RedX43
patreon
[Genshin Impact] Chapter 57: Hilichurl Chieftain
🕑 Added 2024-01-17 09:59:14 +0000 UTC
Observing the reaction of the Cryo Abyss Mage, Nolan knew that his speculations might be true.
Otherwise, there would be no need to go through so much trouble just to unleash Demon God Remains, not only setting up spatial teleports, but also spending time designing it into an alluring secret realm.
It was all to provoke the Demon God’s Remains which detested humans.
They wanted it to hasten its own erosion as it neared extinction, regaining some of the main demon god's power, to cause a negligible impact on the human civilizations ruled by The Seven.
The Ice Abyss Mage, driven by its instinct for self-preservation, had no choice but to reveal the Order's plan.
However, it still wanted the plan to proceed smoothly; otherwise, even if it managed to escape temporarily, it would inevitably face the Abyss Apostle's consequences.
It was this greedy intention to have it both ways that exposed its flaws.
The Cryo Abyss Mage waved its skinny hands hurriedly, "Wait... Those are just your arrogant guesses.
"The demon god's remains are extremely dangerous. Even the Apostle Lord can't... No, I mean, it can fight on par with the Apostle Lord!"
Nolan chuckled, saying, "Alright, stop evading. The demon god's remains haven't awakened yet, so how do you know it can match your Apostle Lord?"
"Ah-" The Abyss Mage choked up immediately.
Following this, Nolan and his companions pressured it for the specific location of the demon god's remains. The already cowardly Abyss Mage had no choice but to speak.
According to its words, this secret realm had three layers, and they were currently on the second layer, with the demon god's remains located on the third layer.
The path to the third layer was just ahead. Even without the Abyss Mage's directions, they could easily find it.
Yet it still stubbornly claimed, "There is an extremely powerful monster guarding the entrance to the third layer. It's impossible for you all to break through!"
They ignored its words. Powerful or not had to be seen firsthand. They could not let it intimidate them and delay handling the Demon God’s Remains.
Finally, Nolan also wanted to ask about secrets within the Abyss Order.
However, as a low-ranking monster, it found it challenging to understand such matters.
One interesting thing was Nolan noticed it referred to the Abyss Order's leader as "Prince".
That was an unexpected piece of information.
After it seemed no more intel could be squeezed out, to prevent this Abyss Mage from continuing to threaten humans, they disposed of it.
Although Nolan was very interested in their magic to wield elements without a Vision.
But learning a lost ancient language was not something easily picked up in a short time. Keeping an Abyss Mage around, he was a little worried people might think he was colluding with the Abyss Order. So he gave up on the idea.
"Everyone, since the direction to the third layer, is up ahead, let me scout the way for you first," said Oz.
Now that the Abyss Order's scheme was known, they certainly could not sit idle. Oz would scout first. If it really came down to it, they would have to go out for reinforcements.
After all, getting more intel meant wasting less time.
What monster could be guarding the third-layer entrance? Oz fluttered his dark wings and sped off like lightning.
Fischl continued walking in front, with Nolan and Bennett following behind.
To save time, materials dropped by monsters could only be left for now to collect on the way back.
On the way to the third layer of the secret realm, there were significant changes in the surroundings. Firstly, the iron-barred rooms on both sides gradually disappeared.
The small bonfire racks used for lighting also changed into fire sconces embedded sideways into the walls.
Under such circumstances, after walking five to six minutes, Fischl stopped her legs wrapped in crisscrossed black stockings.
Through sharing the vision with Oz, she saw the entrance to the third layer of the realm at the end of the road, guarded by the Abyss Order's arranged gigantic monster—Stonehide Lawachurl!
According to the Adventurers' Guild's records, some Mitachurls would accumulate massive amounts of different elements within their bodies for various reasons.
This situation could be very dangerous, but could also trigger some mutations, evolving into ferocious Hilichurl Chieftains— Lawachurls!
The Stonehide Lawachurl was one such case. The abundant Geo elements constantly accumulating and growing within would seep out, becoming their flesh, skin, and armor sculpted like rock.
Not only did such Geo element armor grant them massive bodies unlike common Hilichurl Mobs, but the supreme strength also came with extraordinary defense.
This was not an existence that ordinary adventurers could challenge!
When Fischl relayed what she saw to Nolan and Bennett, Oz had also returned from scouting to discuss countermeasures with everyone.
Bennett rubbed the back of his head, recalling with some lingering fear:
"Stonehide Lawachurls are very violent, terrifying monsters. Whenever I encountered them before in adventures, I'd run far away.
"Once, unluckily, a frenzied Lawachurl noticed me. Got punched once and nearly couldn't make it back to Mondstadt. Thankfully I had an Elemental Burst reserved then to barely escape."
Hearing Bennett's words, Nolan didn't find it surprising that he, being rather unlucky, had experienced such a dangerous encounter.
"This princess remembers that to deal with Stonehide Lawachurl, their Geo armor must be destroyed first. Otherwise, trying to go head-on is simply unwise."
Fischl's index finger pressed on her fair chin, the soft skin sinking in slightly as she pondered and spoke.
"To break through a Stonehide Lawachurl's Geo armor, the best method is using Geo attacks, or heavy claymores. But we have neither."
Although Nolan knew some basic swordsmanship, and also learned a bit from Eula, with so much experience gained he could rapidly improve his sword skills to a decent level in a short time.
That should be enough to handle the Hilichurl Chieftain.
But alas, he did not have any two-handed weapons. Fischl and the others also could not wield Geo elements.
"Oh? I remember Overload reactions between Pyro and Electro have good effects against them too," Oz the Night Raven, Princess's attendant, said.
"Even so, dealing with the Stonehide Lawachurl might be a bit challenging. After all, with its Geo elemental armor, it won't be affected by the knockback control of Overload. It's practically invincible!" Bennett shrugged and said.
Everyone seemed to make valid points. After a brief contemplation, Nolan suggested, "Alright, since it involves the matter of the demon god's remains, we can't simply retreat like this. At the very least, we should test the Stonehide Lawachurl's strength first."
"We'll use bows for long-range attacks; it's safer that way."
This should be the most prudent approach for now - able to attack, and also flee if needed.
(End of Chapter)
❇❇❇
T/N: A Mitachurl that has mutated due to an accumulation of a large amount of elements in its body. They are bigger, stronger, and absolutely ferocious.
Hilichurls worship no gods and follow no order or discipline. The strongest and the most ferocious one among them is seen as fit to lead the tribe. - Adventurer Handbook
These powerful Hilichurls are called "Lawa" by the rest of the tribe, a respectful form of address best translated to mean "king" or "chief". However, Lawa doesn't actually rule over or lead the tribe at all. Rather, these large loners prefer solitude, avoiding the looks of reverence from the smaller Hilichurls.
Adventurers very rarely encounter these gigantic creatures. Still, even the most seasoned adventurers will think twice before going on expeditions into areas where these dangerous Lawas may be roaming. - Hilichurl Cultural Customs - Vol. 3
❇❇❇
