Chapter 209 The key
Inside the center of the dungeon lies the key. Though it was called that way it doesn't bore the appearance of the real one. Instead, it looks like a giant crystal and has the same amount of mana as a crystal mana. Acquiring the key to the dungeon is essential since this item has the power to manipulate the hidden doors of the dungeon.
The hidden doors contain priceless and unique treasures including artifacts. Though they can venture into these places on their own, it would be difficult since they need to leave the direct road which has the most stable amount of mana. If they choose a different path their chances of survival will be slim since they could be killed either by the clashes of energy or by the mutant beasts.
The smaller passages are also prone to make people lost and no one has gotten outside who is sane enough to tell the tale of the events there.
The key will be their way to safely secure the path and doors containing the artifacts. Though no one knows why such a thing exists in dungeons, keys will be their way to safely venture into the deeper parts of the dungeon.
"ROAR!"
However, to do that they must defeat this monster first.
Sun teleported in front of the dungeon beast and immediately changed its weapon from sword to gun. A bullet was fired though it was blocked by the beast's scales, however, the person who fired the bullet didn't seem worried that his attack didn't work.
Lightning then dances across the air which is generated directly from the dragon's crystalline back.
"Get him out there!"
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Joven commanded and the mages cast a spell to teleport Sun back to them.
The dragon that was supposed to attack after being shot became surprised when its target disappeared. A sense of displeasure washes over the beast which causes it to growl.
"That thing's scales have a similar durability as mithril, normal spells won't work" Sun reported as soon as he was back.
"Alright got it, in position everyone!"
The party became divided, 5 heavily armoured tankers came in front accompanied by 10 agile fighters and weapon users. 5 archers and gunners ranged and prepared their positions while the remaining spellcasters and supporters remained at the back.
The dragon moved seeing the charge, it roared and unleashed a combined legion of ice and fire. The party takes significant damage, with the fire causing burns and ice causing frostbite. Though all injuries healed due to the supporter's healing spell.
"Take the potion now!"
With the command of the leader, the tanker crashed the bottle in their mouth and immediately drank it. With the boost and healing spell their stamina began to escalate.
The tanks, using their shields and armor, draw the dragon's attention. They position themselves to absorb as much damage as possible.
The Melee weapon users then rush in, attacking with swords and axes, focusing on critical strikes. They start identifying and targeting vulnerable spots. Then the archers and gunners maintain their distance, shooting arrows and bullets with precise aim. They target the dragon's wings and eyes to reduce its mobility and visibility.
However, the lightning from its back would destroy any projectile they shoot.
The dragon's unique changing elements became a hindrance for the party. Since they couldn't tell what element would come, from water and ice then fire and lightning. Changes happen until Sun shouts something.
"Look at its crystal back whenever it changes elements it glows! Red for fire, blue for water and violet for lightning!"
"Got it!" everyone responded and they put their focus on the dragon's body.
Then the mages cast elemental spells to exploit the dragon's element-changing nature. One mage uses fire-based spells to counteract the ice, while another uses ice spells to counter the fire, and then water for lightning. Healing spells continue to be cast to restore the party's health. Sun on the other hand was moving and changing his role from a ranged weaponist to a wind element wizard.
Although the situation is not looking good with more injuries being inflicted. Supports would cast non-stop defensive buffs and healing spells. They also deploy utility spells to protect the party from additional damage.
However, even with this setup, none could inflict a fatal wound.
Sun notices this situation and decides to change tactics. So far they can't find any weakness and there isn't any soft scale they could take advantage so he spoke.
"Aim all your attacks at a single place, continue attacking it!"
Mages and ranged weapon users then focus on directing the dragon while the melee fighters charged with added buff on their bodies.
Slowly the situation is improving which causes the the beast to be angered, the dragon switches tactics, launching a fireball followed by an ice storm. It also uses a tail sweep to hit multiple targets. This attack was immediately resolved by the tankers. They continue to hold the dragon's attention, using defensive manoeuvres to mitigate the damage from the fireball and ice storm.
They attempt to keep the dragon within a manageable area.
With the dragon busy again the melee weapon users intensify their attacks, focusing on exploiting weaknesses in the dragon's armor. They also carefully avoid the dragon's tail sweep.
"Just focus on a single spot!"
Joven told them which all the party members kept in mind.
Sun continues attacking from a distance, focusing on weak points and using special weapons, such as explosives or magic bullets. His attacks were able to reduce the damage that the dragon's element-changing ability can do.
"Mages!" Sun shouted since the dragon's back was turning purple.
"On it!" said the mages and immediately they adjusted their spells to counteract the dragon's spell. They focus on using powerful elemental spells and continue healing the party. They also prepare for the final push since they could see everyone's exhaustion.
"Supports!" Sun shouted again.
And the already tired supports continue to provide crucial buffs, such as increased attack power and defense, and use healing potions to restore health. They work on removing any debilitating effects and poisons from the dragon's claws.
Both sides are severely injured, and the dragon becomes increasingly desperate and confused about how its attacks are not working how it was supposed to. The beast also notices how each of its attacks would miss the target while some that would hit were weaker than it intended.
So the dragon launches a final attack, it combines fire, lightning and ice attack, creating a devastating area-of-effect blast. It also uses its fire breath in quick succession.
This scenario made the tankers shine again. They continue to maintain their defensive positions, using their best abilities to shield the party from the dragon's final assault.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
The melees push hard, attacking relentlessly to keep the dragon from attacking again. They avoid the area-of-effect blast and focus on damaging the dragon quickly.
Sun and the ranged weapon users continue to target weak points, using their most powerful arrows, and bullets to deal maximum damage. More bullets were fired and each one would directly strike the dragon's wound which was made from the party's relentless attack.
Then Sun fired another bullet that made the dragon off balance. It roared trying to gain mobility but with its energies going everywhere even breathing was hard.
An opportunity presented itself and the mages unleashed their strongest spells, pushing the dragon to its limits. Healing also became critical as the party suffered from the dragon's final attacks. The party members felt their breathing became short but seeing the monster almost collapsing on the ground they found a newfound strength to keep going.
"KEEP GOING!"
Sun's voice rang again and a battle cry escaped from everyone's mouth.
The supporters then use their remaining resources to keep the party in fighting shape, casting critical buffs and healing spells. The battle came to reach its climax with everyone reaching their limits.
As the dragon weakens, Sun steps forward, on his hand is a staff. Using that weapon the energy inside his body moves for a decisive strike. He prepared a powerful spell, and a multi-coloured magic circle was formed, it was a spell that was cast from the very beginning that only a few people noticed. This spell was meant to exploit the dragon's element-changing nature.
Sun controlled his breathing and activated the high-level spell, "Mirror"
This spell absorbs every prominent element in its surroundings. And since the dragon's elements are currently the strongest the spell absorbed it all.
Sun's spell combines lightning, fire and ice into a single devastating attack. Observing this scenario the party positions themselves to avoid Sun's attack and the dragon's final attacks.
Sun releases the spell with a dramatic burst of energy. The combined elements create a massive explosion, targeting the dragon's critical open wound. The mages took this opportunity to overwhelm the dragon's defenses by assisting another round of attacks. This causes immense damage to the dragon disrupting its ability to fight back.
"Let's end this!"
Wind began to howl and Sun floated into the air while looking down at the dying beast.
"Wind element, Tempester, Focus point, hundredfold"