Black Swordsman, Mighty Lion Slash

Iliphis did not accept the Black Swordsman's "charity," but instead used magic to condense a magical rapier with high temperature and electric current.

Even after suffering the double blow from Overlord and Mist Dragon, he still remained calm in the battle. Upon seeing the Black Swordsman's heavy armor, he immediately came up with a countermeasure using high temperature and Thunder Shock.

As for why he chose the rapier, it was his personal preference. Although the difference between a greatsword and a rapier seemed like heaven and earth, with Iliphis's fighting skills, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage.

Having climbed his way up from the bottom, his combat skills far surpass his magical abilities; magic alone cannot subdue the mercenaries!

The Black Swordsman wielded Greatsword in both hands, facing off against Iliphis from a distance.

"Commander, let's help too!"

When the mercenary shouted those words, Iliphis moved. He combined magical teleportation with his speed-enhancing Weapon Skill to deliver a lightning-fast strike. His rapier, crackling with flames and electricity, arrived in front of the Black Swordsman in an instant!

"Bump--"

The heavy crash echoed, the shockwave stirred up endless dust, and small stones kept falling from the rock face.

Just as the rapier was about to strike, the Black Swordsman swung his greatsword down, choosing to trade blows rather than defend!

What a wild fighting style! He's practically a beast. If that blow hits, Iliphis will be cleaved in two like a pig in a slaughterhouse.

But he reacted in time, or rather, as if he had anticipated the Black Swordsman's attack, and promptly changed direction to defend.

The massive greatsword and the exquisite rapier were evenly matched at this moment, and time seemed to stand still. A large number of sparks from the collision slowly fell before their eyes. Iliphis, and his icy eyes clashed with the red light flowing from the gaps in the opponent's helmet.

"Bang! Bang—"

Before the mercenaries' questions had even faded, the two sides clashed countless times in an instant. The intensity and speed of the battle left the onlookers speechless.

The Black Swordsman fights wildly; his brute force combined with his greatsword makes his weapon a terrifying force that can injure or kill enemies with a mere graze.

Iliphis remained calm and collected, constantly launching surprise attacks from the vicinity of the battlefield. He completely ignored the opponent's strategy of trading blows for damage, and each time he used exquisite skills to block the greatsword's attacks.

In another round of combat, Iliphis's magical weapon pierced the Black Swordsman's head, but the opponent's beast-shaped helmet suddenly split open and bit down hard on the rapier. Taking advantage of Iliphis's inability to dodge, he swung his greatsword!

"Commander, watch out!"

"Boom!"

The greatsword missed its target, Iliphis abandoned his weapon and retreated, leaving behind a weapon that exploded violently!

A burst of light mist, a mixture of high temperature, electric current, and flashes, completely blocked the Black Swordsman's vision. When he roared and dispersed the mist, he saw that Iliphis had already condensed a new rapier in the distance and was posing in a posture he had never seen before.

"Shoot him."

With a whisper from Iliphis, the magic-infused rapier shot out at high speed, piercing the Black Swordsman's chest like a flash of light!

But the next second, a death warning rang in his mind without warning. When he looked up, he saw the giant sword smashing down on him!

When was it thrown?!

Iliphis hurriedly dodged, but it was too late. The heavy hilt of the sword struck his shoulder, and a crisp sound of bone cracking echoed.

"Tsk!"

The Black Swordsman charged toward Iliphis, gripping the hilt tightly before the greatsword slammed into the rock wall. He then turned and used Whirlwind Slash to interrupt Iliphis, who was about to use Healing Magic.

With the light and shadows distorted, Iliphis to use magic to create several clones to distract the enemy and take the opportunity to retreat and heal his injuries.

In the first round of combat, both sides were evenly matched and each inflicted damage.

The Black Swordsman touched the piercing wound on his chest, seemingly savoring the memory.

Meanwhile, the mercenaries rushed to heal Iliphis, saying, "Captain, let us fight together too."

"No, mind your own business." A minor injury like a bone fracture can heal instantly with powerful magic. Moving her shoulder, which had been restored to its original state, Iliphis revealed the familiar smile that people knew and loved.

After the brief exchange, he had figured out the Black Swordsman's fighting style and physical abilities, and realized that he was not invincible against him.

No, I should say I can win.

Iliphis's confidence was awakened. The Black Swordsman was undoubtedly a formidable opponent, surpassing even the captain in the outside world, but he had a high chance of defeating such a character on his own.

This will restore his confidence after being defeated by Tyrannosaurus Overlord and Mist Dragon.

He conjured a new weapon, twirled his sword, his long silver hair fluttering in the cold wind, and the phantom of White Eagle appeared behind him. He pointed at the Black Swordsman like a righteous knight.

