That Time I Played A VRMMORPG.

After two days of farming in the wild nonstop, the couple is supposed to dive out of the virtual realm after it becomes morning in real life. They will leave later as they know how to stop themselves when the sunrise is up on the other side.

Looking at the defenseless Kaede snoring on his l.a.p, he couldn't make himself do anything aside from pet her luscious silky hair.

"N~nm…" Kaede mumbled under her cute sleeping position, it tingled his heart and so he tickled her nose.

The two didn't bother going to the town to rent a room since both had massive VIT and so they slept in the wilderness.

Gram closed his eyes while leaning on the tree, he began wishing this moment could last for longer, after all even if they were still both young, he knew that she already occupied a place in his heart. It was both wanting to protect while caring for her, although he also had some curiosity about things as well. Right now, deepening and making their memories here, joyful and unforgettable ones. Remembering his clumsy confession to Kaede about his feelings, he suddenly got embarrassed and rubbed his chin. After confessing, he began to change his attitude and become much more calm and collective, of course, he got noticed by the two but he explained it as his growth spurt, a tendency of teenagers whenever they had started to m.a.t.u.r.e.

It's different though when he's alone or together with them, he's friendly and playful whenever they are together but when alone could be somewhat 'crafty' and sharp or adventurous. It depends on the situation, it is kind of conflicting but that's what he does. He's a martial arts black belt, who had many years of practice during childhood, it might have given him the tendency to be courageous under big pressure.

After being with Kaede and Risa for many years, he found out he really loved Kaede, although, it might be the same for Risa. He couldn't try to ask something that would make their relationship strain, that's why he just continued their status quo, although it might change in the future. He also had some growing feelings with Risa and they were going to be adventuring in this 'free' VR game, something might occur.

"I mustn't waver, there are still many chances.. after-all this game is a virtual reality!! He~he.. Though, does this count as aspiring to create a harem?" He grinned deep in that cool-looking expression under that guise.

He was an explorer; he wants to dig deep in that mushy soil called love. But he can't force anything, as they were all young, but he could start some display of affection like what's happening now.

"Although, I can start with kisses or skinship. I still don't have an idea of how to ask Risa though. That smart head might head chop me again." He slightly shivered remembering Risa's father got angry because of the situation. He calmed himself down and removed the l.e.w.d thoughts, meditating is always useful in this circ.u.mstance.

Then he slept while holding Kaede's right hand while the other rubbed her head. The first event was just shy of two days in the virtual world or later at night in the real-world. They decided that they will look for a certain type of monster within the vicinity of the town.

"As expected." After waking up, Gram saw countless monsters biting at them. But it seems Kaede aggroed all of them as they all bite at her foot while he's in between the tree and her so he was somewhat safe. But thankfully, poison attacks or ranged attacks of low leveled monsters don't have any splash damage as some even accidentally spat poison and splashed him, still aren't able to damage him.

For him, it's probably because of his double shield. If you counted the constant poison damage from critter mobs, he could easily resist all of it as he had a high poison resistance alongside his massive VIT.

As for Kaede, there's no need to mention her absurd VIT alongside his INT, as both were monsters in their league.

Monster toxic skills differed from each type of poison monster, moreover. Lower-leveled monsters don't stack poison very well. The continuous accidental spit of poison over the four hours of sleeping didn't budge his low hp.

The good thing is, due to him fighting poison monsters last day and eating Explosive Ladybug, it might have raised the threshold to 400 poison ticks already, and now had given him a great surprise.

[ Skill [ Poison Resistance (Large) ] had evolved to [ Poison Immunity ] ] ( Requirements to gain: Receive strong poison 500 times. )

"Unexpected gain, all I need is to get a hydra of mine or I'll be a lot much stronger right now~!" Gram smiled in happiness.

With a wave of his hand, he used [ Gravity Downforce ] that had four times the pressure, it dealt low damage but made them slow their tracks. Then, he started firing [ Fire Bullets ], he wasn't moving so [ Transcendental Meditation ] increased MP regeneration, alongside his other MP regeneration skill, it didn't take long and in just two minutes, he was able to kill everything, scorch marks although returned to their original look.

"Really~ though, I just need someone to defend me or I'll be able to even deal with a metal fortress~ Well~ There's nothing I could do about it. Though, this girl still hasn't woken up with the sounds I made?" Gram wryly smiled and looked down at the slumbering Kaede as he tapped her cheeks and rubbed it softly.

