Sun Warriors Go Best with Gargoyles
Da Er hesitated for a long time, but ultimately did not summon Solaire.
At least this time there was no summoning.
As for the reason
"I'll first see what kind of monster is inside the Fog Gate and familiarize myself with its moves. It would be too embarrassing if I got killed instantly at the very beginning of the battle."
It's a very simple thought: if he were all alone, there would be nothing to be ashamed of, no matter how strangely he died.
But it would be awkward if Solaire were there.
Da Er didn't want to embarrass himself in front of this Sun Warrior he had only known for a short time; he absolutely didn't want to. He wanted to leave a good impression on him.
He looked up at the white Fog Gate in front of him, and whenever he saw it, a sense of oppression would well up in his heart.
What lies behind the Fog Gate?
It's probably a monster twisted by the abyss, or perhaps the leader of a soul-sucking demon? It would be great if the Wolf Knight could come and help halfway through the fight.
After suffering in the Fortress for so long, he still didn't understand what this journey had to do with Artorias.
Aside from the initial flashback, is there any other connection? Could it be that they want him to experience firsthand just how difficult and terrifying the Abyss truly is, thereby highlighting Artorias's immense strength?
If that was truly the goal, then it has already been achieved. Da Er thinks that if Artorias were alive in the modern era, he could probably sweep across the entire Arnor Kingdom.
He guessed that the Fortress was just an insignificant pebble in the enemy's long journey to conquer the Abyss, not even a difficulty.
But he was dying and coming back to life here, and couldn't help but realize how weak he really was.
No, it should be said that Artorias too strong. With such power, dominance, and strength, how could he not slay the Abyss Lord with his sword?
Da Er remembered that the intelligence they discovered mentioned that the Abyss Lord had fallen into silence after fighting the Wolf Knight, so the battle in his memory must have been a victory for Artorias, right?
He overthought things, which only confused his own thoughts.
After taking several deep breaths to calm himself down, Da Er entered the Fog Gate.
The monster that appeared before him was not the Abyss, nor the Soul Eater, but an old friend— the Gargoyle!
Although they looked quite different, the moment Da Er saw the Gargoyle, he recalled the scene of his first time entering Farron Keep.
Back then, I was much weaker than I am now, and I had no friends. I went to challenge the Fortress in the Swamp Area alone, and was completely humiliated by the Twin Gargoyles.
He's become stronger now, but the Twin Gargoyles boss has also disappeared, leaving him no chance for revenge.
Although I don't know why the Gargoyle are here, I can finally get my revenge!
Da Er rallied his spirits and charged toward the person standing not far away.
[Hero Gargoyle (Greatsword)]
This guy is undoubtedly strong, but he can't compare to the Crucible Knight. Da Er is currently capable of going toe-to-toe with the Crucible Knight, so—
I can win! I can win!
A joyful smile spread across his face as he activated his Wolf's Blood, allowing him to momentarily clash with the Hero Gargoyle using sheer strength, even ramming its Greatsword back.
Injuries are inevitable, but victory is within reach, so what if we get injured?
The Hero Gargoyle was knocked back by his sword strike, and Da Er sprang up, intending to unleash a sword technique that descended from the sky.
Just then, a huge black shadow enveloped him, and when he looked up, he met the gaze of another Gargoyle.
[Hero Gargoyle (Double-Headed Sword)]
"I knew it!"
"Bang!"
He was slapped back to the ground by the Gargoyle and rolled to the side without daring to stop for a moment, barely dodging the Gargoyle's double-headed sword that came crashing down.
Da Er wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and smiled. He was laughing out of anger, a strong urge to complain fermenting in his heart.
You Gargoyle grow together, right? You have to appear in pairs?
As we all know, when two monsters come together, the increased difficulty is not as simple as one plus one equals two.
Da Er can handle one enemy, but if he has to deal with two Hero Gargoyle at the same time...
He struggled to evade the frenzied attacks, quickly accumulating numerous wounds. The burning time of the Wolf's Blood had also expired, further diminishing his combat effectiveness.
However, just when he thought he had mastered the monsters' moves, he deliberately rammed into their weapon!
"You just wait!" Even with the double-headed sword piercing his chest, he still revealed a vicious expression and made a throat-slitting gesture.
Since you're disregarding Wu De and fighting two against one, I'll need to get more help!
After a difficult journey through the map, Da Er resolutely summoned Solaire.
Solaire made his entrance with a classic pose praising the sun, exuding a vibrant energy that seemed out of place in the Fortress.
Looking at this golden, radiant Sun Warrior, Da Er immediately felt a strong sense of security, and his body felt warm.
"I'll have to trouble you this time, Mr. Solaire. The enemy consists of two Gargoyle," Da Er said, relaying the information.
Solaire nodded and stepped confidently into the Fog Gate.
