Chapter 24: Hidden Quest - II

Saad started by quickly distributing his points. He quickly distributed 5 points in each and then 5 more in to both stamina and agility. He knew that being faster was going to help with not only evading the attack but also with his whip's movements. He had been constantly getting the notifications about his increased whip mastery but he hadn't gained the skill. It was almost similar to how he hadn't gained his defense skill nor the throwing skill. Since he had been going ballistic with the whip though, he had gained one measly skill that he hadn't even had the time to learn. He took deep breath and for now, focused on the reward chests. Saad had two silver chests which he knew has common reward but the third chest was aquamarine and checking the description Saad felt his excitement bubble.

[Aquamarine Chest]

The probability of a common reward is 70%

The probability of an uncommon reward is 30%

'30%' might be a lot smaller compared to 70% but Saad had belief that he would get things that were related to his journey so far since all his items were related to his quests, truly, a fruit of his labor. Saad opened up the silver chests first and the items revealed themselves.

[Aetherweave Loop]

Description: Aetherweave Loop is a finely woven ring crafted from interlaced strands of ethereal energy.

Durability: 40/40

Rank: Common

Type: Ring

-Effects-

Agility Boost: Increases the wearer's agility by 10%, enhancing their reflexes, speed, and finesse.

Evasion Bonus: Provides a +5 bonus to evasion, making it easier to dodge incoming attacks.

Skill Mastery: Improves the proficiency of dexterity-based skills by 15%, allowing for greater accuracy and finesse in actions such as lockpicking, trap disarming, and stealth maneuvers.

Saad quickly equipped the ring and then looked at the next next reward.

[Fury Elixir]

Description: The Fury Elixir is a vial filled with a bubbling, crimson liquid that radiates an aura of raw power. Crafted by alchemists versed in the arcane arts, this elixir grants a temporary surge of battle prowess to those who dare to consume it.

Rank: Common

-Effects-

Increases the user's attack power by 25%. Enhances the user's precision and speed, granting a +15 bonus to attack speed during the duration of its effect. With each swing, the user becomes a whirlwind of blades, striking with lightning-fast precision.

Temporarily boosts the user's physical and magical defenses by 10%, fortifying them against incoming damage. This grants an added layer of protection, allowing the user to withstand even the most devastating assaults.

Saad was pleased with the rewards from the silver chests, but his attention was drawn to the aquamarine chest. Its potential for uncommon rewards intrigued him, and he opened it with a sense of anticipation.

As he opened the chest, Saad's excitement surged. He believed that these rewards would be closely tied to his journey, just as his previous items had been. The sense of adventure and achievement coursed through him as the items were unveiled before his eyes.

And then, the moment he had been hoping for finally came.

[Serpent's Scale Shield]

Description: The Serpent's Scale Shield is a magnificent piece of craftsmanship, made from the scales of a formidable serpent known as the Serpent of Benevolence. It is a set item of the Serpent's Benevolence, a rare armor set renowned for its defensive properties and the blessings it bestows upon its wearer.

Rank: Uncommon

Durability: 60/60

Type: Shield

Effects:

Serpentine Defense: The Serpent's Scale Shield provides exceptional protection, offering a bonus to the wearer's overall defense by 50% and resistance against physical and magical attacks by 45%. This formidable shield is imbued with the serpentine energy of the Serpent of Benevolence, empowering the wielder to withstand even the most devastating assaults.

Serpent's Blessing: As a set item of the Serpent's Benevolence, the shield grants additional benefits when combined with other pieces of the set. These blessings enhance the wearer's resilience and fortitude by 40%, strengthening their overall defense by 70%. (Locked)

Venomous Ward: The shield possesses an enchantment that creates a protective barrier that repels and neutralizes venomous attacks by 40%. This ability provides resistance against poison-based attacks by 15%, reducing their potency and minimizing their negative effects on the wearer.

Saad's heart raced as he examined the shield's description. The Serpent's Scale Shield was a remarkable piece of equipment, offering unparalleled defense and unique enchantments. Owning his own shield was a treasure he had yearned for, and now it was finally within his grasp. He couldn't wait to wield its power in battle and experience its benefits firsthand.

As he marveled at his new acquisitions, Saad's focus shifted back to the quest at hand. The timer for the [Wells of Despair] quest was running, urging him to press forward. He swiftly moved towards the next well.

