Genius Chapter 102: Newbie

Chapter 102: Newbie

Translated by Karai of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Addis

ScarletFruit said, “From this moment on, I suddenly feel deeply like a newbie.”

Watermelon steadied himself on the swinging chain, “Isn’t this outrageous!? How come ScarletFruit gets a ‘Little Lucky’ revive in place!?”

“Watermelon, look at everyone else,” Apple finally emerged from the lamp and leaped down from above to join the fight with teammates, “Why is it ‘Little Lucky’ for others when they die, but ‘Great Unlucky’ for you?”

After ScarletFruit revived with full mana and health, he intensified his healing efforts. The two bears at the entrance of the chamber couldn’t block the boss, who pushed half of its body through the doorway from outside. Swinging its chain, it struck directly into the crowd.

“ScarletFruit, focus on healing the group,” Su Mo instructed succinctly, “Everyone else, fall back and keep your distance from the boss.”

CloudTraveller said, “We can’t hold it back anymore. It’s finding a way in.”

Su Mo frowned, “Hold on a bit longer. We just need to rescue ClearWind and kawaii.”

ClearWind and kawaii’s lamps were in the back half of the chamber. It took time to climb over the swinging chains, slowing down the rescue effort. Finally, when the two assassins reached their respective teammates’ vicinity, the defense at the entrance of the chamber collapsed completely.

The skeletal monster, Death Patrol of the Dead, entered from the doorway. Its hollow eye sockets burned with crimson flames, and its chains dragged along the ground, sending shivers down everyone’s spine.

Seeing this, Su Mo immediately commanded, “Gather around CloudTraveller! Everyone except the assassins!”

The teammates on the ground hurriedly rushed over to gather. At that moment, the boss swung its chain, smashing directly onto the shield opened by CloudTraveller, dealing 10% more damage than before.

“Oh damn, is it this intense once inside the hall?”

“It’s not just after entering the hall; it originally had this damage. It’s just that it was all blocked outside earlier.” Su Mo instantly understood this mechanism. The chain was a skill with decreasing damage radius—the closer you were, the higher the damage.

“CloudTraveller, pull it into the corner.”

The chamber was square-shaped, and the corner wasn’t far from the entrance.

CloudTraveller decisively dashed to the corner, locking the boss in place. After entering the hall, it didn’t stubbornly move in other directions but followed him to the corner’s vicinity.

“Ranged DPS, maintain distance and output. Array masters, be ready to activate defense arrays at any time,” Su Mo ordered. “Healers, watch your healing distance, and don’t let healing be interrupted.”

At that moment, Watermelon exclaimed, “They’re rescued!”

The two teammates trapped in the green lamps finally received their rescue. Four people promptly descended from above and positioned themselves accordingly.

At this moment, the boss’s health was at 92%. Its crimson gaze instantly locked onto UnchainedWanderer and Little Treasure from the crowd, issuing two lines that connected them from its center.

“UnchainedWanderer, Little Treasure, get out of the crowd!” Su Mo urgently shouted.

The two moved away—one in front, the other behind. A red circle with a radius of about 3 meters suddenly expanded around them. Su Mo glanced at the boss, noticing its left eye darken suddenly. Less than two seconds later, the two red circles binding the teammates exploded instantly. UnchainedWanderer activated a defense array to withstand the damage with low health remaining, while Little Treasure from Cold Family died instantly.

HealsFor25000 quickly healed Yu Zhen, “Was this also a targeted skill? Didn’t survive without activating the defense!”

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain·Mechanical Iron Prison] Player Little Treasure from Cold Family died, triggering the [Minor Disaster] event. The players’ defense capabilities decreased by 3% for 30 minutes.]

“No, this shouldn’t be an ordinary targeted skill.”

Su Mo looked at the boss’s eyes. At this moment, the flames in its eyes seemed to calm down, indeed the left eye had just extinguished while the right eye lit up. Did this mean that this skill might have variable effects?

