Chapter 6: Black Shadow and Blue Lightning
A sudden surge of water erupted from the large lake, shaking the entire forest around it. Trees collapsed under the force of the wave as two figures barely managed to leap back to safety. Zaphro and Slicer stood at a distance, wide-eyed, as a massive Epic Boss emerged from the lake's depths.
It was a Mermedion — a long-range type boss in the form of a beautiful siren. She towered twice the height of a normal person, her golden bow glinting under the sunlight. Her flowing hair, hypnotic gaze, and graceful figure could almost be mistaken for kindness, if not for the thick scales covering her body. Territorial and vicious, she would attack anyone who dared cross her domain.
"Good thing we got out of the way quickly," Slicer said, breathing hard.
"Yeah. We'd be soaked otherwise," Zaphro replied casually.
"That's what you're worried about? What if she had attacked us?!"
"Then we fight. Simple as that." Zaphro grinned.
"Are you crazy? She's a Boss-level enemy! There's no way we can handle that!"
"Have we tried? No, right?" Zaphro said, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't you want to level up? Well, here's our chance."
"Alright… but just to test the waters. If it looks bad, we run," Slicer agreed hesitantly. "But wait, who's going to tank? My secondary sub-class is defensive, but I doubt I can last long against her."
"I'll go first," Zaphro offered. "I need to study her movement anyway, and I'm melee. I have to get close to land my skills."
"I'll back you up once I spot an opening."
Without hesitation, Zaphro drew his Ancient Reaper, his sword gleaming with deadly intent. He dashed forward, entering the Mermedion's range. The boss immediately locked eyes with him and launched a volley of shimmering water arrows.
Zaphro's reflexes were lightning-fast. He weaved and dodged each shot as he ran in circles around the lake's edge, analyzing the boss's timing and attack patterns. Soon, he discerned the casting delay between each volley. He waited for one more shot and charged in, his speed now so high he could run across the water itself.
"Frost Field!" he shouted.
The entire lake froze beneath him. The spell, now at Level 3, blanketed the surface in ice and caught the Mermedion mid-attack. Her lower body was completely frozen, disabling her movement. The upgraded version of Frost Field now had a freeze effect, preventing even Bosses from moving — but to Zaphro's surprise, his own movement slowed as well. A quick glance at his status window revealed a slowing debuff, a passive skill from the Mermedion that activates when players get too close.
On the shore, Slicer was stunned. Seeing his friend dash across water and freeze an entire lake was awe-inspiring. Zaphro gave him a thumbs up, signaling that it was safe to join the fight. Snapping back into focus, Slicer sent him a party invite, which Zaphro quickly accepted.
Slicer dashed in, ready to try his new skill.
"Blade Eruption!" he roared.
Dozens of massive blades burst from the ground and impaled the frozen boss, dropping her HP to 85% with a powerful 4,000-damage hit. He immediately followed up with a Hardened Body buff, a party-wide defensive boost, then unleashed another skill.
"Guardian Push!"
With a forceful gesture, a massive spectral hand emerged from his palm and slammed into the boss. The impact shattered the ice and sent the Mermedion reeling backward. Her golden bow cracked and snapped from the force. Suddenly, she let out a bloodcurdling scream.
"Whiiiccckkk!"
Both players clutched their ears from the shrill cry. A warning flashed on their Vision Screens — AOE skill detected.
A giant wave began to form around the boss, energy crackling within it. The Mermedion was charging a powerful skill. Neither of them had seen this move before, and the mystery made it even more terrifying.
"Hydro Pump!"
Zaphro's heart dropped. He recognized the name from the game manual.
"Crap… no way…" he muttered.
The wave exploded outward in all directions. It was a one-hit kill skill. Zaphro dove toward Slicer, grabbing him just before the wave reached them.
"Close call, man! That move would've wiped us out," Zaphro panted.
"What?! How did you know that?!"
"I read a lot of the game's info. Just something I came across."
High above the battlefield, the Mermedion — now weaponless — summoned a new threat: Level 60 Water Spirits, water-formed creatures capable of launching ranged attacks.
The two descended back to the battlefield. Zaphro's armor shimmered as his wings flared out. Slicer gawked at his friend's full reveal.
"Alright, let's finish this," Zaphro said. "That one-hit skill should still be on cooldown. This is our chance."
"Game!" Slicer responded without hesitation.
The two cut down the summoned mobs quickly. Though they kept respawning, the real threat remained the boss. Now unarmed, the Mermedion relied only on claws and tail whips to attack.
Slicer took the initiative. "Vanishing Strike!"
He vanished from sight and appeared behind the boss, slashing repeatedly before disappearing again — only to reappear in front with a devastating upward strike. His sword pierced the boss's stomach.
The Mermedion shrieked in pain and lashed out with her claw, sending Slicer flying. His HP dropped to 75% in one hit, while the boss's health remained at 70% — and climbing, thanks to her regeneration.
Zaphro surged forward, his weapon glowing bright blue. His speed increased dramatically, closing the distance in seconds.
"Engulfing Flame!"
He plunged his sword into the boss's tail. Blue flames erupted and engulfed her entire body. Despite her attempts to douse the fire by diving into the lake, the flames persisted, rapidly reducing her HP to 45%.
Zaphro took to the air, dodging attacks from the water spirits while bombarding the boss with normal hits.
Slicer joined the assault. Despite using only basic attacks, the damage was substantial — the boss's defenses had been shredded by the blue fire.
"Savage Slash!"
"Spinning Malice!"
Two more high-damage attacks slammed into the Mermedion. Zaphro flew higher, gathering power for a final blow.
"Move, bro!" he called out.
"Angelic Wrath!"
Zaphro's body was enveloped in radiant blue light — a signature move of the Demonaire sub-class. His wings blazed with energy, and with a roar, he plunged down like a comet.
"Let's end this!"
His blade pierced through the Mermedion's head, ripping straight through her body. The boss exploded in a brilliant burst of particles.
Zaphro rose from the water, grinning.
"Not bad, right?"
Slicer was grinning too. "Not bad? Dude, that was amazing. Our tandem's unstoppable!"
Just then, notifications appeared on their Vision Screens.
Slicer has reached Level 65
Zaphro has reached Level 68
Gold Acquired: 50,000,000g each
Items Acquired (Rare to Epic):
Armor of the Death God (Black Epic Set)
Armlet of Immortal (4 pcs, Epic)
Ring of Immortal (4 pcs)
Black Flame Sword (Legendary)
Amethyst Crystal (x40)
Jade Crystal (x40)
Ruby Crystal (x40)
Diamond Crystal (x20)
Emerald Crystal (x40)
Global Announcement:
Epic Boss Mermidion (Level 100) has been slain by a party. Event Unlocked: "Pit Boss Marathon." Players who slay one Pit Boss will receive rare to epic item rewards.