Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 1480: Chapter 1479: Third Wave (Writer’s Block Is Really Painful, Meow)

”Although they say a girl’s transformation at eighteen is impressive...”

Fang Zheng didn’t know what expression to put on as he watched Filo joyfully gobbling down food at the neighboring table.

This isn’t just a face change; she’s practically changed species!

And that plump bird turning into a little loli?

What kind of logic is that?

Sure, a little loli is definitely better than a chubby bird...

But thinking about having such a small child pull such a big cart... hmm, that would be considered an exploitative class in the old society.

However, Filo clearly didn’t think so. Fang Zheng had tried discussing it with her before, but the little one threw a dramatic tantrum, threatening to hate Fang Zheng forever if she wasn’t allowed to pull the cart. Fang Zheng was left speechless. It’s said that Filo Birds especially love pulling carts, but to find it a life’s meaning... that’s rare indeed.

Anyway, since Filo likes it, Fang Zheng let her do it. After all, when Filo pulls the cart, she transforms back into a plump bird, so no one would think of child labor abuse.

”With this, we’re just ten levels away from unlocking this shield.”

Thinking about this, Fang Zheng took a glance at the shield in his hand. After all the quests and upgrades along the way, he was now Level 50. Akemi Homura was also at Level 45, while Raphtalia and Liphana were at Level 40. Because Filo joined last, she was only at Level 30 now.

It’s not that Raphtalia and Liphana weren’t working hard; it’s just that the residents of this world have a level cap. After reaching Level 40, they need to go to the local Hourglass of the Dragon for advancement in order to lift this cap. It’s like advancing in an online game, after which Raphtalia and Liphana can learn special skills.

Mmm... if you ask Fang Zheng, he still hopes someone will carry on the Wolf Sword Technique.

Unfortunately, Raphtalia’s strength points are really low; who knows what it will be like after the advancement.

Honestly, Fang Zheng keeping an eye on Raphtalia wasn’t just for nothing. He’s long been wanting to rebuild the Farron Undead Legion. After all, in the Black Soul World, Fang Zheng is an Undead Squad Member who passed the wolf blood trial. Rebuilding the Undead Squad is kind of his responsibility. But, alas, the Wolf Sword Technique requires strength, height, and speed. The young ones in the Heavenly Dao Palace meet the strength and speed requirements, but for height... it’s a bit lacking.

Beside Fang Zheng, those of height like Asuna and Eiriri follow a nimble path, ineligible for the aggressive Wolf Sword Technique. Kurumi prefers long-range, Yuki would be suitable but she’s already bonded with the Duke of Carnage, can’t switch weapons, and thus can’t use the technique. Walnut prefers using a shovel over a Greatsword...

As of now, Raphtalia is the most compatible, but her strength isn’t up to par yet.

After all, the Wolf Sword Technique requires easily handling the Wolf Blood Greatsword, which is no simple feat. Right now, Raphtalia can only wield a Straight Sword; even a regular Two-Handed Sword is too much, let alone the special Wolf Blood Greatsword.

As for Liphana... well, she should continue her promising work as an assassin.

Fang Zheng originally wanted to head back soon but had to hold off because the third wave is approaching, and he’s unsure if advancement carries risks or trouble.

After all, in mobile games, many times leveling up resets you to LV1.

If that were to happen to Raphtalia and Liphana, they’d be in serious trouble.

So Fang Zheng opted to play it safe, planning to handle this hassle after the third wave passes.

”I’m full! Master!”

At that moment, Filo pushed the plate aside and raised her hand high.

”Ready? Then prepare yourself, because it’s almost time for some after-meal exercise.”

As Fang Zheng spoke, he watched the countdown in front of him.

Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one...

”Swoosh!”

The next moment, a golden Radiance flashed, and Fang Zheng and the others silently vanished.

When they came back to their senses, what lay before them was a scarlet sky, swirling vortexes above, and the screams coming from a village not far ahead.

”Let’s stick to the usual plan.”

Fang Zheng waved his hand and gave the command.

”Homura and I will handle the Demon Creatures approaching the human settlement, Raphtalia, Liphana, you two take Filo and guide the villagers to safety. Filo’s fast, have her take the elderly and infirm away first. If anyone tries to push their way in, knock them out without discussion!”

”Understood!”

After the experience of the second wave, everyone knew what to do. They knew the wave’s spawn point was random, and they couldn’t rely on the army to be there first. The last wave hit near the King’s City, and even then, the Knights’ Order took their time. Now with the village located in the heart of the Kingdom of Megmarlo, waiting for the army and soldiers might mean a complete massacre.

Prompted by Fang Zheng’s order, Raphtalia and Liphana immediately took Filo to evacuate, while Fang Zheng and Akemi Homura leaped onto a rooftop.

Unlike before, this time mostly flying creatures like Gargoyles appeared, along with creatures resembling Goblins and Lizard Men.

