Chapter 159: Jail Exit
"Speaking of which, my Lord's pet is truly getting more and more powerful."
The Paladin said with emotion, looking at Light Snow , who was curled up in the Corner of the Room and yawning, with a Gaze filled with Awe. He then gestured with his hand to indicate Light Snow 's size, revealing a confused Gaze.
"I saw it last time in Vita Village too, but it didn't seem as big as it is now. Hmm, let me think, it was probably about this tall. Was I seeing things back then?"
"Perhaps it's been eating a lot recently and gained a lot of weight."
I blinked and replied vaguely.
In reality, it wasn't because it got fat. It was clearly because I had raised the Summon Dire Wolf Skill to Level 10. As I mentioned before, a Druid's Summon gains a milestone every 10 Levels. This means at Level 10, the Summon's Ability will have a small leap. After Level 20, there's a larger leap, and Level 30 is even more terrifying. As for Level 40? Forget Druids, even looking across the entire Sanctuary, I've never heard of any Class Changer who could raise a Skill Level to Level 40...
Back then, Poison Creeper evolved into an Elite Summoned Creature as powerful as Light Snow precisely because of the momentum from the small leap after reaching Level 10. Of course, I desperately held back and waited until the other four Ghost Wolves Mutated before raising the Summon Dire Wolf Skill to Level 10. This wasn't because I planned for the other four Ghost Wolves to also evolve into Elite Summons like Poison Creeper. After all, Light Snow 's Stats clearly stated: A Wolf Pack only allows one Snow Wolf Leader to exist. If the other four Ghost Wolves also evolved into Elites, the five of them would likely kill each other. Therefore, unless Light Snow can evolve into an Existence even higher than Elite, the other four Ghost Wolves will forever be without Hope of evolving to Elite Level.
Thus, the real reason I did this, according to the Game's Statement, was simply the Hope that the other four Ghost Wolves would have a higher growth rate after Mutating, so that after reaching Level 10, the increase would be a bit larger. Of course, this was just my wild guess, and no one knows if it's correct.
As a Result, when I raised Summon Dire Wolf to Level 10, the Life of the four Mutated Ghost Wolves each surged by 100 points, and their other Base Stats also saw significant improvement. Light Snow was even more terrifying. Its Life actually increased by a full 300 points. If its Defense wasn't still relatively weak (compared to me after Werebear Transformation), it could completely replace me as the first Tank in the Party.
Besides the increase in various Base Stats, they also had a very obvious Transformation, just like the Matter the Paladin was confused about—their Physique had increased significantly...
I heard that at Level 20, Summons not only have a big leap in Stats, but also seem to be able master a brand new, overpowered Skill. It's truly something to look forward to!
The other four didn't understand the reason. Although they knew that Druid Summons didn't need to be fed, my Summons had completely exceeded the common sense and understanding of Sanctuary. So, even if I said they needed to eat, the four of them wouldn't find it abrupt.
"Right, if my Lord doesn't mind. Let's cross the Jail together. We have a Labyrinth expert here, who I believe will be of some Help to you, my Lord."
The silent Sorceress opposite suggested.
"Really?" My eyes lit up.
"Will it not cause you trouble? If it will, I'll just go my own Way. It seems quite interesting anyway."
I replied with a smile, using retreat as advance. However, the Method of violently solving the Labyrinth was indeed quite enjoyable. Even if no one led the way, I could still have a great time.
"Please allow us to guide the Way for my Lord."
The Assassin, who had been keeping a straight face beside me, suddenly rushed forward, looking at me with a Gaze so sincere it was almost pleading. As a Labyrinth enthusiast, he truly couldn't stand my behavior of destroying the Labyrinth.
What was going on? The Assassin who had originally been wearing a sour face. How did he suddenly become so enthusiastic? Not understanding the reason, I felt a bit flustered by his sudden enthusiasm.
Could it be that I guessed wrong, and this Assassin is the legendary cool guy who is cold on the inside but warm on the outside, with popularity surpassing the Protagonist?
"Of course not, on the contrary, it is our Honor. However, there is one Matter, please forgive my bluntness, but the Way you just did things, my Lord, is absolutely not advisable. I'm afraid Lady Akara and the others will have strong opinions." The Sorceress explained to me with a wry smile.