"Rise and sunshine. Angel~ Did you have a good sleep?" Gram jokingly asked. Lightly raising her arms with an *N~nnn!* She gained energy as she opened her lovely eyes and looked towards him.

"U~n! Good Morning? It felt like I slept 8 hours in the real world!" Kaede with a renewed vigor said energetically.

"That's good! Should we farm monsters again?" Gram stood up and showed a hand for her, which she took. Kaede equipped her black tower shield and they headed out further in the woods. Under both their eyes and [ Perception ], they spotted monsters congregating and started attacking the

"Let's go~ [ Provoke ]!" Kaede shouted as the different bug type monsters got aggroed to her. They maniacally pounced at her but it didn't damage her in the slightest.

Gram raised his hand, "[ Explosive Force ]!" There was a two-second casting on the skill and he still had to choose a target area. It might be detrimental when used in a player to player fight but when they were fighting monsters there isn't much to worry.

In a [ Party ], members don't have a friendly fire and so they can wreak havoc without damaging each other.

The spell converges and a black sphere converged in front of her before it a *dugooon!* sound erupted followed by a burst of an explosion. It damaged every monster in the spell's radius. The monster quickly vanished after the explosion area had vanished. The soil or the background isn't that damaged that much and only left a small crater in the middle. It ultimately began recovering as soon as Kaede reacted in much excitement.

After some time, Kaede approached him and asked him to help her get a skill like that. Under her face of pleading had immediately acceded. To him, executing large explosions is an easy task thanks to his MP. Although he didn't know how she would gain, at least they could immediately start looking for some information.

"You really want to get the skill huh." Gram lightly rubbed his chin. Kaede had been asking him after all.

"That's because it's so flashy! The skill was so cool~~ It gave me goosebumps! Can you? Please~" Kaede had some drool, but she removed with a wave of her arms and held him with a cute pleading face.

After seeing the devastation of what his spell can do, she begged him to search for it. It made him question if she wants to level up or just get the spell

"'Ok~~ ha~" Then, let's return to the town and look for some information for it." He wryly smiled, but he began looking at the website for some information.

"Ahh~h! Yes!! About that, I think we can ask someone!" Kaede got delighted and seemed to know someone in-game.

Gram looked at her and asked curiously. "Do you know a person?" Kaede holds his hands as she speedily tries to run and drag him.

"Yeah, just a brief communication though, I'll introduce you to them later. For now, let's go!"

Kaede urged him to be faster, but both of them just happened to have no AGI under their belt. He rolled his eyes and felt tsukkomi'ing.

Kaede suggested as her eyes lit up. "Why don't you use your [ Power Augmentation ] on my AGI, I'll carry you to the town! He~he."

"It had a four-hour cooldown, besides I don't want to get carried by you. It wouldn't look bad for me!" Gram quickly denied with a hand chop at her head.

Kaede pouted with a sound of *Buhuu~* she continued and walked ahead towards the town but she looked back and stuck her tongue. He speechlessly followed up with the same speed as her.

"Hey~ don't get angry! You know I can't easily use my [ Power Augmentation ] like that. As a male, I'm going to boost myself and I'm the one carrying you all the way, is that okay?" He rubbed her head.

Gram asked her with some patting and after hearing that she nod furiously before returning from her usual bubbly self.

"I'll take your offer." Kaede cutely snickered and raised her hand in front of him.

"Ha~h... As you wish, my princess!" He smiled and whispered. Kaede giggled before they headed out while she hummed through the way. They make fun of each other, they could even roleplay albeit, she might get embarrassed at her cheesy lines in occasions.

-

They saw many players walking around, Kaede pinpointed a way to a specific tavern and made his way to the entrance.

Until she got called out from the back by a male voice. He was the person who introduced her to this place.

"Maple-chan! I see you got the equipment you wanted." He was a ruffed man who had a red heavy armor with a similar red and cool looking large shield said.

"Crom-san!" Kaede got elated and greeted him with a bow.

"Who is this?" Crom asked. He sized up Gram and nodded in his mind, appreciating his cool-looking appearance. With that muffler on his neck, he looked like a samurai and he only had to squint and make his eyes sharper.

"Good to see you. I'm Knox, Maple's boyfriend." He plainly said with a curtsied bow. Crom eyes widened and looked at Kaede with a hint of inquiry but it seemed it was true. Kaede didn't deny and just laughed with some awkwardness but a tint of blush appeared on her cheeks.

