The Fire Ghost’s Mockery!

After collecting the Iron Ore, Leo ventured into the cave, following the quest marker for the next material—Fire Crystals.

The cave was dimly lit, with glowing red veins running through the rocky walls. Every few seconds, a warm gust of air rushed past, making the place feel like a furnace.

Leo wiped his forehead. "Man, it's hot as hell in here."

Ralf, perched on his shoulder, displayed an emote.

[Ralf: (╯°□°)╯🔥 Hotter than your luck!]

Leo rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Ralf."

The cave wasn't just hot—it was dangerous.

Because inside, multiple Fire Ghosts hovered in the air, flickering like flames.

> [Fire Ghost – Lv. 7]

HP: 180

---

The Fire Ghosts Attack!

The moment Leo stepped forward—

FWOOOSH!

A Fire Ghost darted toward him, leaving a burning trail in the air.

Leo instantly raised his bow and fired!

Swish!

But the Fire Ghost vanished mid-air, appearing behind him in an instant.

"What the—?!"

It floated in front of Leo again, its fire-like mouth twisting into a grin.

And then—it laughed.

> [Fire Ghost: Hah! Is that all you got, human?]

Leo gritted his teeth. "Oh, you're gonna regret that."

---

A Battle of Speed!

He tried firing again—

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Miss. Miss. Miss.

The Fire Ghost simply weaved between the arrows, circling around Leo like it was toying with him.

Leo clenched his fists. "Damn it! My arrows aren't fast enough!"

Meanwhile, another Fire Ghost appeared—and another!

Now, three of them floated around him, all mocking him with their flickering, grinning faces.

Ralf popped up an emote.

[Ralf: (¬‿¬) They're clowning you.]

Leo groaned. "Yeah, I can see that, Ralf!"

At this rate, he couldn't hit them at all!

Then, an idea struck him.

"...Wait. Ralf, how fast can you fly?"

Ralf's emote flashed.

[Ralf: (°▽°)/ Faster than your reaction time!]

Leo smirked. "Good. Then let's wipe those smug faces off."

---

A New Strategy!

"Ralf, go!"

FWOOSH!

In an instant, Ralf soared into the air, zipping straight toward the Fire Ghosts like a missile.

The first Fire Ghost's smug expression faltered.

> [Fire Ghost: W-What? Hey, wait—!]

BAM!

Ralf collided with the first Fire Ghost, forcing it to swerve wildly.

Leo's grin widened. "Got you now."

He raised his bow and—

Swish!

[CRITICAL HIT!]

The Fire Ghost shrieked, spiraling in the air as Leo's arrow struck it dead center!

> [Fire Ghost – HP: 50/180]

It worked!

"Hell yeah! Nice one, Ralf!"

Ralf spun in the air dramatically.

[Ralf: (≖‿≖) All skill, no luck.]

Leo nocked another arrow.

"Alright, let's keep this up."

---

The Battle Continues!

Leo and Ralf repeated the strategy:

1. Ralf chased the Fire Ghosts, forcing them to dodge.

2. Leo predicted their movement and fired arrows.

The Fire Ghosts grew more desperate, dodging wildly, but Ralf never let up the pressure.

Until—

Swish! Swish! Swish!

> [FINAL HIT! You have defeated Fire Ghost!]

[FINAL HIT! You have defeated Fire Ghost!]

[FINAL HIT! You have defeated Fire Ghost!]

The Fire Ghosts let out final screeches before exploding into embers.

> [You gained 120 EXP!]

[Ralf gained 80 EXP!]

[You gained 120 EXP!]

[Ralf gained 80 EXP!]

[You gained 120 EXP!]

[Ralf gained 80 EXP!]

Leo breathed out, lowering his bow.

"Finally."

Three Fire Crystals dropped onto the cave floor, glowing red-hot.

> [You obtained Fire Crystal x3!]

[Quest Update: 3x Fire Crystals Collected!]

Leo smirked. "Alright, that's another material down."

Next up— The Ancient Slime Core.

Ralf floated beside him.

[Ralf: ( ゚ヮ゚) This is fun! Let's fight more ghosts!]

Leo sighed. "Let's not."

And with that, the duo moved deeper into the cave, ready for the next challenge.