144: Advance to [Platinum 6], final BOSS

Chapter 144: Advancing to Platinum 6, The Final BOSS

Passing through the portal felt no different from a typical Space-Time Trace.

After Shi Li's vision recovered, the scene before him was a dilapidated street.

The sun above emitted a dim purplish-red light, like a star about to extinguish at any moment.

A fallen signboard on the ground, still connected by wires, flickered on and off.

It looked as if the apocalypse was on the eve of its arrival.

“The scenes in the Abyss are meaningless; they are all illusions.”

Liu Jiani also noticed the signboard and explained to Shi Li, “Aside from Abyssal Kind and us Card Players, there will be no other living things in the Abyss.”

“Alright, let’s split up now and search for the key Abyssal Kind in this stage.”

“Remember, do not engage in battle if you find it; immediately gather everyone.”

Gu Xinzhi finished speaking and left in one direction.

Li Peichen also quickly walked away, leaving the two behind.

“Since it’s your first time here, just follow me.”

Liu Jiani said.

Actually, Abyssal Kind don't actively attack Card Players, so there's no real danger even if you encounter them.

Of course, if you can't beat them, that's another story.

The Card Game will of the Abyssal Kind is not a joke.

Shi Li originally wanted to stay put and continue his simulation tasks, but since she said that, he couldn't refuse.

He might as well follow her around and get familiar with the environment.

“You got into Qingchuan University, right? I’ll be a sophomore this semester, so I’ll be your senior.”

“Hello, Senior.”

It was only from Liu Jiani that Shi Li learned all three of them were university students.

Li Peichen was from Dayuan University, a junior this year.

Gu Xinzhi was a sophomore at Show University, no wonder she could be the team leader.

Liu Jiani also took the opportunity to explain why the other two had certain emotions; it was actually understandable.

Due to the limitations of the portal, only 4 people can enter the Abyss at a time.

Regardless of their purpose for entering, the most basic priority is to ensure their own safety.

The most direct way to ensure safety is to successfully clear the stage and leave.

It should be known that the last person who forcibly exited midway is still lying in the hospital.

And Shi Li’s addition meant one less combat personnel slot.

This undoubtedly increased everyone’s risk.

“Look, there’s an Abyssal Kind ahead.”

As Liu Jiani spoke, she suddenly stopped.

In a dilapidated building less than 20 meters in front of them, a figure stood by the window.

It was human-shaped and even wore clothes.

But its entire body was covered in the purplish-black skin unique to Abyssal Kind, and it had no facial features, its face a blank slate.

The tag above its head was indeed different from ordinary monsters, quite simple.

[0/1]

0/1 means this guy can evolve 1 time, and has currently evolved 0 times.

“This isn't an Anchor Abyssal Kind; I’ll take care of it.”

Liu Jiani seemed quite eager, and after speaking, she shot a light beam over.

Then the Card Game began, and Shi Li saw the card of this Abyssal Kind.

[Abyssal Beast]

Listen to the Wind, Attack 60, 200/200, 0/30

[Abyssal Skin - Passive]: Abyssal Beast possesses [Resilience] effect. It also has 0 evolutions, and from its stats, it is indeed much stronger than the one in the laboratory.

However, for Liu Jiani, who has a 9+1 deck, this was simply not enough.

After putting down her entire deck, she instantly killed it in one round.

Buzz—

[Roar!]

As the Card Game ended, the Abyssal Kind let out a low growl, and its body began to change.

Giant barbs protruded from its back, like a bony hedgehog.

And the tag above its head also changed at this time.

[1/1]

“In this regard, the Abyssal Kind here are also different from those in the laboratory.”

Liu Jiani turned around and explained.

“In the laboratory, encountering Abyssal Kind meant continuous Card Games. Here, the Card Game ends each time they evolve.”

Card Players who can come here have all gone through the laboratory stage.

“Meaning…”

Hearing this, Shi Li’s expression shifted.

“Exactly, the Card Game ends each time they evolve.”

“So, switching players midway or teaming up to deal with them is possible.”

Saying that, Liu Jiani shot another light beam over.

Now Shi Li understood why they mentioned “highest participation in kill level” instead of “highest kill level” when introducing themselves.

