Surviving the Game as a Barbarian Chapter 803: First-Class (5)

The Sniktura Raid within the Arta Secret Base unfolds across three distinct stages.

Stage one commences with all MP completely sealed, the primary objective being the restoration of laboratory equipment.

During this initial period, Sniktura can only be engaged using basic attacks and passive abilities. The widely adopted strategy at this juncture is straightforward: simply endure.

Technically speaking, it is indeed feasible to vanquish Sniktura during this phase.

This would necessitate that every party member’s gear and passive skill arrangement be exceptionally optimized, enabling them to inflict damage upon a Grade One monster without depleting any MP.

In any case.

Once the laboratory is fully restored, the second stage initiates.

At this point, ranged damage dealers can begin to inflict even a minimal amount of damage on Sniktura as their MP gradually regenerates...

The paramount objective during this phase is to keep Sniktura confined to the central area.

Only by doing so can its skill casting be prevented.

Admittedly, a significant misstep was already made during this specific segment of the raid...

Regardless.

The third and final stage is uncomplicated.

As its HP is steadily depleted, Sniktura’s secondary passive ability, [Final Radiance], is activated—plunging it into a berserk state. From this point forward, the sole requirement is survival.

[Final Radiance] bestows a substantial boost to physical stats for the remainder of the battle, yet concurrently, its HP diminishes progressively over time, the rate depending on the duration of the frenzy.

Therefore, mere survival guarantees ultimate victory.

And now—

“M-My mana is returning!”

“My divine power is regenerating as well!”

There exists no phase in the Sniktura raid where all participants experience such a comprehensive recovery of their resources.

After all, Sniktura does not hold the position of the primary antagonist within the Arta Secret Base.

Upon defeating Sniktura, one must accept the subsequent chain quest, overcome the boss situated on Doomsday Island, and then return to the laboratory. Here, two distinct options are presented:

To collect the earned rewards and conclude the encounter.

Alternatively, to confront Arta himself—now transmogrified into a formidable mechanical beast—serving as the true final boss.

Should the latter choice be selected, the raid recommences precisely within this laboratory, and the environmental effect that manifests at the absolute conclusion of that particular raid... Is this one:

“Field Effect – Core of the Earth activated.”

“The land’s foundation bestows all forms of power.”

“All character resources are perpetually maintained at 100%.”

The MP, which had been restricted to zero due to the strategy of confining Sniktura to the center, surges back to its maximum capacity.

No—the phrase “surges back” does not quite capture the accuracy of the situation.

“Character has cast [Giant Form].”

My previously restrained physique expands with immense power, yet there is no discernible sensation of MP being expended.

This phenomenon is attributed to the field effect.

Locked at a constant 100%.

This implies that resources will never diminish—regardless of the magnitude of their usage.

“Character has used [Savage Outburst].”

“Temporarily amplifies character’s Threat Level by 3x; physical statistics increase in proportion to the generated threat.”

I augment my physical dimensions and unleash a resounding roar—it is only then that Sniktura’s focused attention finally settles squarely upon me.

Up to this moment, its aggro had been erratically shifting.

This is logical—monsters classified as Grade One invariably possess elevated aggro thresholds.

“......Ugh. How unsettling.”

As my gaze meets Sniktura’s—its capacity for skill usage now reinstated—a tightening sensation grips my chest.

'Can I withstand this onslaught?'

Such a question does not even remotely enter my thoughts.

What is required at this precise moment is not doubt.

“Sven Parab! Administer healing to Beleg!”

“Y-Yes...!”

“All others, fall back! Elwen, this directive includes you!”

“Me...?”

“Discontinue [Elementalization] and retreat to execute [Focused Shot]!”

“Understood...!”

“Everyone except Elwen, deploy all available defensive capabilities—do not hold back!”

This exemplifies the critical importance of a clearly defined chain of command.

Despite my issuance of orders without extensive elaboration, the team swiftly adopted their positions as if we had meticulously rehearsed the sequence.

“Elwen Fornaci di Tersia has cast [Focused Shot].”

Elwen served as the linchpin of this entire strategic maneuver.

After all, she is the fundamental reason why I was empowered to undertake such a daring and potentially perilous gamble in the first place.

“While maintaining focus, all incoming damage is absorbed through the expenditure of Soul Power.”

With the added advantage of inexhaustible MP, Elwen becomes virtually impervious throughout the entirety of the raid.

Yet, even with these assurances, I commanded her to withdraw for a singular, crucial reason:

Stuns, disorientation, knockback effects... even if damage is entirely mitigated, alternative methods exist to disrupt her concentration.

Ssssshhh—

Perhaps momentarily disoriented by its own sudden surge of power, Sniktura halts its assault to re-evaluate the unfolding situation... and then, finally, it commences its advance.

Its initial movements are gentle—

“Sniktura has cast [Seed of Destruction].”

“A randomly selected character within range suffers an unavoidable strike.”

This is the identical basic attack that, with a single blow, had tragically reduced Beleg to a lifeless state. This time, however, the distinction is strikingly apparent.

Given our current level, every explorer is equipped with at least one defensive skill.

“Arua Raven casts 3rd-grade support magic [Mana Barrier].”

“Meland Kaislan casts [Defensive Stance].”

“Riris Marone casts 4th-grade summoning magic [Anti-Magic Stone].”

“All characters within range receive resistance to—”

Even a fundamental strike from a Grade One monster carries formidable impact if one is adequately prepared.

“Ghhak...!”

“Kaislan!”

“I-I’m alright...”

Granted, even with these precautions, a standard assault from a Grade One entity still delivers a potent blow.

But—

“Sven Parab casts [Prayer of Protection].”

“30% of damage endured is converted into divine power.”

“Sven Parab casts [Springwater of the Rising Moon].”

“A totem is summoned, emitting periodic waves of healing.”

“Sven Parab initiates [Mass Heal]…”

Whether you call him a Paladin or a Cleric, it makes no difference. With an endless supply of divine power, he could easily be mistaken for a high priest. ❀ Novelight ❀ (Read exclusively here) The true obstacle, however, was myself, positioned on the front lines.

“Sniktura unleashes [Venom Spray].”

I was drenched in poison, my immunity bonuses completely depleted.

“Sniktura initiates [Form Shift].”

It instantly enlarges, closing the distance and rendering spacing tactics ineffective.

“Sniktura casts [Life Leech].”

“This skill drains HP from all characters within its range.”

At times, it even transforms into other Grade One monsters, wielding their abilities.

“Sniktura uses [Will of the Undying].”

“Temporarily boosts natural HP regeneration by +1,000.”

It appeared all the damage we had inflicted had already been perfectly restored. Utterly infuriating.

Yet, despite this, I maintained my sharp focus, my gaze burning intensely.

'Just as I anticipated.'

A single, precise strike is all that's needed.

“Elwen Fornaci di Tersia is charging [Focused Shot].”

The outcome of this entire engagement hinges on landing one flawless hit.

***

[Focused Shot].

This active skill is acquired by absorbing the essence of the 4th-grade monster, Ritcannon.

In reality, it's not considered an