"Come on, let's begin the second round."

In the city lord's room, Gong Qiying watched the live broadcast on the Crystal Ball, nodded in Iliphis's strength, and then summoned the City Lord Panel.

[Change the Black Swordsman's strength from C+ to C++]

The next second, the Black Swordsman in the graveyard seemed to have changed his aura. His originally upright posture, which was like that of a human, suddenly bent down. He shouldered the greatsword, and his overall image gave people the feeling that he was in a state of being mixed between a human and a beast.

Iliphis had already noticed the change, but it was too late for him to react, as he had already lunged at the Black Swordsman and launched a fierce attack on the wound he had previously inflicted.

Just then, he met the gaze of the Black Swordsman.

The red light in the other's eyes was so intense it seemed to be burning, and he stared intently at Iliphis. At that moment, an indistinct voice came from under his helmet.

"Griffin Fiesta!"

Is someone calling me? No, although it sounds similar, it's someone else's name.

The rapier successfully pierced the Black Swordsman's chest, and several elements erupted simultaneously, causing the Berserker Armor to change color several times.

Iliphis was delighted and was about to unleash a burst of power to kill him, but the next moment, two giant arms tightly bound his body.

The Black Swordsman opened his arms and hugged him tightly!

"Click-clack—"

A crisp sound of bones cracking rang out, Iliphis struggled desperately; his bones were about to break!

No, there's no way to break free. How did his strength suddenly increase so much?

The Black Swordsman's helmet suddenly cracked open, and sharp teeth bit down towards Iliphis's head!

"Bang!"

Have you ever seen a watermelon that's been crushed? That's what you're seeing now.

The mercenaries were so shocked that they didn't even repeat "Captain!"

Mami Tomoe—no, Iliphis's corpse that slowly dissipated in the Black Swordsman's arms, who then turned his gaze to the mercenaries.

Everyone took a step back in unison. It wasn't their fault; the Black Swordsman's blood-soaked appearance was simply too intimidating.

"We'll go! Let's take him down!"

Although someone shouted out with great momentum, no one moved. The remaining lancer captain glared at the group of guys with disappointment and was about to summon his spirit horse to clash with the Black Swordsman.

But in an instant, a flash of light passed by him— Iliphis!

They encountered the Black Swordsman shortly after leaving the campfire, so he charged at them again in his speed state after resurrecting!

His eyes were filled with rage that seemed to spit fire, and in just one exchange, a barrage of magical missiles rained down on the Black Swordsman!

"I'll kill you."

Iliphis's twisted expression lay a heart full of rage. When he saw the Black Swordsman wielding his greatsword to block all the magical missiles, his eyes twitched.

Having learned from his previous experience, he was extra cautious this time, staying close to the Black Swordsman and making sure to attack and retreat quickly if a direct confrontation was necessary.

How did his strength suddenly increase?

The same move, Iliphis could previously defend against with equal strength, can now be blocked as well, but his arm is still aching from the force of the impact!

Not only that, the Black Swordsman's moves also changed, becoming wilder and more expansive, completely disregarding his wounds, revealing a posture of dragging his enemy down even if it meant his death.

It was obvious to everyone that Iliphis was gradually losing ground.

The mercenaries looked at each other, realizing they couldn't get involved in the battle; just watching was enough for them.

Under the Black Swordsman's relentless onslaught, Iliphis gradually showed signs of fatigue. He gritted his teeth, his heart filled with a thousand kinds of resentment.

Negative emotions arose, and his move inadvertently revealed a flaw. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Black Swordsman leaped high and once again used the move that had previously Execute the archer captain.

However, this time the movements were slightly different.

Iliphis quickly adjusted his stance, using various speed-type magic and Weapon Skill at the same time, just to dodge this fatal blow.

At this moment, it seemed that fate was on his side. The giant sword struck the ground hard, and the ground instantly cracked in large areas. He narrowly avoided the attack.

I dodged it!

His delight was palpable; he remembered that this move had a long recovery time, so he just needed to seize this opportunity—

Without pausing, the Black Swordsman leaped up once more!

What!

Iliphis had no time to think and instinctively dodged to the side, but it was too late. A deep, bone-revealing wound appeared on his left shoulder in the blink of an eye.

Before he could catch his breath, the Black Swordsman did not land, but instead spun in the air and slammed his greatsword down again!

What on earth is going on?!

For a fleeting moment, Iliphis the Overlord Wolnir, who had been repeating the Wrath of the Gods over and over again, and his eyelids twitched wildly.

Because the Black Swordsman is currently using Weapon Skill called [Mighty Lion Slash]!

The Lion Slash, capable of repeating itself continuously!

In the final blow, Iliphis was unable to dodge.

After a sickeningly painful sound of flesh being torn apart, half of his body was severed!