Soon, the 1-evolved Abyssal Kind was defeated again.

“What a shame, nothing dropped.”

Liu Jiani felt a bit regretful.

It was mentioned before that everyone's purpose for coming might be different.

Her main reason for joining the exploration team was to collect material cards.

And so, the two continued their exploration.

During this time, they found several [0/1] Abyssal Beasts, and Shi Li also took action once.

However, he did not bring out his Unique Character Card deck, as this kind of thing could be won with a casual fight.

!

Before long, a flare suddenly lit up in the sky.

“Someone found an Anchor Abyssal Kind, let’s go.”

Liu Jiani naturally understood the meaning of this signal.

So the two quickly passed through the dilapidated streets and saw Gu Xinzhi and Li Peichen in a square.

Standing before them at this moment was an exceptionally large monster.

Its form resembled a gorilla, with its arms supporting its body on all fours.

But it had no fur, and its entire skin was glossy purplish-black.

A mouthful of prominent fangs protruded from its mouth; it only had a mouth, no eyes, nose, or ears.

The tag above its head was [0/1], representing an Anchor Abyssal Kind.

Although this guy could also evolve 1 time, Shi Li noticed that the expressions of the three were quite serious.

Clearly, Anchor Species were not opponents to be taken lightly.

“Who’s first?”

Li Peichen was already eager to try.

Although Anchor Species were troublesome, this was only the BOSS of the first layer, relatively easier to deal with.

He was craving what the Anchor Species might drop.

“Let’s stick to the pre-determined order.”

Gu Xinzhi spoke.

Before entering the Abyss, the three had already decided on the priority order.

Of course, Shi Li was excluded.

Including Liu Jiani, who was more friendly to Shi Li, none of them believed that a mere Platinum 5 could achieve anything here.

“Then I won’t be polite, haha.”

So Li Peichen stepped forward, and the three others voluntarily retreated.

“Many item cards are ineffective in the Abyss, such as the most basic [Probe].”

Liu Jiani introduced to Shi Li, “So, without knowing the opponent’s cards in advance, the risk of a Card Game increases significantly.”

“Especially Anchor Species, each of their evolutions might completely change the entire card layout.”

“Then why not team up?”

Shi Li raised a question.

“Let’s talk about it when we actually encounter a situation that requires teaming up.”

Liu Jiani just smiled.

Everyone has their own Good at Card Game tactics and styles, and sometimes teaming up with others might have a counterproductive effect.

Furthermore, teaming up might mean revealing one's deck to the other party.

So, unless they are exceptionally close partners, Card Players generally do not prioritize teaming up.

Then teaming up would also involve the issue of loot distribution. Moreover, those who can enter the Abyss are all outstanding among their peers.

They are also at an age of youthful vigor, with full confidence in their own strength, or rather, arrogance is only natural.

Therefore, they would not advocate teaming up unless it was an absolutely necessary situation.

Soon, Li Peichen secured a victory in the first round, forcing the Abyssal Beast to evolve.

In the second round, he also successfully won.

Taking this opportunity, Shi Li was able to observe the opponent's deck.

Two Card Games displayed a total of 8 three-star cards and 10 two-star cards.

There were 3 unique cards, one of which was a Characteristic.

Then there were 7 three-star character cards not displayed, so their situation was unknown.

It must be admitted that A-level contractors indeed possessed the appropriate strength.

“Something dropped, haha!”

The Card Game ended, and Li Peichen quickly picked up 1 material card.

Then the scene around them began to distort.

Initially, it was just a slight ripple, like a hot asphalt road.

Later, the swaying became more intense, to the point of making one feel dizzy just by staring at it.

When the distortion reached its limit and gradually slowed down, Shi Li realized that the four of them were already in another space.

It looked like a medieval village, with stone-built houses, simple farm tools everywhere, and even smoke rising from the chimneys of some houses.

But what remained the same was the purplish-red sun overhead.

“You guys search first; the consumption in this dreadful place is particularly high.”

Li Peichen sat down in front of the three.

He now needed to recover Stamina.

“Then I’ll stay here with him.”

Shi Li thought about it and decided to stay.