“Foolish ants, HealsFor25000, do you dare provoke me?”

HealsFor25000 exclaimed, “Damn, it targeted me!”

Su Mo commanded firmly, “Xiao Er, get out of the crowd. ScarletFruit, prepare to revive him. As soon as he dies, pull him up.”

The buzzing instruments flew up again, rushing directly towards HealsFor25000. This skill left no room for resistance; even though HealsFor25000 had more health than ScarletFruit, it was a fatal blow.

“Is it randomly targeting healers?” CloudTraveller asked.

Su Mo glanced at the output and threat lists from the corner of his eye. “Possibly. Healers, pay attention. Let’s see what the next skill is.”

The boss’s health dropped to 89%, and it once again used the linking skill, targeting ScarletFruit and Old Daoist Doesn’t Understand Love.

“Get out of the crowd!” Su Mo immediately shouted at the boss. He saw its right eye darken, and suddenly felt a bad feeling in his heart. Just then, the red circles formed by the two linked teammates exploded instantly. Except for ScarletFruit and Old Daoist, everyone’s health dropped to 20% in that instant.

Su Mo’s pupils contracted. “Everyone, use your potions!”

Within three seconds of his shout, the boss’s chains struck again, dealing a second heavy blow to everyone. The entire group was left with minimal health. CloudTraveller suffered another critical hit, emptying his health bar, and the boss’s threat shifted to the second tank, Kawaii.

“Damn! If I hadn’t used the potion just now, I’d be dead.”

“What was that circle just now!? The whole group lost health.”

“The mechanics are a bit outrageous. Should we avoid this circle? Why didn’t we take damage just now, but now we are taking damage again!?” 

[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison] player CloudTraveller has died, triggering an event [Medium Blessing], increasing the base defense of all players by 5% for 30 minutes.]

At this moment, this was the only positive status effect in their team. 

The previous Medium Blessing brought by ScarletFruit’s death and the negative effects brought by Kawaii and others had long disappeared after 30 minutes. The new status was an increase in base defense by 5%, which was good news for everyone.

“Kawaii has high defense and will take on the main aggro. CloudTraveller, focus on aggro output.” Su Mo glanced at the DPS and aggro lists, but just then, the boss’s voice rang out again— 

“You, the arrogant ant, MasterGlobal’s Kawaii, do you also dare to challenge me?” 

Seeing this reminder, everyone was shocked. Wasn’t this supposed to target healing?! Kawaii dashed out of the crowd and was instantly killed by a powerful blow. 

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanism Iron Prison] Player MasterGlobal’s Kawaii, died, triggering an event [Minor Misfortune], reducing the player’s base health by 3%, lasting for 30 minutes.

“No, the order of targeting isn’t the healing or positioning sequence,” Su Mo suddenly had a bold guess.

At this moment, the boss’s tethering skill descended again, and the two people affected prepared to move away from the crowd. However, they suddenly heard the command:

“Don’t move far, just stand beside the crowd, don’t get caught in the circle.”

Others didn’t understand, but they still followed the command. Su Mo kept an eye on the changes in the boss’s right eye, and sure enough, the next moment it darkened. Immediately he ordered, “Main tank, stay put. Everyone, get into the red circle! Don’t stay outside the red circle.” Upon this command, others hesitated for a moment. Some moved quickly, while others moved slowly. But the boss’s skill didn’t wait for anyone. About two seconds after the right eye darkened, the red circle exploded instantly. Those who hadn’t entered the red circle immediately saw their health drop to 20%!

“Wow, I didn’t lose any health!”

“Does this circle even cause damage?”

“I’m getting confused. So now we should enter the circle?”

“Listen to the command, don’t rush,” Su Mo saw Kawaii’s health and reminded, “Healers, top off the health, focus on the main tank.”

After the red circle exploded, the boss followed up with chain attacks and single-target assaults. Even though Kawaii had high endurance, their health fluctuated significantly like a roller coaster.

