In 'Last Saber', the most valuable item was the Elixir, which randomly increased stats. It came in high, medium, and low grades, and for players struggling to boost their stats, it was priceless.
The trail we found was from a Basilisk, a creature that drops Elixir ingredients. The knights were unfamiliar with it, so they checked their monster records but found nothing.
"We need to report this to headquarters. It's protocol to report any unknown monsters."
Torres rubbed his forehead.
It was only two hours into the search, and as the Bahl successor, he wouldn't want to return empty-handed.
"Since we're in the first sector, it's likely a low-level monster."
"But we can't be sure without knowing what it is."
Torres looked at me, seemingly hesitant to make a decision because of my presence.
In the game, even experienced players found the front lines daunting. Following protocol and returning to gather more troops was the right move, especially when facing an unknown enemy.
"Can I help?"
"Do you know what this creature is?"
"Of course. It's a Basilisk."
"Basilisk?"
In most games, Basilisks were common, but in 'Last Saber', they were event monsters that rarely appeared in swampy areas. Finding one here was incredibly lucky.
"Do you know its weakness?"
"Yes."
My confident response didn't impress the knights, who ignored me and approached Torres.
"Torres, are you going to trust what this mage says?"
"Mages are cunning and deceitful. We should follow protocol and return."
The tension was palpable, and the knights had been glaring at me throughout the search.
I remained calm, but my patience was wearing thin.
"If you don't trust me, leave then."
"A mage shouldn't be speaking here!"
Torres intervened, his voice firm.
"Let's hear him out. I'll make the judgment."
The knights reluctantly agreed.
Just then, a roar echoed from behind us, and the knights quickly drew their swords.
"Everyone, battle formation!"
The knights' aura flared, with Torres at the center, his blue aura prominent.
-Boom! Boom! Boom!
The sound indicated multiple creatures.
The direction was to our right.
"…!"
-Kraaak!
A massive Basilisk emerged from the underbrush, its green skin and sharp horns unmistakable.
"Everyone, scatter!"
The Basilisk charged, its jaws wide open. The knights were caught off guard.
"There's another one behind!"
"Watch out!"
A second Basilisk attacked Torres's position, and he barely dodged.
"Damn it! The one on the right, counterattack!"
-Shuaaak!
Torres ordered the knights to attack, but their blows didn't penetrate the Basilisk's tough skin.
"What's going on? The attacks aren't working!"
The knights were struggling to defend themselves, unable to get close to the Basilisk.
This situation could only be resolved by me.
"Now it's the Basilisk's turn to attack."
Combat in this world was like a turn-based system: attack, defend, counterattack, evade.
I watched the Basilisk's movements carefully. To safely capture it, I needed to block its first attack pattern.
"Now! Everyone, get down!"
"What?"
"Trust me! Get down quickly!"
I shouted, and Torres was the first to react. The other knights followed, and I checked to ensure everyone was down before joining them.
One knight was still standing, so I grabbed him and pulled him down just as the Basilisk swung its tail, releasing venomous barbs that stuck into trees and rocks.
"Ugh?!"
"That was close. I just saved your life."
The knight was stunned, and I slapped him awake.
"We have two minutes before the next attack. We need to end this before then."
I approached Torres and said, "Next time, I'll aim for its lower body. It'll be hard to dodge."
"Really? You know its weakness?"
"Do as I say."
In 'Last Saber', having superior stats wasn't everything; information was crucial.
Each monster had unique weaknesses, and knowing them was key to victory.
The Basilisk's tough skin made it resistant to ordinary attacks. The best way to defeat it was with fire or the higher fire attribute, Blue Flame.
If that wasn't possible, there was only one other method.
"Tell me its weakness!"
"I'll handle it myself. But I need your help since there are two."
"…Can you really do it?"
"Decide whether to help or not."
Torres expressed concern for my safety, which was touching.
I reassured him, and he ordered the knights to follow my commands.
"Alright! From now on, Bahl's knights will follow Zed's orders!"
The knights reluctantly agreed, prioritizing their knightly code over their dislike of mages.
I gave them instructions: "Each of you take one Basilisk. Distract the left one!"
"Everyone, got it? I'll lead. We must draw its attention!"
The knights adjusted their formation and launched a focused attack.
-Kraaak! Kraaak!
Torres led the charge, his blue aura shining brightly as he fought.
"Protect the successor!"
The knights rallied around Torres, executing a two-pronged attack.
As they fought, I activated my trait, 'Persistent Challenger', and used the spell 'Electrification'.
-Zzzt!
A golden current enveloped my body, enhancing my physical abilities.
"I'll take care of this one."
-Paah!
I sprinted forward, and the Basilisk's eyes widened in surprise.
I jumped into the air and aimed for its weak spot, the top of its head.
-Kwang! Thud!
My fist struck its skull, and the Basilisk collapsed.
-Pffft!
After a moment, I sensed a familiar item within its body.