The first floor was very large, and it took them a full three hours to find the anchor species.

Shi Li felt that given that time, it would be better to stay and grind simulated missions.

Gu Xinzhi and Liu Jiani had no objections to this and split up to begin searching.

Li Peichen still had a bad attitude towards Shi Li, not even speaking to him the entire time.

After resting, he went off alone to search for the Abyssal Kind.

Several subsequent checkpoints were like this; Shi Li stayed behind alone, enjoying the ease and freedom.

Once accustomed to this lighting atmosphere, it wasn't a big deal.

He was happy to earn money while grinding simulated missions.

Only when the anchor species was discovered would he arrive to watch the battle.

As for what the teacher said about special circumstances he might cause, it never appeared at all.

After staying in the Abyss for two days like this, when they reached the 7th floor...

Shi Li finally cleared the mission after spending 360,000 cubic coins on refresh fees.

【You have completed this simulation, completion rate is 100%.】

【You may obtain 1 Character Card 【Flower Cudgel Leader (Three-star)】.】

【You may obtain Hand Cards: 【Charge (LV2)】 x1, 【Defense (LV2)】 x1, 【Movement (LV2)】 x1.】

【You may obtain 1 Item Card 【Lotus of the Staff】.】

【Do you want to reset this mission for 18,000 cubic coins? Yes/No.】

“Comfortable.”

Shi Li stretched.

Then he clicked “No”.

At the same time, the resonance also changed.

【Momentum Resonance】: 20% → 40%

Not only that, his personal panel was also enhanced again.

【Rank】: Platinum 5 → Platinum 6

【Stamina】: 260 / 260 (3.7↑) → 275 / 275 (3.8↑)

【Spirit】: 274 / 274 (2.3↑) → 286 / 286 (2.4↑)

He immediately looked at the new card face of 【Flower Cudgel Leader】.

【Flower Cudgel Leader】

Momentum, 40 points, Three-star Attack 40, 100 / 100, 0 / 20

【Weight of the Staff - Characteristic】: Flower Cudgel Leader has no energy consumption; cannot use skills when at full energy.

【Heavy Strike Awaiting Bloom - Passive】: When Flower Cudgel Leader's energy is not full, Attack +20.

【Momentum Breaking - Passive】: When Flower Cudgel Leader is at full energy, Attack becomes 【True Damage】.

【Consecutive Staff Strikes - 0 Energy】: Flower Cudgel Leader attacks the target 1 additional time.

【Shaking Mountains - 0 Energy】: Flower Cudgel Leader attacks 1 target, with an additional 10 points of 【Knockback】 effect (【Knockback】: Forces the target to 【Move】 if there is an empty space behind them; if there is no empty space, causes them to take 【Collision】 damage).

(【Collision】: The party with less HP takes damage; if HP is equal, both parties take damage).

“A good improvement.”

Shi Li was very satisfied with this.

The most satisfying part was that this card increased the energy cap by 10 points.

Although for a three-star card, this energy cap was absolutely foolish.

But he was already satisfied that it could be improved.

“It extended the burst time by 1 round.”

“The optimal output method is to first perform 1 round of normal attacks, then activate skills to unleash combos.”

“This way, he would effectively enjoy the +20 attack bonus 3 times.”

The basic energy recovery for cards is settled at T5, so this idea was completely feasible.

As for the other 【Knockback】 entry, Shi Li couldn't think of any good use for it for now.

Because in a normal card game, it's almost impossible for an external card to have an empty space behind it.

In most cases, it could probably only be used as an attack method that simply adds 10 points of damage.

As for the 3 hand cards obtained, only 【Movement】 at LV2 interested Shi Li.

The difference between 【Movement】 LV2 and LV1 was that LV2 was not afraid of LV1's 【Counter】.

And when both parties 【Move】 to the same square, they don't need to follow the principle of higher points priority; instead, LV2's 【Movement】 is directly judged to be superior to LV1's 【Movement】.

In terms of actual effect, both are a 1-square displacement, so there's no difference.

Finally, there was that item card.

【Lotus of the Staff】: Can be used when 【Flower Cudgel Leader】 reaches Four-star.