“At this rate, the resurrection cooldown might not be ready in time,” Yu Zhen warned.

“I know,” Su Mo frowned slightly. Yu Zhen paused briefly at his words, glancing at Su Mo from the corner of his eye. This time, there wasn’t a specific distance to pull away, and the potential result of death could mean a wipe for the entire team, with the possibility of hidden gameplay rewards, but also immense pressure. Su Mo’s command this time was exceptionally steady. From the beginning until now, he had been considering multiple scenarios, and the testing of skills was not as daring as before. Yu Zhen had originally thought Su Mo was under immense pressure, but just now, in a situation where everyone was uncertain about the red circle, he dared to instruct teammates to take the risk and enter it.

Yu Zhen withdrew his gaze, having coordinated with Su Mo through many dungeons. In such situations, there was only one possibility—Su Mo was waiting. But waiting for what?

At that moment, a perplexing command appeared on the voice channel.

Commander, “25000, stop healing.”

Even 25000 himself couldn’t help but be puzzled, and the other teammates were even more bewildered by this sudden command to stop healing. Stopping DPS might be for some mechanism, but stopping healing? What was going on? In a raid of 15 people, there were originally only 3 healers, and one of them was the lucky cleric. The boss occasionally used AoE attacks. Wasn’t stopping healing playing with fire in such a situation?!

Just then, the boss targeted someone again, and this time it was a healer.

“Foolish ants, ScarletFruit14, do you also dare to provoke me?”

ScarletFruit, who was called out, was somewhat excited, “Damn, it’s my turn again!”

He immediately ran away from the crowd, and the instruments on the wall started moving again.

“25000, continue healing. ColdHeart, watch the group’s health.” The commander’s voice echoed again after calling out, “ColdHeart, do you have a resurrection? Prepare to revive ScarletFruit.”

At that moment, the instruments fell, and ScarletFruit was instantly defeated.

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison] player ScarletFruit14 died, triggering event [Lucky Break], gaining status [On-site Resurrection].

ScarletFruit exclaimed, “Damn!!! Am I this amazing?!”

The other teammates were dumbfounded.

“This is going too far, another on-site resurrection?!”

“Is Lucky Flow really this amazing? And aren’t these supposed to be random times? Each unlucky break has different outcomes, why does ScarletFruit always get a resurrection?!”

“Yeah, Critical Luck is only a 25% chance, one in four. How does he manage to hit it every time?”

ScarletFruit’s luck was getting ridiculously overboard. If earlier luck with the small mobs was just fortunate timing to get two lucky breaks, then surviving two boss encounters with two lucky breaks and on-site resurrections was completely beyond reason.

“I don’t think so. From what we’ve seen so far, ScarletFruit’s luck attribute should be the highest on the server. If his luck is high enough to boost the probability of lucky events close to 100%, then the chance of him encountering unlucky events would be very low,” Su Mo explained briefly. “Luck points and probability points complement each other, making the probability of ScarletFruit encountering unlucky events extremely low. Therefore, the only variable factor left is the fluctuation in event outcomes.”

“On-site resurrection can be considered the most common lucky event. In a team where other healers have resurrection skills, the utility of this on-site resurrection event for team members isn’t significant,” Su Mo speculated. “So I guess ScarletFruit’s high luck means he’s likely to encounter lucky events, and among these events, the relatively less useful on-site resurrection might appear with a high probability.”

“So, does that mean the on-site resurrection appears when his luck is not so good?” Apple asked.

“Wow! Can a Lucky Flow summoner be a thing? If so, I’m switching careers immediately,” FireworksAndLanterns exclaimed.

Watermelon: “Does it deal 999 or 9999 damage?”

ClearWind: “ScarletFruit’s luck starts from the base point and there are random bonuses from the character’s initial stats. It’s not easy to stack up luck numbers like his.”