"In the real world right?" Crom couldn't believe that the girl he found and got talked to in the NWO forums seems to have a love relationship, even though she told him about it before but he didn't believe it. Although, he wasn't in the right to ask their relationship but due to him being a chatter and a great keyboard warrior he couldn't help himself.

"Yes." Gram nodded.

"Ohh~"

A big scoop, let's post this later. That's right, as this man was an NWO forums lurker, a true 'master warrior of the keyboard.'

Furthermore, he's a veteran in the game but how come he hasn't had a girlfriend yet. While these two are lovey-dovey towards each other.

"Let's enter first!" Kaede suggested and as soon as they entered the shop, a beautiful light blue-haired woman wearing a workshop outfit emerged in the back.

"Izu-san, it's good to see you again." Kaede greeted.

"Ohh, Crom, and Maple-chan! What made you come here... and who's the person on the back? Did you solicit another player again, Crom?" The blue-haired onee-san called Izu leered her eyes.

"Gehee! I didn't! Maple-chan brought him here. Right, Maple-chan?!" Crom said as he shook his hands.

"I'm Knox, Maple's company, she brought me here." Gram patted Kaede's head, who was blushing shyly on the side.

How come we had injustice in the world. The crumbling mind of Crom was turning into a deep abyss. Crom looked at Izu that had a wide-eyed expression, but it seems something was still salvageable.

Maybe... Maybe… 'Stop mind!'

"Mah~ What a surprise, so you're with Maple-chan~ Let me reintroduce myself, my name is Izu. Like what you can see, a non-combat class, and within that, I specialize in blacksmithing but I can also create potions and other stuff." Izu introduced herself. She thought making friends with these two could be a good thing, they were after all seemed like a newbie but they already had some kind of unique gear.

"Crom, here, a large shield holder specialized in defense and shielding." Crom followed with a large smile under that robust body.

"It's nice to meet you two, I am Knox. I am a full-fledged magician. Thanks for showing Maple how to play the game." Gram smiled and showed the staff on his back.

"Mu~ what's with that, you're saying that I don't know how to play the game." Kaede looked at him with a pout.

"There, there.. sorry." Gram rolled his eyes and patted her in the meantime. As seen by Izu, it seems these two had a great bond. Izu thought while Crom had scrunched up his face but secretly sighed.

"So what do you need from us here? You already had great gears, didn't you?" Izu sized them up with a nod of appreciation. She felt glad that they were going to be friends, these two seems to be a natural trouble maker.

What a great combination. But, from others, they were their nightmares, Izu shivered lightly as she thought of something ominous. Maybe her intuitions were right?

"Yeah, she finished a dungeon by herself; I was surprised as well." Gram knocked her head, which made her pouting again.

"Eh?! Really? As expected of a bugged-player." Crom nodded with admiration and tried to remember the details so that he could discuss it later.

"Bug player?" Kaede asked curiously.

"No.. no, don't mind what I just said." Crom shook his hands with a denial. Gram wryly smiled before telling the details.

"Actually~ we're looking for specific monsters. We have a quest and thought that we asked others if they knew something." He told them what they wanted, but he didn't tell them what it's real use and made up.

"What type of monster? That's a hard quest I imagine. Specific types of monsters haven't been doc.u.mented yet. You can ask this guy, he's knowledgeable in some things since he had been playing this game when it started." Izu pointed at the Crom, who was contemplating about. Seeing Izu's and the newcomers look, Crom turned somewhat displeased, but it didn't show in his face.

"What's with that, well... You can just ask me! So what type of monster is it?" Crom asked with crossed arms.

"An explosion type monster... specifically those that can be eata- I mean those that of an animal type or an insect type." Gram near;y slipped but they didn't seem to bother, it might be because it's actually well-known that specific monsters could be eaten when it's purified or cooked. Although, he didn't know if some person had tried eating something raw, and unless they had a great VIT, it won't end well for them.

"Huh? Well... how about the Explosion Ladybug in the north? Or the south, there is a monster there although it'll be tricky to be of use for both of you." Crom rubbed his chin since he knew this duo had only started playing.

"We tried the Explosion Ladybug, but the quest doesn't work with it. What about the other, is there a problem?" Gram asked.

"There is, it's called the [ Exploding Gargoyle Bats ], they are fast and they spawn in tandem; I mean so much more than the Ladybugs! You'll get overwhelmed by their explosion magic easily if you don't have an explosion resistance, you can easily die and they're like popcorn, you'll get stunned if you get hit by its explosion." Crom said exaggerating and with his robust build had been a literal funny sight.