“Uncomfortable.”

Shi Li frowned: “I can only unlock the fate card mission at four-star; when will that be?”

However, with this three-star Character Card, he officially started his 5+1 deck.

For the upcoming Torch Raising Ceremony, his confidence increased slightly.

Boom!

Just then, a signal light flashed in the sky.

“Time to gather.”

Shi Li got up and headed in that direction.

If he didn't gather now, the scene change during the checkpoint would separate them.

By the time he arrived, everyone else had already reached.

Even Gu Xinzhi had already begun fighting the anchor species.

It was a sword-backed large lizard with the characteristics of an Abyssal Kind.

【7 / 7】

And it looked like the battle hadn't just begun; it was already nearing its end.

Shi Li had gained a certain understanding of Gu Xinzhi's deck over the past few days.

At least what she showed was indeed stronger than the other two.

Although she didn't have 【Characteristic】 cards, she had a full 6 unique cards.

Relying on her exclusive entries, her strength was significantly higher than Li Peichen and Liu Jiani.

“If you hadn't come, I would have gone to look for you.”

Seeing Shi Li arrive, Liu Jiani greeted him with a smile.

“Sorry, it was a bit far.”

Shi Li walked and stood beside her.

Each additional floor increased the anchor species' evolution opportunities by 1.

Upon reaching this 7th floor, the anchor species' strength had clearly improved.

However, Gu Xinzhi seemed to be fighting quite easily.

It seemed winning was only a matter of time.

【Roar!】

After letting out a final roar, the BOSS finally began to dissipate.

“What a pity.”

Gu Xinzhi looked at the empty card table, a little disappointed.

Nothing dropped.

As the surrounding scenery twisted, the next layer was gradually approaching.

Only this time, Shi Li noticed that the scene was a bit different.

Before, each layer would have a related simulated scene.

But this time, the four of them were simply in a purplish-black space with nothing in it.

“We've reached the last floor.”

The experienced Liu Jiani was the first to state the answer.

Her tone carried a hint of excitement.

Because according to the order, it was her turn to challenge the BOSS first this round.

Meow!

At this moment, the entire space flashed, and a figure silently appeared out of thin air in front of them.

“Whoa!”

Li Peichen, who was closest, almost kissed it, and was so startled that he repeatedly backed away.

This Abyssal Kind looked like a block of synthetic beef steak, but with arms and legs.

Its eyes weren't eyes and its nose wasn't a nose; it was incredibly ugly.

No wonder he was startled.

【0 / 8】

The different tag indicated that it was the final BOSS of this Abyss trip.

“Then I’ll go first.”

Liu Jiani confidently played her marker.

Last time she killed an 8-level evolution, she still needed to team up with others.

But back then, she was only 【Platinum 11】; now it was different.

【Roar!!!】

As soon as the card game began, that anchor species displayed its attacking desire.

While roaring, its card face was also revealed.

【Abyssal Lord】

Momentum, Attack 100, 700 / 700, 0 / 100

【Abyssal Skin - Passive】: Abyssal Lord possesses 【Super Armor】 【Magic Immunity】 effects.

“Amazing.”

Seeing this card face, Shi Li couldn't help but exclaim.

Just from the entry effects, this 0-evolution guy was already equivalent to the 3-evolution one he encountered in the lab last time.

And its stat panel was also very powerful.

“Don’t worry, this level won’t stump her.”

Gu Xinzhi crossed her arms.

She knew Liu Jiani's strength very well; she was actually no weaker than herself.

One could only say that the other party was too lucky, encountering the final BOSS exactly when it was her turn.

And so, Liu Jiani won all the way,

finally forcing the BOSS into its 8th evolution.

【Roar】

At this point, the Abyssal Kind had long changed its appearance, transforming into a large, brawny beast-man covered in abyssal growths.

With further evolution, a vertical eye protruded from its forehead, looking extremely dangerous.

“Hmph, come on.”

Liu Jiani played her marker again.

But when she saw the BOSS's card entries clearly, she fell silent.

“This—” 2

Gu Xinzhi and Li Peichen also simultaneously showed troubled expressions.

Why, on this very last time, did it evolve such an entry?