Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Hidden Quest 2



[Tactical Mirage: A]

[- Creates a 30m radius zone where user is aware all movement. Simulate possible movements the user can take react according.

- Creates Holographic clones and illusions within this space. Dependant on current level.

- Search for small targets and track movement with this zone giving user a mental marker for each target.

- 5% all-round stat boost.

- Weak force field.

- Light attribute]

"It was worth it to merge all those skills from the slimes," Jett thought, smiling as he checked his skill's new attributes.

They walked for about 5 minutes before reaching the cave's depths. It was empty and enclosed, with moss-covered walls and overgrown bushes. As they went deeper, dim light revealed four firefly-like statues and a humanoid firefly monster statue with a spear.

"Do you have a weapon?" Jett asked, looking at the statues.

"Yeah, I got a spear," Finn said, showing a fancy-looking weapon from his storage space.

"Use appraisal. It's common skill for Merchant Class right?," Jett advised, unimpressed by the spear. "You'll need one with a stat boost, preferably strength, and maybe a special attribute."

Finn read the weapon's description. "Just perception boost," he noted, looking for more options.

"That won't do. I can't afford to get you killed here, so check among the weapons you bought," Jett urged, scanning the surroundings as Finn brings everything out of his storage space and sifts through weapons on the ground. "What about that one?" Jett pointed to an old, rusty spear with a gleaming blade.

Finn wondered if Jett was messing with him. "This? It looks useless, but alright," he said, deciding to appraise it. To his surprise, the results were impressive. "A special-grade weapon with a 20-point increase in strength, perception, and speed. It also has a triple damage attribute for 5 seconds, with a cooldown duration of 2 minutes."

"What a score, and it fits your Merchant/Warrior class too," Jett said, relieved with a smile. "Alright, now for the game plan." His smile turned mischievous as he began to outline their strategy.

"What's with that look? You're not going to make me do anything crazy, right?" Finn's expression showed growing worry.

"Yours is the easy part. You see that big guy over there?" Jett pointed at the humanoid firefly statue.

"Yeah? What about it?" Finn asked, apprehension creeping into his voice.

"You'll fight him alone. Just watch out for the spear and sharp wings," Jett instructed calmly.

"Are you crazy?" Finn exclaimed, disbelief evident in his tone.

"Alright, I'm deactivating the light," Jett announced, switching off the Light attribute of their Tactical Mirage. Darkness enveloped the cave, but his [Tactical Mirage] still provided them with some clarity.

As they stood back to back, they began to hear cracking sounds emanating from the direction of the statues. Glowing figures emerged where the statues once stood, accompanied by thousands of fireflies emerging from the bushes, their luminous bodies lighting up the cave.

"That's them. Get ready," Jett informed Finn, who was already poised for action.

"I'm ready," Finn replied confidently, his senses heightened in the darkness.

"Don't rush in. Use your increased perception to your advantage," Jett advised, but Finn was eager to engage and interrupted him, "Enough talk. Let's do this."

With determination, they both took off in opposite directions. Finn headed straight for the humanoid monster, the largest source of light in the cave. As he approached, the number of fireflies decreased, allowing him to focus on his target. He lunged his spear towards the monster, but it skillfully parried his attack. Their battle ensued, with Finn narrowly dodging the creature's strikes.

Despite some grazing blows, Finn's ring provided him with auto-regeneration, ensuring he remained in the fight. However, the lack of visibility added to his challenges, forcing him to rely on his instincts and increased perception.

Meanwhile, Jett was in his element, effortlessly slicing through swarms of fireflies to reach the four larger ones they seemed to be protecting. He pressed forward, his movements fluid and precise, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed him. Taking a step back, he paused to gather his breath.

"I haven't had the chance to use some of my skills or spells. Let's see how well I do," Jett thought to himself, determination gleaming in his eyes as he prepared to unleash his full potential.

As Finn battled the humanoid monster with his spear, Jett remained focused, his mind delving deep into the depths of his magical abilities. Though he had learned magic diligently from his mother, he had rarely used it in this world. Now, faced with the swarm of fireflies, he had to rely on his mastery of the arcane arts.

His breath steady, Jett closed his eyes, visualizing mana coalescing into flames. He pictured a roaring inferno, fierce and powerful, rising to form a towering pillar of fire. With precision, he added just the right amount of mana, careful not to overwhelm the spell. Finn watched in amazement as Jett remained perfectly still, his concentration unbroken amidst the chaos.

"What are you doing, moron? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Finn's voice cut through the tension, but Jett remained undeterred.

Then, with a sudden surge of energy, Jett completed his spell. Stretching out his hand towards the swarm of fireflies, he called out the incantation, "{Hell Fire}!" In an instant, a pillar of flame erupted from the ground, engulfing the swarm in a blaze of heat and light. The fire roared ferociously, creating a path through the throng of insects and providing Jett with an opportunity to advance.

*

*

*

Didn't take long for Finn to grasp the situation.

What did he mean by plans though?

I guess we'll find out soon.

And take no heed the weapon grading for now

It'll be explained in due time. ( ◜‿◝ )♡