"So it had a better stun effect compared to the Explosion Ladybug, explosions?" Gram asked. It might be that it had a higher level.

"Yeah, since the south forest had a higher level map. I suggest you don't do that quest if you aren't level 25 above since it's in a dungeon. You also need a sizable number at a party, it could be done with five but I suggest there's a healer in your group." Crom suggested with his knowledge and experiences and told everything.

Who would want to get overwhelmed by many flying and fast monsters, consecutive explosions and if you get hit, you're stunned and that means more explosion?

As one with that experience of that horrible thing, he suggested to them what's the best solution he could think of. Crom knew they weren't high level yet and everyone doesn't want to experience getting lock-out from the game. As a veteran player, he was slightly discouraging them since it might be out of their league at the moment but, he was ultimately speaking with a duo of monsters but he didn't know the other one yet.

It was a game over for shield users once their equipment got destroyed. Even if they put all the VIT on their status, the shield is the major equipment for tanking, and once the durability of your gears turns zero, they're pretty much useless. Unless they had prepared all of the stuff needed for dungeon raids, taking dungeons without preparation is a suicide.

Adding that tanker without shields will have a decrease in their status, a shield user without a shield isn't perfect. Crom knew that Kaede is a bugged VIT only player, but he hasn't seen her use her newly gained gears yet.

If he knew her equipment can repair by itself, what look would he have? Amazement? Or.. something.

Crom didn't know the other one's capability, as he knew one person from the forums, but it didn't reach his mind that this person is this one. So as a rather honest and helpful person. With that, he thought to guide these two 'newbies' here under the guise of being friendly.

"Ah~ don't worry about that, we have a plan. Can you tell us where it is?" Gram courteously asked.

"Sure, but I really suggest you don't try it without preparations. I'm just saying." Crom looked at the short-haired girl with a large tower shield for a moment before explaining everything about the dungeon.

They got to know where it's located. It's in a dungeon called Trapper Dungeon, you could specifically tell in its name. The dungeon is popular because of its traps and AGI based flying monsters, many people with high AGI practice their skills here.

During the time, not everyone can't leave the zone yet. The game comprises many levels, and this forested world is just the beginner area and the starting point for all players. So they were pretty much stuck on the 'forestry' world for now. They would be able to move to the next stage once they leveled up and finished some certain quests. But they didn't know it yet.

Gram and Kaede said thanks before going on towards their next destination. Not paying heed to Crom's warning, Izu just laughed at the sight as she returned to her workshop.

-

"So here it is? There are sure many people in here, as expected of a dungeon." Kaede pointed her free hand and spotted a moderately sized magic circle on the floor that had ancient platforms in-congruent to the forest in the background. It had a different feel to it, kinda like tribal stuff for ancient and primate peoples.

There were few players here and there, sitting in some corners with signs or groups of people that will try the dungeon. While others were grouped up talking and discussing, others who had set up some shops on the side.

"Need a support class user, those that can buff, mainly haste and other support skills, if we accept it! Level 30 and above!"

"We need a mage class user for DPS, level 25 and above! Please approach if you want to join us!"

"Selling Medium HP Potion! Price can be discussed! First come first serve!"

"So players don't need shield bearers. Hmm-pf, they don't know the greatness in it." Kaede lightly pouted at the sight. Everyone that saw them didn't bother as few and some here had a similar wear exotic clothes different to each other.

It's only in the town where beginners and all basic players congregated, this dungeon specifically is a harder one. The boss was hard to kill as it was a tank, but it gives great experience points and tons of gold after finishing the dungeon. That may be why there were a handful of players here.

"Let's just finish our purpose here, we might get some good loot too." Gram pinched her cheek and earned a leer from the diminutive girl.

They headed on-wards to the magic circle platform, as many people were in sight and rarely people would appear on the circle. Probably those that finished it. One group composed of grandeur clothes was on the side, waiting for some players with them. Gram eye's lightly passed them before they reached the circle and got into it.

They already had an antidote for paralysis and although it only had some effectiveness, it was just for measures.

A blinding light covered their eyes and under their held hands, they entered the dungeon. They got transferred in a somewhat prehistoric place, they landed on a big square stones stack on each other to create a big entrance with a hazy hue of the spiraling magic circle in the entrance, signifying it as a dungeon.

Outside 30 meters were void, as Crom had said, this dungeon is an instance dungeon. Regular dungeons can get used by many players and they have to share everything they get. It isn't like an instance dungeon where they [ Party ], to solo run the dungeon with only your own [ Party ]. As every team has their instance and they won't find another team, that's why it's called Instance Dungeon.

