Goblin Heavy Dependence

Chapter 375 Coin Flip
For Xia Nan, the situation on the field was already very clear.

Moen's physical defense is exaggerated after it is fully crystallized, but [Gravity Etching] can almost ignore the crystallization on its body surface and cause fatal damage to it.

The only limitation is the "number of times it can be used".

He only had one chance.

Therefore, Xia Nan must find the perfect opportunity when the opponent has absolutely no chance to dodge the defense, and use all his strength to strike the enemy's vital point with the sword carrying the force field energy.

This was his general battle plan.

Meanwhile, as the stone skin of the goddess statue peeled away, revealing the pastel gemstone body beneath, the pink energy filling the air not only healed Moen's injuries and greatly enhanced his physical abilities, but also allowed him to take the opportunity to inflict serious injuries on himself.

What to do next... that depends entirely on Xia Nan himself.

[Healing potion] First, let's not even mention the extremely dangerous situation Xia Nan, who is in a serious condition, will face when he takes that fragile little glass bottle out of his pouch, pinches and bites open the bottle to seal it, pours the potion into his mouth, and waits for the medicine to gradually take effect.

Even a regular-quality healing potion priced at 50 gold wouldn't be enough to restore him to full combat strength; for the enhanced Morn, the situation would only worsen.

The "Spring Pulse Cleansing" spell from [Tears of Spring] is a decent 4th-circle healing spell with excellent effects, but ultimately it's just an enhanced version of a "healing potion".

It did not allow Xia Nan to fully recover from his serious injuries, nor did it enhance his abilities in the slightest.

In this situation, the choice becomes very clear.

Xia Nan had fully grasped information about Moen's fighting style, physical strength, and actual combat power after several rounds of combat.

All he needed was to earn himself a good enough opportunity.

【Echoes of the Ashes】 - The usage condition is met when the user's health is below 33%.

Its 30-day cooling period had already ended a few days ago.

The duration is 60 seconds.

One minute... Xia Nan has one minute to cut off the enemy's head.

boom--

Enveloped in ashes and sparks, an invisible, scorching current of air swept outwards with the sound of a pounding heartbeat.

Crimson flames erupted from the depths of his body, transforming into blazing light that spread and swirled across his skin.

The stab wound in his abdomen stopped bleeding instantly and healed in a flash under the glow of the flames, leaving not even the slightest scar.

The special effect from [Echoes of Ember] instantly boosted Xia Nan's health from below 33% to 66% with the flickering flames, and it continues to regenerate at a rate of 0.333% per second.

The already abundant physical strength soared even higher, with the energy limit, recovery speed, and consumption rate all being greatly enhanced; even the physical defense capabilities of this body were strengthened as the flames covered the body surface.

"call……"

The breath was long and deep, and crimson sparks drifted into the air with each breath; the air surged, and among the violently swaying black hair were fragmented ashes burning with fire.

The surface bears a deep indentation of the "Pulse of Purgatory," and its silver-gray armor has been engulfed by flames rising from below, presenting a molten state that glows with flames.

Fortunately, its main material came from the hell of Bathor, which made it somewhat adaptable to fire effects, thus preventing it from being completely destroyed by the desolate flames from that foreign land.

In contrast, Xia Nan's leg guards, named "Bone-Binding Iron Legs," were made primarily from the bones of powerful monsters, and performed much better than metal products. At this moment, the cold, white, and delicate bone surface was gleaming with a layer of crimson firelight.

But looking at Xia Nan as a whole, the most significant change is naturally in the straight sword [Emberfall] in his hand.

Strands of fire flowed from his fingertips through the sword without any resistance or defense, as if they were one with it. The pink glow that was originally reflected on the surface of the blade was instantly and without any doubt dispelled, replaced by a layer of scorching flames that slightly distorted the surrounding air and permeated the straight sword.

If the color of the [Emberfall] straight sword was previously the gray-black of the twilight sky at nightfall;

Now, it is bathed in the brilliant orange-red glow of the setting sun.

It shares the same origin as [Echoes of Ember], and was forged using [Molten Ash Silver Ingot] which had been modified by being forged in the flames of the Secret Realm.

Right now, as the lingering embers engulf Xia Nan's body, the [Emberfall] straight sword, originally a "blue rare" weapon, has had its quality upgraded to "purple rarity".

