Chapter 84: The Hero’s Tournament (XIII)
"242!"
"364!"
Two bright red numbers appeared—the rogue's ambush and backstab landed squarely on me.
Murong Shanshan seized the opportunity, rushing forward with her Night Elf Sword glowing cold and white—she was clearly about to unleash her ultimate move: Frost Slash!
I had no choice but to go all in! Now it was down to my reflexes and skill!
Three minutes—my Icebound Slash was ready. I released it in a flash, and to everyone's surprise, something unexpected happened!
Instead of striking the easier rogue target, my Icebound Slash landed squarely on Murong Shanshan, freezing her instantly in place. Her brilliant eyes blinked helplessly, utterly at a loss!
There was no time to waste. I turned and delivered a long-prepared combo to the rogue!
"452!"
"Attack missed!"
"446!"
Damn, one attack missed as the rogue dodged, but fortunately his health was already low. After losing another 900 HP, he still fell.
A chill crept up behind me—not good!
Murong Shanshan had broken free from the ice. From a distance, she sent a pent-up Sword Qi my way—345 damage, making my heart sink. The rogue Thief's earlier assault had already cost me over 1,000 HP. With Shanshan's strike, my health dropped to less than 600, while her HP was definitely still above 1,000!
It was starting to look like yesterday's duel with Murong Shanshan all over again. The only difference was her health was much higher this time, and my Icebound Slash was on a three-minute cooldown, whereas her Frost Slash was ready. With her PK skills, she wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
As expected, Murong Shanshan closed in quickly, her sword shimmering with icy light.
Now, the outcome would hinge on whether my calculations were correct! Murong Shanshan drew ever closer—
Five yards!
Four yards!
Three yards!
Two yards!
...
The time was right!
I swiftly slid back a step. A mere 0.01 seconds later, Murong Shanshan's cold Night Elf Sword swept past my nose, leaving a few icy petals clinging to my chest armor. I let out a breath—I had narrowly dodged her deadly strike.
Murong Shanshan's momentum carried her right up to me, just within striking range—combo incoming!
Crack! Crack! Crack! Her 1,000 HP plummeted to 200. As I prepared to unleash a heavy blow, Murong Shanshan suddenly slid back herself, swiftly mimicking the move I had just used!
Impressive! To control movement within 0.1 seconds like that was beyond what most players could do. Retreat too early, and the opponent's attack wouldn't be wasted; too late, and you'd be dead.
Amazed, I pressed forward and landed a normal attack. If I could just hit her one more time, my attack power would finish her. Unfortunately, Murong Shanshan wasn't about to give me that chance. After taking a normal attack, she quickly retreated, and the freezing effect finally wore off.
Like a dancing sprite, Murong Shanshan’s fiery figure dashed back at three 45-degree angles, instantly widening the distance to nearly five yards.
Not good! She was stalling for her Sword Qi's cooldown! With only 340 HP left, I couldn't risk it; if her Sword Qi hit, the outcome would be uncertain.
I chased straight after her, refusing to be led by the nose, narrowing the gap between us.
"Shanshan, slow down!" I couldn't help shouting on the public channel.
Murong Shanshan glanced back, loosing a Sword Qi with a giggle, "What did you say?"
Seeing I had only 21 HP left, I was stunned—she had tricked me again!
This would be the final strike!
Her sword darted toward me, and I darted back several steps. She’d seized the initiative—if I pressed on, I’d surely lose my life.
I shifted directions several times in quick succession. Murong Shanshan couldn't quite adapt to my evasive maneuvers and couldn't get close, buying me precious time!
The match had already run six minutes—my Icebound Slash was about ready!
Murong Shanshan must have realized what I was waiting for. Two minutes passed; blue energy flickered along her sword blade. She stopped advancing, knowing I couldn't escape her grasp in the short term anyway.
Sensing the danger, I charged at her instead, not bothering with skill windups. My Dark Sword landed a normal attack on her at the same moment her blue Sword Qi crashed down on me!
...
There was a hush. No sound at all. The beautiful girl who had stood before me a moment ago was gone.
System message: Your attack dealt 364 damage to Murong Shanshan!
System message: You dodged Murong Shanshan's Sword Qi skill!
System message: Congratulations, you have defeated player Murong Shanshan. Your team has won the championship in this season's Team Heroes Challenge!
...
I couldn't believe it. I checked the system messages again, just to be sure—
We really had won. First place in the team event!
"Whoosh!"
All the players who made it to the semifinals were teleported onto the stage. Xinyu and Xuehan dashed over, laughing, "We thought we'd lost for sure, but you actually beat two of them on your own. We really underestimated you!"
I was about to reply when I noticed Murong Shanshan approaching, fuming, with Keke hiding behind her, trying to stifle her laughter.
I quickly gave an awkward laugh, "Shanshan, you look even prettier today..."
Murong Shanshan glanced at me and smiled, "Let’s just say I let you win. How about this—buy me dinner and we’ll call it even. Any objections?"
Keke and I were both dumbfounded—was one meal enough to settle things with Murong Shanshan?
"Deal!" I agreed immediately. The prize draw was coming up—if I got a top-tier item, what was a dinner in comparison?
...
The prize draw was about to begin!
Fei'er sauntered over with a sultry gait, announcing, "The final match has ended. Thank you to both teams for an exciting game. Now for the prize draw. The twelve teams who made the top sixteen, except for the final four, have already received their randomly awarded prizes in their inventories—please check them. Now, we will hold the prize draw for the four semifinal teams. Would all members of Berserker Squad and Leafcutter Ants please come on stage to receive your rewards!"
It was starting—Team TOT was already drooling in anticipation...