Hollow Earth Online - The Return of the Swordmaster

On a sunny morning, Professor Klein informed us about our upcoming journey to the Cemetery of the Undead.

In comparison to the Black Swamp, the Cemetery of the Undead is a level 25 dungeon filled with undead monsters that exhibit basic teamwork and intelligence.

Common inhabitants include the Undead Warrior at level 20, Undead Archer at level 22, Skeleton Wolves at level 23, and the dungeon boss, Elder Lich, at level 25.

The professor explained that each group would take its turn heading to the dungeon, and on our expedition, he would be joining our party.

"Tomorrow, Asriel's group and I will head towards the Cemetery of the Undead. Lucas and the other groups, please prepare for the upcoming days for your turn," Professor Klein announced.

While many students were initially flustered by the prospect, the mood shifted when the professor mentioned his participation, and my classmates became more enthusiastic.

Some students were even excited about the upcoming event. 

After class, Ash invited us for dinner, and Neil inquired about the usual place. "Of course, Asriel loves the food there," Ash teased me.

Offering to treat everyone, I declared, "Today's dinner is on me, guys." Ash eagerly added, "I feel hungry already."

Once we were seated, I took the initiative to order dinner and stated everyone's preferences. "Mine's the usual, Uncle Ed," I said while paying our bills.

Edward Campbell, Rain's dad and the owner of Bellflower Diner prepared our meals. As we sat, everyone was happily engaged in conversation.

However, Neil suddenly looked at me and remarked, "Asriel, how was your date with my sister?" Claire blushed, and I noticed a mischievous twinkle in Ash and Rain's eyes.

After a brief pause, Neil continued teasing, "So, how was it?" I replied honestly, "It was great; I enjoyed it."

Ash gave me a proud tap on the shoulder, acting like a protective big brother.

We then shifted the discussion to our strategy for the upcoming event.

The next morning arrived, and we found ourselves gathering at the gate near the central plaza.

"Transfer Cemetery of the Undead," Ash uttered, and I observed several adventurers heading towards a nearby forest as we stepped outside the Transport Gate.

Professor Klein explained that today's activity was focused on improving everyone's teamwork, and he announced his participation as one of the vanguards. 

Walking into the dungeon, death surrounded us, a gloomy place filled with graves and skeletons.

As I was about to step further, I heard Rain's voice. "Where did you get this lovely armor, Claire?" she asked. "Asriel gave it to me," Claire shyly replied.

I noticed Claire wearing White Snow and holding Sphere Staff. Professor Klein's eyes widened. "Isn't this item's name White Snow, one of Arachnia's uncommon drops?" he inquired.

I wasn't surprised that he knew about the item.

A week before we entered Arachnia's Cavern , four of the seven teachers in our Academy went and cleared it.

It was then that I saw the item White Snow worn by Miss Layla, one of the teachers. "I gave it to her after I defeated Arachnia," I answered.

Neil, looking confused, asked, "Don't tell me you dated my sister in Arachnia's Cavern?" I've mentioned before, Neil, it wasn't exactly a date, well, it was, but...," Claire started explaining.

"We went to Arachnia's Cavern to boost Claire's level since she wanted to contribute more to our party," I clarified.

Professor Klein interjected, "I don't know what's going on in your mind, Asriel, but soloing Arachnia is impossible even for D-rank adventurers, let alone two E-rank adventurers unless your level is significantly higher than your rank." "Maybe, I suppose," I replied.

Unable to extract the desired answer, the professor yielded momentarily.

We then resumed our exploration, passing by several tombs. Skeletons lying on the floor started moving; they were Undead Warrior level 20.

Ash charged toward the group of undead, perhaps blinded by excitement or preoccupied with our earlier conversation.

He didn't notice an arrow headed his way. Just in time, Professor Klein grabbed his arm, narrowly avoiding the arrow that lodged itself in one of the tombs.

Without hesitation, Rain fired a Piercing Arrow at the Undead Archer, swiftly eliminating it.

The Archer's passive ability, Headshot lvl 15, doubles the damage when hitting enemies in the head, while Piercing Arrow lvl 20 negates 70 percent of the opponent's defense.