An ordinary person would die instantly from this level of injury, but he didn't, because—

The Bracelet Martial Weapon erupted with light, instantly amplifying his Healing Magic to its fullest extent, Iliphis's body that he had lost to regenerate at a visible speed.

He even took out his weapons; he was now fighting the Black Swordsman with the same level of force he used against the Overlord Wolnir!

The consumption of Bracelet Martial Weapon depends not on the number of uses, but on the strength of the amplification. Therefore, it can only amplify the Ball of Life twice. However, if it amplifies other lower-level skills, it can be used many times.

Iliphis conjured wings behind his back, a shield in his left hand, and raised a rapier in his right. He cast a high-level physical enhancement spell on himself and strengthened himself with his weapon. In an instant, his body was enhanced, causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood.

Even if it injures him, he will kill the Black Swordsman here!

With the Iliphis's attack power surged, briefly bringing him to a level comparable to the Black Swordsman!

"This guy has quite a few trump cards up his sleeve."

Gong Qiying commented, "It seems that the other party's reputation is not just for show; he has real talent."

However, it seems that his skill level is only barely at the C++ level. I wonder if he has any other tricks up his sleeve that he can use to achieve a breakthrough?

Regardless of whether he still has any trump cards up his sleeve, Gong Qiying has seen enough and collected all the combat data. It's time to end this.

[Change the Black Swordsman's strength from C++ to B-]

"I'm going to win!"

Iliphis, in the next instant, a black light flashed.

His wings were instantly severed, and the Black Swordsman appeared behind him, crouching low, now completely transforming into the form of a beast.

"How could this be?" A bead of cold sweat trickled down Iliphis's cheek. In that instant, the Black Swordsman's strength surged once again, so fast that Elifis had no chance to react.

What's wrong with this guy?! Is he getting stronger the more he fights?

His arm trembled, and realizing that fear had gripped him, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He turned and stabbed at the Black Swordsman.

"Griffith!"

The Black Swordsman, now resembling a wild beast, slashed down with his greatsword as if in a frenzy.

From his left shoulder to his hip, Iliphis's body was flipped over by the immense force, finally crashing heavily to the ground.

"Commander!!!"

I've been split in two again?

Iliphis lay on the ground, blood gushing out like it was free, his life hanging by a thread, even his magical weapons were dissipating.

He looked at the Black Swordsman who was roaring wildly to the sky, and a strong sense of resentment welled up inside him. Why could even an intruder, Dark Spirit, overpower him?

What kind of monsters and demons gather in this Zane Dungeon?!

He was unwilling to accept defeat and desperately wanted to win. He watched as the Black Swordsman turned his spear towards the mercenaries, charging forward and unleashing a bloodbath, leaving no time to care for his dying self.

Just then, he saw the Noble's Rapier on the ground, which the Black Swordsman had thrown at him out of pity.

Iliphis's pupils contracted, and he suddenly became excited, reaching out to grab the Noble's Rapier.

The Black Swordsman was busy slaughtering mercenaries and had no time to pay attention to him, so—

The Bracelet Martial Weapon finally unleashed its power, instantly healing his body. At that moment, he unleashed his full potential and launched his fastest attack, aiming straight for the Black Swordsman's head!

It must hit! It absolutely must hit!

He prayed in his heart.

However, the Black Swordsman turned his head in an instant and swung his greatsword down!

"Bang--"

Just like at the beginning of the battle, their weapons clashed again, and both of them stopped for a moment.

It wasn't that Iliphis successfully blocked the Black Swordsman's attack, but rather that the opponent stopped at the last moment.

The blood-stained blade of the greatsword hovered steadily on Iliphis's shoulder; had he struck it down with force just now, Iliphis would have been cut in two.

But Iliphis stood frozen in place, not stunned by the failed sneak attack, but because...

His Noble's Rapier was broken in two by the greatsword the instant they clashed!

Clang!

The rapier's blade fell through the air, the crisp sound stimulating Iliphis.

He abandoned his dignity, picked up the weapon offered by the enemy, and launched a shameful sneak attack, only to have the weapon destroyed in the instant of the engagement.

What insulted him most was that the Black Swordsman held back and spared his life, and the giant sword hanging beside him seemed to be mocking him.

This behavior is a thousand times more humiliating than being mocked by Mist Dragon.

He had absolutely no idea what to do next; no one can remain calm after receiving such an ultimate insult.

Just then, a deep, muffled voice came from under the helmet, belonging to the Black Swordsman.

"A fake is never the Hawk of Darkness."

Iliphis's body trembled. He didn't understand what those words meant, but he clearly heard the disappointment in the Black Swordsman's tone.

