Chapter 242 – Soul Shepherd

The flow of light was extremely rapid. At least from Punk’s perspective, the time from the start of the teleportation to landing firmly on the ground again was less than a second. During this period, Punk was certain that even with the System’s analysis, he hadn’t detected any spatial fluctuations. This demonstrated just how advanced this teleportation ability was.

The light screen before his eyes quickly dissipated, and Punk immediately began gathering information about his surroundings.

It was a large room, bigger than a football field on Earth. The walls were naturally made of that mysterious Legendary alchemical creation, and the room remained quite empty—devoid of any gas or water sources. Aside from four seemingly worn-out lanterns placed in the four corners of the walls, there were only a few large metallic-glowing stones on the ground.

However, thanks to the faintly glowing alchemical walls, the vast “Trial Grounds” weren’t too dark. A faint golden glow barely illuminated most areas of the trial grounds.

While quickly collecting environmental information, Punk also noticed that his clothes had been changed without him realizing it. The Master-level Robe he had been wearing, including the Storage Ring and Emerald Staff, were now gone.

Though Punk wasn’t surprised that this Netherese Civilization ruin could change his clothes unnoticed, he still deeply despised this strict and rigid “anti-cheating” measure. After all, even without activating any solidified spells, his Master-level Robe alone had the toughness to withstand rocket launchers just from its materials.

“Damn this ragged cloth robe doesn’t even have a hood—so stingy with fabric!”

Punk complained inwardly. His azure hair and pointed ears were unusually exposed, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

But this was the eve of battle. All the above thoughts were processed by Punk in mere fractions of a second. Now he was silently observing his enemy—the tall, slender figure standing in the center of the grounds.

The lanky figure floated in the air, draped in a tattered black cloak. It had only three fingers, each composed of pale bones. Its face was completely obscured by shadows, revealing no features or expression—only three ghostly, flame-like eyes coldly staring at Punk across from it.

Clearly, Punk’s enemy wasn’t human. Punk recognized this creature—it was a complete undead being, a Soul Shepherd!

These semi-spectral, semi-corporeal monsters typically roamed the Nether Plane. They were usually highly skilled at manipulating vengeful spirits and could rapidly replenish their energy by devouring the souls of other creatures—hence the name “Soul Shepherd.”

After reaching the Formal-Level, these monsters possessed intelligence no less than that of humans. They all cultivated mana, but most Soul Shepherds didn’t use it to cast spells. Instead, they focused on developing their innate abilities. Therefore, the vast majority of Soul Shepherds followed the path of innate sorcerers (sorcerers specializing in innate skills).

By combining his environmental observations with analysis of the Soul Shepherd’s biological data, Punk gathered considerable intelligence in less than a second:”Well, summing it up, I still have three advantages.

First: This isn’t the Nether Plane, and there aren’t any undead creatures here, so the Soul Shepherd’s signature ‘HP and MP recovery skill—Soul Devour’ can’t be used.

Second: The wraiths summoned by the Soul Shepherd are generally not very agile, and this wide-open space is perfect for hit-and-run tactics.

Lastly: As a ‘learned’ spellcaster, I have a good understanding of the Soul Shepherd’s innate spells, but he can’t possibly know what spells I specialize in.”

“It seems like the advantages are quite significant… significant my ass! He’s a Master-Level Soul Shepherd—your advantages can go to hell!”

Punk almost cursed out loud. Just moments ago, with the System’s auxiliary perception, he’d confirmed that the figure standing opposite him was a Level 15 Master-Level powerhouse who had just stepped over the threshold. Though Punk was Level 14, only one level below, that single level represented a major realm leap. If Punk were to flee, he might have some confidence, but trying to face off against him head-on without magical items… that was just asking for death, wasn’t it!

Punk didn’t even have time to curse before he had to dash sideways to get away from his original spot. He’d seen a faint glimmer of light on the Soul Shepherd’s finger.

Already on high alert, Punk didn’t hesitate and immediately evaded. The escape combo of “Kinetic Ejection” + “Mana Compression” was becoming more and more second nature to him.

As it turned out, Punk’s reaction was absolutely correct.

Right behind him, a pitch-black beam of light nearly grazed his back. The kinetic energy enveloping Punk’s body was instantly eroded by a significant portion.

The silent black light struck empty space. Of course, the alchemical floor wouldn’t suffer even a scratch from a mere Master-Level attack, but the pure negative energy that spilled forth carried an undeniably terrifying aura. The temperature in that area instantly dropped to over a hundred degrees below zero. Even Punk, still in high-speed motion, couldn’t help but shiver.

“Master-Level Evocation spell—Negative Energy Finger (innate spell version)… I absolutely cannot get hit. One touch, and I’m done for!”

Feeling the waves of negative energy behind him, Punk warily reached this conclusion—it was a full-fledged Master-Level spell, not weakened in the slightest. If he weren’t careful and got grazed, he’d be utterly annihilated, without a trace left!

While sprinting at full speed, Punk tried firing an ordinary “Kinetic Cone” at the Soul Shepherd, who remained standing at the center of the “Trial Grounds.” Unfortunately, the Soul Shepherd blocked it with a contemptuous glance, instantly casting an innate spell.

“Master-Level Evocation spell—Negative Energy Aura (innate spell version).”

“Damn it! Well, I really am dealing with a damn ghost… How am I supposed to fight this thing? One touch and I’m dead, my attacks can’t even break through its defense. Am I supposed to outlast a Master-Level sorcerer in a battle of attrition? I bet that thing could wear down ten of me!”

Even the usually calm Punk was growing anxious now. Another “Negative Energy Finger” had just whizzed past him. If Punk hadn’t cleverly canceled his “Kinetic Ejection” mid-air, his head would already be gone!”How the hell are you supposed to fight this kind of boss? It’s totally cheating, isn’t it!”

Punk could only deliberately act flustered and panicked, trying his best to deceive the Soul Shepherd whose cunning level remained unknown. It would be best to keep the other party’s contempt ongoing.

Punk had already calmed down internally—a little anxiety wouldn’t affect his thinking!

“There must be a way. The Netherese Civilization wouldn’t just send its inheritor to die for no reason. A theoretical chance of victory absolutely exists”!

Caught a cold, IV drips are expensive, but I’ll tough it out! Updates won’t be affected though.

(End of Chapter)