Fish Zombie - Protector
"Be careful," Vio said, his eyes still fixed on the altar, ensuring there were no suspicious movements during Viola's departure.
Meanwhile, Vio and Orca remained near the altar. The timer in the Water Zone indicated only 40 seconds left.
Krkrkr… krkrrk…
A loud vibration suddenly broke the silence. The altar trembled lightly, dislodging dust that formed a thin mist, obscuring Vio's vision. He furrowed his brow, straining his eyes to see through the haze.
Halfway to the surface, Viola felt the vibrations as well. Instinctively, she stopped, her eyes glancing downward with a worried expression. But she knew time was too short to turn back. Without hesitation, she continued swimming upward, hoping to rejoin Vio as quickly as possible.
Back at the altar, Vio watched in growing concern as something strange began to happen to the pillars. The five pillars, which previously emitted bright white light, now glowed ominously red. A small portal, initially a meter in diameter, expanded to two meters. The dark aura surrounding it turned into crimson flashes, emanating a suffocating pressure.
"What now...?" Vio muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with unease. He clenched his fists, preparing for whatever might emerge from the portal.
Arghhh…
A thunderous roar echoed from within the portal, causing the water's surface around the altar to ripple. Small waves crashed against Orca, who instinctively assumed a defensive stance near Vio. The portal stretched and pulsed, as if about to burst, until finally, it released a massive creature.
The figure stood five meters tall, its head resembling a monstrous fish. Its gaping maw revealed rows of jagged, rust-colored teeth. Blood-red eyes, full of savage intent, locked onto Vio and Orca.
"Damn it, a giant zombie fish?" Vio cursed internally, his heart pounding as he swiftly opened the status panel to analyze the monster.
[ Fish Zombie - Protector ]
Level: 1
HP: 2625
Damage: 27.76
Attributes: STR 7.45, SPD 6.5, RES 6.1
Skills: (Water Cannon), (Poison Net)
(Water Cannon): Fires a high-pressure water ball from its mouth, dealing 132 damage within a 15-meter radius.
(Poison Net): Throws a 2-meter-wide net at the target. All targets caught are poisoned for 10 seconds, taking 24 damage per second.
The detailed stats filled Vio's screen, making him scowl. "A Protector, huh," he muttered, studying the creature's attributes carefully. "Damn, its stats are nearly five times higher than the regular zombie fish."
His eyes moved to the skill descriptions. "And it has more skills," he whispered, his voice laced with disbelief. Elite-level monsters usually only had one skill, but this Protector boasted two deadly new abilities.
As the giant zombie fish emerged, the bright light from the portal dimmed before it abruptly vanished. The once-glowing pillar behind it now stood lifeless, as if drained of all its energy.
"Lucky it's just one," Vio muttered with relief, his breathing easing slightly. But his relief was short-lived.
A loud rumble erupted again, shaking the water violently. Similar portals appeared at the four remaining pillars, stretching and pulsating before releasing four more zombie fish Protectors. Each was identical in size and aura, radiating an intimidating presence.
"Five of them?!" Vio shouted internally, his eyes widening in shock.
He turned to Orca, silently pleading for reassurance. Orca's calm yet confident gaze met his own. "What do you think? Can you handle this?" Vio asked, trying to gauge his beast's readiness.
Kikikiki…
Orca swished its tail and performed a swift 360-degree spin, signaling its readiness.
"Good… Take them down!" Vio commanded, his voice filled with determination, attempting to match Orca's unshakable courage.
Without hesitation, Orca darted forward. Its body began to spin rapidly, creating a small vortex around itself as it activated its signature skill, (Hydrodynamic Spear). In a flash, it transformed into a living torpedo, slicing through the water at incredible speed and slamming into one of the zombie fish.
[ Orca (Skill 1: Hydrodynamic Spear) dealt 872 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
The struck zombie fish reeled backward, losing its balance before regaining its footing. Orca wasted no time, swiftly closing the distance and delivering consecutive strikes with its powerful tail.
[ Orca dealt 312 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
[ Orca dealt 312 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
The resounding thuds of Orca's tail reverberated through the water. Sensing the threat of retaliation from the remaining three zombie fish, Orca retreated, its movements fluid and calculated. Moments later, three water cannon blasts hurtled toward it, creating intense ripples in the water. Yet, Orca dodged with unparalleled agility, while its passive skill, (Pressure Wave), continued to chip away at the surrounding enemies' HP.
[ (Pressure Wave) dealt 76 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
[ (Pressure Wave) dealt 83 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
...
"Impressive," Vio murmured, his admiration for the beast growing. "No wonder you're called the king of the sea," he added, recalling Orca's reputation as the apex predator of Earth's oceans.
Kikiki…
Orca suddenly let out a sharp cry, snapping Vio back to reality. Following its gaze, he spotted one of the zombie fish charging at him with alarming speed.
"Damn it!" Vio cursed, panic coursing through him. He swam away as fast as he could, but his human movements were no match for the creature's speed. The gap between them closed rapidly, suffocating him with mounting pressure.
A sudden blast struck Vio's back, sending shockwaves through his body. A searing pain spread across his skin like fire.
[ Received 132 damage from (Fish Zombie - Protector) by (Water Cannon) ]
"Arghhh…"
Vio groaned in pain, his body hunching slightly as the burning sensation worsened.
Kikiki…
Orca, sensing its master's peril, darted toward the charging zombie fish. With a forceful swing of its tail, it intercepted the attack and delivered a devastating blow.
[ (Pressure Wave) dealt 76 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
[ (Pressure Wave) dealt 83 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
...
[ Orca dealt 312 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
[ Orca dealt 314 damage to (Fish Zombie - Protector) ]
...