"Let's start, be vigilant." Gram knuckled his hand cooly and lightly asked Kaede who was appreciating the view.

"I know." Kaede hefted her large shield. They entered the giant stacked stone entrance, but after entering, they only saw a hall with nothing to it.

[ Trapper Dungeon ]

They were told that this dungeon is full of traps, while the monster was in the middle and last parts of it. Everything here seems to be tricky, versus the rewards it had and the danger. It was safe to assume that everyone still wanted to try it out because of its splendid rewards. That's why newly advanced players of the level above 25 want to group up here and try their luck to see if they can finish it.

The first half comprises traps, although hardly as it didn't dent their defense. Mostly Kaede had gone ahead to trigger traps everywhere while smiling and shouting like a cute sparrow. Like fall traps, arrow traps and even rolling giant balls stopped or didn't work and vanished because of her ridiculous VIT.

"Isn't this easy? I feel like the Hydra dungeon seems harder." Kaede casually said and said what she thinks about.

She had been activating the traps and all they had been doing was walking. They haven't even found a monster.

"Don't tell that to me.." Gram rolled his eyes, they continued deeper into the sandy-colored dungeon. On the way, as a trap base dungeon, he had been using his [ Perception ] to effectively avoid problematic one-shot traps.

A creaking sounded at Kaede's feet, Gram happened to just a little close to her, before a *sush* a long sound echoed. There was a plate of activation in her feet, and as he realized before reacting by hugging her and rolling to the other side.

"Watch out!" In that instant, the trap activated with just moments and the floor suddenly opened, and spikes below appeared menacingly.

"Pew~ Are you okay?" Gram asked Kaede. It seems they were in a compromising position, he sighed in relief and continued to hold her on her back while they were tangled on the ground. It seemed natural for him to help her, but Kaede had a blush on her cheek and the same for him too.

Kaede said in a small voice. "Sorry and thank you." She embarrassedly stood up and quietly held his hands again. They move forward with more precaution and closer to each other, his heart skips beat seeing her adorable actions.

"Ehem.. This is the place he was talking about... I suppose, let's enter at the same time.." Gram asked her gently, she was naturally fearless in all kinds of situations but this time; she heeded his words. He wanted both of them to take the pressure.

Kaede got her first lessons in this dungeon, even if she wasn't damaged in that trap, but her account might get trapped in that place if no one rescued her. He already used [ Light Barrier ] to her fully using up to its maximum numbers.

-

"This is it! We need to be careful but for now, let's do it calmly and refreshed." Gram said laughingly at her.

"Okay~!" Kaede seemed to return to her usual self and hoisted her shield with great gusto, but she had more to say.

"Don't worry about this time, I'll be more careful! [ Provoke ]!" Kaede charged forward. He wryly smiled at her reaction.

Several screeching sounded in the background as stone-colored bats appeared in the dark spacy place.

[ Explosive Gargoyle Bat Lv: 23 ]

It's a higher level than them and so many were appearing in many batches. Gram used his [ Gravity Downforce ] with higher mana usage. To his surprise, it had little effect on them. It seems to be resistant towards magic attacks, as what they had heard.

The crowd of bats reached Kaede and started swiping their fangs and wings at her 'shield'. "[ Provoke! ]!" Kaede used it again to get all the attention from the bats that just appeared. She followed it up by using her [ Mirror of the Dark Night ] infused skill.

"[ Bizarre Eater ]!" The black shield with its red center suddenly opened up, a disturbing abomination with sharp razors teeth mouth appeared and that one unsuspecting Explosive Gargoyle Bat disappeared with a flash of light.

Disappearing before a gem appeared on Kaede's shield and her MP improved. Moreover, she can use it seemingly around 30 times.

"[ Bizarre Eater ]![ Bizarre Eater ]![ Bizarre Eater ]!" Kaede already knew that it can one-hit kill the enemy as she had tried it during their way here, but this time she was going all out.

"Don't kill all of them, we need them to spawn the others first." Gram warned her killing everything, it seems these bats spawn endlessly if they don't kill everything in the vicinity.

[ Earth Wyvern ]! Variation Skill! He raised his hand and flicked to use his infused skill, a *shuaa* the sound echoed.

From the top of his sleek glove, black yellowish clouds emerge and congregate to a shape similar to the Earth Wyvern at its original counterpart, kinda like a genie with its end connected at his hand. It was so cool that he grinned in the process.