I swiftly moved toward the group of Undead Warriors to intercept them before they could approach our team. As I advanced, a barrage of a dozen arrows flew towards me.

Just as I was about to evade them using Dash, Professor Klein unleashed Tiger Fist, shattering all the projectiles.

Closing in on the Undead Warrior, I executed Sword Slash, beheading one, and followed up with Sword Thrust, piercing the chest of another.

The remaining Undead Warrior attempted a vertical Sword Slash at my back, but I countered it with Sword Parry, mitigating half of the damage.

Professor Klein employed Tiger Fist again, swiftly dispatching a couple of monsters aligned horizontally to him.

Meanwhile, Rain and Neil engaged the Undead Archers from a distance, utilizing Piercing Arrow and Fireball. Although two of the Undead Warriors managed to breach my defense, Professor Klein and Ash successfully handled them.

The other two that had advanced toward our rearguard were suddenly restrained, and pinned to the ground. 

Shortly after, the two monsters found themselves enveloped in a radiant golden light, leading to their immediate defeat.

It was revealed to be Claire's skills, Bind and Holy Light. Intrigued, Rain inquired about the specific skills after eliminating the last Undead Archer with her arrow.

Professor Klein, taken aback, explained, "It's Bind, level 20, and Holy Light, level 25, skills of the Healer Class."

In a world where disclosing one's level is a personal choice, skills serve as a crucial indicator of an adventurer's proficiency.

The right to keep one's level undisclosed is granted to adventurers to prevent malicious acts. To reassure Rain, Ash added, "Don't worry, Rain.

After we clear this dungeon, you might have gained enough levels to learn Arrow Rain." This Archer skill unleashes a multitude of light arrows across a wide area, with each light arrow possessing a paralysis effect that reduces mobility by 30 percent. 

"That sounds amazing," Rain replied with a smile directed at Ash.

We decided to take a short break, but our moment of respite was interrupted by a distant howl. A pack of Skeleton Wolves, level 23, had spotted us.

Skeleton Wolves, common undead creatures in the cemetery, are known for their high agility, allowing them to pursue their prey relentlessly.

Claire swiftly cast Bind, ensnaring three of the approaching wolves, while Neil followed suit with Flame Wall, a level 20 skill that conjures a wall of fire over a medium area.

The three Skeleton Wolves slowly charred in the flames, while the rest were hindered by the fiery barrier.

A sudden gust of wind pierced through the wall of fire, revealing Professor Klein's Tiger Fist, which promptly shattered a couple of wolves concealed behind the curtain of flames.

Seizing the opportunity, Ash and I charged forward as the Flame Wall duration came to an end.

Seven Skeleton Wolves remained, and Rain expertly eliminated one with a precise arrow to the head.

Ash, utilizing Dash and Sword Thrust, caught two wolves off guard and swiftly dispatched them. I sensed that Professor Klein was still not satisfied with our previous discussion on how I defeated Arachnia.

Deciding to demonstrate, I initiated a charge using Dash and leaped above the approaching wolves.

Suspended in the air, I executed a rapid series of downward slashes that enveloped the three Skeleton Wolves below.

The bodies of the wolves crumbled as I smoothly sheathed my sword.

The onlookers were visibly astonished, except for Claire."That's Quick Slash, isn't it, Asriel?" Professor Klein declared.

"I recognize it, having seen Guild Master Gray use it while we were clearing Arachnia's Cavern," he added. A realization hit me – Old Man Gray was part of the group that cleared it, I mumbled to myself.

Glancing at Miss Claire's reaction, Professor Klein continued, "You used it when you cleared Arachnia's Cavern," he said, and Claire responded with a sly wink.

Professor Klein looked a bit confused as he remarked, "There's no way you managed to increase your level to 30 without anyone noticing."

I think Guild Master Gray can answer most of your questions, Professor, I answered. Right now, I think we should focus on clearing this dungeon, I added. 

Professor Klein regained his composure and agreed to prioritize the dungeon clearance. 

