The same "Tree Sentinel" could be a boss-level Tree Sentinel controlled by AI, or an elite monster Tree Sentinel without AI. Simply changing the "pilot" behind it made the difficulty completely different.
Asuna had noticed this as well, which was why she had not pursued it when it fell.
If it were just ordinary AI, any random party could adapt after practicing a couple of times.
"It's down! Hit it!"
At that moment, the Tree Sentinel on Kiriko's side was finally knocked down as well.
Diabel rushed forward afterward.
"No... something's wrong...! Diabel!"
This was the second time Kiriko had warned Diabel.
"—What are you talking about? We—"
The Golden Halberd suddenly swept through the surrounding area.
Diabel and the battle-axe player were cut in two.
One life was gone just like that.
[Fuck, that was sneaky] [So it was actually a good thing that Asuna didn't go in] [Not understanding the game turned out to be an advantage lol] [Holy shit, this boss AI is way too advanced]
Kiriko charged forward at this point.
After seeing the other boss pressure players as they got back up earlier, Kiriko realized that without someone to help them, the second and third lives were not all that useful. The boss would just camp their corpses.
On the contrary, having a second life made players more likely to take chances. Once that second life was gone, though, they would all become overly cautious.
Kiriko rushed in and engaged the Tree Sentinel.
Meanwhile, Asuna had already begun her second round of combat with the Tree Sentinel.
The Tree Sentinel charged toward Asuna, and Asuna charged toward the Tree Sentinel.
She sidestepped the Golden Halberd's attack, her rapier grazing the warhorse's flank and scattering a spark.
The Tree Sentinel's HP bar dipped slightly,