Former Hero, Solo Play Oriented
Chapter 217

The alt character raid party led by Chris and Rain made swift progress through the Azure Death King’s Resting Place during its first run.

For these seasoned veterans who had faced countless trials to achieve the first clear, even the fearsome lightning mechanics of the first boss, the Bone Dragon, were no longer a significant challenge.

[First Boss]

[Bone Dragon]

[HP: 199,980,540 / 1,000,000,000 (19%)]

As the raid entered the Bone Dragon’s final special phase, the twelve members moved in perfect synchronization, positioning themselves at the edges of the battlefield in front of their assigned lightning rods.

KABOOM!

The terrifying crash of thunder heralded a lightning storm, activating all twelve rods simultaneously.

"Throw the rods!"

Whoosh!

At Skada’s command, the spear-shaped lightning rods in the raiders’ hands were hurled toward the Bone Dragon’s body, cutting through the air with sharp, piercing sounds.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

All twelve lightning rods struck the Bone Dragon’s barrier, embedding themselves firmly. The next step was to guide the targeted lightning strikes toward these rods.

Crackle! BOOM!

But it wasn’t easy. True to the final phase, random bolts of lightning rained down relentlessly around the Bone Dragon.

"Is it our turn?"

“Mm.”

A tall male swordsman and a young martial artist exchanged glances. Both were ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) excellent main tanks from their respective parties.

However, the tank leading this combined raid was neither of them—it was the silver-haired girl.

"Hyup."

With a swift leap, the silver-haired girl shot forward like a streak of light, reaching the Bone Dragon before the two tanks could react.

KABOOM!

Lightning bolts aimed at her and those randomly striking the area seemed to intentionally miss her. No—she was clearly dodging them.

Could a human react to falling lightning bolts? Even in a game, where physics mirrored reality to some extent, it was an extraordinary sight.

As she sprinted in a straight line, the girl paused momentarily, sidestepping just as a random bolt struck the ground where she’d been standing. Gauging the timing of the targeted lightning, she led it toward one of the embedded rods.

Tap. She lightly stepped over a rod stuck in the barrier. A lightning bolt struck the rod immediately after, leaving the girl unharmed. Despite her petite frame, her movements were fluid and graceful. Her adventurer’s cloak fluttered, occasionally revealing glimpses of her balanced physique.

The sight of the silver-haired girl moving like flowing water amidst the storm was breathtaking, like watching a painting come to life. The lightning illuminating her figure seemed less a threat and more like spotlights designed to highlight her presence.

Skada folded her arms, smirking as she watched the two dumbfounded tanks beside her.

"In our main raid, Jeong-gwon usually runs himself ragged dodging lightning bolts. I assume Death does the same. But here, two outstanding tanks have been reduced to mere spectators."

The three of them, observing the girl single-handedly executing the lightning phase mechanics, shook their heads in disbelief.

"How is she predicting the random strikes? I can’t even begin to understand it."

"And we have to face that in the tournament? How are we supposed to counter this?"

"Death, do you have any ideas?"

"...Let’s just enjoy the show for now."

"And by the way, your alt’s customization is... unique. Can I ruffle your hair? You look adorable with those round eyes."

Death of Deaths, in his small, scruffy-haired boy alt named Dark of Darkness, glared fiercely at Jeong-gwon for the suggestion.

"Is everyone in the Skada Raid Party this casual?"

"Of course not. Jeong-gwon here is just an exception. He’s always like this."

CRACKLE! BOOM!

With the final lightning rod activated, the resulting chain lightning shattered the Bone Dragon’s barrier. The overload of current depleted the Bone Dragon’s HP entirely, causing its skeletal frame to collapse. Huge, white bones scattered across the ground in fragments.

"Seeing this... I can’t help but believe the stories about Rain and Chris duo-clearing raid dungeons on their own."

"Chris stepping out meant we struggled a bit, but we did share strategies with Skada’s party, didn’t we?"

"True. Running this alt raid party requires the strength of both Hongbaek and Skada."

As the Bone Dragon crumbled, Jeong-gwon, Death of Deaths, and Skada naturally grouped together, forming a peculiar team within the raid.

