Shatei Kyokufuri Yumi-Ojisan

The lizard continued to retreat, without being able to make any progress in its upward climb.
Eventually, it went all the way back to the ground.

However, at this point, its attack patterns changed.
The lanterns that floated around the mountain suddenly disappeared all at once, and instead, the lizard’s eyes started to glow red.
And so I prepared to escape.

If the eyes were glowing, it was obvious what was going to happen.
Eye beams.
Numerous red lights cut through the sky.
As they were beams, you didn’t have much time to move out of the way.
And so the cloud I was riding on was nearly cut in half.
However, they were easy enough to dodge once you got the hang of it.

Once the lizard’s eyes fixed on me, it was a signal that a beam would come shooting towards my head.
However, if I was in a spot where our eyes wouldn’t meet, I could dodge the attacks easily.

After surviving the new attacks, I just had to repeat the same actions.
But repeating the pattern three times was not enough to defeat it.
This was a quest that you could only accept after defeating the Windcloud Dragon and acquiring the proof.
And so the lizard had a hefty amount of HP as well.

Furthermore, most strong enemies in MMOs were supposed to be fought with a party.
And since I was solo and lacked firepower, it would take some time, even when boosting my attacks with wind.
Without realizing it, I was walking down the road of hardship.

“Still, I somehow made it.”

The black shape that looked like a lizard’s shadow started to turn white.
Then it dispersed into light.
The dark clouds in the sky faded away and the blue sky returned.

I…win.
As there was an obvious pattern, it was easier than the Windcloud Dragon.
However, these long battles were tiring.
I would have to get some rest after telling the elder about the results.

That being said, it was such a strange boss, that I was sure it would drop a rare item…but it didn’t.
I didn’t even earn any gold.
Were all quest bosses like this?
It was a little disappointing…

Well, in any case, I had to go and tell the elder and finish up.

“Elder.
I was able to defeat the enemy.”

“Yes, I know.
I was quite impressed at how you handled the test.”

“Thank you… Uh, test?”

“I’m terribly sorry to have deceived you!”

The elder bowed his head and explained everything.
As this settlement was on such elevated land, it was isolated from the outside world.
At some point they started to trade with other towns.
However, villainous people who had heard of the legend of the Windcloud Dragon had come with ‘fake proofs’ and tried to take advantage of the settlement’s tradition.

And the outside world had such high skills when it came to forgery.
How were the people of the settlement supposed to tell them apart?
And so they decided to treat the visitors as guests for a day and then have them defeat a terrible beast.
And if they succeed, they would be accepted…

This terrible creature was in fact a type of large familiar that was being controlled by the people of the settlement.
In other words, it wasn’t an actual monster.
So that’s why there weren’t any drop items or gold.
And since it was made by people, it was weaker than the Windcloud Dragon.
It all made sense.

“I understand the reason now.
And I’m not angry.
I feel a lot better now that I know.
Well, I’ll be leaving…”

“Please wait!”

“Ye-yes?”

“We do more for those who have the true proof.
It’s not just a discount at the inn!”

I see, it was still just a discount.
It wasn’t like you could stay for free after the test.

“First, please accept these two items!”

“This…Windcloud equipment!”

“Yes.
I think you have already acquired the ‘Haori,’ ‘Hakama’ and ‘Tabi’ from the Lord Windcloud Dragon, and we are supposed to choose the rest and hand it to the person who has the ‘proof.’”

In other words, the Windcloud Dragon dropped the same thing no matter who defeated it, but the equipment you received at the settlement was different depending on the person.
In my case, it took into account that I was an archer.

◆ Cloudpiercer Archer’s Glove
Type: Arms(Glove)
Attack: 35
Defense: 15
Range: 50
Weapon Skill: None

◆ Windstream Scarf
Type: Head(Scarf)
HP: 30
MP: 70
Weapon Skill: None

The Archer’s Glove was to protect your fingers when shooting.
It was made of very tough leather and covered three of your fingers.
While it would be comfortable enough when using the bow, any other movement would feel very restricting.

In spite of appearances, the gorilla fists were quite comfortable for subtle movement.
And while it didn’t affect range, it was also superior in terms of defense and skills.
But I couldn’t ignore the increase in attack power here.
There was also the fact that it was light, even though that part wasn’t included in its stats.
The gorilla fists were so big that they could act as a shield, but that meant they were also quite heavy.

Advantages and disadvantages.
I would probably end up alternating between the two depending on the need.

Then there was the scarf.
It was long and flowed in the wind.
Even just standing there, it looked very cool.
And I hadn’t even known that head gear affected your HP and MP.
As I used and recovered MP all of the time, it was pretty great to have it raised.

“Thank you for the wonderful equipment.
I will use it well.
Now…”

“One moment, please! There is still more…of the Windcloud equipment.”

“What!?”

“Allow me to take you to the treasure room.
There, I will give the last item.”

So it wasn’t just five items to complete the whole set?
I wonder what the last item could be…