UnchainedWanderer: “Is there any way to make the boss consistently target him? If ScarletFruit dies, he either resurrects or buffs the entire team. Making sure he dies is the safest option!”

ScarletFruit felt complex emotions but also a strange sense of satisfaction, “I never thought there would be a day when I could contribute to the team by dying.”

“In dreams alone are ideals found.”

“You’re thinking too much. Random naming is random. Trying to get a precise callout is too difficult.”

While others marveled at ScarletFruit’s luck, Commander Momo suddenly responded, “Precise callouts? Yes, there are.”

ScarletFruit: “?”

Others: “?????”

CloudTraveller asked, “How did you figure it out?”

“Hatred. The naming skill targets the third from the bottom of the hatred list.” Su Mo had been watching the hatred list all along, so he unexpectedly noticed the change in hatred. “At the beginning, the two assassins and three trapped individuals were not on the boss’s hatred list. The bottom three were three healers, and ScarletFruit healed the most, so the hatred was on him.”

Immediately after Kawaii was jumping to intercept the boss’s chain, they were just rescued and joined the battle. The assassins and physical swordsmen quickly generated hatred, while Kawaii, being a semi-healing flow, had moderate output and happened to be stuck at the third-to-last position in terms of hatred.

Upon hearing this, most teammates immediately understood. Therefore, when the command was given earlier for 25000 to stop healing, it was because 25000’s healing threat was very close to ScarletFruit’s healing threat. By stopping one’s healing, it stabilized the threat value of the other.

Healers have skills to clear hatred. Under normal circumstances, the healer’s hatred is the lowest in the entire group, and fluctuations mainly occur due to differences in healing amounts. DPS hatred can be controlled by stopping output, while healer hatred, if not cleared using skills, can only be stabilized by suppressing healing amounts.

“I’ve figured out the skill mechanics. From now on, listen to my command,” Su Mo’s voice became clear and decisive. “Main tank is on Kawaii. Melee professions and HealsFor25000 stay close to the boss. Cleric, array master, and summoner remain flexible in the middle position. ColdHeart, magical swordsman, marksman, and Daoist priest provide ranged output.”

Su Mo briefly explained the skills to the teammates, “Everyone adjust your positions. This boss currently only has five identified mechanism skills…”

Death Patroller·Necromancer, in addition to its single-target attack on the main tank, currently has five identified mechanism skills:

1. Blood Pool: Blood splashed by the chain inflicts a bleeding debuff for 7 seconds.
2. Chain AoE: The chain sweeps towards the crowd, causing massive damage which decreases with distance. The farther away, the lower the damage.
3. Line of Sight Targeting – Right Eye: The boss extinguishes its right eye, linking two people and creating a red circle beneath their feet. Entering the circle causes no damage, but teammates outside the circle will suffer forced percentage-based damage until reaching 20% health.
4. Line of Sight Targeting – Left Eye: The boss extinguishes its left eye, linking two people and creating a red circle beneath their feet. Entering the circle results in massive damage, but there is no damage outside the circle. Damage can be mitigated using defensive skills to avoid death.
5. Chain Targeting Kill: The boss targets the third-to-last entity on the current threat list for an instant kill attack.

Upon hearing this, the others relaxed for a while.

HealsFor25000 froze, “You’ve seen it clearly?”

“So quickly? It’s only been a few cycles of skills.”

“I heard it, but it didn’t register.”

“Anyway, just focus on dealing damage and dodging skills, right?”

“So, in simple terms, watch for the boss to extinguish its right eye and enter the circle, extinguish its left eye and avoid the circle, and keep the third-to-last threat on ScarletFruit,” Su Mo summarized, “Other DPS, reset threat upon death and immediately stabilize it by attacking. Healers, be ready to manage threat as needed.”

“Not understanding is okay,” the commander’s voice remained calm and devoid of any emotion, “You’ll understand after a few deaths.”

Others: “?”