This combined alt raid party, formed from two main raids, didn’t strictly follow original party lines. Members mingled freely, and these three had become an unusual trio recently.

All three shared one thing in common: they were top contenders for the finals of the Great Martial Arts Tournament.

Rain won the main loot drop from the Bone Dragon—a legendary earring—at the auction for a bargain price. She leapt for joy alongside little Chris, the red-haired girl.

"Since Rain’s the only one using her main character in this raid, it’s only fair she gets first dibs on accessories."

Skada smiled warmly as she watched Rain collect her prize.

Meanwhile, Skada’s mage, Poo-Kilkil, and Hongbaek’s ranger, Go Seung-woo, formed a so-called "Rice Alliance," enthusiastically discussing the gold they’d earn from the raid.

"Ah, Poo-Kilkil, I don’t think we’ll see much from the accessory profits."

"Come on, Seung-woo. The weapon sale alone will be worth a fortune. I can’t wait to see how much the first Eastern Legion Commander’s legendary weapon will go for."

"Haha, honestly, I joined this raid just for that."

As Jeong-gwon glanced around at the other raid members, he noticed something peculiar.

"Look at everyone else’s alt characters. Their customizations aren’t that different from their main ones, right? It’s a synchronization issue. But..."

He alternated glances between little Chris and the boyish Death of Deaths, grinning mischievously.

"Why are you two the only ones with such tiny alt characters?"

"Jeong-gwon, you sure are full of questions. Let’s just call it part of the job."

"You’re... adorable."

Jeong-gwon’s expression screamed delight as he looked at Death of Deaths, who grumbled while kicking at the ground.

Skada shifted the topic. "So, what do you think of Rain’s movements in this fight?"

Death of Deaths closed his sharp, curious eyes for a moment before answering.

"Every time I see her, I’m struck by the same thought: her fluid movements are the biggest challenge. Dodging attacks without using evasive skills... does invincibility even matter against her?"

"In the tournament, we’ll have to deal with her. The question is: how do we counter such a cute yet dangerous opponent?"

"To counter AoE mechanics, we’ll need invincibility skills. Basic attacks won’t land on her. Maybe some kind of AoE crowd-control ability will work."

"You mean like the AoE CC skill you used during the event fight against Master Eleanor?"

"Exactly."

With determined eyes, Jeong-gwon and Death of Deaths gazed at the small yet formidable Rain.

Then it happened.

"Gasp."

Rain, who had been enhancing her newly acquired earring, suddenly turned her head toward them. Jeong-gwon, caught staring, audibly gulped. Little Chris tilted her head in confusion as Rain whispered something to her. Then, both girls began approaching the group.

Tap-tap.

Thunk.

Death of Deaths raised his hands defensively, assuming a wary stance.

"Did we get caught plotting against her?"

"Not that we were really plotting anything..."

Having been discovered mid-discussion about their Rain Subjugation Plan for the tournament, the three men could only brace themselves as Rain and little Chris arrived.

Skada greeted them with her usual affable smile.

"Death, Jeong-gwon, Skada? What a strange combination," chirped little Chris.

"Why aren’t you heading to the next boss? The auction’s over."

"Well, we were just taking a little break before moving on."

Death of Deaths exchanged glances with Jeong-gwon, hiding behind Skada.

Rain’s smile widened as she spotted Death of Deaths.

"There you are, Uncle Death."

"Ugh."

Death of Deaths broke into a cold sweat as Rain slowly reached for him.

Rustle, rustle.

She began ruffling his scruffy-haired boy alt’s head.

"...Rain, what are you doing?"

"Your alt is just so cute. I had to try. Wow... is this like a set? Little Chris and Little Death? Are you testing out the new capsule model too?"

"Wha—let go of me!"

"Eep! Me too?!"

Rain, barely taller than Death of Deaths, pulled the squirming boy into a hug with her left arm and snatched little Chris with her right. She sat down with a dreamy expression, ruffling both of their heads in turn.

"Ahh... my little ones... This is so healing. Let’s take a moment before we move on, okay?"

Skada and Jeong-gwon watched, helplessly amused, as the two struggling "little ones" remained trapped in Rain’s grasp.