After a few minutes of exploration within the Cemetery of the Undead, we arrived at the boss room.

In the room's depths, the Elder Lich was seated on a tomb-like throne, guarded by several Undead Knight level 24. As we approached, the Elder Lich rose from its throne, commanding the Undead Knights to engage us.

Six Undead Knights stood as the barrier between us and the Elder Lich. Without hesitation, Professor Klein and I swiftly advanced towards the knights.

One of the knights stumbled after being struck by Professor Klein's powerful Round Kick, while another fell to the ground as I swiftly targeted its unguarded legs, executing a lethal slash.

The two fallen knights were enveloped in a radiant golden light, and Claire's Holy Light instantly obliterated them, reducing them to ashes.

Simultaneously, Claire utilized Bind to restrain the remaining three knights. One of them lost balance when Rain's Piercing Arrow shattered its leg, and Neil followed up by casting Ice Shard on the group of knights. 

As their HP dwindled to half, I dashed towards them, unleashing a rapid succession of slashes with the skill Quick Slash.

Attempting to retreat, I faced a volley of Fireball spells raining down on me. Professor Klein used Tiger Fist to intercept some of the Fireballs, while Rain contributed by shooting down others with her Piercing Arrow.

Employing Sword Parry, I managed to mitigate the damage from the final Fireball.

Seeing an opportunity, Ash charged toward the Elder Lich, but his advance was abruptly halted as undead hands seized both his legs, immobilizing him.

The Elder Lich unleashed its skill, Undead Swamp, which not only restrained anyone in its area but also lowered their magic resistance by 50 percent.

Anticipating another volley of Fireballs directed at Ash, Professor Klein shielded him with his own body, attempting to counter the incoming attack.

The Fireballs raced towards the two adventurers, and instinctively, I equipped Kaleidoscope in my right hand.

In an instant, I found myself positioned in front of Professor Klein, unleashing a massive fiery bird-like slash that devoured the entire volley of Fireballs and everything in its path.

Professor Klein stood in awe as the fiery bird consumed the Elder Lich. When Ash reopened his eyes, he found the floor ablaze and a molten throne before him.

The professor was about to inquire when I intervened. "It's Phoenix Slash, a level 45 skill of the Warrior Class," I explained in a hushed tone.

The professor, still taken aback, snapped back to reality when I placed my arms on his shoulders. "Thanks for trying to save my buddy, Ash," I expressed with a bow, acknowledging his commendable effort.

His actions underscored his trustworthiness; even if he managed to use Counter, he would likely have perished while attempting to rescue Ash.

"Sorry, I thought I could land a blow on the Elder Lich," Ash apologized, bowing his head. "It's okay; that's why adventurers form parties – to have each other's backs," Professor Klein reassured him.

Reflecting on the situation, I whispered to the professor, "It seems that Cemetery of the Undead is perilous to clear without informing the students of the potential dangers." 

"You're right, Asriel. I'll provide more instructions and information for the next groups," he affirmed. Claire then cast Bless and Holy Light on the three of us.

Neil, expressing his excitement, approached me. "That skill is awesome," he exclaimed.

Once everyone gathered around the Elder Lich loot, I requested a favor to keep the newly revealed skill a secret for the time being.

Everyone readily agreed, and we began our journey back to the gate.

Neil sported a satisfied smirk as he examined his new staff, the Elder Staff, allows users to use Multi spell cast and boosts fire spell damage by 50 percent.

It took some time before we finally reached the Transport Gate outside the dungeon.

Exhausted, we made our way to the Central Plaza and unanimously decided to replenish our energy with some food at the Bellflower Diner.

Before we could step out of the Transport Gate platform, a huge silhouette of a man materialized in front of us.

It was Guild Master Gray, fully geared and preparing to use the Gate.

Professor Klein inquired, "Guild Master Gray, where are you headed?" Guild Master Gray explained, "Three D-rank adventurers ventured to scout the forest near the Cemetery of the Undead.

They were supposed to report back after a couple of hours, but it's been six hours now."

