The missile wasn't fast, but it was the size of a beer keg. Kael immediately backpedaled, trying to get clear of the impact zone, only to realize the projectile was tracking him, adjusting its trajectory with his every move.
Left with no choice, he drew his bow and fired an arrow at the incoming missile.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion ripped through the air. A massive damage number appeared over Kael’s head.
-2202
The rest of the party, standing yards away, was caught in the blast wave.
-1082
-880
…
They stared in stunned silence. A mid-air detonation had that much power. If it had hit the ground in the middle of their group, it would have been a wipe. The damage was just too high, and it was an AOE.
After firing the missile, Hakkar descended, his metal feet thudding against the stone floor. A quick inspection revealed his stats had been massively buffed.
[Vault Guardian - Mecha-Hakkar]: Level 18
Health: 52,000/520,000
Physical Attack: 2,025
Magic Attack: 1,510
Physical Defense: 1,610
Magic Defense: 1,220
Kael chugged a health potion and resumed his attack.
-472
-44 (Double Shot’s second hit)
-4220 (Critical Hit!)
…
Without a crit, his damage was barely scratching the boss's new armor. Lila couldn't even get into melee range. A shimmering heat haze, a fire shield, now surrounded Mecha-Hakkar, dealing 50 damage per second to anyone nearby.
To make matters worse, all of the boss’s attacks were now AOEs, dealing 80% splash damage to anyone within 5 yards of his primary target.
The person suffering the most was, by far, Hazel.
-842 (Physical)
-538 (Magic)
-50 (Fire Shield)
She was taking 1,400 damage every second. Even with Rena spamming heals on her, Hazel’s health was in a freefall.
“Mr. Dawnbreaker, I can’t hold on much longer!” she cried out in panic.
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Kael knew it would take at least another 20 or 30 seconds to burn through the boss’s remaining health. Hazel would never last that long. It was up to him.
“Hazel, drop aggro! I’ll handle him alone!” Kael shouted. “Everyone else, spread out!”
Hearing the command, Hazel immediately canceled the Shield Bash she was about to use. The rest of the party scattered.
Kael continued his assault.
-4315
-4227
The transformation had reset the boss's threat table. With two back-to-back critical hits, Kael easily ripped aggro. Mecha-Hakkar abandoned Hazel and lumbered toward him.
When the boss was 30 yards away, it launched another tracking missile. This time, Kael didn't wait for it to get close. He shot it down while it was still halfway to him.
BOOM!
-1711
The damage number appeared over Hakkar’s head.
Kael’s eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and delight. The missiles could damage the boss itself.
Mecha-Hakkar was fast, closing the distance at a terrifying pace. In the time it took Kael to fire a single shot, the boss had already covered ten yards. At the 20-yard mark, a jet of flame erupted from one of Hakkar's arms. Kael dodged backward, the torrent of fire nearly singeing his cloak.
He widened the gap to 30 yards, then spun and fired a Phantom Barrage.
-1024
The skill’s slowing effect took hold, reducing Hakkar’s speed. Kael hadn't dared use an AOE skill before for fear of pulling other mobs, but now, kiting the boss back along their already cleared path, he was free to use his full arsenal.
Hakkar’s health began to drop steadily.
35388
29915
…
Kael peppered the boss with arrows, always staying one step ahead. Enraged at its inability to reach him, Mecha-Hakkar suddenly unleashed a jet of flame from its back, propelling it forward at an incredible speed.
30 yards… 20 yards… 10… 5…
Just as the boss was about to connect, Kael remained calm and summoned his zombie.
Taunt!
-1
The zombie intercepted the charge, once again saving Kael’s skin. Kael didn't even bother firing an arrow; he used the precious second Hakkar was occupied to create more distance.
After that, the boss had no more tricks up its sleeve. Under a relentless barrage of triple-damage critical hits from Kael, Mecha-Hakkar finally shuddered, sparked, and collapsed into a heap of scrap metal.
[System]: Congratulations! Your party has defeated [Vault Guardian - Hakkar]. All members receive 500,000 EXP.
“Yay! You were amazing, Mr. Dawnbreaker!” Hazel and Rena rushed over to celebrate with him.
Starbloom, meanwhile, joined Lila to inspect the loot. After setting aside a pile of materials, Lila found six unique items.
[Key to Van Tassel's Palace]
[Skill Book: Dragon's Breath] (Mage Skill, requires 3 Skill Points)
[Hakkar's Mecha-Helm (Legendary)] (Level 18 Heavy Armor)
[Skill Book: Raise Hakkar's Shade] (Warlock Skill, requires 2 Skill Points)
[Skill Book: Earthshatter Leap] (Warrior Skill, requires 3 Skill Points)
[Hakkar's Signet of Celerity (Ascendant)]
.....
The legendary helmet was absurdly powerful, granting 50 Strength, 100 Constitution, 300 Physical Defense, 100 Magic Defense, and a flat bonus of 2,000 health. In total, it provided a 4,000 HP boost.
After a brief discussion, they decided to save it for Hazel.
But the real prize was the ring.
[Hakkar's Signet of Celerity (Ascendant)]: Level 18
+100 Strength
+100 Constitution
+100 Agility
[Burst of Speed]: Activate to increase movement speed by 10 for 3 seconds. 10-second cooldown.
The raw stats were incredible, but its true value lay in its rarity and its active skill. Unique items with activated abilities were almost unheard of. The Burst of Speed was a lifesaver, invaluable in both PvP and boss fights.
Best of all for Kael, he had four ring slots. He had been stuck using his full level 10 set for the 5-piece summon bonus, meaning he couldn't swap out his helmet, necklace, chestpiece, boots, or one of his rings.
But this new ring could be equipped in a free slot without breaking the set.
He equipped the signet, and his power surged once again. His health jumped by 2,000, reaching 6,200, and his damage climbed by another 600, pushing his base attack past 2,700.
After distributing the loot, Kael was about to lead the team into the palace when Hazel shyly approached him, her face bright red.
“Um, Mr. Dawnbreaker,” she mumbled. “That fight was really tense, and… and I…”
“What is it?” Kael asked, looking at her with concern.
Hazel stared at her feet. “I… I think I have to pee…”
