Chapter 91: Midnight Duchess "Midnight . . . Duchess," Xin mumbled. The name rolled on his tongue and softly got out from his lips. The name sounded familiar. "Do you know her?" Hilda inquired. Xin’s head shook slowly. "No." His gaze remained fixed on the woman battling against the formidable foe. True to her name, she was clad in a sleek ensemble of black attire expertly tailored to her form. Intricate armor adorned strategic points, a telltale sign of an assassin’s attire, while a half-mask concealed part of her face. Horns protruded from the sides of her head, serving as a striking contrast to her unruly black hair, which cascaded into a restrained ponytail. As she fought with the beast, her obsidian eyes blazed with ferocity, exuding a fierceness that matched her adversary’s. The Midnight Duchess emanated an aura of a captivating enigma as she engaged in the deadly dance with a creature four times her size. Her skin, as pale as moonlight, contrasted starkly against the darkness of her attire. It glowed like alabaster under the soft illumination of the moon, exuding an otherworldly quality that spoke of her demonic origins. The subtle luminosity of her skin seemed to hint at the latent power coursing through her veins. "That woman is a demon," Hilda began, her tone serious. "If she’s taking on an Elemental Archon, the Ice Archon, by herself, then she’s definitely not to be mess with." "Ice Archon?" Xin inquired. Hilda proceeded to explain, "Ice archons are created from the souls of influential individuals who held themselves in high esteem. "They defend themselves with icy shields and an unyielding determination. Their shields offer formidable resistance, but sustained fire damage can weaken them temporarily. They’re skilled with their spears, executing powerful charging attacks that inflict lasting harm." Observing the battle, Xin took note of the monstrous entity. It seemed like an exquisite ice sculpture brought to life, exuding an air of regal authority. "An ice archon embodies the souls of those who believed themselves superior and sought control over others," Hilda elaborated. "Most of them were once rulers, monarchs, presidents, or leaders who lacked compassion. Their cold hearts transmuted into elemental form." Hilda’s voice remained steady as she continued, "These creatures are haughty and will honor agreements made with those who show them respect. However, they become implacable adversaries in the face of disrespect. Their words resonate with an aura of icy authority, devoid of compromise or mercy." Intrigued, Xin decided to use his [Monocle] on the Ice Archon. This marked his first encounter with a creature possessing an almost human form, though it stood four times the size of a regular human. Its body was encased in spiky ice, creating a formidable and imposing appearance. ǁ I C E A R C H O N ǁ Originating in the plane of water, an ice archon exhibits an innate drive to associate with other entities. This compulsion doesn’t arise from loneliness or a need for companionship; rather, it stems from a deep-seated desire to be revered and obeyed by those it deems inferior. However, the aquatic environment of its home plane is ill-suited for establishing a dominion, pushing the archon to explore more adaptable realms. On alternate planes, an ice archon favors cooler climates, although not to the point of deterring large-scale civilizations. Unyielding in its refusal to recognize external authority, it boldly lays claim to territories with no consideration for potential repercussions. Many who find themselves under an ice archon’s rule do so involuntarily, subjected to an array of peculiar laws that serve to exalt the elemental’s existence rather than uphold conventional governance. Nonetheless, ice archons exhibit exceptional leadership skills, readily constructing prosperous realms when given free rein. ǁ E N D ǁ Xin found himself contemplating whether the Ice Archon held dominion over the forest. Could it be the ruler of this area, perhaps akin to a boss monster? A potential hidden boss, he mused. The notion struck him that if he managed to defeat such a creature first, and getting Firstblood, the rewards would undoubtedly be remarkable. The spoils of a victorious battle with such a formidable opponent could be invaluable. Yet, Xin was far from eager to pilfer Midnight Duchess’s well-earned triumph. She had clearly been the one to track down and engage the Ice Archon in the first place. As much as the thought of reaping incredible drops appealed to him, he lacked the audacity to snatch another player’s hard-fought prey. As the exchange of blows between the monstrous Ice Archon and the enigmatic assassin unfolded, Xin watched in amazement. The Midnight Duchess, engaged in her fierce struggle, moved with a lethal precession that bespoke the mastery of an accomplished assassin. Her lithe figure cut through the air with the grace of a seasoned killer, each evasion and strike executed with remarkable flawlessness. With each motion, she embodied a harmonious blend of elegance and ferocity, akin to the graceful chaos of a storm. It was a juxtaposition of beauty and peril that commanded attention, impossible to ignore. Upon closer scrutiny, Xin discerned that the Midnight Duchess was at an astonishing level of 114! It became evident why the Midnight Duchess was capable of taking on the Ice Archon and its minions with such prowess. For Xin, this marked his initial experience of witnessing a confrontation between a skilled player and a formidable level 120 monster. The spectacle left him awestruck; the speed and precision of Midnight Duchess’s attacks defied comprehension. Her movements sliced through the air like a blade, a blur that tore apart the very air. She made facing a level 120 monster seem effortlessly manageable. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎 The ice archon, though not inherently a solitary adversary due to its reliance on minions, found itself isolated against the might of Midnight Duchess. Xin observed as she dispatched even the most loyal of the monster’s servants with fluid ease. Engaging in a fierce clash with the Ice Archon, Midnight Duchess executed precise attacks and seamless combinations of skills that entrapped the creature in a whirlwind of rapid blades. In a matter of moments, the battle concluded, culminating in the resounding victory of Midnight Duchess. "She truly is formidable," Hilda remarked, her admiration evident. ". . ." Xin nodded in agreement and stood to his feet. "Let’s move on." Hilda stood as well before giving Midnight Duchess one final glance. "Seems like she had the situation well in hand." Xin had no intention of interfering in the affairs of another player in the first place. If Midnight Duchess was killed in that fight, then he would take the Ice Archon for himself. But since she had won, there was no longer any need to remain here. However, before they could emerge from their concealment and depart, a strong and authoritative voice resonated through the air. "I’m aware of your presence. Reveal yourselves."