Chapter 174 Combat Exam (15)

Crunch... Crunch...

Okay, now that I've killed the Boss monster of this Dungeon I had my hands pretty much untied.

I could go whether I wanted, even roam the dungeon as I pleased.

I had already gathered enough points to secure a good spot in the Top 30.

There were still around 5 hours until the Combat Exam would end, so I decided to just leisurely stroll around the Dungeon and simply search for any monsters to hunt.

I didn't need any extra points, but I wouldn't mind some extra Cores to sell later.

Whoosh...

A cool breeze brushed against my face, however, it didn't wipe the lazy smile off my lips.

Not every day do I have the luxury of enjoying a peaceful walk through the dungeon.

Tap... Tap...

As I strolled through the snow-covered forest and across the open plains, my hands leisurely tucked into my pockets, I relished the tranquility of the moment. The soft crunch of snow beneath my boots was the only sound, and the crisp winter air invigorated my senses.

Every step felt like a gentle embrace from the serene surroundings.

The trees, adorned with a delicate layer of frost, stood tall and still as if watching over the landscape.

The sun cast long shadows, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shade across the white canvas. It was a scene of serene beauty, a moment to savor in the midst of the dungeon's chaos. I marveled at the intricate ice crystals that adorned every surface, like nature's delicate artwork.

Thud... Boom...

Suddenly, a deep rumble shook the ground beneath my feet. Instinctively, I leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the monstrous creature that emerged from the snow, the very ground trembling with its immense presence. This was no ordinary foe; it was an F Rank foe.

The monster resembled a colossal frost bear but with a peculiar otherworldly aura. Its fur, as white as the snow around it, shimmered with an iridescent glow, and its eyes were like sapphire gems, filled with a predatory intelligence that sent a shiver down my spine. Enormous claws, sharper than any blade, scraped against the icy ground, leaving deep furrows in its wake.

It was similar to the bear Katarina killed.

Roar...

As it rose from its burrow, it let out a roar that echoed through the forest, a chilling sound that seemed to challenge the very nature of the dungeon. It was a true marvel, a fearsome guardian of this frozen realm. Its sheer size and power were awe-inspiring, a reminder that even in this serene winter wonderland, danger lurked around every corner.

However, I didn't even flinch at its formidable presence.

Thud...

As soon as I landed on the ground, I calmly summoned my Authority and took a deep breath, channeling my Mana into the Longsword's blade.

In that tense moment, I felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with a touch of apprehension. This F Rank frost bear was a formidable opponent, no doubt, but I had faced tough challenges before. My heart raced with anticipation as I sized up the creature before me.

The bear's eyes locked onto me, and for a brief instant, it felt like time slowed down. In that fraction of a second, I took in every detail-the power in its muscles, the sharpness of its claws, and the aura of raw strength that radiated from its massive form. I couldn't afford to underestimate it; this battle would require my full focus and strategy.

I've fought this beast a couple of times in the game and I was more than aware that any

As my Mana infused the Longsword, a shadowy aura surrounded the blade, its edge flickering out of existence as if it was invisible. I felt the connection between myself and the sword, a bond forged through the bond we formed when I acquired the Authority. It was a reassuring feeling, a reminder that I had the tools and skills to face this challenge head-on.

With a determined mindset, I adopted a defensive stance, ready for the bear's next move. It circled me, each step sending tremors through the snow. The frosty air was thick with anticipation, and I could feel the tension building. I knew that the bear wouldn't hold back, and neither would I.

Grrr...

As the bear lunged, I swiftly sidestepped its attack, the ground shaking from the sheer force of its charge. Its claws missed me by a hair's breadth, but I could feel the power in its swipe. This creature was not to be trifled with, and I couldn't afford any mistakes.I think you should take a look at

Swish...

I countered with a precise slash, aiming for its flank. The Longsword cut through the air with a satisfying whoosh, but the bear was surprisingly nimble for its size. It managed to evade most of the strike, but a shallow gash appeared on its side, oozing a bluish liquid. A direct hit would've been ideal, but I wasn't discouraged. Every battle was a learning experience, and I needed to adapt quickly.

Roar...

The bear let out a furious growl, clearly feeling the sting of my attack. It retaliated with a ferocious swipe of its massive paw, aiming to crush me under its weight. I danced back, narrowly avoiding the blow, the wind from its swing brushing against my face.

"That was close..."

I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was the thrill of combat, the challenge that pushed me to my limits. My instincts were sharp, every fiber of my being focused on the battle at hand. The bear was relentless, its movements surprisingly agile for such a massive creature. It lunged again, its jaws snapping dangerously close to my side.

Swish...

I pivoted on my heels, using the momentum to execute a spinning strike, my blade aimed at its foreleg.

Pluck...

The Longsword connected, slicing through the tough hide of the bear. A fierce roar of pain echoed through the forest as the bear stumbled back, blood dripping from the fresh wound. I was making progress, wearing it down, but I couldn't afford to get complacent. This was a dance of life and death, and I intended to come out victorious.

In the midst of battle, my mind raced. I remembered the strategies I had learned, the weaknesses of this particular creature, and the patterns it exhibited. This knowledge was invaluable, a treasure trove acquired through countless encounters with monsters in this world.

I had to use every advantage I had.

As the bear regained its footing, I noticed a pattern in its attacks, a split-second hesitation before it lunged. It was a small window, but it was enough. I bided my time, waiting for the right moment. It charged again, and just as it was about to strike, I sidestepped, and with a powerful thrust, I aimed for its exposed flank.

"..."

Time seemed to slow down as I saw the opening, the moment of vulnerability in the bear's relentless assault. My heart raced, and my mind focused on the task at hand. I unleashed the full force of my strike, the Longsword piercing through the bear's flank with a satisfying thud. I could feel the blade's resistance as it met the creature's resistance, but I pushed through, determined to deal a decisive blow.

Pluck...

As the blade penetrated the bear's side, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins. I knew I had struck true, and the bear let out a thunderous roar of agony. Its body quivered, and I pulled the sword back with a swift motion, the sound of tearing flesh and a spatter of bluish liquid filling the air.

Thud... Thud...

The bear staggered, its immense form swaying unsteadily. It was badly wounded. But it wasn't over yet. I kept my guard up, ready for any last-ditch attempts from the creature. It seemed to be struggling to stay upright, its sapphire eyes filled with a mixture of pain and defiance.

'Fall...'

At that moment, I felt a mix of emotions. A sense of accomplishment for landing a crucial strike, but also a tinge of pity for this magnificent beast. It was simply defending its territory, following its instincts. Yet, in this dungeon, it was a dangerous foe, and I had to prioritize my safety.

Just kidding.

It was a monster that would rip my head off even if I wasn't even in its territory, so I didn't feel bad one bit.

Grrr...

The bear's growls grew weaker, and I knew it was on the brink of defeat. I maintained my defensive stance, ready to react to any final desperate moves. Its massive form swayed once more, then, with a final shudder, it collapsed onto the snowy ground.

"..."

Silence filled the forest, broken only by the gentle rustling of the trees and the distant sounds of other battles echoing through the dungeon. The once-fearsome F Rank frost bear lay motionless before me, defeated. I took a moment to catch my breath, my heart still pounding from the intense encounter.

Although I hadn't done a lot, with depleted Mana reserves from the previous fight, this was a hard-won victory that I could be proud of.