Fate's Reversal: The Divines Return

Arranging the loot from the boss, everyone received at least one piece of Bronze Lv.4 equipment. The notable drops were 2 skill books and a weird looking book page item.

[Stealth] (Rare Active) – Lv1/10. Erases the presence of a Thief, fading into its surroundings. Duration: 10 seconds. Cooldown: 30 seconds. Skill Proficiency: (0/500). Requirement: Lv.5 Thief

[Fleeting Surge] (Rare Active) – Lv1/10. Increases attack speed and movement speed by 15%. Duration: 12 seconds. Cooldown: 40 seconds. Skill Proficiency: (0/500). Requirement: Lv.5 Physical Class.

[Improved Whetstone – Blacksmith Design] (Consumable)

Required: Limestone x3, Quartz x1 & Basic Apprentice Blacksmith.

'Repairs 10 weapon durability and increases attack damage and attack damage by 3%.'

After sharing the loot, the party chose to exit the dungeon. Emerging from the dungeon, the scene shifted to a crowded dungeon entrance area. After the notification of the first clear of a dungeon, it caused an abrupt reaction. Other unformed famous guilds from previous games also picked up their pace, hastening the rate they attempted different Lv.5 dungeons, in turn increasing the number of parties sent to challenge dungeons.

"Do you guys want to attempt Hard Mode? I refuse to believe we're unable to clear it and get an announcement of our own, our damage should definitely be acceptable.", asked Kaiden.

Assured by Kaiden's confidence and the presentation of his skill in the previous run, the party felt he was reliable and therefore nodded.

"Bah, it's just a run of another dungeon. Just how bad can the consequences be lest we fail.", voiced MagicsSlave.

Selecting the 'Hard' difficulty a warning appeared which caused chatter to take place amongst the crowd. Someone screamed out. "Wow, they are picking Hard Mode? They surely have some big balls. Look there. It's a Mandingo party.", causing a raucous.

'WARNING: Entry Count: 1/1. Hard Mode monsters are 20% stronger and elevated a Level and/or Rank. Death in Hard Mode results in a 20% loss in Experience in addition to the experience gained in the dungeon, and the dropping of any loot acquired in the dungeon. Increased drop rate.'

Reviving from death in World's Destiny causes the user to experience a 'Fatigued' state where you have 50% Health and Mana as well as 30% weakened stats for a 2-hour period.

Entering the dungeon, the party already spotted numerous differences compared to the previous Normal version. The map alone had expanded by at least 3 times. Not to mention, the number of residual monsters in the area skyrocketed. Correspondingly, there was no need to search for monsters as the first thing that entered their view was a Golem Warrior, which exuded a far greater threat than the previous version, holding a dull broadsword lacking an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[Lv.7 Enhanced Golem Warrior] (Elite)

Health: 1850/1850 (100%)

Initiating with Charge, Hollow stunned the Golem Warrior for .5 seconds dealing 10 damage. Taking this as the signal, the party began conjuring spells, stealthing, and slashing.

Controlling the battle rhythm Kaiden opened opportunities for the party to damage more frequently in accordance with Hollow's tanking, leaving it unhindered.

-51, -53…

Noticing that his damage was only slightly higher than what he dealt with Torrence, Kaiden felt they were in for a long encounter with Hard Mode. Although the warning only indicated a 20% increase, the unspoken inherent difficulty was along the lines being tripled, at least. Lacking information was one of the most detrimental aspects that could hinder your progression in a dungeon and in fact, just the game in general.

Dealing with the Golem within a minute, Kaiden instructed Hollow to lure in 2 more as he proceeded to branch off from the party, handling a Golem Warrior single-handedly until the others finished the separate one. Overall, the leveling experience became smoother and in turn, faster-paced as everyone become wholeheartedly trusting of Kaiden's intentions.

After being embroiled in the battle for 15 minutes, Kaiden's character emanated a golden l.u.s.ter, raising to Lv.6. Allocating his usual ratio of point distribution, Kaiden combat power increased slightly. In addition, the loot now dropped was mindboggling. From this bunch alone, 3 useful skills dropped for Warrior, Mages, and Priest, as well as 6 equipment, 4 Uncommon, and 2 Bronze.

Advancing through the now increasingly complicated layout of the dungeon, the party was confronted by a new aspect of the layout; a long narrow pathway leading with ovate holes inhabiting the adjacent walls. Picking up a pebble, Kaiden launched it. As it touched the ground, as if triggering a firing mechanism 2 cognate arrows were launched simultaneously, brushing past each other, and implanting themselves in the opposing wall causing wry smiles to creep upon the countenances of the party except Kaiden.

Usually, with this type of mechanism you would let a dexterous Thief perform the feat of activating all the arrows while remaining alive. However, based on the firing speed they witnessed. Despotic Shadow would not last till the end of the path.

Faced with a gut feeling that he should be the one to accomplish the task in order to advance, Kaiden abruptly expels a breath of air. Calming his mind, offering.

