CHAPTER 164: THE CHURCH’S SUMMON RAMPAGE [1]

"Although we can’t see what’s going on on the other side, it seems the Holy Church and the Adventurer Guild are about to clash!" The announcer’s voice echoed throughout the viewing centre.

A wave of excitement spread through the crowd. Most of the viewers shifted their attention to the screen displaying the Holy Church and the Adventurer Guild.

However, without a doubt, the people who were most excited were those in the game’s official forums in the real world.

Xavier_Gaulman: Hahahaha! It’s finally happening, guys!

:#Summon Vs Sir Broken! My bet is on the Holy Church’s summon!

Pigahead:Nah, you’re crazy. Sir Broken carried his guild this far, he’s not losing to some NPC summon.

DracosBloodbane:Holy Church hasn’t even revealed half their cards yet. Don’t underestimate them!

Denis_Bouhier:Bro... if that summon really IS a prototype weapon like people are saying, Adventurer Guild is doomed.

Endgame0522:I just wanna see blood. Whoever wins, let it be messy!

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here!" Doodle announced excitedly as the church appeared on the scene.

"For two days now, the entire game fanbase has been speculating about who would emerge the winner between the summon and Sir Broken." Doodle glanced at his partner and added, "Noel, do you think the developers somehow decided to grant us our heart’s wish?"

Noel nodded. "That seems to be the case. And I must say, the developers look smarter this time. The events flow naturally, unlike the forced scenarios we’re used to!"

The viewers in the Valerian Kingdom weren’t the only ones without access to the dungeon. Those in the real world were the same—watching the confrontation outside was all they could do.

Doodle had even made some calls to the gaming company regarding this, but they said it was out of their control.

Which didn’t make sense. As developers, they should have control over every aspect of the game.

Suddenly, a staff member approached Noel and whispered something into her ear.

Upon hearing it, her eyes lit up as she announced, "Folks, I just received a report that Bunny’s livestream is currently on—and she’s streaming right from inside the dungeon!"

"Huuuuu, that’s awesome!" Doodle exclaimed and quickly ordered, "Quickly, put on the livestream!"

In an instant, part of the screen flickered and displayed live footage from the swamp-like dungeon.

"Hahahaha, it seems they’ve already encountered trouble!" Doodle chuckled.

Meanwhile, inside the unexplored dungeon, Bunny, a little further behind, quietly started her livestream.

"I can’t afford to miss this opportunity... this could be my biggest streaming day in my entire career!" she mumbled under her breath as she went live.

[I knew it—Bunny always pulls through when it’s needed!]

[Okay, let’s GOOOOOO!!!]

Clearing her throat, Bunny addressed the viewers with a warm smile. "Hello everyone, as you all might know already, it’s your one and only Bunny! I’ll be giving you exclusive live coverage of everything happening right here in the dungeon!"

Seeing the flood of comments immediately after her face appeared on thousands of screens, Bunny’s smile grew even brighter.

She switched the camera to the front just in time to capture a massive fish-like monster leaping out of the shallow waters.

[Heavens! What kind of monster is this?!]

[That place doesn’t even look deep—don’t tell me it’s a fish monster that burrows underground!]

...

At the front of the group, Gabriel quickly activated his Sapphire Eye of the Deep on the monster, and the information about it unfolded before him.

[Swamp Fin Monster]

[LV 70]

[HP: 12,000/12,000]

Gabriel’s eyes flashed when he saw the monster’s level.

It was weaker than his previous enemies, but this was its terrain—and that alone made up for its low level.

Thinking about the terrain, he tried lifting one leg, then the other. Confirming his suspicion, his eyes narrowed.

Beneath the shallow water was thick mud that gripped onto one’s feet.

’It’s difficult to lift both legs out at once, but not impossible.’ Gabriel gripped Crimson Judgement tightly, watching as the shadow of the monster crashed back to the ground.

As soon as the beast slammed back down, a wave of water and soot splashed in all directions.

BOOM!

Gabriel quickly activated Guard’s Robe. A thin transparent barrier enveloped him, blocking the filth from touching him.

Behind him, however, the others weren’t so lucky and were completely drenched.

"Argh! Damn it! If I had known this dungeon would be like this, I would’ve gladly stayed back!" Alice complained loudly as the deathly swamp water drenched her from head to toe.

