The Unemployed Game Master

The level of combat at stake

It won't be long before he reaches Turnera; the journey takes about 20 minutes.

During this journey, he doesn't just stay silent; he encounters many monsters and collects items. Of course, he understands that each area has monsters that may be challenging to defeat. With a level still at 12, he is considered low. He needs to reach at least level 50 to be considered an expert player.

"Isn't this game played by more than 2 million people worldwide? Why can't I find a single player, or maybe the server where I play this game doesn't have many players?"

It's an advantage, but also a disadvantage. A game with such a powerful mechanism feels deserted without many players. Fortunately, it's an MMORPG type, so it doesn't heavily rely on the presence of other players for gameplay.

"Hmm?"

Without realizing it, he has entered a vast field covered with yellow flowers.

"Don't tell me these flower plants are predators deliberately luring other creatures closer!"

Not wanting to fall into a trap again, Highess carefully observes his surroundings.

After ensuring there are no signs of trouble, he proceeds to explore the field. However, his anxiety increased here, even though there were many beautiful flowers around.

It has happened before, in expansive areas like this, the silence can be exploited by monsters.

"Will the developers use the same tactics to lure players into traps like this? If they do, it seems they are too fixated on the developed system!"

In some games, Highess has witnessed similar patterns, where quiet areas become breeding grounds for sudden attacks.

Swhoosh...

Just as he mentioned it, a surprise attack occurs. A terrifying speed that cuts through the neatly arranged flowers.

Thanks to his heightened instinct skill, Highess skillfully avoids it. His eyes widen as he sees a large-sized monster standing before him.

"Seriously, do I have to face this creature?"

Most of what he faced were small to medium-sized monsters, but this one in front of him was a boss-level monster.

The Giant Mantis stands before him, its eyes staring sharply.

"Isn't this mantis known to be very aggressive in the real world, even attacking humans, and it's also nicknamed the killer mantis..."

Indeed, mantises have unique abilities, possessing two sharp claws used for fighting and subduing their prey.

There are some species capable of deceiving other insects for consumption, and the mantis, Highess encounters this time has a different color. The combination of white and pink makes it look beautiful.

"Graagh..."

But, what beauty is there when it hisses so harshly in front of him?

"I have to be careful with those claws; they've already caused this much damage. Besides, it seems very adept at observing its prey! I didn't detect any movement of other creatures, in other words, it deliberately waited in the right location to catch its prey..."

The same scene is experienced by insects in the real world, facing predators that prey on other insects. And now, Highess is a talking insect species.

"Don't be kidding, why does this game always make my insect character the target of other creatures? First the plants, and now I have to face a mantis! Huh... please, don't make my life more difficult than this..."

The boss area has been entered, and now there's only one path: to defeat or be defeated.

Perhaps with this low level, there will be difficulties, but he will still do it. Highess positions his body for an attack; at least he has increased his level to face challenges like this.

"The problem is, how do I attack this creature? It has combat abilities that are not to be underestimated!"

The monster won't just stay still; it charges towards him at high speed.

Swungs...

The large claws then swipe, the speed used once again is terrifying.

Jumping backward with precision, his body almost ended up like the flowers, split in two.

"One attack and it can create such a large wound, it also has speed in its attacks! It's not to be underestimated; it's a formidable monster that must be acknowledged..."

At maximum acceleration, a blue aura illuminates Highess's body for a moment.

"If I just wait and defend, I will surely lose. But if I resist..."

His life is already too chaotic, and in this game world, he won't let everything experience the same fate. The speed of the movement takes him towards the side of the mantis, and the mantis's eye sharps to observe, paying attention.

Once there, he quickly jumps and launches a deadly slash.

"Take this! Raging Slash..."

Tswsh...

This slash hits the mantis's back, and a sound of pain resounds loudly. But it doesn't last long; the mantis retaliates, quickly turning its body and attacking with its claws.

Tings...

A little defense provides safety for Highess, but his body is still thrown.

The health bar continues to decrease even though he has done his best.

"Strong, this creature's level is far different from most monsters I've faced! It's much more skilled and capable of complex attacks; this ability must be a special feature given! Damn, how do I defeat this creature? Should I just run away?"

Shaking his head, Highess doesn't have time to think about it. All these events lead him into this moment. His hands tremble with memories that have easily invaded his thoughts.

"Before this, I always chose to run! And, this time too, I'm running from reality. I want to live according to my wishes, but once again, this world is too cruel for someone like me! Whether I like it or not, I have to keep doing it; this is where I have to fight for my life..."

Watching Highess's serious and prepared attitude, the mantis hisses angrily, then with a complex movement releases a rapid attack initiated by a high jump.

"I understand that you'll use tactics like this, but..."

Highess's waiting speed is very smooth; he dodges and assumes a ready stance to unleash a slash.

"Strike Slash!"

Crash...

It works; the slash he used makes the mantis roar in pain, gasping with green blood dripping.

"In this game, even the blood effects of insects are made very realistic. That means defeating a creature like this is not just based on the health bar but also requires continuous attacks until there is no strength left!"

It sounds gruesome, but there's no other way for him to survive, moving at high speed towards the creature.

Gripping the sword tightly, he then continues with a swing.

Tings...

They engage in a collision. Of course, this mantis won't stay still when its body is attacked; with such great strength, it keeps trying to push Highess.

"Damn, it still has quite a troublesome strength! How can I defeat it?"

Not lasting long enough to defend himself, Highess is forced to be pushed quite far due to the pressure he receives.

Taking advantage of Highess's carelessness, the mantis jumps and swings its large claws, and the sharp sword almost immediately lands.

Tswungs...

The ground is split, but the attack doesn't hit the target.

Highess's body is no longer in that location.

"I've been expecting that you'll use a method like this to kill me..."

__To Be Continued__