The Earth Wyvern cloud spatted a light black and yellowish cloud that tried to consume every monster in the vicinity. The area of the [ Earth Wyvern ] had a large radius. One by one the bat that had gotten enveloped by the black, yellow gas plummeted in the ground, twitching but with little movements like it slowed its processes and seemingly feeling heavy because of nothing.

"So much for their resistance to magic." Gram shook his head.

Not being able to use its suicide technique, how sad is it for the many Explosive Gargoyle Bats, Gram had an illusion that he saw stony tears on one of the bats littered around. The [ Earth Wyvern ] is so good at controlling a crowd. Needless to say, any enemies that had touched, literally fell to the ground and weren't able to recover. Luckily, he already infused it with his gloves, it didn't consume massive mana that made him sigh in relief.

Although, there were still bat's appearing and after some time, the bats spawning stopped. There's a soft-cap on the number of monsters based on the number of players. Although, if they don't defeat the existing ones in the allotted time, more will come and that's the rule for all instance dungeons.

"Bu~buh! I wanted to try my [ Hydra ]." Kaede pouted as the cloud diminished, she saw the littered bats on the ground.

"That skill is so deadly and we need them alive. You know?" Gram rolled his eyes before picking up one bat in his hand.

He gobbled down one of the legs of the Explosive Gargoyle Bats and moved to eat the whole without hesitation. She followed up and sat next to him as she made comments about its taste as she began nibbling at the stony bat monster.

*Nom* Nom*

"This is a little better~ it's like garlic but sweetened," Kaede said while she savored the exotic taste and aroma, she saw him eating without saying anything. Gram likes the taste although it might be poisonous, it does taste better that it couldn't be compared to the Earth Wyvern.

"Sure it is. Although it's a little earthy in its flavor." Gram said. Kaede didn't say anymore and ate the crunchy bats that twitched the moment she held one. Before then, nothing got left on its body and disappeared.

"Uwa~~ It's not that bad." He patted his stomach subconsciously. After some time of eating, both finished in an equal amount of thirty before a pop-up appeared in both of their status panels.

"Yes! I gained the skill~!" Kaede got elated and approached him with a hug; Gram patted her head while he looked at his newly acquired skills.

[ Skill [ Sound Manipulation ] had been acquired, Spell [ Sonic Fissure ] had been acquired. ] ( Requirements to gain: Defeat Explosive Stone Gargoyle with HP Drain. Quest Reward after saving Sonic Manipulator Nice in a timed trial Hunt of the Killer scenario. Had Izayoi Miku's blessing after gaining the 'Love' parameter... etc.)

[ Mana Devourer ] [ 30 Explosive Stone Gargoyles got devoured. [ INT 5 ] status point had been acquired. No skill had been acquired. ]

[ Sound Manipulation ]

The ability to shape mana to manipulate sound, a periodic disturbance of a medium (air, ground, water, etc) that radiates outward linearly in the form of a pressure wave. Use additional MP to improve spell damage, effectiveness, and radius.

Spells:

Sonic Fissure - 200 MP

[ Sonic Fissure ]

In 40 meters cone-shaped in front of the skill user, a sonic wave of pressure that will greatly knockback, 2-second stun, and damage enemies. MP usage: 350 MP.

"N~n! Yes! I got [ Echoing Roar ]! And another skill! Look at it!" Kaede stood up and tried it out, she seems so happy gaining this skill. She still had MP from her temporary gems on her shield and was eager to try it out.

"At least you got a similar skill, I guess... but it makes you wonder why it's called explosion if it's just an echo skill. Is it because it explodes when they use it?" Gram felt amused wanting to tsukkomi. He saw Kaede's energetic face that made him wonder what skill she gained. She showed with a happy smile.

[ Petricite Spark ]

Apply a stunning blinding effect on the enemy who touched the user when used. Four activations, the enemy will get stunned by 0.4 seconds in 5 seconds. Effective for 5 minutes. Use 50 MP for 15-minute cooldown.

[ Echoing Roar ]

When used, enemies around the user would be taunted and damaged. Enemies would gain [ Internal Bleeding ] debuff, as a result, will apply 100 HP + STR: 5%, true damage that negates physical defense and lasts for 10 seconds (⅓) stacking effect. If the user had [ STR: 500 or more ], capable of killing enemies instantly as those that had much lesser status ( HP/MP is a different stat, no one can one-shot bosses. Unless… ) than the user. MP usage: 100 MP. The farther from the user, the lower the effect.