Watermelon shivered, recognizing the familiar tone and urgent atmosphere.

At that moment, the connection lines descended again, locking onto two people in the crowd.

Su Mo immediately directed, “Those pulled by the lines stand in the middle. If the right eye is extinguished, move into the group; if the left eye is extinguished, find a corner to withstand.”

After the recent positioning adjustments, their formation was divided into three segments.

Once targeted by the connection, the instructions were clear. Due to the staggered positioning, the circles generated by the connections were also clear, making it easier to move and evade. The middle position was closer to all three groups, facilitating easier maneuvering.

“Get into the circle!”

At that moment, when the right eye was extinguished, the person pulled by the line ran into the crowd, with others rushing in around them. Except for ScarletFruit, everyone managed to dash into the circle before the skill exploded. As the explosion landed, those inside the circle suffered no damage, while a few who hadn’t made it in time had their health reduced to 20%.

“Wow, that was close!”

“How did you notice this mechanism? One slip-up and it could wipe out the entire team.”

“Yeah, losing 20% of health in one go—if healing doesn’t catch up, the whole team would be wiped out.”

“Commander’s on point!”

“Focus heals on the main tank!” Su Mo immediately followed up with another command after the skill damage, “Everyone else spread out, watch the aggro, and pay attention to chains and target selections.”

Fortunately, the healing was strong, promptly restoring everyone’s health after the damage.

“You guys dropping health like that is really heart-stopping,” sighed ColdHeart, “I was genuinely afraid that in the blink of an eye, you’d all be gone.”

ScarletFruit quipped, “Small setbacks, small setbacks, brother. Once you get used to it, it’s nothing. Besides, we still have BigHeals here.”

BigHeals·25000 remained expressionless, “That’s why we have so many squishy classes in our group!”

With fifteen people in the raid, apart from two warriors and MasterGlobal’s Kawaii array master, everyone else was indeed playing squishy classes. While the damage output was explosive, the amount of damage taken was equally frightening.

CloudTraveller and the others were highly proficient in the dungeon. After listening to the commander’s explanation of the mechanics, they quickly grasped all the tricks after just one cycle of skills. The only close call was with the three newcomers, who almost got caught off guard and wiped by the circle the first time around. After a few attempts, they finally understood the meaning of “die a few times to understand.”

Compared to just talking about it, experiencing it firsthand was indeed more impactful.

While they had figured out the mechanics of the skills, the boss’s use of skills followed no particular order. Su Mo kept an eye on the boss’s skill changes; sometimes it would consecutively use connection skills or chain attacks, with timings and sequences seeming off-kilter. There appeared to be no discernible pattern to explore.

“Fruit, you might be getting targeted next.”

In the moments that followed, everyone in the team witnessed what it meant to be the chosen one by lady luck.

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison] Player ScarletFruit14 died, triggering event [Small Lucky], gaining the status [Revive on the Spot]]

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison] Player ScarletFruit14 died, triggering event [Small Lucky], gaining the status [Revive on the Spot]] 

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison] Player ScarletFruit14 died, triggering event [Medium Lucky], all players’ base health increased by 5%, lasting 30 minutes]

…….

When ScarletFruit’s health dropped to 55%, he had died a total of 8 times, providing his teammates with 3 attribute buffs: defense, health, and movement speed. The remaining 5 times, as commanded, were all instances of revival on the spot.

“Today, I truly witnessed what ‘out of the ordinary’ means.”

“So this is what it looks like to be incredibly lucky…”

“I never realized how useful the Luck attribute is. I used to think it was useless.”

“Let Fruit keep sacrificing himself, I want those buffs.”

Watermelon mechanically swung his blade and asked, “How much is the market price for Lucky gear now?”

FireworksAndLanterns replied, “Not expensive. There aren’t many people investing in Luck gear. Are you thinking of switching, Watermelon?”

