Era of Players: Death God-Chapter 264: Fifth Floor

Noah stepped onto the fifth floor, his breath hitching for a moment as he took in the breathtaking expanse before him. This floor was another ice world, a stunning yet foreboding landscape where glistening frost clung to every surface. Towering ice formations jutted from the ground like jagged teeth, and the air was thick with a chilly mist that blurred the distance. The atmosphere felt charged, as if the very essence of the place was alive and waiting for something to unfold.

From the moment he set foot on the frozen ground, Noah felt a shift in the air, a tingling sensation that hinted at the presence of something powerful nearby. His instincts kicked in, heightening his awareness as he moved cautiously forward, scanning his surroundings for any signs of danger.

He didn't have to wait long.

ROARRR!!!!

A thunderous roar echoed through the icy expanse, shaking the ground beneath his feet. The sound was low and guttural, reverberating in his chest. Noah's heart raced as he recognized it—the unmistakable growl of a boss monster.

Emerging from behind a colossal ice formation was a massive creature, the Ice Troll. Towering at least ten feet tall, its body was a grotesque blend of muscle and girth, covered in thick, matted fur laced with frost. Its skin shimmered like the surface of a frozen lake, a pale blue that seemed to absorb the light around it. The troll's eyes glowed an eerie white, filled with a primal rage that sent a shiver down Noah's spine. In one hand, it wielded a massive club made of solid ice, its surface glistening with frost.

Noah felt a rush of adrenaline surge through him. This was what he had come for—a true test of his strength and skills. He squared his shoulders, drawing Nemesis from its sheath. The black blade gleamed ominously in the cold light, and he could feel the familiar hum of power coursing through it.

"Let's dance," he muttered under his breath, determination etched on his face.

As if sensing his readiness, the Ice Troll charged forward, its massive club raised high. The ground trembled beneath its weight, and Noah barely had time to react. He dodged to the side just as the club slammed down, sending shards of ice flying in all directions.

Quick on his feet, Noah rolled to regain his balance before springing back to his feet. He activated Shadow Steps, vanishing from sight as he maneuvered behind the beast. The Ice Troll turned, its eyes narrowing as it searched for him, but he was already in motion.

With a swift strike, he aimed for the troll's exposed flank, but the creature was quicker than it looked. It twisted around, raising its club to block his attack.

The force of his strike sent vibrations up his arm, but the troll managed to absorb most of the impact, its frosty skin proving resilient.

"Impressive," Noah muttered, his confidence unwavering. "But I'm just getting started."

He activated Splitting Ripple Slash, channeling energy into his blade. As he swung, a wave of force erupted from the blade, crashing into the Ice Troll and shattering a portion of its icy armor. The beast roared in pain, staggering back, its glowing eyes filled with fury.

Noah seized the opportunity, pressing the attack. He leaped into the air, aiming for the troll's head with a downward strike. But at the last moment, the creature raised its club, and Noah's sword clashed against the ice, sending sparks flying. He landed gracefully, rolling to absorb the impact.

The Ice Troll retaliated with a sweeping blow of its club, aiming to take Noah's head off. He ducked just in time, feeling the rush of air as the club passed overhead. Gritting his teeth, he countered with a rapid series of strikes, aiming for the troll's legs and trying to bring it down.

Each strike landed with a satisfying thud, but the Ice Troll merely growled and swung its club again, this time in a wide arc. Noah jumped back, narrowly avoiding being clipped as he recalibrated his approach.

"Enough games!" he shouted, activating Hellfire. Flames as dark as the abyss enveloped him, swirling and crackling in defiance of the freezing air. The contrast was stark and electrifying, the heat radiating outward as he prepared for his next move.

The Ice Troll faltered for a moment, taken aback by the sudden surge of heat. Noah seized the moment to unleash a barrage of fiery slashes, each one igniting the air with dark flames. The flames collided with the troll, causing it to howl in agony as the icy exterior began to melt and crack.

Emboldened, Noah surged forward, his sword blazing. He aimed for the creature's heart, determined to end the fight. But the Ice Troll was not done yet. With a roar, it slammed its club into the ground, sending a shockwave of frost radiating outward. Noah stumbled as the ground froze beneath him, ice creeping up his legs.

"Not today!" he yelled, pushing through the numbing cold. He activated Shadow Steps once more, vanishing just as the frost reached him. He reappeared behind the troll, launching into a powerful thrust aimed at its back.

The blade found purchase, sinking deep into the troll's flesh. The Ice Troll let out a deafening roar, staggering forward. Noah twisted the blade, amplifying the damage with Splitting Ripple Slash. The shockwave burst forth, tearing through the creature's body and sending it crashing to its knees.

Breathing heavily, Noah stepped back, watching as the Ice Troll writhed in pain. Cold mist poured from its wounds, and its glowing eyes flickered. He knew he had to finish this.

"Seal of Death," he declared, the dark sigil flaring to life beneath the troll. It froze in place, momentarily immobilized. With a fierce battle cry, Noah summoned all of his energy, channeling it into one final attack.

He charged forward, blade raised high, and brought it down with all his strength.

"Nemesis!" he shouted, the name of his sword echoing through the icy landscape as he struck true. The blade sliced through the Ice Troll's heart, and the creature let out a final, agonized howl before collapsing onto the frozen ground.

Silence enveloped the area as the Ice Troll's massive frame crumpled, sending snow flying in all directions. Its glowing eyes dimmed, and a chilling wind swept through the landscape, carrying away the remnants of the battle.

[You have slain Ice Troll – Rank A]

[Experience Gained]

[Soul Ascension Activated – Strength +4, Agility +3]

Noah stood there, panting, his heart racing from the adrenaline of the fight. He wiped the sweat from his brow, glancing at the fallen giant before him.

"That was a real challenge," he muttered, a grin spreading across his face.

As he regained his composure, he surveyed the area. The ice around him shimmered like diamonds in the sunlight, and a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He had conquered yet another formidable foe in this relentless dungeon.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Noah sheathed Nemesis and began to explore the remnants of the Ice Troll's lair. He was eager to see what treasures or resources the creature might have guarded. Perhaps there would be rare materials or even a hint of what lay ahead in the depths of this ice world.