In front of her shield, she used the skill and an accompanying *Unyaaaaaaaaaa~* resounded. Of course, it's unneeded to do so but it was rather cute hearing that shout.

The skill [ Echoing Roar ], ravaged the last downed bats, and though there are newly spawned bats that intelligently cast their special skills which are another set of a related echo skill and their suicide attack.

But it didn't work on Kaede, she had eaten its brethren earlier. Moreover, the stunning debuff whenever the bat's suicides is none attribute base debuff as it calculates the chance of activating versus the player's VIT of the enemy or other statuses. Adding that she just had gained [ Explosion Resistance ] skill, which made much tankier when dealing with explosive type monsters.

At that moment, the wave of sound diminished, Kaede felt satisfied as she saw the monster in front disappearing. She had used three more [ Echoing Roar ] she liked it a lot, while it didn't do a lot of damage at the start if it stacked up while she kept using it.

Although the Explosive Gargoyle Bats were much higher leveled, it didn't have lots of health, and the skill isn't affected by the defense so the gargoyles crumbled into dust while she kept using [ Bizzare Eater ] to the other ones that had escaped her escaped, those farther in range.

It would be a lot more effective if she had some STR to back it up.

*[ Echoing Roar ]! is so effective, haha~ha! What do you think? Sadly I don't have much MP." Kaede saw some of her MP crystals had vanished signifying she used a little bit of her stacked temporary MP. He wryly smiled at her somewhat displeased look.

"It's very promising! Did you learn something like a [ Sound Manipulation ]?⌋ Gram as usual rubbed her head softly.

*No, is it another skill?" Kaede's eyes lit up, but he explained it afterward, that is a given, it seems only casters or mage build could take advantage of that.

Kaede also got the [ Petricite Spark ] which synergized with her status build. Enemies will get stunned and she just has to devour them at the momentary stun. It might make enemies grief but it isn't her fault that she was given a skill like this.

They fought two more types of speed monsters which they didn't eat since it was bothersome. She also saw [ Petricite Spark ] potential since it made it easier for those low-flying speed type monsters to get devoured. They reached the last pace of the dungeon, a large door was again at their front, they continued onward to fight the boss.

Kaede had already acc.u.mulated a large amount of MP and was raring to mass using her skills.

Uncle Crom had said that the last boss is called the Protector Golem. Different from the other monsters, the Sand Golem is just tanky and resistant towards magic and is a lot tougher with a massive amount of health.

Gram thought it would be easy for them to defeat it, it might just need them to stop it's movement or Kaede used her trump skills.

"I wonder why the last boss seems a little different from the monster earlier?" Gram rubbed his chin. AGI and VIT based monsters were a different thing altogether but, all of them had one in common. It is that they were all golems or rock type monsters. It seems to be that dungeon monsters always follow very basic principles while having lenient mechanics towards selecting it's monster types.

Kaede already used up all of her [ Bizarre Eater ] but they had more secrets in their sleeve. There is still time before the earlier devoured mana would go away in some time. It could still be used to increase the damage of the next skill she would cast.

"Neh~neh, Gra- Knox, can you use [ Power Augmentation ] skill on me? I want to try something... he~he." Kaede pleaded but with her insistent urging acceded. He rubbed her forehead and used the skill to boost her STR 0 to STR 500 for one hour.

The moment she entered the boss room, a relaxing large sandy-colored golem being a part of the background suddenly awakened. Its health bar is so long.

[ Protector Golem Lv: 30 ]

With its red mechanical eye-opening, its separated arms connecting magically, the Sand Golem stood after assembling like from some type of battle-robot anime.

"N~nn! I feel the energy. Here we go! [ Echoing Roar ]!" Kaede immediately cast the skill to not take more chances of the Sand Golem returning its grievance before it's ultimate defeat.

Although the Sand Golem had been awakened, what arrived at the boss' opened eyes was a super buffed skill from someone.

*No brainer boss~~~!!!* *Zudoooom* Both sounds deafened the surrounding, as the wind from the echo(roar) traveled across the room and made a whirring sound, dust-filled room.

'Why does she keep shouting, I guess it's really cute.' Gram wryly smiled.

The Sand Golem got affected by the skill, it seems that segmented parts of it could be attacked at the same time and that's why her skill could fatally damage after it had started its debuff DPS. She used two more to maximize [ Internal Bleeding ] debuff before following up with the most overpowered skill she had.

"[ Hydra ]!" Kaede followed up by raising her hand with [ New Moon ], a violet ominous looking cloud emerged and coalesced into a Poisonous Hydra with three heads. Similar to his [ Earth Wyvern ] this skill is big and had a wide range to its usage.