The passive ability [Molten Remodeling], which automatically restores blade durability and slightly increases Ember damage, is activated.

The cold, dark eyes, as black as a solar eclipse with only a layer of crimson flames at the edges, reflected the crystalline figure in front of them, who seemed to be stunned by the scene before them.

Xia Nan stared at his enemy.

At this moment, one second had passed since he activated the "Ember" state.

"hold head high!"

It was a different kind of howl from the previous ones, higher and more resonant, as if enveloped in raging flames.

The 33% all-around physical attribute bonus from 【Echoes】instantly increased his "Strength" and "Agility" attributes by nearly six points.

When applied to [Fang Hunt], this translates to an even more exaggerated starting speed and powerful burst of energy.

The black wolf, with eyes like those of an eclipse, took a step, and with each touch of its long limbs to the ground, it left a charred mark that gleamed with firelight.

The barriers of space were overcome in an instant.

Even Moen, whose physical abilities had also been enhanced, found it difficult to catch the black and red phantom that was almost a line in front of him.

When he felt an extreme sense of danger and subconsciously crossed his arms to shield himself.

The scorching heat wave, along with the molten blade of the sword, landed on him.

In that instant, Moen could even briefly glimpse the flickering crimson flames on the face of the young man in front of him, and feel the scorching heat from the ash and sparks drifting around his body.

Then came the searing pain of the burning flames.

The 25% ember damage from [Echoes of Ember] is different from ordinary fire attacks and force field energy; it is a hybrid damage that combines mental and physical fire.

In addition, the [Emberfall] straight sword itself provides a 10% bonus to mental damage.

Although Moen managed to block the sword with his arms, his spirit and will seemed to be unhindered and struck hard by the flaming sword.

As I was suddenly dazed, an indescribable burning pain surged through my heart.

What the priest found even more unacceptable was that the crimson flames surrounding the sword wielded by the black-haired adventurer seemed to possess some kind of unique burning damage.

It is no longer a simple physical attack.

The pink crystal particles on his body surface, bestowed by the "gods" and possessing extremely strong physical defense properties, showed a clear decline.

The crystal skin, which might have required a dozen or more strikes in the same spot to barely break through, was burned away by the crimson fire with just one sword strike.

"what!!!"

A high-frequency shriek formed by energy vibration burst forth in the air. A sudden surge of danger and helplessness in his heart drove Moen to frantically unleash the pink energy within his body.

The translucent light shield once again expanded outwards from the pastel gemstone on its chest.

As the sword tip touched down, Xia Nan, realizing after a brief attempt that he still couldn't break through the light shield's defense, retreated rapidly without hesitation, enveloped by the fiery black wolf phantom.

They easily dodged the opponent's counterattack.

His feet landed lightly amidst the wolf howls, and his dark eyes glanced at the scorched sword mark on Moen's arm, which was rapidly healing under the pink energy in the air.

As his eyes darted around, he glanced again at the goddess statue made of pastel gemstones behind the other person.

Thoughts flashed through my mind.

After activating [Echoes of Ember], my attacks gain an additional layer of "Ember" damage, which can significantly harm Morn. I estimate... three strikes will be enough to completely break through his defenses.

Given his attack frequency and rhythm, in other arenas, the 60-second duration of the Ember state would probably be enough for Morn to die a dozen times over.

But unfortunately, we are currently playing on the opponent's home turf.

The massive amount of pink energy provided by the goddess statue not only helps to quickly recharge its own [Dream Corridor], but also provides support to Moen at all times.

The wound that was inflicted just a second ago has already healed and crystallized again in the next second.

Unfortunately, his opponent's defensive skill of releasing a light shield was something he couldn't break through with his current attack capabilities, leaving him with no chance to strike more than twice in a short period of time.

As soon as the sword fell, it was forced back by the light barrier.

When the light shield contracted and approached again, Moen's injuries had healed, and everything returned to normal.

The "Ember" state can only be maintained for a total of 60 seconds.

What should I do?
Should we look for an opportunity to destroy the goddess statue?

It doesn't seem possible.

Before arriving, the strength of the pastel gems had already been tested. Unless the charmed person actively sought them out, it would be extremely difficult for outsiders to destroy them. Their strength was much higher than that of normal armor.

The pastel gemstones that make up the goddess statue are clearly purer, and their quality is almost on a completely different level from those on the townspeople's bodies, making them impossible to destroy.

