Chapter 460: Victory Lies in Momentum
“How is everyone’s recovery going?” In the dungeon, the voice of Andrew, the Dragon Slayer and leader of the Hero Party, rang out.
“Don’t worry, Captain. After drinking mana potions and stamina potions, we’ve all returned to peak condition.”
“Good. Then let’s continue conquering this dungeon. The core of this dungeon is the Hero’s Crown. Obtaining it would mean humanity can control this dungeon and no longer fear the ‘Demon Tide.’ We’ll surely earn the king’s praise. This is our first chance to obtain a legendary hero’s artifact – we can truly cement our reputation as the Hero Party.”
The Demon Tide referred to when the demon population within a dungeon grew large enough to surge out and attack humans. Adventurers fought in dungeons not just for wealth and fame, but also to reduce demon numbers and prevent these tides.
“Moreover, the Hero’s Crown enhances mental power. We’re just one step away from becoming Legendary Adventurers. With its boost, we can finally reach that rank!”
Their eyes shone with anticipation, as if they could already see themselves triumphantly returning after defeating the Demon King.
Their newly recruited mage said confidently, “The next floor’s demon is the Hydra. It spews venom and poison gas, but we’ve stacked high-level poison resistance, so we’re safe from its toxins temporarily.”
“The Hydra’s toughest aspect is its nine heads – cut one off, and another regenerates. To defeat it, we must sever all nine heads simultaneously.”
“That would challenge most parties, but we’re the Hero Party! With our perfect coordination and shared resolve, attacking nine heads at once won’t be difficult.”
“If I’m right, we’ll clear the next floor soon. Captain, as our strongest member, you take the central head.”
“No problem. Let’s proceed.”
Yet when they descended, instead of the Hydra, they found a pure white unicorn standing gracefully in the chamber.
A Legendary-class demon – the Unicorn.
Tension spiked. Why was a fifth-tier Hydra replaced by a Legendary Unicorn? Such powerful demons belonged on the final floor!
The Unicorn frowned at them. “Humans, I’m merely guarding this floor for Hydra. I’ve no wish to kill. Leave now.”
“If Lance were here, he’d advise retreating to reconsider.” Andrew scoffed. “How laughable! As the Hero Party destined to defeat the Demon King, if we flee now, what courage will we have when facing him?”
“All units – prepare for battle!”
Andrew took a combat stance. Their new mage quickly analyzed the situation and formulated tactics while others assumed position by role. They’d defeated Legendary demons before – the Ancient Dragon and Hellhound proved that.
The pacifistic Unicorn tried to prevent bloodshed, but Andrew charged first, swinging his Dragonfang Sword – spoils from their dragon slaying.
“You seek death!” Even the gentle Unicorn grew angry. It disliked killing but wasn’t incapable. Its horn unleashed a thick lightning bolt that sent Andrew flying.
Had Andrew not bathed in dragon blood, that strike would have critically wounded him. Even so, his left arm was charred and immobile.
“Healer – tend the Captain! Shieldbearer – frontline!” the mage commanded.
The priest prayed, enveloping Andrew in holy light that rapidly healed his injuries.
Healing Art – Radiance: Consumed mental power to rapidly restore wounds.
Enraged, the Unicorn released lightning from its body. The party planted their greatshield, forming a hexagonal barrier.
Guard Skill – Tortoise Shell: Protected allies within range.
While the Unicorn focused on the shield, their assassin stealthily approached. The Unicorn stomped, creating shockwaves that revealed the assassin.
“Blade of Light!” Andrew shouted, unleashing a sword-shaped beam that the Unicorn easily dodged.
The mage frowned – they should have immobilized the Unicorn first before Andrew attacked.
Waving his staff, the mage buffed everyone. Their archer rapidly fired arrows in near-perfect alignment at the horn, while their blacksmith blasted the Unicorn’s forelegs with twin cannons to disable its stomp…
Each member had unique skills. Their coordination gave them a chance against a Legendary demon.
Just a chance.
The Unicorn released silent waves that crushed them under fiftyfold gravity, then struck their healer with lightning.
“Sumire!” Andrew cried out for the priest – his childhood friend who’d once promised to marry him during pretend games.
More lightning felled their assassin, shieldbearer, archer… One by one, his comrades collapsed.
“Everyone!” Andrew’s heart burned with grief and fury as he raised his sword and charged.
In that moment, he recalled cherished memories with his team, their laughter, the villagers’ hopes, and his vow before the gods to slay the Demon King.
“For everyone… I can’t lose!” Andrew roared, unleashing tremendous power.
Then the Unicorn kicked him away, shattering his ribs.
The Unicorn sneered, “I wondered what trump card gave you such confidence. Just a hidden skill that boosts power through willpower.”
“Rare and powerful indeed, but not limitless. Did you truly think believing makes you strong?”
Despair filled the mage’s face. If even empowered Andrew failed, defeat was certain.
“Impossible! That move killed the Ancient Dragon!” a teammate protested.
The Unicorn scoffed, “Powerful enough to slay that foolish old dragon – if it was exhausted or caught off guard. You thought charging head-on would work on me?”
“As the Demon King’s strongest subordinate, how could you equate me with that lizard? Are human brains waterlogged?”
Only then did they recall their dragon fight – how Lance’s strategy of harassment and poison created their opportunity. They’d once criticized his methods as unheroic. Now they understood.
Refusing defeat, Andrew staggered up for another charge. The impatient Unicorn prepared to obliterate these humans.
Clack… clack…
Steady footsteps echoed through the empty dungeon, drowning out the crackling from the Unicorn’s horn.
“You seem rather strong for this floor – stronger than the final level’s golem. Explain yourself.”
Jiang Li approached leisurely, hands behind his back. His casual tone didn’t match the Unicorn’s sudden sweat.
Lance and an elven archer followed. The party stared in shock at Lance – particularly the three hero artifacts he wore.