Isn’t it an Impossible Game for the Strongest Solo Gamer with Terrible Social Skills to Reincarnate as a Hated NPC in a VRMMO

70 Hierarchy Lord・Demon God Efreet②

The boss that exists every 10 floors――the hierarchy lord. The area where they reside is unlike any labyrinth we’ve explored so far. It’s not that large, and it’s impossible to get through without fighting.

In other words, this is an arena.

The ancient, ruined temple overgrown with vines and moss. The sacred, serene atmosphere of this space is like a cage that traps the explorers who enter. The fire-breathing demon beast, which looks like a lion with horns, is waiting for its prey. Its combat power is immense, and it’s not something you can take on solo.

――That’s what makes it interesting.

It’s impossible. The more people say it can’t be done, the more I get fired up. Is this the nature of a gamer? Since coming to this world, I’ve been enjoying this situation for the first time.

…That guy, Lilia…

…Yeah, yeah. She’s keeping a safe distance, not getting involved in the fight.

I’ll make sure to keep an eye on her location and not get too close.

“Is that the demon god Efreet…?”

I imagined a cheerful guy when I heard the name “scorching demon god,” but the real thing is a huge, intimidating presence. Since the flying sparks of fire would ignite equipment without fire resistance, it was a good decision to remove my uniform. As I approached Efreet, it summoned flames and wrapped itself in them, creating a so-called “flame armor.” In that state, Efreet was immune to fire attributes. Well, it’s not like I’d be stupid enough to try and use fire against a flame-wrapped enemy, but it’s a problem that one of my attack methods is now useless.

“――!!”

Efreet launched the flames it had wrapped around its body like a projectile. The accuracy was low, and the multiple fireballs it released hit random locations, burning and melting nearby stone statues. It’s clear what would happen if I got hit.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do in the current turn. The flame armor deals contact damage, and if I get too close, I’ll get burned. Even without physical resistance, it’s a close-range attacker. For now, it’s best to endure.

While keeping a medium range in mind, I narrowly avoided the incoming fireballs. The speed of the projectiles is fast, so if I’m not careful, I’ll be sent to the afterlife. If I’m too far away, I’ll get hit by a large-scale, close-range attack after a big jump, so I need to be careful not to get caught off guard.

Each time Efreet launched a fireball, its flame armor would dwindle slightly.

…Is it about time?

As I thought that, Efreet’s movements changed. The flames it had been suppressing suddenly burst into a massive blaze, and a fireball began to swell in its open mouth.

――Infinity Flare.

“Here it comes!!”

Efreets’ ultimate technique. The intense heat beam that could burn everything to ashes was impossible to dodge with conventional methods. I had been observing the timing from the start, and I managed to dodge the beam successfully. If I was a little late, I would have been directly hit, and my back would have been scorched.

The tank, equipped with flame-resistant gear, would often underestimate Efreets and get devoured. That would be a high-probability death.

If you’re lucky, you might survive with severe injuries. If not, it’s instant death.

Without the tank, the party would be unable to withstand the subsequent flame attacks and would be destroyed in a predictable pattern.

Is it okay to die in a game?

You can just revive and try again.

But this is reality.

There’s no resurrection magic in Legacion. When you die, you’re sent back to the respawn area. That’s not possible here.

That’s probably why the entire Academy’s progress is slow. Who wouldn’t cherish their life? You can’t just recklessly venture into high-risk areas.

“Counterattack chance!!”

After Efreets finished spewing flames, its flame armor disappeared. In its exhausted state, its movements became slow, making it the perfect time to deal damage.

I drew my rapier and sprinted towards Efreets. Although it wasn’t a pushover, its large attacks were easy to dodge. I avoided its swung arm, retreated, and used my thick upper arm as a foothold to jump towards Efreets’ head. While avoiding its punches in mid-air, I thrust my rapier towards the demon god’s right eye.

“GYaaaOO!!”

Efreets couldn’t withstand the damage to its eyeball and wildly swung its arms. Feeling the intense wind pressure from its fists, I retreated cautiously. After regaining its composure, Efreets summoned flames again, repeating the same motion pattern.

From then on, it was just a matter of work.

I dodged its attacks and targeted its weak spots. After about two hours, I remained unscathed, while Efreets was severely injured.

Efreets, with its body covered in black blood, slowly bowed its head before me.

“…”

…Sorry.

Thinking to myself, I thrust my rapier into Efreets’ forehead.

I didn’t intend to toy with it.

So, I just wanted it to die quickly.

My wish seemed to be granted, as a phosphorescent glow emerged from Efreets’ body. The sign of its disappearance. The demon god’s transformation into a magic crystal. Was it just my imagination? As it vanished, Efreets seemed to smile at me…

…What a convenient delusion.

I shook my head, and with my portal, I absorbed the remaining crimson magic crystal.

10th Floor Boss.

Efreets, the Blazing Demon God.

Clear.

—