure, having a large scale exploration group is different from going alone. The risks between these situations can't be compared."

Conversations between Drinfeld and Griffith's Pirates were being relayed in the broadcast.

The live broadcast was aired twice a day and it took first place in the ratings.

***

Due to the contract with Weed, KMC Media have yet to show the broadcast of the quest.

Since the quest is still ongoing broadcasting it will increase the chance of Drinfeld and Griffith in interfering.

This is also done in order to hide Weed's current location.

Windows of KMC Media's head office were still lit late at night with the entire staff working overtime.

They were preparing to edit the video since they do not know when will Weed's quest finish.

***

On the Versailles Continent, the citizens and priests began to speak.

"Have you heard of Emperor Geihar? He was the first emperor of the Ahreupen Empire that united the whole Versailles Continent. Anyone who has studied history would recognize him."

"The Archmage Seulroeo, they say he would use any means and methods to achieve his ambition. The Matam Wizards are even talking about him and remaining records say he was a genius. There are also rumors about him that say he was the key to the collapse of the Niflheim Empire."

"Wasn't there a reason that gave him no choice but to do so?"

"You got to believe this. There is a land where only the courageous can go! In it there is a monster that possesses a very powerful weapon. This will definitely cause a huge disaster... and the only one who can stop it is a single Sculptor."

Dwarves, Elves, and Fairy warriors were summoned. They were preparing for an expedition to go to Las Phalanx.

"If he fails that monster which threatens our peace will definitely begin to move. Dwarves bear arms for battle."

"Elven Archers make preparations for battle, we will show them the true power of the fire spirits."

Videos of the movements of Dwarves and Elven race were posted at the Royal Road homepage.

And with just closing the eyes players will be able to see what is happening within the Versailles Continent.

Weed's adventure was definitely becoming a hot topic in the continent.

***

Benefits:

2,100 Fame increase.

For a week, experience and item drop rate are doubled.

The first monster hunted will have the highest possibility of dropping rare items.

"Woah!"

Weed let out a surprised cry.

The Fame it gave out was ridiculously high.

"What the hell!? Just how dangerous is this dungeon to award such high Fame?"

It can be guessed that the next area will be quite formidable even with the summoned undead.

"Nevertheless, it is best to earn money while one is still young since that money will be useful when you grow old."

Weed ordered his subordinates to move forward.

The internal passage of the dungeon was wide enough to be able to fit multiple troops.

Flames were gushing forth underneath the ground and were reflected by the cave walls creating a marvellous sight.

"Walk carefully and go through there."

Weed took the right path were the flames are coming out while Seoyoon took the left side.

With this small act Seoyoon was very grateful towards Weed's consideration.

But it was actually far from the truth, the motive was quite different from how a gentleman acts toward a woman.

'There's no way I'm taking the left side of the path. Who knows when a monster will come out there.'

Instinctive reflex for self-preservation!

The fire resistance Weed gained was quite high so that level of flame is still tolerable.

On the walls of the cave there were a lot of crystals, agates, and garnets.

Although classified as jewels, they were of the inexpensive and the common kind.

"This is a good place for making sculptures."

Weed lingered for awhile looking at the wall.

"Soft skinned humans have come here!"

"I smell the rotting stench of the undead!"

On the other side of the passage, 6 large-sized Inferno Knights came out running and shouting.

The Inferno Knights were much larger than a Barbarian and their height rivals that of the Ogres and they were brandishing their swords.

Every time they took a step the dungeon shakes a little.

Weed immediately began to issue commands.

"Chaos Warriors, attack!"

The 20 high class undead was given an order to attack.

The risk was dangerously high since they were engaged in a close distance battle.

"The rest of you keep watch and prepare to retreat!"

Think before you leap, it is best to confirm whether a persimmon is ripe before taking a bite.

If the undead cannot match the Inferno Knights in the battle then they will be used as scapegoats for retreating.

Tori and Van Hawk did not join the battle instead they were on standby.

'If we're going to be chased by those monsters then I'll use them to buy some time.'

The Chaos Warriors that were made from the Animate Dead skill made use of their teleportation to keep out of the Inferno Knight's line of sight.

They also use their axes to deal damage.

And of course, those axes were equipment that came from Weed's backpack.

In order to enhance the power of the undead Weed made them equip powerful weapons!

"Grrrr, abominable Chaos Warriors!"

"These rotting undead are annoying."

The ongoing fierce battle between the undead and the Inferno Knights only irritated Weed.

Since the Step 4 undead summoning magic creates superior undead which has high intelligence but the most they could do in the battle right now was just simply to avoid.

Using his tremendous leadership over the undead Weed had thought of something to use against these strong monsters.

One bold plan.

A battle of attrition.

There were a lot of undead that Weed commanded directly, they were chosen to play an active role.

With repetitive battles these undead continue to learn.

The elite undead taught by Weed continue to annoy the Inferno Knights and pushes them back.

This was due to their numbers which were considerably much higher compared to the engaged high level monsters.

"Among the Chaos Warriors there are those whose decays are getting worse. Seems like the Chaos Warriors are starting to wear out."

From observing the battle he had arrived at a conclusion.

Noticing such details are not that difficult for Weed.

"Tori, Van Hawk, what are you doing? Don't just stand there, go and fight!"

"Understood master."

Weed, being their owner, scolded them without remorse even though he originally ordered them to standby and prepare for retreat.

Van Hawk and Tori immediately rushed to join the fight.