The two entered the Fog Gate together, and Da Er could feel that the Gargoyle had become stronger and more difficult to deal with.
However, after glancing at Solaire, who was gathering Lightning Spear, his confidence soared.
As long as Mr. Solaire is here, everything will be alright. He's much stronger than me!
This time, the Twin Gargoyles came down to fight immediately, while the second one did not wait until the first one was low on health before launching a surprise attack, perhaps also sensing the threat.
Solaire paired with Twin Gargoyles, that's a classic combination, simply the best match!
Da Er used all his strength to tug at the Greatsword Hero Gargoyle, and the intense battle left him no time to look back at Solaire's situation.
But just hearing the other party's loud shout and the crackling sound of the Lightning Spear was enough to make one feel at ease.
The Hero Gargoyle who fought against Da Er not only knew how to use Fast and Slow Blades, but also learned the unpredictable sword technique. Sometimes he would hold his Greatsword for a long time without slashing down, and other times he would slash four or five times in an instant. The design of his moves was simply the worst of the worst.
After a tremendous effort, and with the blessing of Wolf's Blood, potions to enhance combat power, and other amplifications, Da Er finally severed one of the Gargoyle's arms, greatly weakening its combat power!
"Mr. Solaire, you need help—"
He kicked the Gargoyle away and turned to help, but he stopped mid-sentence.
"Haha, I'm fine."
The double-headed sword Hero Gargoyle fell at Solaire's feet, who pierced the Gargoyle's head with his sword, instantly draining the monster's life force.
"Oh My God."
Da Er's eyes widened in disbelief. What terrifying efficiency! He had only crippled the Gargoyle, but Solaire had already taken one down.
There's no need to be afraid anymore, because the Sun Warrior will protect me!
At this moment, Da Er was so excited that he wanted to cheer. It must be that the dungeon sent Mr. Solaire to help him because he couldn't get out no matter what.
Thank you, Solaire!
Thank you, Sain, even though you're the one who caused this awful place!
With Da Er and Solaire combined, they were truly unstoppable, quickly Execute the remaining Gargoyle.
With this, Oolacile Fortress was officially captured by Da Er, and the road to the next forest was opened, allowing him to travel to that vast city!
"Mr. Solaire!" Seeing the golden spirit dissipate, Da Er quickly said, "Thank you for your help!"
"If we meet again, summon me to fight alongside you. We hit it off immediately! Let's bask in the sunlight together, hahaha!"
A hearty laugh echoed in the air as Solaire departed after defeating the Twin Gargoyles.
"Will we ever meet again?" Da Er muttered to himself.
Besides meeting in this Painting World, is there anywhere else one could encounter Solaire?
That's impossible. The afterimage only lingers in the same place. I guess if he wants to see Solaire again in the future, he'll have to enter the Painting World.
On the other hand, is the "event" that Solaire represents merely helping him defeat two Gargoyle, without any additional developments?
Da Er looked toward the back door of the Twin Gargoyles BOSS room, from where he could cross the forest and head to the real city.
"Is it still not over?"
He sat down against the wall, looking listless, and let out a long sigh.
I thought I could leave this Painting World after defeating the Twin Gargoyles, but little did I know that this was just the beginning.
What kind of torment will he have to endure before he can leave this hellhole?!
Artorias, what were your initial thoughts? Did you also find this place disgusting?
In that instant, he almost turned into Living Dead.
Despite the complaints, we still have to keep going.
Da Er mustered his courage and, after resting for a while, headed toward the big city.
The forest scenery he passed through felt familiar to him. After thinking about it carefully, he seemed to have seen this place in Artorias's memories. If he went further ahead, he should encounter a building that looked like an arena, where monsters gathered. It would probably be another tough battle.
However, Memory Artorias should have already killed all the monsters inside. It's impossible that after so much time, monsters have gathered there again.
The arena has come into view and we'll be able to get close soon.
Just as Da Er was thinking this, a hoarse voice suddenly came to his ear.
No matter who you are, don't come any closer.
The voice was filled with exhaustion, as if it had been tormented for a long time, with hidden pain beneath the weariness.
"Who?" Da Er immediately became alert and slowly moved towards the arena.
I'm being consumed by darkness.
Is it about to be consumed by darkness?
Da Er frowned. Was he someone infected by the Abyss, but still retaining their sanity? Was he warning me?
The closer he got to the arena, the clearer the sound became, and for some reason, it felt strangely familiar.
I've never heard of it before.
Are you inside? I'll come help you!
Whatever is inside the arena, it is the only way to Oolacile, and even if he was warned, he had no choice but to go in.
If we can help treat that injured person, we might be able to add to our fighting strength!
Do not approach, leave immediately.
The voice suddenly became anxious, urging Da Er on and on.
Da Er was also helpless; he knew there was danger ahead, but he had no choice but to go in!
"I'm here to help you!"
Da Er charged into the arena.