Around 1960, a famous teorologist fed weather data into a computer running thirteen equations. To ensure accuracy, he ran the data twice. For the second run, he used slightly more precise figures.
The two results were astonishingly different. The first calculation predicted clear skies. The second predicted a tornado.
The only significant variable between the two data sets was the equivalent of a single butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon River Basin. In other words, the flutter of a butterfly's wings in the Amazon could, a week later, generate a tornado on the other side of the world.
This was the origin of the term "the butterfly effect."
It had been over a month since Kael was reborn. In that ti, he had changed countless things, both in the real world and in the ga. It was obvious that both worlds would experience their own butterfly effects. Kael had long been ntally prepared for such changes.
But he had never imagined that the outco of a battle between two bosses, with absolutely no player intervention, would diverge from the history he knew.
And this new outco was one he couldn't afford. If the Dragonscale Wyrm didn't die, how would he get its venom sac? Without the venom sac, how could he earn the Elves' trust? And without their trust, how could he possibly obtain the [Sap of Nature's Blessing]?
Kael had faced many unexpected situations since starting the ga. So were due to his own carelessness, others to external factors. Each ti, he had managed to turn disaster into opportunity. But this ti, facing a level 60 world boss, he felt a genuine sense of powerlessness.
He did not, however, give up.
It was clear that even in victory, the Dragonscale Wyrm had been grievously wounded. With a thunderous crash, its colossal body collapsed to the ground.
Seeing the Wyrm's state from the hillside, Kael knew he couldn't hesitate. He charged forward. This was his only chance. Once the Wyrm recovered, he would be helpless against it. To be safe, he had activated his [Soul Cloak].
As he drew closer, he finally got a clear look at the Wyrm's status.
[Dragonscale Wyrm (Near Death)]: Level 60
HP: 18,051,000
...
Kael was speechless. Eighteen million health, and you call that near death?
Worse, its health was already regenerating.
1,000,000
1,000,000
...
"Crap, this thing's regen is insane!" Kael now understood why 18 million HP was considered critical—it was regenerating a million health per second. He was out of ti. In a few more seconds, it would be untouchable, even lying there helpless.
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Throwing caution to the wind, Kael lunged forward, not caring if the Wyrm could still retaliate. By the ti he reached its side, its health had already climbed back to 25 million. He raised the [Dagger of Elunara] and, aiming for the spot where its heart should be, plunged the blade deep into its scales.
-15,000,000 (Critical Hit!)
The Dragonscale Wyrm let out a furious roar, its tail twitching as it tried to rise and crush the thief who had stolen its egg. But it had completely exhausted its stamina. Even lifting its tail was now an impossible task.
Kael stabbed it in the heart one more ti.
-15,000,000 (Critical Hit!)
CRASH.
The Wyrm's massive tail slamd onto the ground. Its body convulsed once, then went still.
System: You have slain [Dragonscale Wyrm]. due to your minimal contribution, you are not eligible for any rewards.
System: Lucky Bonus triggered! As your Luck is maxed out, you will receive standard rewards. You are not eligible for any additional effects from the Lucky Bonus on this drop.
Kael sighed, reading the ssage. A pity. He looked around and saw only a single item lying on the ground. He picked it up and sighed again. He had been hoping for materials, which were useful at any level. Instead, it was a piece of equipnt.
A level 60 Ascendant shield.
[Dragonscale Bulwark (Ascendant)]: Level 60
Physical Defense: 55,000
Magical Defense: 35,000
Stamina: 2520
Strength: 1520
[Dragonscale Ward]: Share this shield's stats with up to 10 party mbers. Duration: 20 seconds. Cooldown: 2 minutes.
Requirents: 1000 Strength, 1000 Stamina.
The stats were incredible. But who the hell could equip this thing right now? A mischievous idea popped into Kael's head, and he grinned. I'll send this to Hazel. She'll be able to see it but not wear it. It'll drive her crazy.
Shaking his head, Kael raised the dagger and used its [Anatomy] function on the Wyrm's corpse.
System: You have harvested 1x [Dragonscale Wyrm Hide].
System: Lucky Bonus triggered! You have received 1x additional [Dragonscale Wyrm Hide].
System: You have harvested 1x [Dragonscale Venom Sac].
System: Lucky Bonus triggered! You have received 1x additional [Dragonscale Venom Sac].
Now this was far more exciting than the shield. Armor crafted from [Dragonscale Wyrm Hide] would be absolutely top-tier. If he could find a level 35 or 40 Ascendant crafting recipe, the resulting gear would blow any dropped equipnt of the sa level out of the water.
The [Dragonscale Venom Sac] could be used in alchemy to create powerful healing potions or deadly poisons. If he could brew a permanent stat-enhancing potion... that would be a true jackpot.
His task complete, Kael walked over to the Ironmane Lion's corpse, but it hadn't dropped anything. He looked at the [Dagger of Elunara] in his hand, which now showed 1/4 durability, and hesitated. Ultimately, he decided against using it. With zero contribution to the Lion's death, even a lucky bonus would just be 0 x 999 = 0.
Better to save the last charge. It might be useful later.
Kael put the dagger away. In the distance, the shadows of powerful beasts were already lurking at the edges of the grassland, drawn by the scent of death.
He quickly activated his [Soul Cloak] and slipped away. He didn't even consider taking the egg. In a place teeming with high-level monsters, that would be suicide.
Before, the other creatures had feared the Wyrm, allowing him to use the egg as a deterrent. Now, with the Wyrm dead, the egg was nothing more than a bullseye on his back.
If only this were the 'Arrival of the Gods' expansion, I could have used a special item to capture the egg and put it in my bag, he thought wistfully. He glanced back at the enormous egg one last ti and sighed.
He vanished into the woods just as a brutal, bloody war erupted on the Aelindale plains. The corpses of the two world bosses and the giant egg were priceless resources. A single bite could grant a significant boost in power.
While the beasts fought over the spoils, Kael was already back at the Elven village. Isilwen was waiting anxiously at the entrance to the World Tree.
Kael allowed his form to beco visible and approached her. He opened his hands, revealing the venom sac.
"Lady Aeryn," he said, "my task is complete. Have I earned your trust?"
A dazzling smile spread across Isilwen's face as she accepted the sac. "Welco, my friend."
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