Guiding Endal

Suddenly losing four members was a heavy blow to the party. Their damage potential decreased greatly while Endal attacked at the same frequency as before.

Thus, it was no surprise that the party members fell one by one, eventually returning to the entrance.

The friends discussed their mistakes in the fight. Inwardly they were still blaming the basilisk's empowered dive attack. But since Liam guaranteed it was necessary there was nothing the others could do.

Finally, the party started a new attempt. When they reached the gate leading towards the smithy, time ran out. The party continued the next day.

To everyone's shock they lost Quickstep and Radiant Shield in the fight against the basilisk. Radiant Shield had already lost his life before against the golems as he used his [Holy Barrier] to save Cyclone.

The tank felt guilty and put himself under a lot of pressure in the fight against General Basset. Yet, with such a mindset his performance faltered. He died a sad death after being caught by the tornados twice.

With their important tank gone, the party didn't dare to face Endal. They could only reset the dungeon run.

Gathering at the dungeon entrance, everyone met a dejected Radiant Shield. The tank was understandably feeling guilty for wasting so much time.

Fortunately, the friends didn't scold him and instead did their best to encourage him. Everyone was surprised when Balm made a daring step and caressed the tank's back.

At that moment Radiant Shield's brain froze. For the first time he realized that Balm seemed to show him special care. Butterflies spread through the young man's stomach.

Radiant Shield didn't know how to deal with the situation in front of all his friends. He could only thank everyone for their kindness and vow to do better.

As he spoke, Radiant Shield smiled at everyone but his smile towards Balm seemed to be a bit warmer than towards the others.

From this point on the young man's mood seemed to reach a new peak. He took the lead and displayed his abilities to the fullest. All his blocks were stable and precise, using the minimum amount of stance for each move.

Meanwhile, Cyclone and Balm walked at the back of the group, whispering all the way. Cyclone elbowed Balm's waist and the healer's head turned a bright red.

Silver Blade glanced at the two women with a knowing smile before turning back to focus on the dungeon.

This time around, the party breezed through the fights. Somehow everyone was in great spirits. They reached Endal without any casualties.

But just as they thought that all stars were aligned, Endal showed them the harsh reality. Once again, his dive attacks robbed the party of all hope. They suffered another wipe.

Luckily the party didn't let the failure bring them down. As long as there was no announcement about anyone else clearing hard mode, the friends remained full of fighting spirit.

Another attempt started. The party stormed through the dungeon until General Basset lay dead beneath their feet.

Evening went and dawn arrived. The party started the next day with a refreshed mind.

Silver Blade reminded everyone as they approached Endal:

"Ok guys, remember what we said. This time during the dive attack only seven of us will stand close to the fountain."

"Yes. Those with the lowest HP will stay away.", confirmed Radiant Shield.

Liam stayed silent. This was a compromise the party made yesterday. Although he agreed, he wasn't entirely happy with it. The boss's dive attack was difficult to predict. The only known rule was that he would aim to catch at least two players in the impact area.

Thus, for Liam's purposes it was ideal if everyone could gather around the fountain. Spreading out added an element of luck. In a way it even increased the risk.

Everyone knew about Liam's opinion on this matter but after repeated failures they preferred this solution.

When the party arrived in front of the garden, Cyclone suddenly stood next to Liam. She reassuringly patted his shoulder.

"Don't worry. I will bless you with my luck. I promise the boss will only attack the fountain."

Liam couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well, if that's the case, I can stay close to the fountain alone. You guys can spread through the garden."

"Great idea. I approve of it!", said Cyclone confidently, causing Liam to roll his eyes at her.

"Dream on!"

After the short exchange the party got ready to fight Endal. They slowly entered the garden.

Endal welcomed them with the same noncaring attitude as always. He mounted Tumbly and began to clash with Radiant Shield.

Soon the boss took to the sky and showered the party in explosions. But the players naturally improved as well. This time around only Silver Blade got hit once as she was too close to one of the explosions.

Silent Acacia showed great aim and took down the boss after the first round of the skill.

The fight continued until it was time for the boss's dive attack.

The party implemented their new strategy. Silver Blade, Radiant Shield, and Balm stayed further away from the fountain. Everyone stared at the boss in the sky. Their hearts were in their throats. If the boss didn't focus the fountain their strategy could be considered a failure.

"Adventurers, prove yourselves worthy."

Endal spoke calmly as the flames around him burned brightly and he fell towards the ground. Liam narrowed his eyes. The trajectory looked correct. Endal was targeting the fountain!

Everyone felt relieved but the next moment they remembered that they were withing the impact zone. The friends hurriedly escaped while Liam took out his feather to empower the boss.

The city shook and flames burned high. Watchful Eye and Fortune were affected by the explosion. But this was already an achievement for the party. As only two players received damage, it took some pressure off Balm.

The party even made the decision to let Watchful Eye and Fortune recover with health potions. Although those had their own cooldown, Watchful Eye and Fortune managed to recover three thousand HP each until the boss unleashed his next skill.

This decision allowed the party to save one of Balm's skills. When Endal filled the air with sparks, Watchful Eye and Fortune had recovered enough to not lose their lives in one go should they be hit by the skill.

Yet to everyone's elation the entire party made it through the skill unscathed. Confidence filled their hearts. Everyone was determined to finish the fight this time.

When Endal prepared his next dive attack, the party gathered around the fountain praying that the boss wouldn't head for Watchful Eye, Fortune, or Balm who stood further away.

Luckily Endal heeded their prayers. He attacked the fountain again! On top of that the party evaded the attack without taking damage!

"That's the way to go!"

"Damn, we got this, guys!"

"Yes!"

A celebratory mood spread. Everyone suddenly felt that this was the run! This time they would make it through!

When the dust settled Endal stood amidst a shattered fountain. Cracks permeated the floor. The water didn't spray anymore but ran along the ground, mixing with the rubble.

Endal didn't appear any different than before the fight began. He and Tumbly continued to move leisurely.

As the battle went on the party showed that they had finally adjusted to the boss's skills. They made it through with minimal damage. Only as Radiant Shield and Silver Blade ran out of stance did Endal find more opportunities to deal damage.

During his third dive attack both tanks stayed away from the fountain. Still, Endal chose the same spot to attack again. Liam glanced at Cyclone from the corner of his eyes thinking that her luck was truly through the roof.

Now there was barely anything left of the fountain. A deep crater had formed in the solid stone below.

"Hold on guys, only one more attack!"

Liam encouraged his friends as they continued clashing with Endal. His heavy blade cut away at Radiant Shield's HP while Balm's [Regeneration] worked to keep the tank alive.

Fortunately, Silent Acacia was on a run. He once again managed to take the flying Endal down on the first try. His calculations were on point.

Finally, it was time for Endal to go for dive attack number four. Liam and his friends gathered around the crater in the middle of the garden. Their hearts beat wildly. Cyclone secretly prayed for the boss to aim for the same spot as before.

Endal circled above the party's heads as the flame surrounding him burned brightly. His narrowed eyes scanned the floor probingly. Finally, he came to a decision. Tumbly let out a high-pitched cry as he rushed towards the floor.

"He's coming here!"

"We did it!"

"Haha, finally!"

As it became apparent that Endal and Tumbly were aiming for the crater the party erupted in cheers. They hastily ran away. Liam took out the next feather.

Finally, Tumbly crashed into the ground as a deafening rumble shook the entire city. Cracks even spread on the surrounding manors and walls.