”The threat level seems to have increased.”

Fang Zheng briefly scanned the area, frowning. The last wave had Bumblebees and Undead Creatures, which were missing this time. The new creatures here were higher level and stronger.

In a game, that’s to be expected, but in reality, it becomes a bit of a headache.

This isn’t right; who knows what kind of creatures will appear next time...

”Forget it, let’s go first, Homura, I’ll pull the monsters, you do the damage!”

As he spoke, Fang Zheng raised his shield and then gave it a sudden swipe.

”Sun Thief!”

Soon, with radiant light spreading, the aggroed demon creatures rushed towards Fang Zheng from all directions. Meanwhile, behind Fang Zheng, Akemi Homura also raised her bow.

”Rapid fire mode!”

”Swish swish swish!!!”

In the next moment, a rain of arrows burst forth from Akemi’s sacred bow like a machine gun, directly covering the demon creatures before her. The creatures fell to the ground faster than extras in a TV drama.

Normally, even if Akemi unleashed the power of a machine gun, it wouldn’t be enough to stop all the demon creatures from advancing. However, Akemi’s ability compensated for this flaw. In fact, during her previous battles with the witch and familiar spirits, Akemi had grown accustomed to facing large groups of enemies alone. At these times, she’d immediately pause time, then unleash a storm of firepower until confirming that the firepower was sufficient to destroy the enemy before unpausing time. By then, the enemy would be utterly shattered by the sudden attack, often dying without even understanding the situation.

This is the proper way to handle waves.

Casually attracting the aggro while watching the creatures fall, experience points wildly increasing, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but feel satisfied. Originally, the Four Sacred Heroes were meant to confront the waves, and confronting the waves was something that should be done together. However, fighting together without gaining experience is like playing an instance in a game without gaining experience or equipment; what’s the point?

”Hey, Sun Thief, over here!”

After Akemi Homura’s burst of mad output cleared the enemies, Fang Zheng once again flicked his light shield, drawing another full screen of aggro, and quickly attracted more demon creatures.

Time ticked away second by second.

The demon creatures came in waves, and Fang Zheng and Akemi swept through them wave after wave. However......

”Master! Sister Homura! The villagers have all gone to take refuge!”

Raphtalia and Liphana rode Filo back, reporting to the two of them.

”All took refuge?”

Hearing this, Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow, snapping out of his exhilarating grind. He was Level 52 now, just a few more waves, and he could reach Level 55, maybe continue grinding for a day and hit Level 60. At Level 60, he could unlock the Holy Shield’s trait after absorbing the Star Forging Dragon King’s fragment.

However...

”Homura, how long has it been?”

”Three hours, Master.”

”Three hours, and they still haven’t defeated the boss? Even kite tactics shouldn’t take this long.”

Returning from the thrill of grinding, Fang Zheng suddenly felt something amiss. According to the previous statements, each wave comes with a boss, and only defeating this boss will cause the wave to dissipate. If not defeated, the wave will spread.

Fang Zheng certainly wanted to keep grinding, but he didn’t wish to see the wave spread.

After all, there was a bet between the parties. This was an important battle for the Sword Hero and the Hero of the Spear to prove themselves as the true Four Sacred Heroes. Would they..... have run away?

”Homura, go see what’s going on, I’ll handle things here.”

”Okay, Master!”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Akemi Homura nodded and then vanished into thin air. Meanwhile, Fang Zheng fiercely swung his large shield, releasing the shield axe form once again.

”Alright, Raphtalia, Liphana, Filo, let’s go!”

Though this world resembles a game, and the creatures indeed have levels, it isn’t truly like a game where you have to deplete health bars to kill. Decapitating, piercing the heart, damaging the brain can all lead to a creature’s death. In this sense, this world is quite realistic, with health and levels seemingly just reference points.

Merely an aid similar to ”battle power is only 5.”

”Master!”

Before long, Homura appeared again.

”How’s the situation?”

Fang Zheng swung his shield axe, slicing a reckless charging Lizard Warrior, casually asking.

”Not good, they are barely holding on! It seems they’re about to crumble!”

While speaking, Akemi briefed what she observed. This time the boss was on a ship flying in the sky, with the Sword Hero and Hero of the Spear each facing a different creature, the Hero of the Spear against a Sea Beast, and the Sword Hero against a skeleton captain, both locked in a fierce battle.

In fact, several times Akemi had seen them bring the boss’s health to zero, but then, the bosses amazingly regenerated their health.

Under these circumstances, the two heroes gradually fell into a predicament, especially the Hero of the Spear. If the Sword Hero had companions assisting, the Hero of the Spear was alone, already strained dealing with the Sea Beast.

But Fang Zheng didn’t care.

”Call me when they die, let me grind a bit more.”

Since the villagers have gone to take refuge, not seizing this chance to grind more experience would be a waste.