Inside the Hunter Association building, Chairman Netero stood by his office window, looking down at the street scene below. His face wore an expression that was both conflicted and joyous.
Only minutes ago, he had heard from Cheadle about Allen's desire to challenge him. He was as excited as if he had returned to his youth. His heart, usually as calm as a lake, was suddenly rippling with anticipation.
However, Netero still had some concerns regarding this fight.
After all, Allen had only learned Nen less than two years ago. Even if he could devour the aura and abilities of others, there would surely be many shortcomings. He wasn't certain if the young man could truly withstand the full force of the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Thinking of this, the man, now over 120 years old, finally asked, "Do you believe he is qualified to stand before me?"
Cheadle shook her head with a wry smile. "Forgive me, Chairman, you know I am not specialized in combat. But there is one piece of news that might interest you."
"Oh? What is it?" Netero looked intrigued.
"Supposedly, on the night of the battle with the Phantom Troupe, someone near the Mafia headquarters saw a terrifying molten giant over thirty meters tall. During the fight, it released a massive fireball that detonated the underground natural gas pipes, blowing everything within a hundred-meter radius sky-high. Windows several kilometers away were shattered by the shockwave," Cheadle answered seriously.
"You mean... that was one of his abilities?" A bright spark flashed in Netero's eyes.
"Exactly! Afterward, Allen donated a large sum of money to establish a foundation specifically to compensate those who suffered losses. Based on that alone, I believe he has the capital to face you. Furthermore, he doesn't seem to face any restrictions when using his abilities; he can utilize multiple powers in battle. You needn't worry about his combat prowess. Most importantly, he knows of your ability and your near-unavoidable attack speed, yet he still chose to commission me to deliver this challenge."
Cheadle clearly understood the Chairman's concerns, so she laid out everything she knew. She placed a particular emphasis on the final point.
"Hahahaha! He knows and yet still chooses to challenge me? It seems I am finally going to welcome a true opponent."
Netero laughed heartily upon hearing this. This meant the challenge didn't stem from blindness or arrogance, but from thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what he would face.
In that case, he had nothing left to worry about. He would patiently await the challenger's arrival. He was certain it would be a long-awaited, blood-pumping battle!
...
Meanwhile, inside the Molten Core raid, the progression team led by Allen had already taken down the seventh, eighth, and ninth bosses. They were currently standing before Majordomo Executus's chest, chanting with devout expressions.
After a full minute, Allen reached out with his "God's Left Hand" and crouched down.
Instantly, three pieces of Epic gear appeared!
The Eye of Divinity!
Core Forged Greaves!
Corehound Tooth!
Not bad, not bad...
Although there was no Ancient Petrified Leaf, Allen wasn't disappointed. Even if he had the Leaf, it would be useless right now; he couldn't leave for the game world outside the raid, meaning he couldn't go to Felwood to start the quest for the epic bow and staff.
To be precise, after defeating the eighth boss, Golemagg the Incinerator, and obtaining his long-desired T1 8-piece set, this lockout's mission was already a complete success. Everything else was just a bonus.
"How is it? Anything I can use?" Baise leaned in with an expectant look.
"Sorry, nothing for you. But Bodoro got a pair of boots." Allen tossed the Core Forged Greaves to the martial artist.
The Corehound Tooth was naturally tucked into his own bag as a collectible and swap weapon. As for the Eye of Divinity, it was bound to rot in the chest.
"Where to next? We've cleared out all the monsters here, haven't we?" Bodoro asked without looking up while sitting down to change into his new boots.
"No. There's one left. Come on, let's try challenging the Firelord, Ragnaros!"
With that, Allen led the way toward the whirlpool of lava that led to the tenth boss.
A few minutes later, the three humans and one wolf arrived at the classic scene that had once stunned countless players.
Without hesitation, he deactivated his Hunter class panel and struck himself hard in the gut.
Thump!
"Ugh!"
As a mouthful of blood sprayed out, Allen began chanting in a low voice, conjuring the red-and-white protective armor.
But he wasn't done yet!
He followed up by commanding the hidden red dragon, "Vaelstrasz! Fusion!"
"As you wish!"
In the next second, the massive phantom of a red dragon flashed behind him!
Before the other two could react, Allen's body began to change drastically. Not only was his entire body covered in tough red scales, but horns sprouted from his head, and a thick tail and powerful wings appeared from his back.
By flapping his wings and creating a strong updraft, he could even hover in mid-air, performing various difficult flight maneuvers.
"This... this is?!"
Baise's eyes widened, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Dragonkin form! One of my few true trump cards! Since maintaining this state consumes a massive amount of aura, I'll keep it brief. You two stand at the cave entrance and use ranged attacks. Do not get too close, or you will die," Allen warned sternly.
"But I don't have a ranged weapon..." Bodoro reminded him quietly.
Without a word, Allen used his replication ability to copy the grenade launcher in Baise's hand and thrust it into the martial artist's arms. "Now you do!"
"Sigh, fine, I understand." Bodoro sighed helplessly.
It wasn't hard to tell from his expression that he would have preferred to get close for some intense melee combat, just as they had against the previous physical bosses. But Allen clearly didn't think the martial artist's fire resistance could withstand the scorching flames of Ragnaros, so he decided to take the lead himself.
After arranging their positions, he spoke directly to Majordomo Executus, triggering the boss fight countdown.
After a thirty-second cinematic, Ragnaros's colossal body rose from the magma vortex in the deepest part of the Molten Core. Countless plumes of lava erupted under the control of his furious emotions.
Such a spectacular, majestic, and magnificent visual impact left Bodoro and Baise dazed.
Though the presence of the previous bosses had been impressive, compared to this one, they weren't even fit to hold its shoes.
"Unbelievable! This... this guy is like a natural disaster!" Baise's hand trembled slightly as she held the grenade launcher.
"Agreed! Get ready for battle! I feel like my blood is starting to boil!"
In contrast, the fearless Bodoro was only filled with excitement and thrill, as if only in such an epic battle could he find the true value and meaning of his existence.