"I remember many people tried to pass through the Labyrinth using this Method before. But they were all severely taught a lesson by Lady Kashya. Since then, no one has dared to do it again."
"It shouldn't be a big problem, haha... Then I'll trouble you."
I brushed it off lightly. On the surface, I seemed to not take it seriously at all, but inwardly, I was twitching—could I have caused trouble again...?
After a night of Rest, we Departed early the next morning. Since the Party had grown quite a bit, I simply put away the other four Ghost Wolves, leaving only Light Snow , Poison Creeper, and Oak Sage. When Oak Sage's Aura Enveloped them, the Paladin was the first to exclaim in surprise.
"Everyone, quickly look at your Life! Oh my god!! Respected Lord, what Level is your Oak Sage now?"
His heart was filled with shock and Awe, so much so that he switched back to honorifics.
I already had a countermeasure for this. Following his words, I pulled down my Cloak Hat and pointed to the Wolf Head I was wearing on my Head.
"Haha, probably just good Luck. I got a relatively Excellent Grade Wolf Head Hat."
The other four looked at the Wolf Head with expressions of surprise and envy. They had probably never seen this thing before either.
"Let's Depart quickly."
Once their Curiosity passed, I immediately said to the four of them. The Paladin had already subconsciously transferred the temporary Leadership of the entire Party to me.
Baal still walked at the very front, with Light Snow following closely behind him, and Enveloped by Oak Sage's Aura. He suddenly felt his pace lighten, no longer having that Feeling like a heavy stone was hanging in his heart from scouting the Way the past few days.
Compared to Baal's ease, his familiarity with the Labyrinth also filled me with sincere amazement. I originally thought it was greatly exaggerated, but judging from Baal's current performance, it seems the others were being modest.
"Shh..."
After walking for a while. Baal suddenly stopped, staring intently from a hidden Corner at a wide Corridor opposite.
"12 Corrupted Monsters, 6 Bone Archers, 3 Bone Mages, 2 Wrath. What should we do...?"
He counted silently, then turned his Head and gave us a questioning Gaze.
"Is there no Method to avoid them?" the Paladin beside him asked.
"While it's not impossible, if we take a detour. We might have to recalculate the Route again, which would take another day or two. And we might not even be able to avoid them. Maybe this is the only Way to the third Level of the Jail!"
"..."
The Paladin turned his Gaze towards me. If it were just the four of them usually, he would rather choose to take a long detour and try, and would absolutely not take this risk. But now...
"No problem. Leave the Corrupted Monsters and Wrath to me. You guys go take care of the Archers and Sorcerers first."
I gave them a confident Gaze. A mere twenty-something Monsters were nothing to me. Even alone, I could quickly deal with them. But now that it was Party Operation, it was a different Matter. As the temporary Leader, I had to consider their positions.
The Battle quickly began. I first underwent Werebear Transformation. Taking Light Snow and Poison Creeper, I leaped out from the Corner and quickly pounced towards the Corrupted Monsters and the Wrath Party. With my intentional or unintentional positioning, even the first round of Attack from the Bone Archers and Bone Mages landed on my Body.
Damn, that really hurt a bit. The Attack from the 6 Bone Archers wasn't much, after all, after Werebear Transformation, my Defense could only be described as overpowered. But the 12 Lightning Bolts spat out from the mouths of the Corrupted Monsters left me a bit puzzled. Five of them landed on my Body, and wouldn't you know it, there was a chance of Paralysis, which nearly made me stumble and fall. Sigh, I should have worn more Lightning Resistance Equipment.
As for the three Bone Mages, two used Fire Ball, and one used Charged Bolt. Because the Quantity was small, even if the Damage was high, it was limited, so I automatically ignored them.
The first to greet us were the 2 Wrath. Poison Creeper, under my Command, met them head-on, while Light Snow and I instantly turned our Bodies and brushed past them—in order to minimize the Corrupted Monsters' Lightning Bolt Attack, we had to quickly mix in among them. To deal with these Corrupted Monsters, unless you are an Amazon, Melee Combat is safer.
By the time the Corrupted Monsters finished spitting out the second round of Lightning Bolts, Light Snow and I finally charged in. It could probably be described as a wolf entering a flock of sheep. Although the Corrupted Monsters' Teeth were sharp and their Bodies were very strong, they were still far from being able to cause any significant Damage to my Werebear Form Body. As for Light Snow , ever since Summon Dire Wolf rose to Level 10, his Attack Power and Speed had increased by another Level, reaching a quite terrifying standard. Dealing with these not-so-fast Corrupted Monsters was more than enough.