She felt like puking her guts out and ripping her skin off, as though that was the only way to erase this experience from her memory.

"Everyone, stay sharp!" Scarlet shouted, locking eyes with the massive swamp monster.

The creature’s red eyes glared back furiously, enraged that intruders dared step into its territory.

---

Doodle slapped his desk, nearly knocking over his mic. "Hahahaha! Look at that beast, Noel! It’s like a fish—but a dragon’s cousin!"

Noel leaned forward, adjusting her glasses. "Actually... its movement speed in mud terrain is what makes it terrifying. That shallow swamp is its natural arena. Players are slowed down, but it can glide freely beneath the surface."

Viewing centres across the Valerian Kingdom erupted. Some screamed in shock, others pointed excitedly at the broadcast.

---

Without saying another word, the vice-leader kicked off the swamp water, her body shooting toward the monster.

This was what Gabriel meant by "not impossible."

As long as one’s strength stat was relatively high, you could still push through to a certain point.

Closing the distance, Scarlet slashed fiercely at the fish monster’s scales—but it quickly slipped back underwater and surfaced further ahead.

"Burrow Shift!" Gabriel vanished into the swamp and reappeared right in front of it.

The monster seemed shocked, not expecting this at all. Its jaws opened wide, rows of jagged swamp-coated teeth glinting. At the same time, Gabriel swung Crimson Judgement in a wide arc.

BOOOOM!

The monster slammed down, sending a wall of swamp water crashing toward the party. Sophie quickly stepped forward, her silver bell from the ruins flying out. It transformed into a barrier and blocked half the splash.

Still, a good portion soaked those behind. Fortunately, this time Alice activated Blink, vanishing away from the wave’s direction.

She reappeared beside Gabriel, daggers in hand.

The Swamp Fin Monster thrashed violently before diving under the water and vanishing from sight.

It went so deep that not even Gabriel or Scarlet could sense exactly where it was.

Suddenly, a shockwave burst out as the monster surged upward—right at the rear where Bunny stood. Her camera shook violently, the stream nearly cutting off.

[Protect Bunny plsssss]

[Streamer POV death incoming!!!]

[SIR BROKEN SAVE HER!]

Gabriel’s figure flashed. Crimson Judgement came down in a brutal red strike. The monster reeled back with a painful roar, water exploding sky-high.

As if frightened, it retreated once more. The only thing revealing its presence was a sharp black fin sticking out of the swamp!

Instantly, the others unleashed all sorts of magic attacks to force it out.

Soon, even the fin disappeared.

"Where did it go?!" Brunt exclaimed in panic, eyes darting everywhere.

"It was right there just seconds ago... it’s definitely still close by," Cassie whispered warily.

The swamp went eerily calm. Only the croaking of distant frogs could be heard.

Though calm on the surface, Gabriel spread his perception in every direction, trying to sense the monster.

And when he did—it was already too late. His eyes widened as he looked down at the bubbling water beneath his feet.

The others noticed too, their eyes shrinking to the size of pins.

BOOOOM!

A massive geyser erupted as a huge shadow surged upward. Gabriel was too late to dodge; his body was flung high into the air like a ragdoll.

As he descended, he twisted his body midair, forcing himself stable while raising his blade overhead.

Below, the swamp monster raised its head, jaws wide open like a beast trap, waiting for him to fall.

Just before he was swallowed, Gabriel activated Parry. His body moved on instinct as his greatsword came crashing down.

SLASH!

-9000

The swing carried all his strength, tearing into the beast and forcing it to snap its jaws shut.

Scarlet followed up with another slash, carving deep into its hide, while Alice furiously stabbed with her daggers, still angry from earlier.

-1000 (Critical Hit!)

-11,000

-20,000 (Fatal Hit!)

Thanks to the combined forces of Gabriel, Scarlet, and Alice, the Swamp Fin Monster was killed within minutes.

But just as they thought it was over, the swamp water churned violently. Bubbles burst everywhere, spreading across the murky surface like boiling stew.

Several adventurers went pale. "Don’t tell me..."

As if to confirm their worst fear, fins slowly rose out of the water.

Within seconds, a dozen sharp fins broke the surface from every direction, circling the party with terrifying synchronization.

"Damn it!" BrawlerX’s heart sank. "We’ve attracted all of them here!"