Watermelon was genuinely considering it, “Assassin’s basic attack speed is high. I feel like a Luck-based Assassin could work, with a fast enough attack speed to trigger Luck more frequently.”

ScarletFruit immediately seized the opportunity, “Buying equipment, boss? I’ve got plenty of Lucky gear and high-grade Lucky materials in my warehouse. Considering our friendship, I’ll give you a 10% discount, definitely cheaper than market price.”

ClearWind responded, “Brother, high attack speed increases the probability… but even with a 99% chance, when luck turns, it can still deal that 1% of 999 damage. Do you believe it?”

ScarletFruit retorted, “Nonsense. My gear, my Lucky materials, they’re all red, no black. Just look at my brother, he soared to the top of the summoner rankings thanks to my materials. Boss Watermelon, buy my gear and see for yourself, it’s guaranteed to be lucky.”

As the team grew more relaxed after mastering the mechanics, a few remained vigilant. CloudTraveller kept an eye on the boss’s health, UnchainedWanderer’s defensive array was ready, Watermelon was on high alert, and HealsFor25000 was ready with ample healing…

They all knew that the boss’s 50% health mark was a daunting watershed.

Just then, the boss’s health hit 50%!

Instantly, the boss’s attacks halted, and his gaze shifted to the chaotic chains and dim lanterns hanging in the center of the chamber. With a slight raise of its hand, the chains began to shake violently, and the blood in the pool boiled more intensely. This sudden change made everyone instantly alert.

Immediately after, they faced an unprecedented onslaught.

“You ants… you have successfully enraged me,” the boss’s voice growled with deep anger. “Come forth, my blades, teach them a lesson.”

The instruments on the wall flew in succession, the boss’s chains slammed violently onto the ground, and blood spilled from the pool, spreading across the floor and even beginning to overflow…

CloudTraveller immediately deployed shields to protect the melee professions. The defensive arrays of the two array masters stacked up rapidly. However, even with these measures, under the relentless assault of instruments, chains, and blood, their team suffered a terrifying group damage.

Su Mo instantly understood that 50% was indeed a turning point. Not only did the boss’s skills intensify, but multiple group attacks also occurred. Based on previous encounters with seven-star bosses, such burst skills would continue to appear.

“Can you hold on?” 

“We can still hold on! But not for long.”

“The rate of health loss is too fast, our healing isn’t enough!” 

“Potion!!” 

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison]] Player Little Treasure from Cold Family has died, triggering the event [Great Misfortune], reducing the movement speed of all players by 5% for 30 minutes. 

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison]] Player WhatAHugeWatermelon has died, triggering the event [Medium Fortune], increasing the movement speed of all players by 3% for 30 minutes.

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison]] Player ZenSlasher has died, triggering the event [Small Fortune], gaining the status [Resurrected on the Spot]. The boss’s ultimate skill lasted for 10 seconds, instantly claiming three lives from the team, with one person receiving a resurrection and barely surviving.

The two healers immediately used their resurrection skills to revive Little Treasure and Watermelon. The scene before them changed once again. The boss remained in the corner, but the blood had spread up to their knees. The debuff from the blood water lasted for 7 seconds, and being constantly in it meant enduring a continuous bleeding debuff.

“All ranged, focus on the chains, avoid the water,” Su Mo scanned the terrain. The ground was no longer viable for standing. Their healing capacity was already insufficient, and if they continued to stand in the water, their health would inevitably plummet. The elevated positions were completely inadequate… He jumped onto a chain, grabbed onto the rusty chain, and looked at the scattered lamps all around…

The relay points were too scattered, and the healing was already inadequate, unable to be spread out.

At that moment, he suddenly noticed the descending chains and had another new idea in mind. He urgently said, “Bro, boost damage for the assassin and physical swordsman. ZenSlasher, Watermelon, follow me!”

“Bro?!”