"I'll do it, just get to follow behind me in a straight line 3 seconds after, to create enough spacing so that you don't get hit by the arrows."

Walking within 1-meter of the trap mechanism, Kaiden closed his eyes, mentally counting down. '3…2…1~GO!'

Activating his weapon skill Tempest Endowment and new skill Fleeting Surge, Kaiden was instantly engulfed in a feeling of extremely adequate speed.

'This is definitely on par with my original body now!', Leaning down in a half crouching position, he channeled the majority of his strength into his lower body, his quads swelling as a result, shooting off like an accelerating cheetah. Smashing the initial foothold, Kaiden passed the first hole, but the 2nd one already fired.

Taking a short step, converting momentum Kaiden began swaying motions leaning in the direction of the sway, weaving between the constantly firing arrows. After the midpoint, the speed of the arrows was consistent, however, the quantity of arrow multiplied.

"!!", sparked by an epiphany Kaiden drew his sword. 'This is training, the base levels need to be where I build my foundation in both techniques and attributes.'

Redirecting the arrows impossible to evade by waving his sword in a manner that minutely deflected the arrow Kaiden reached the ¾ mark. Kaiden combined elusive movements that seemed as if he was in 2 places at once but was in fact a visual delay with deflection tactics reminiscent of his actual training.

2 system notifications sounded out, which Kaiden couldn't attend to at the moment, wholly occupied. Meanwhile, behind him, the party's eyes glistened with pure excitement and burning gazes full of yearning.

"Look at Unsheathed's movements! He's like one of those seasoned veterans, his reaction speed has to be under .15 seconds to accomplish this.", voiced Despotic Shadow who usually gave the silent vibe that would barely acknowledge conversation, indicating how excited he was.

Showing their agreement by nodding, Kaiden's feet continuously shifted along with the imperceptible twitches of his eyes, intaking all happening in front of him. At this moment, his brain was in hyperdrive, calculating the pathway he needed to take to expend minimal energy. Ultimately, completing the trap course he heaved a breath of relief. Recovering himself as the party caught up.

Currently unoccupied, he now found the time to check on the system notifications he received, viewing the information.

'System: Congratulations you have created an Advanced Movement Technique. Please name it to claim ownership."

'System: Congratulations you have created an Advanced Combat Technique. Please name to claim ownership."

"Illusive Step – Fission. Minute Deflection - Shift."

[Illusive Step – Fission] (Advanced Movement Technique) – Using faux steps and an abrupt swaying motion, evades attacks creating the false idea that there is more than one of you acting. Uses Stamina and Concentration.

[Minute Deflection – Shift] (Advanced Combat Technique) – Loosening your grip while fortifying your wrist, deflect incoming ranged or melee attacks slightly by angularly waving your sword resulting in minute deflection. Uses Stamina and Concentration.

Proceeding forward deeper into the dungeon, the party's progress was halted midway, a cross-section with 3 different pathways appeared. With the central path blocked now, they could only go either left or right.

"Which way do you guys suggest we go? I think left first because if you head right, you are going to get left. Therefore, my logic is ironclad.", quipped Kaiden.

"I seriously think there is something wrong with your head.", argued Gentle Whisper as the whole party pretty much agreed with her comment.

Choked by her comment, Kaiden's expression soured. Pouting as the party headed down the left path in a brisk manner.

Reaching an area where the murky atmosphere deepened a few degrees, the party was welcomed by a cl.u.s.ter of new monsters along with a golem giant with a stone shield.

Lv.8 [Golem Guards] (Elite)

Health: 2,200/2,200 (100%)

Lv.8 [Golaarth the Defender] (Champion)

Health: 4,000/4000 (100%)

Hollow blurted out, "Momma! These are defensive type monsters. It's going to take forever. Ugh."

Turning their heads, the party began questioning just if Kaiden's comical ways were also beginning to permeate to Hollow.

Engaging the Guards with Charge followed by his new skill [Shield Instigation] which bashed the skill into your target creating Hatred and as a result, locking in aggro.

Working around the Champion monsters by paying attention to positioning, the party began clearing the up the residual monsters who would just create a hindrance to their soon to be the sole focus, Golaarth.

'5 minutes later~'

Leaving the loot unattended, Hollow rushed up within 4 meters of Golaarth, who then opened its eyes raising its shield. Executing Shield Instigation followed by Charge, Hollow stunned Golaarth for 1 second. With provided the party a chance unload pure NERFED fury.

-41, -39, -60, -106

Kaiden unloaded his attacks fluidly, incorporating Switch Grip throughout in which he achieved a critical. Activation Fleeting Surge and Tempest Blade in succession, he pulled out his huge damaging skills. Charging Slash, Sword Wave – Dispersion, Charge, and Double Slash.