Saad arrived at the entrance of the next well, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The soft light of the radiance orb cast a warm glow around him, creating a protective aura in the midst of the looming darkness. However, what he saw before him sent a shiver down his spine – the cavern was teeming with newly hatched Shadowweb Arachnids. The ground was littered with unhatched eggs, numbering well over a hundred.

Each of the newly hatched creatures skittered about, their movements quick and unpredictable. Saad's eyes widened as he took in the scene, realizing that the challenge ahead would be greater than he had anticipated. These creatures might be low-level, but their sheer numbers could overwhelm him if he wasn't careful.

He gripped the Serpent's Scale Shield tightly, feeling its weight and the reassurance it offered. His whip coiled around his other hand, ready for action. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the horde of arachnids.

Monster Name: Shadowweb Arachnid

Level: 1

Type: Shadow

Description: A creature of darkness that loves to create cobwebs.

Attributes:

HP: 10/10

ATK: 4

VIT: 4

AGI: 7

INT: 2

Abilities:

Shadowstep: The Shadowweb Arachnid can meld with the shadows and move swiftly across the battlefield, making it hard to predict its next move.

Cobweb Creation: The Shadowweb Arachnid is able to create cobwebs to make the surroundings filthy.

Weaknesses: Light-based attacks

Saad knew that even though these creatures were weak compared to his current power level, he couldn't afford to be careless. He focused on his shield and whip, raising the shield defensively as the arachnids skittered closer. The Serpent's Scale Shield gleamed with an otherworldly light, its protective enchantments ready to fend off the impending attacks.

As the first Shadowweb Arachnid lunged at him, Saad reacted with a swift sideways step, his agility boosted by his attribute distribution. The creature's attack missed, and Saad seized the opportunity to counter with his whip. The whip cracked through the air, striking the arachnid's flank. The creature screeched in pain, its form dissipating into shadowy mist before reforming a short distance away.

Saad's eyes narrowed as he anticipated the arachnid's next move. He watched as it melded with the shadows, its form becoming translucent. In an instant, it reappeared by his side, attempting to bite him. Saad's shield came up just in time, deflecting the attack with a resounding clang.

The arachnids continued their assault, their quick movements making them difficult to track. Saad's focus was unwavering as he blocked and parried, using the shield to fend off bites and strikes. His whip lashed out with precision, striking the arachnids and sending them dispersing into shadows, only for them to reappear moments later.

The whip's mastery he had gained during his relentless battles proved to be invaluable. His strikes became fluid, finding their marks with unerring accuracy. Yet, the sheer number of arachnids was overwhelming. Saad stumbled back as a cluster of them converged on him, their movements coordinated and relentless.

He quickly raised the shield, its serpentine enchantment warding off the attacks. But the cobwebs created by the arachnids began to accumulate, hindering his movement and obscuring his vision. Saad's heart raced as he tried to shake off the sticky strands, his frustration mounting.

He needed to turn the tide of battle. Saad took a deep breath, recalling the attributes of the arachnids and their weaknesses. Light-based attacks were their downfall. With renewed determination, he focused his attention on the radiance orb. Its glow intensified, casting a brilliant light that pierced the darkness.

The arachnids hissed and recoiled, their shadowy forms shrinking from the light. Saad seized the opportunity, his whip cracking through the air with increased fervor. The arachnids dispersed, unable to withstand the brilliance of the light. One by one, they crumbled into mist, their forms dissipating.

As the last arachnid faded away, Saad's breathing was heavy, his heart pounding. The cavern was now empty, the unhatched eggs the only remnants of the horde that had been. He surveyed the area, the soft glow of the radiance orb illuminating the scene.

With a sense of triumph, Saad wiped the sweat from his brow. The battle had been challenging, but he had emerged victorious. He marveled at the power of the Serpent's Scale Shield and the radiance orb, both of which had played a crucial role in his success.

He used the whip to destroy all the unhatched eggs and soon there were level up notifications.

The timer for the [Wells of Despair] quest was still ticking down, and there were two more wells to cleanse. Saad knew that the challenges ahead would be no less daunting, but he was ready. With newfound confidence, he pressed forward, his radiance orb casting a guiding light as he ventured deeper into the dark humid tunnel.