Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 114: Homecoming - Revelation & Despair

[Fossorial Ekimmu | Lvl 7 | Field Boss]

[A distant relative of Wyrms, the Fossorial Ekimmu is a rare monster known for its remarkable camouflaging abilities. It spends most of the year hibernating underground, emerging just before winter to feed.

The Fossorial Ekimmu possesses leech-like jaws and a mouth appendage capable of penetrating skulls to consume brains, which it considers a delicacy. It also extracts fluid from the spinal column and joints, providing the essential nutrients it needs to survive the winter.]

With a scathing expression, Daisuke dismissed the Adventurers' Monster Guide Handbook that was now updated with the description of the Field Boss.

No wonder it's never been killed in the twelve years that the game's been online; it spends most of its time underground.

Popping an Etherberry into his mouth, he proceeded to inspect one particular drop he had received.

[Crystalized Poison Sac]

[Upon being slain, the Fossorial Ekimmu's poison sac hardens into a crystal deposit that attracts mana like a magnet. The absorbed mana is then infused with the crystal's poisonous essence, becoming toxic. Simply being in close proximity to this crystal can result in poisoning.

Can be crafted into specialized equipment or traded with merchants.]

The fact that the Goddess of Harmony isn't going off like a siren must mean the inventory pretty much keeps the poison contained. As for the new One-Hit Kill title, it's incredibly OP—and being a growth-type skill, it has plenty of potential to evolve into a real game-changer!

[One-Hit Kill]

[Rank: Epic

Lvl: 1

Proficiency: 0%

Through keen observation, sharp analysis, and precise technique, you have begun to master the art of identifying and exploiting enemy weaknesses. This prestigious title is awarded for the ability to vanquish foes with a single, decisive strike.

Title Effect:

▪︎ Grants a 25% chance to instantly defeat an enemy at least 6 levels below your own.

▪︎ There's an 8% chance of inflicting 200% extra damage on enemies that are at least 5 levels above your own.]

Daisuke's excitement visibly dimmed as he dismissed the holographic window and turned his gaze toward a familiar tree on the outskirts of his hometown. It was the very tree under which the wagon had been parked, its bed housing the rusty cell that had served a prison until they were delivered to Percival's manor.

Although the entire ordeal had been horrendous, Daisuke was grateful for inheriting alchemy and the Eye of Verity from Cedric's legacy. Of course, he would have been even more grateful if he actually knew how to use alchemy.

Dusthaven hadn't changed in the time Daisuke had been away. The rolling greensward on the outskirts still kept its distance from the village, as if the settlement was under a perpetual curse. Instead, sand and dunes encircled its borders, giving it a resemblance to the desert city of Nephthara.

Ignoring the ancient walls eroded by the relentless wind, Daisuke circumnavigated the village and entered through the west gate. Atop a lonely hill stood his mother's tombstone, abandoned and forlorn. His heart sank at the sight, rekindling waves of bottled-up sorrow and a reckless urge for vengeance.

To curb his emotions, Daisuke kept himself busy. With a solemn expression, he knelt by the grave and began clearing away the bed of dried leaves, twigs, and weeds that encroached upon the sacred ground. Zephyr assisted, using a perfectly controlled Emberstorm to light the incense sticks Daisuke placed by the tombstone. Then the pup huddled close with a whimper, clearly sensing the waves of grief rolling off his friend's slumped form.