-122, -70, -84, -98, -112, -126 (Stunned 2 seconds), -67, -65

Dealing with Golaarth's healing factor. The party was embroiled in the battle for 15 minutes finally felling the Champion, Kaiden's experience increasing a sizable chunk to 34% while Hollow and Despotic Shadow and Gentle Whisper all reached Lv.6, leaving MagicsSlave as the sole Lv.5. Organizing the loot from the room, 14 pieces of equipment dropped, 1 [Basic Health Recovery Potion] recipe and 2 rare skill books, [Enhanced Fireball] and [Vital Stab]

Divvying up the loot, everyone received at least 3 usable equipment increasing the party's survivability. However Despotic Shadow and MagicsSlave were the luckiest.

[Vortical Bite] (Silver)

Lv.5 Dagger

Attack 28

Attack Speed 6

Agility +12, Dexterity +11, Strength +7

Equipment Skill (Vortex Imbuement): For 30 seconds, your attacks create wind blades that 30% of your attack power. Cooldown: 3 minutes.

Durability 40/40, Requirement: Lv.5 and 20 Agility

[Crystalline Staff] (Gold)

Magic Attack 42

Casting Speed +3%

Intelligence +15, Spirit +12, Dexterity +4, Agility +4

Equipment Skill (Mana Invocation): Increase the damage and effect of your next magic spell by 100%. Cooldown: 2 minutes.

Durability 40/40, Requirement: 25 Intelligence, Lv.5 Magic Class⅃

Backtracking as this was the end of the road with no further path, the party returned to the intersection taking the right path while Kaiden had funny expression in which no addressed lest he flare-up.

Exploring the path, the party ended up in an almost identical setting with the only difference being that there was yet another type of monster inhabiting this room, along with a huge golem with a rock lance in its left, sitting with its arms interlocked. Observing the information made the party conclude one thing.

Lv.8 [Golem Enforcers] (Elite)

Health: 2,000/2,000 (100%)

ΓLv.8 [Goshin the Piercer] (Champion)

Health: 3,700/3,700 (100%)

"Huh…Seems that we need to complete both sides in order to enter that middle path and not find an unlocking mechanism, who knew.", shrugged Kaiden causing Gentle Whisper to stare at him, wondering how his face became so sturdy.

"Yeah, after this we can go tickle the boss.", added MagicsSlave, confusing the party.

"Uh… why did you say tickle? You want to intimately touch that distasteful boss like that?", rebutted Hollow leading MagicsSlave to shake his head and clarify.

"Nope, just based on my calculation. The boss is just going to take our v.i.r.g.i.nities without our consent, seeing as we've already been handed 2 Champions to deal with. Hence, our attack will most like feel like nothing but tickles, mere scratches at best."

Suddenly the party's faces all started to produce a look of horror, as if they finally comprehended the true dread the boss, they were heading to face would deliver them. Little lambs for slaughter if you will.

Kaiden and Hollow both screamed out in the same exasperated manner "He's RIGHT…!", causing the party to giggle at their comical routine. Although they were nothing but serious.

Engaging the monsters in the new room, in the same manner, the party cleared out the lurking monsters in just 10 minutes due to the lower defenses and upgraded gear, however, Gentle Whisper wasted a lot more Mana due to the higher damage of this type of Golem. Left to face Goshin, Hollow Charged. Despite being Charged at all Goshin did was grip its spear tightly opening its eyes.

Waiting for an opportune time, Goshin finally pierced out with its lance. Luckily, Hollow had a very good reaction time, leaning sideways avoiding the pierce to his head, slamming his shield in the torso of Goshin stunning it, and dealing 22 damage.

Unleashing a relatively powerful offense on this lower defense opponent the party drained it health down to 30% in mere minutes, however, when they ran out of available stunning moves. Goshin started its rampage causing the party to play passively. It used a move called [Spear Annihilation] where every member of the party experienced at least one stab regardless of aggro.

In rotation, once everyone's stunning skills came off cooldown, within 4 minutes, they killed Goshin. Organizing more loot, the party was starting to indefinitely love running dungeons based on loot alone. Before even reaching the boss they most likely had netted over 5 Gold in the value of drops. 3 rare skill books dropped this time all Warrior. [Infuriating Bash], [Shield Wall] which was an aggro holding and defensive skill respectively. In addition to [Sword Wind], an overall buff type skill.

Handing the Defensive skills straight to Hollow, Kaiden learned Sword Wind and divvying the loot equally among the members.

An intense tremor shook the dungeon's interior, causing everyone to nearly lose their footing. Struck with curiosity, everyone sprinted back towards the central path to take note of any changes.

Reaching they found the only distinct change was that a now heavily oppressive aura was leaking out of the corridor, sending cold sweats and shivers down the party's backs.

"F.u.c.k! I refuse to believe they put an impossible boss here. Does everyone have their steroid potions? If so, then take them as the cooldown always resets.", instructed Kaiden leading the team inside.

Reaching inside, the moment everyone entered they all retreated gasping in horror as they saw the change Torrence's appearance and stats underwent, audible gulps escaping from every member's vocal cords. In fact, Kaiden took it a step further and shrieked,

"My eyes are broken which resulted in a fever, may I leave?!"