Professor Klein expressed concern, "It's risky for you to go alone." Guild Master Gray responded, "That's why I'm waiting for Asriel's arrival."

My attention was drawn to a female figure wearing White Snow sitting on a bench, Professor Layla Greenfield. Asriel, will you help us locate the three missing adventurers? Guild Master Gray asked while bowing his head.

"Sure, Old Man Gray," I agreed.

Turning to the group, I stated, "It seems we have urgent business with the Guild Master."

Although most group members expressed a desire to join, I reminded them of the perilous monster levels in the forest.

To appease their dissatisfaction, I suggested they take a rest and have lunch at the Bellflower Diner.

Once assured of their safety, I joined Guild Master Gray.

After we arrived at the gate near the entrance of Cemetery of the Undead, I informed him about the Forest of Illusion, a level 35 to 40 hunting ground inhabited by Forest Trolls at level 35.

I was a bit late to inform the Guild Master about the Forest Field Boss, the Ancient Troll at level 40, which roams freely unlike other field bosses confined to specific areas.

"There's still a chance they're alive," I said, offering a glimmer of hope.

The four of us rushed into the forest. Deep within its confines, a piercing scream echoed through the trees.

I quickly instructed Professor Klein to guard Miss Layla while Old Man Gray and I sprinted toward the source of the commotion.

There, we discovered three adventurers surrounded by six Forest Trolls, perilously close to being overwhelmed.

In a swift and coordinated move, Old Man Gray unleashed his Wind Slash at level 35, horizontally cleaving through three of the Forest Trolls.

Simultaneously, I mirrored his actions, employing the same skill to dispatch the remaining trio.

The sharp gust of wind swept through the woods, causing trees to topple in its wake.

With the monsters defeated, we hastened to the aid of the three adventurers, their HP dwindling to around 20 percent. Professor Klein and Miss Layla arrived on the scene, but even before Miss Layla could cast any healing spells.

A thunderous roar reverberated through the forest, accompanied by the swing of a colossal wooden hammer directed at our group.

Swiftly, I employed Counter Slash at level 40 to intercept the enormous hammer, causing the Ancient Troll to stumble as the colossal weapon recoiled.

The force of the impact sent me flying backward, breaking several trees before I landed on my back, losing about a quarter of my HP in the process.

"Run!" I shouted as I hastily rose from the wreckage of a fallen tree.

While the others retreated, Old Man Gray remained by my side.

Uttering the incantation "Class Change Enchanter", a radiant light enveloped me, transforming my black hair into platinum. "Flame Aura! Sword Enchant!" I continued.

For a fleeting moment, I glimpsed Old Man Gray, who smiled in relief.

Executing Crimson Wind Slash, an enhanced version of Wind Slash, I unleashed a cross-shaped wave of flaming wind that cleaved through the Ancient Troll, reducing it to four distinct pieces. 

The monstrous creature succumbed to the flames.

The Ancient Troll possessed a unique skill called Rampage, inducing a frenzied state that heightened its mobility, defense, and attack damage as it lost HP.

The only way to circumvent this skill was to obliterate the monster in an instant.

Handing over all the Boss Drops, including the Ancient Warhammer, to Old Man Gray without uttering a word, we made our way to the Transport Gate at the entrance of Cemetery of the Undead.

There, we found Miss Layla, Old Man Gray's daughter, administering healing spells to the three adventurers.

It appeared that one of the adventurers was Miss Layla's fiancé, a D-rank warrior named Dale.

The Old Man brought his daughter even though he knew the dangers involved. 

After arriving safely at the Central Plaza, the three adventurers expressed their gratitude.

Exhausted and famished, I bid farewell to the group and headed to the Bellflower Diner.

"Uncle Ed, the usual," I said eagerly as I took my customary seat near the window.

After a brief wait, Uncle Ed placed my order on the table.

As I indulged in my meal, a thought crossed my mind: Is providing the adventurer's guide and monster information sufficient for the city to withstand the impending Monster Siege?

It had been almost three months since that event.

Well, if push comes to shove, I'll use everything at my disposal to protect the city and its inhabitants, I reminded myself.