Accustomed to calling out IDs directly while commanding, most players in the team were momentarily stunned upon hearing the term “bro.” Before they could even process it, they saw UnchainedWanderer leaping up, stepping on the edge of the chain, and the damage-boosting array landed on the three approaching melee fighters.

Others asked, “?”

Watermelon couldn’t help but glance at the array master.

“How many layers?” Yu Zhen asked.

“Four layers,” Su Mo jumped to a high point, aimed at a spot, and immediately swung his lantern staff down. The chains below shook, and indeed, a crack appeared. “All physical attack professions, come over here and cut down these chains.”

Cut down!? When Watermelon jumped up, he saw the summoner continuously striking his lantern staff against the chains. After about five or six seconds, the chains snapped, thunderously dropping two green lanterns, entangling the other chains below.

MasterGlobal’s Kawaii understood instantly. Momo intended to break the chains in mid-air to create a landing point. She immediately followed UnchainedWanderer’s footsteps, placing the damage-boosting array above the teammates working hard to cut the chains.

“Those in the chain link, stay put. Everyone else, gather over here.” Su Mo coordinated with the assassin to cut another chain. He multitasked, and in the instant the flames extinguished in the boss’s eyes, he quickly noticed, “Left eye, chain link jumps to blood pool. Others, stay put.”

The person who jumped into the blood pool below activated their defense skill and barely withstood the onslaught, quickly taking a potion and scrambling to jump onto the chains.

At this moment, the boss’s health dropped to 46%, and six chains in the air snapped.

The broken chains intertwined with others, forming a chaotic makeshift platform in mid-air. Although there were gaps, several green lanterns along with the chains were enough to support seven or eight people standing.

“Everyone, switch positions. All ranged healers, move up high. ScarletFruit and the warrior, stay on the ground,” Su Mo confirmed the positions. “Quickly, Watermelon, pull the mobs over here, to the right.”

Watermelon immediately pulled the mobs backward. His movement speed wasn’t fast, but at this critical moment, he used almost all his acceleration skills to barely reach the area under the chains.

“Is the attack range sufficient…?” Watermelon had just asked when he realized a crucial point: the position he pulled the mobs to was right at the edge of the blood pool, directly below where his teammates were stationed on the edge platform.

Just moments ago, Su Mo had moved to the left to cut the chains, and the spot where they fell happened to wrap together perfectly. Whether by coincidence or not, it was just right.

CloudTraveller also noticed this. Their position was sufficiently forward, the platform was spacious, leaving plenty of room for melee attackers. Most importantly, together with their teammates, they formed a vertical three-tiered attack.

The highest tier consisted of ranged DPS and healers standing at elevated positions, with a narrow spot in the middle for ScarletFruit to handle targeted attacks. The lowest tier was reserved for melee professions needing to engage the boss up close.

The chain’s position was elevated, making it ideal for vertical healing range. Crucially, they weren’t completely vertical, allowing for clear sightlines. This setup ensured that ranged professions wouldn’t encounter obstacles blocking their line of fire. In this scenario, even if the boss unleashed its ultimate skill again, they would have both the time and the space to evade it.

“Firework, summon Black Tortoise. All melee, focus on Black Tortoise for DPS.”

Black Tortoise emerged from the water, positioned above without being submerged in the blood pool.

“When the red circle for tethering appears, do not move. If it’s the left eye, those in the circle should jump into the blood pool to absorb the damage themselves. If it’s the right eye, stay up here and shield your teammates,” Su Mo adjusted the defensive strategy quickly. “Melee, same applies. Confirm left or right eye; if you’re in the circle, move; if not, hold position.”

“Attention, from now on, melee and ranged stay separated. It’s too risky for melee to run if the circle isn’t for them,” Su Mo’s voice remained calm but firm. “Also, if the healers can’t reach you in time, use your own potions for survival. Don’t wait for healing; our healing capacity is severely limited.”

Upon hearing this directive, everyone abandoned other thoughts and became tense and cautious.