So... where is the breakthrough?
When should he unleash that final sword strike?
His mind raced, his gaze sweeping over the semi-transparent shield that was gradually shrinking around Moen's body.

A sudden flash of inspiration struck Xia Nan.

"perhaps……"

Buzz-boom——

boom--

Time passed quietly.

The battle between the adventurers and the priests has truly entered a heated phase.

The sword, still wreathed in embers, struck the body covered in crystalline particles time and again, while the pink light shield repeatedly pushed back the figure engulfed in flames.

Moen seemed to finally realize that Xia Nan's current explosive state could not be maintained for long, and his mindset gradually calmed down after he first discovered the damage from the embers.

Knowing that his speed and agility were far inferior to his opponent's, he stopped dodging and simply stood there, taking the blows. He then deployed a light shield to force Xia Nan back, while taking the opportunity to absorb the pink energy in the air to heal his injuries.

Delay as much time as possible, waiting for the opponent's burst of power to end.

Xia Nan naturally realized the other party's intentions.

But he seemed to have no way out, launching one futile attack after another, only to be forced back time and time again.

However, the focus of those dark eyes shifted from Moen himself to the expanding and contracting light barrier around his body.

The pastel energy provided by the goddess statue may allow Moen to unleash this invincible defensive ability without regard for consumption.

However, the light shield itself cannot be released continuously.

It's like a complete "expansion-contraction" cycle that must be completed until the light shield completely contracts back to the pastel gem on Moen's chest before it can open again.

This gap was so short that even if Xia Nan unleashed [Fang Hunt] with all his might while in the Ember state, he would still have difficulty catching up.

But without a doubt, this is an opportunity.

Regardless of the method, as long as one can seize the gap where the opponent's light shield contracts back into crystal and then expands outward.

The force field damage from [Gravity Etching] should provide a satisfactory return.

But right now, there are less than twenty seconds left for [Echoes of Ember]. If he fails, he will have used up even the last [Gravity Etching]. What should he do then?
We must prepare a backup plan!

With a slight thought, he gently touched the silver ring on his right ring finger.

The [Dream Corridor], which has been continuously absorbing pastel energy from the air since the start of the battle, has now accumulated a very considerable amount of energy.

"enough."

A resolute glint flashed in Xia Nan's eyes.

He subtly swiped his right hand across his chest, and a flat, round object gleaming with metallic luster appeared between his fingers.

hold head high--

The howl of wolves rang out once again.

Just like before, accompanied by the phantom of the black wolf, amidst endless sparks and ashes, Xia Nan launched an attack on the crystallized figure in front of him.

This time, however, he paid special attention to the angle of his straight sword, slashing at Moen from the side.

The target was the other person's neck.

The old pastor remained vigilant throughout, and even though he knew clearly that his opponent's defenses were difficult to break, he still adopted a defensive posture.

One hand is held vertically to the side.

"Ding!"

The sharp blade collided violently with the crystalline arm, and the crimson flames quickly softened the pink crystals it touched.

There was absolutely no chance for Xia Nan to swing his sword a second time.

Almost at the same moment the sword fell, a translucent pink light shield burst forth and spread from the priest's body.

But to Moen's surprise, Xia Nan showed no sign of backing down or avoiding the situation this time.

Instead, he gripped the sword hilt even tighter, as if trying to soften the crystals on his neck with the remaining fire.

Moen dismissed it as a last-ditch effort before the opponent's explosive state was about to end, and a hint of joy flashed in his pink-lit eyes.

He clenched his left fist and swung it out almost simultaneously with the outward expansion of the light shield.

The speed of the punch was even faster than the pink light shield.

But in the very next second...

When the fist touched the molten silver-gray armor, all the kinetic energy it contained seemed to be swallowed up by some invisible black hole.

The crystalline fist, powerful enough to pierce metal, break bones, and rupture internal organs, landed lightly on Xia Nan's armor with an overwhelming and eerie force.

——【Iron Bones】: 0.5% chance to be immune to physical damage.

The embers on the straight sword's surface still burned, softening everything it touched as much as possible. The crimson flames reflected on Moen's astonished face, which was covered in crystals.

Before anyone knew it, a brass coin had already been spinning and flying into the air.

　There will be another chapter in the early morning, which will finish writing this battle.

　　But it will probably be very late, so you don't need to wait.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)