I hate being in pain, so I think I'll make a full defense build

Chapter 514: Defense Specialization and Refinement

Bofuri

Chapter 514 – Defense Specialization and Refinement

Having successfully conquered the quest and confirmed the benefits of increasing HP with new equipment.

It’s a satisfying achievement, but there are still quests remaining.

“We still have the blacksmith’s quest.”

“Yeah, the difficulty shouldn’t be that much different.”

In a field where mobility isn’t severely restricted like earlier, there’s hardly anyone these three would lose to if they go all out.

“But… it’s getting pretty late today. The next battle might offer useful skills too. Maybe it’s better to save it for when we have more time.”

“Yeah, makes sense. We’re not so pressed for time that we can’t wait.”

“Shall we call it a day for now?”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

“See you again! I’ll support you with all my might!”

“Yeah, counting on you.”

With the significant gain of [Stun Resistance] today, Maple decided leveling up is enough for now and logged out, bidding farewell to the two. Left alone, the remaining two took a moment to rest.

“What about you after this, Kasumi?”

“I don’t have any special plans, but I’m also planning to log out soon. Do you need anything?”

“If possible… one more battle.”

“I don’t mind. I can’t guarantee the opponent, though.”

“That won’t be a problem.”

“Haha, understood. Then… let’s head to the training grounds.”

With those words, Kasumi’s demeanor changed. Sharper than in the earlier boss battle, it resembled a killer instinct, evidence that she recognized the opponent she’s about to face is even stronger than the boss.

At the training grounds, they faced each other, drawing their weapons. As guild members, they knew each other’s tactics and preferences well from their numerous battles and previous PvP encounters.

Silently, Kasumi observed Sally, who held two daggers poised beyond the tip of her sword. There was no opening, literally none at all. While Kasumi simulated her attack strategy in her mind, Sally remained still, as always.

Though Sally had extended the invitation, it was Kasumi who was the challenger.

“[Arms of the Warrior], [Battlefield Carnage], [First of the Swords: Heat Haze]!”

Kasumi vanished from sight and reappeared in front of Sally, immediately striking.

“[Super Acceleration], [Sword Mountain]!”

Matching Sally’s evasion, Kasumi rapidly closed in, sending a sword flying from under her feet. Kasumi’s skills had significantly shortened cooldowns. She relentlessly unleashed powerful skills, boosting her stats, repeatedly teleporting and attacking Sally.

“Ugh…”

Despite her efforts, Kasumi grimaced at the fact that she couldn’t land a single blow. She realized she was the one who had been raising Sally’s skill level all along. Attacks that were once deflected with daggers were now effortlessly evaded, leaving only millimeters of space.

The trajectory and speed of weapons were fixed the moment skills were used. While it was natural for top-tier players to utilize this information, the perfection of Sally’s movements sent a chill down Kasumi’s spine. It seemed unnecessary to go to such lengths.

After launching a series of attacks, Kasumi declared surrender when the effect of [Battlefield Carnage] wore off.

It was the usual outcome.

“I mixed in some regular attacks, but… I couldn’t land a single hit anymore.”

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve improved a lot.”

“If I’ve been of help, then I’m glad. I only feel dissatisfied with the activation speed of my skills when facing Sally.”

Skills are activated through vocalization. For example, there’s a slight difference in the timing between announcing [Flash] and [First of the Swords: Heat Haze]. While it’s not usually critical, against Sally, the longer the skill declaration, the more perfectly she can counter.

“At this rate, it might be difficult to land hits on the Demon Lord.”

“I wonder. If you can land hits… Well, yeah. I want you to try.”

“You have quite the confidence. If that’s the case, I might have to go a bit easier on you…”

“I won’t allow that.”

“I figured as much.”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve come up with many attack patterns during this training. Well… the problem is that it’s hard to tell how effective they’ll be in practice.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine. If I come up with something else, I’ll reach out to you next time.”

“Thank you.”

Just one bout, yet it was a richly fulfilling time for both of them. Sally felt a solid sense of achievement in her growth. Having played many games before, Sally had never achieved this level of skill improvement in any of them.

With familiar skill declarations, she was confident that as long as there was space to evade, she could dodge attacks by mere millimeters.

“Phew, let’s tighten up the movements a bit more.”

With a stretch, Sally activated the training ground’s automated attack system, still unsatisfied and eager to sharpen her techniques further.