ScarletFruit suddenly asked, “Bro, what about me?”

“You do as you like. If you can make it, go to the melee circle; if not, find a nearby spot to lie down,” Su Mo replied succinctly. “Anyway, you won’t die. Even if you do, the healers can revive you quickly.”

The commander’s tone was exceedingly flat, simply implying a casual approach to death.

“I envy that!”

“We don’t even need to worry about positioning anymore, just do whatever.”

“So this is how lucky people are treated in the team?”

Whether benefiting teammates by dying or getting revived if not dead, the commander seemed indifferent to the situation.

ScarletFruit felt Dungeon was unusually friendly towards him for the first time and laughed proudly, “Don’t envy me, everyone. Welcome to join my lucky gear setup. If you need to buy equipment, remember to come to me. You won’t regret it!”

After 50%, the boss’s attacks became extremely fierce. If it weren’t for the ranged professions standing at higher positions, with their healing capacity and enduring blood pool debuffs, they wouldn’t have lasted until this point. As the team progressed through the dungeon, their coordination improved, focusing more on attacking the boss with complete disregard for anything else.

The healers watched the team’s fluctuating health closely; any slight mistake could result in a teammate’s death. When the boss’s health dropped to 30%, it suddenly unleashed a devastating attack. The debuff from the blood pool now caused health to drop by 4% per second, turning it into a terrifying pool that seemed poised to consume their health.

“Stay steady, everyone!”

A violent tremor shook the chains even more violently. The boss even used a sonic attack, causing many to halt their attacks to stabilize themselves. Just then, Su Mo was struck by a swaying green lamp and slipped from a higher position.

Su Mo’s pupils contracted. Oh no!

In an instant, a hand firmly grasped his wrist, preventing him from falling into the blood pool. Su Mo was saved from being swallowed by the blood water as Yu Zhen held onto his wrist, keeping him suspended in mid-air.

The shaking continued, forcing everyone else to cease attacking and maintain their positions.

“Brother?” Su Mo lifted his head slightly, meeting Yu Zhen’s profound gaze.

Yu Zhen pulled him up, saying, “Hold on tight, I’ll pull you up.”

Just then, the boss’s lethal targeted attack came again, once more hitting ScarletFruit.

“Damn, the RNG luck strikes again!” 

“Wishing for a good status, how many times has it been with the resurrection!” 

“I want increased health.” 

“Can we get a group resurrection?” 

“I want increased healing effectiveness…”

The team’s wishes became more and more exaggerated. ScarletFruit had never been so glorious before. “Don’t worry, I have a feeling this time it’s definitely going to be auspicious!”

[[Journey Through Wind and Rain · Mechanical Iron Prison]] playerScarletFruit14 died, triggering [Extremely Auspicious], increasing all players’ attack effectiveness by 10%, healing effectiveness by 10%, and granting player UnchainedWanderer [Divine Protection]. Lasts 30 minutes.

ScarletFruit died in the blood pool, but at this moment, he truly rose to prominence. “Fuck!! Brothers!! Extremely auspicious!!”

“Awesome!! ScarletFruit, you’re truly amazing!!”

“This is beyond belief! How is this even possible!!”

“Amazing!!!”

“Fuck, with this status, both attack and healing are boosted. What’s Divine Protection!?”

[Please note, playerScarletFruit14 has reached today’s triggering limit. From this moment on, death will no longer trigger any events.]

ScarletFruit: “?”

“Continue healing, Fruit. Watch for targeted attacks,” Su Mo returned to the platform with Yu Zhen’s help, commanding sharply, “Everyone else, full-on DPS. Fruit, maintain aggro and handle targeted attacks.”

ScarletFruit looked bewildered, “Bro, I’m not under some lucky star anymore.”

Acknowledging this, the commander said, “But with you, death won’t trigger any events, making you the safest among us all.”

Author’s note: 

Main Brain: Can’t I heal you anymore? ^_^