Out of the Corner of my eye, I saw Baal and the other four also charging forward after undergoing a round of Baptism from the Archers and Sorcerers. Four Advanced Transformed Ones, if they couldn't handle even 6 Archers and 3 Sorcerers in close combat, they might as well find a piece of tofu somewhere and bash their Heads in.
The entire Corridor was divided into two Battlefields. The difference was that although our Battlefield seemed more intense, it was far more lively than the other one. Poison Creeper followed after easily dealing with the two Wrath. Under my deliberate restraint, one person, one wolf, and one vine were having a great time fighting the Corrupted Monsters.
As for the other four, with Oak Sage's Aura covering them, it was difficult for them to even want to die while dealing with these few Skeletons. Although it wasn't as leisurely and carefree as my side, it was still very relaxed.
Only after they smashed the last Bone Archer into pieces did I quicken my Footsteps and finish off the last two Corrupted Monsters that we had been messing around with.
"Haha... Did you guys finish up over there too?"
As they looked over, I also turned my Head back and showed them a Victory gesture.
"Yes, we finally lived up to my Lord's great trust."
When the four of them saw the ground covered in Corpses on my side, they immediately revealed gazes of admiration. However, they weren't surprised. They had all witnessed my Strength in Vita Village before. If I couldn't even achieve this Degree, they would find it unbelievable instead.
It seems it was just right. Seeing their eager Gazes, they didn't seem to have suffered any setbacks. I nodded my Head, satisfied with my control.
In the Battle just now, my purpose in toying with the Corrupted Monsters was absolutely not due to some boring arrogance, nor was it out of some idea of hiding my Strength. I simply thought that if my side ended the Battle too early, it might cause a certain setback to the other four. Kashya said that as a qualified Captain, you should absolutely not build your prestige on the basis of demoralizing other team members. Members losing Confidence and blindly obeying and worshipping the Captain is not a good Thing for a Party.
Sigh... Why did I suddenly have this Epiphany? Could it be that I was hypnotized by Kashya without realizing it?
I shook my Head, casting aside the confusion in my heart, and began cleaning up the Battlefield with the other four. Among this batch of Monsters, there wasn't even a single decent Elite Rank Monster, so naturally, there was nothing good to speak of. However, seeing the happy Appearance of the four of them picking up a Light Mana Potion from the ground suddenly gave me a Feeling of being out of place, like I wasn't from the same Act as them (which was the Fact).
"I heard there's a Mini-Boss Level Corrupted Monster on the second Level of the Jail, called 'Pitspawn Flesheater', whose Boss Abilities are Extra Cursed and Cold Enchanted. Looking at its Stats, it seems very Powerful. I really want to meet it for a bit."
Along the Way, I took out Cain's Book, looked at a section of the introduction on it, and sighed with emotion. The other four simultaneously broke out in Cold Sweat on their foreheads. The infamous name of 'Pitspawn Flesheater' was something they had memorized thoroughly since childhood—it had almost the same notoriety as Andariel, whether it was its Strength or its unparalleled ugly Appearance.
Just think, ordinary Corrupted Monsters are already enough to give you a Headache, and this is a Mini-Boss Level Corrupted Monster. Even more terrifying, it actually comes with two powerful Abilities: Extra Cursed and Cold Enchanted. Just imagining the situation of facing it in your mind is enough to make you feel Despair. This Mini-Boss is definitely a Bane that countless Adventurers planning to cross the Jail avoid like the plague. Besides the Warriors who are about to challenge Andariel, probably not many people dare to provoke it. But now, my Lord...
"Haha..."
Let's hurry up and get going. My Lord must be completely fed up with this cursed place, right? The Paladin gave the Assassin a look, using their Tacit Understanding cultivated over many years to tell him that they absolutely must avoid the Zone where 'Pitspawn Flesheater' appears. The Assassin made a gesture, indicating that he would take care of it.
Thus, amidst my regretful sighs, I spent five happy days with this active Adventurer Team. Five days later, the dazzling Sunlight shining from the Jail's third Level Exit made me unable to open my eyes for a long time.