The golem who had been taking damage from the [ Echoing Roar ] got covered by the Hydra's violet and ominous clouds of hue and before then, it got poisoned and paralyze without much trouble.

"Keep it up!" Gram watched the glorious spectacle as he crossed his arms.

[ Echoing Roar ] seems to be a fantastic skill, although it has a slightly big MP requirement that she won't be able to use unless she uses MP stacking [ Bizzare Eater ]. Its consecutive ticks of damage is worth its price and it would be a lot stronger in the future.

While [ Hydra ] is a different attribute than the normal one. Rather it's vicious poison is much more dangerous, and even the boss Protector Golem isn't able to stop it seeping in its magically connected surfaces until it gets corroded. Although, it might be because it isn't a challenge given that it didn't have a great movement speed while it's segmented parts could be attacked simultaneously.

It's skills where troublesome but the boss isn't even able to move when the fight started.

Under her two great skills, the Sand Golem cried as its last departing tune. It dispersed on their wake, its trace leaving behind a big golden-colored treasure c.h.e.s.t that made them joy.

[ Protector Golem had been defeated ]

[ You have leveled up to level 28 ]

"Wow~~ so much gold! Sadly, there isn't any equipment." Kaede got somewhat disappointed, but she instantly recovered when he patted her head.

"There is a lot of chance in the future, we don't have to get ahead of ourselves. We're pretty much in a good condition now." Gram looked at her eyes before lightly touching her cheeks while she did the same with redness on her cheeks. She held his hand afterward.

"N~nnn."

They collected their rewards as the monstrous duo left the area and headed back to the town. As they had been playing for some time now, he wanted to leave to relax their real bodies for a bit as they would be coming back later on.

Maple

Lv: 28

HP: 576 / 576

MP: 12 (87) / 12 (AN: Temporary MP, so OP.)

[ STR: 255〈＋500〉 ] (AN: [ Power Augmentation ] skill for 1 hour.)

[ VIT: 470〈＋66〉

[ AGI: 0 ]

[ INT: 0 ]

Equipment:

Head [ーーー]

Body [ Armor of Black Roses ]

Right hand [ New Moon [ Skill: Hydra ] ]

Left Hand [ Mirror of the Dark Night [ Skill: Bizarre Eater ] ]

Legs [ Armor of Black Roses ]

Shoes [ Armor of Black Roses ]

Accessories [ Ring of the Forest Queen Bee ]

[ーーー]

[ーーー]

Skill:

[ Absolute Defense ] [ Giant Killing ] [ Hydra Eater ] [ Explosion Resistance ] [ Meditation ] [ Provoke ] [ Abominable ] [ Mastery of the Large Shield V ] [ Body Manipulation ] [ Attack Diversion ] [ Shield Attack ] [ Echoing Roar ] [ Petricite Spark ] [ Buildup Strength (New) ]

[ Gold: 76791 ]

Low HP Potion x 3

Negate Paralysis Potion x 5

Knox

Lv: 27

HP: 260/260 ( BP: 100/100 ) ( LBP: 961/1000 )

MP: 520/520

[ STR: 0〈＋10〉]

[ VIT: 230〈＋10〉]

[ AGI: 0 ]

[ DEX: 0 ]

[ INT: 460〈＋50〉〈＋10〉]

Equipment:

Head [ーーー]

Body [ Timeworn Armor of the Shadows ]

Right hand [ Mirror of Oblivion ]

Left Hand [ Mystic Storm Gloves [ Skill: Earth Wyvern ] ]

Legs [ Timeworn Armor of the Shadows ]

Shoes [ Timeworn Armor of the Shadows ]

Accessories [ Ring of the Forgotten Knight ]

[ーーー]

[ーーー]

Skill:

[ Transcendental Meditation ] [ Perception ] [ Sensory Enhancement ] [ Mana Sensing ] [ Nature Gift ] [ Spell Creation ] [ Fire Manipulation ] [ Gravity Manipulation ] [ Spell Overkill ] [ Giant Killer ] [ Poison Immunity ] [ Enchantment ] [ Wind Manipulation ] [ Light Manipulation ] [ Earth Wyvern Eater ] [ Mastery of the Support III ] [ Bizzare Eater ] [ Explosion Manipulation ] [ Magic (Mana) Devourer ] [ Sound Manipulation ]

[ Gold: 72018 ]

Low HP Potion x 4

Negate Paralysis Potion x 5