While the two engage the Inferno Knights in a pincer attack Geumini was given an order as well.

"Shoot them with arrows from here."

"Golgolgol!"

Golden Bird also participated in the battle and using its incredibly fast speed it was able to deal an attack at the vital spot of an Inferno Knight.

Seoyoon pulled out her sword and decided to join the battle as well.

Weed, not participating in the battle directly, started to curse the enemies.

Then one of the Chaos Warrior was defeated and the mana used to maintain it was recovered.

"Have to make them last a little longer."

Relaxing while observing others battle, this was the privilege granted to the Wizard and Cleric class.

"Their large size sure isn't just for show."

Suddenly the marks engraved in the Inferno Knights' armors started to shine and due to this they gained a great increase in defense.

With their excellent defense and high stature it was even more necessary to exercise caution in hunting them.

Though they were now mostly weakened due to Weed's curse magic.

"This battle is rather long."

8 minutes have now passed!

The Inferno Knights were getting tired and Weed's mana has been depleted.

Large amount of mana was needed to resurrect the undead and the Chaos Warriors continue to deplete their mana every time they use teleportation.

The undead, Seoyoon and the others have now started to encircle the Inferno Knights creating a wall.

With Golden Bird luring one of them away the hunt had slightly become easy.

"Have to end this battle quickly. Chaos Warriors, seven of the bravest of you go and interject that Inferno Knight."

Weed being the Lord of the undead commanded them with great charisma.

The Chaos Warriors that were pointed out by the Fallen Saint's Staff and Bar Khan's Tome were greatly honored and started teleporting immediately towards the isolated Inferno Knight.

"Corpse Explosion!"

Kwagwagwang!

Chaos Warriors that showed great valour and loyalty towards Weed were rewarded with an order to explode!

Using Corpse Explosion on the corpse of high level monsters would definitely result to high destructive power.

A bright red pillar of fire was erected from the ground up to the ceiling in just an instant!

Finally with the collapsed of the enemies formation Weed gave out a short and precise order.

"Kill it!"

Everyone concentrated their attack on the badly damaged Inferno Knight.

Curse magic effects are enhanced by 35%.

All resistance are now reduced by 60%.

Aggression is lowered but will be more focused on defending.

Weed focused his curse magic on the ones that entered a state of fear and launched a concentrated attack on them one at a time.

Weed did not conceal his joy whenever he catches the items he saw falling.

- Your Fame has increased by 6.

- Necromancer's skill proficiency has increased.

Pioneering did not increase unlike with the hunt of the Chaos Warriors. This was most likely because the race that truly dominates Las Phalanx were the Chaos Warriors.

"Anyway gotta check the items."

Among the armors acquired there was one that stood out.

An exclusive item fitting the large physique of Barbarian Warriors!

Although the restriction was at level 460 Weed did not worry.

"It's not that I have fewer things to sell. If it's difficult to sell then just smelt it and recreate it later."

The Inferno Knights gave out various minerals as well and also a small amount of Mithril and jewels.

Weed divided the items he collected exactly in half and gave it to Seoyoon.

While it is a fact that she took an active role in fighting together with the undead, if she had not come along to Las Phalanx then Tori would not have helped in clearing the dungeon.

Of course, hunting the Chaos Warriors would have been difficult as well.

Weed eyed the piece of Mithril with extreme greed.

"It is very hard to obtain the rare Mithril... Once I have gathered enough I'll make them into armors, is that okay with you?

Seoyoon nodded.

"I'll make the best armor later."

Although Weed was showing his best good-natured smile, with the countenance of a skeleton it can only be seen as an extremely rotten smile.

'Half of the jewels were given since she did a good job.'

Weed's mood then brightens up when he took Seoyoon's share of the Mithril since he does intend to make the armor.

Weed aims to increase his blacksmithing skill.

The amount of Mithril he might find here could speed up his skill by more than a few days than what he normally does.

He could gather a lot of Mithril in this dungeon hunt and then creating a sculpture made out of pure Mithril wouldn't be just a pipe dream.

Of course for a Sculptor this would be quite an achievement.

"I'll have to replenish the undead... Animate Dead!"

With the number of Chaos Warriors greatly reduced the corpses of the Inferno Knights were ideal candidates for replacements.

The 12 remaining Chaos Warriors then started teleporting to gather the rest of the Inferno Knights corpses to replace the fallen 8.

Necromancer Skill must be at least Advance Level 2 to raise the body.

Summoning of the undead has failed.

The corpse did not turn into an undead but Weed's mana was still consumed.

"At my current state I cannot use these corpses."

Weed wasn't very satisfied and decided to take a rest.

Mana and stamina must be recovered, same goes to Seoyoon and the other sculptures of life.

The party still hasn't rested and recovered completely and yet another battle is about to commence!

"Humans and undead challenging this place, what a bunch ignorant fools. This is no place where you can just recklessly enter."

"This is not a place for you lowly humans. I'll have to eliminate all of you here."

Inferno Knights have reappeared.

Due to Weed's and Seoyoon's name bearing a red mark other monsters in the dungeon were aggressive towards them.

Weed's Infamy had already surpassed 6,000.

If someone has a murderer's mark then monsters will most likely not flee in battle.

If you don't kill them fast enough then they might even call for reinforcements.

And since your name will be exposed you will be chased all throughout the dungeon.

Thus with the sacrifice of 8 more Chaos Warriors the two Inferno Knights were successfully hunted.