"Bang"

His body went limp, and he finally lost all his strength and collapsed to the ground. The mercenaries stopped attacking and stared blankly at the scene.

The intruder has left!

The Black Swordsman's Dark Spirit body gradually returned to nothingness. This god of death was finally gone, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

But a new problem arose: Iliphis's mental state was worrying.

The Black Swordsman left a spot of light where he stood, Iliphis did nothing, simply gazing at the sky in a daze.

The captains exchanged glances and quickly went over to help Iliphis up to show their concern, but the latter lowered his eyes and did not react at all.

Among the crowd, the Assault Captain and Sally also returned. They had been knocked to the ground and unable to move by Mist Dragon, and had been finished off by a passing Skeleton Warrior not long ago, before being resurrected and returned to the campfire.

Sally sighed Iliphis being helped away.

"I don't find it strange that something like this happened."

After all, this is the Zane Dungeon; it wouldn't be surprising to find something extraordinary here.

He picked up the points of light that no one else had time to notice and stuffed them into his pouch, but fearing they might be stolen by monsters like the Mist Dragon, he held them tightly in his hand.

Within the point of light was a fragment.

[Painting Fragment "Sword Wind Legend" Part 1]

The Light Eagle Legion's operation ended in a crushing defeat, a disastrous failure that has, well, not really become a topic of conversation.

Although Aston wanted to publicize the operation extensively before Iliphis and his group set off, the clever Sally stopped him. In reality, not many people knew about the operation, and most of the Light Eagle Legion were completely unaware of it, only knowing that the captains were not around all day.

Fortunately, Sally was there, otherwise the prestige of the Light Eagle Legion would have been diminished once again.

But secrets can't stay hidden forever; those who know the truth will eventually let it slip.

So, rumors started circulating about the Light Eagle Legion and Iliphis, and they'll probably spread far and wide over time.

But Iliphis didn't care about any of that.

Since returning, he has stayed in the basement, has not contacted anyone else, and has not mentioned continuing his campaign against Overlord Wolnir.

Sally was very worried about his mental state, but he was even more worried about others than Iliphis.

"I wonder where Elsa has gone now."

Sally sighed. He should have gone with Elsa; otherwise, he wouldn't be in this awkward situation now.

Elsa, whom he was worried about, had already arrived in Bede City.

The familiar city, the familiar streets and alleys, this time without the Dragonslayer Armour and the Storm Dragon, the scenery looks so beautiful.

Elsa wandered aimlessly through Bede City with her backpack. She couldn't find Ta Mi or the Skyrim Strategy Team. Confused, she used the Grave Chamber Fire to teleport to Firelink Shrine and then returned to Bede City.

She'd heard from others that Skyrim Strategy Team often held team-building events near the taverns in Bede City, so she decided to try her luck there.

But before they could find the person, a strange fellow approached them.

"Hey, little sister, are you alone?" A tall elf with pointed ears and green hair walked over with a business smile. "You're obviously a newbie, aren't you? Did you hear about Sain's reputation and that's why you came?"

She had indeed come because she had heard that Sain could repair weapons, so she nodded.

"Then you are very lucky to have met Mei Erjia, who loves to take care of newcomers the most."

The person standing before Elsa was Si Telan's sister, the elf Mei Erjia!

Elsa tilted her head in confusion. Why did they say we were blessed?

"Hehe." Mei Erjia suddenly chuckled, casually putting his arm around Elsa's shoulder, and said:

"You probably don't know this, but the Zane Dungeon has undergone many changes and is completely different from what it used to be. All sorts of strategy guides are flying around; you must have seen them, right?"

Elsa nodded obediently.

"Sigh, what a pity. If you've read the guide, you won't be able to experience the most complete Zane Dungeon." Mei Erjia sighed dramatically, then put on a smile and said:

"So, I'm launching a brand new project called 'Experiencing the Authentic Zane Dungeon with Newcomers.' For a fee, I can take you through the various traps encountered by veteran adventurers at the beginning of the Zane Dungeon's transformation, guaranteeing you a unique experience! And I'll even cover the Teleportation Crystal for you."

"Ah?"

Elsa paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Can you take me to the blacksmith?"

Mei Erjia blinked. "You mean that old man or the Felyne?"

"Uh, it should be an old man."

"No problem, as long as you pay, I'll take you wherever you want to go. I know Saine just as well as the Strategy Team!"

So, after a series of persuasive tactics from Mei Erjia, Elsa generously paid the money.

"I finally have money for drinks today. It's all my aunt's fault for deducting my salary, Si Telan didn't even help me out."

Mei Erjia muttered something, then turned to find Elsa staring at her, and said with a smile:

"Let's set off! The first stop of our authentic adventure in the Zane Dungeon —taking a bath with the Curse Frog!"