Chapter 17: Chapter17-Is This Dungeon Difficult?


    ?


    As Owen stepped into the second level of Pharaoh''s Tower, more information about Pharaoh''s Tower resurfaced in his mind.


    The Sphinx, a gold-tier level 5 guardian BOSS of Pharaoh''s Tower, also held a secret-the Order of Thunder.


    Eliminating it would grant the key to unseal the Order of Thunder!


    This information was extremely secretive; currently, only the original anime protagonist, John, and himself knew about it.


    According to the timeline, the three-year promise was nearing, and John would soon come to reclaim the Order of Thunder.


    Owen had to act quickly!


    If he couldn''t get ahead, it might cause unforeseen troubles, and he could miss this opportunity!


    After Owen entered the second level of Pharaoh''s Tower, the scene before him began to change.


    The first thing that came into view was a massive triangular palace.


    The walls of the palace were also adorned with various ancient, intricate murals, seemingly recording the past achievements of the pharaoh.


    Some areas had faded red powder, and the edges of the murals were decaying and cracked, exuding an aura of antiquity.


    In the very center of the great hall stood a gigantic three-story-tall statue.


    The Sphinx!


    It lay prone on the ground, resplendent as if forged from gold, like the eye of a storm, emanating waves of terrifying pressure that repelled anyone attempting to approach the great hall.


    "This... what a terrifying aura, a gold-tier BOSS!"


    "And it''s a gold-tier level 5 BOSS!"


    Suddenly, an exclamation rang out.


    Benedict and the others, who were following Owen, had also entered the second level by now.


    Upon seeing the Sphinx, they all tensed up, exclaiming in fear.


    Even the strongest among them, Benedict, was staring at the Sphinx in horror.


    A BOSS of this level was not something they could contend with.


    If they stayed here any longer and were noticed by it, they would be doomed!


    A gold-tier BOSS was inherently stronger than ordinary spellbeasts and represented the elite among human mages of the corresponding tier.


    To deal with such a BOSS, one would need to be an extraordinary genius of the same tier.


    Otherwise, only by overwhelming it with higher-tier power and sheer numbers could one have the strength to take it down!


    Moreover, the Sphinx was covered in an indestructible golden armor that even gold-tier weapons couldn''t scratch!


    Leaving was the best option.


    "Master Owen, this gold-tier BOSS seems to be sleeping. We should leave quickly. If it wakes up, we might not make it out alive."


    Owen lowered his voice, but his expression grew even more serious, radiating determination.


    "This Sphinx is indeed powerful," Owen nodded, then said earnestly, "You all should leave here. Leave it to me to handle."


    It wasn''t that Owen wanted to solo the BOSS, but among the Wolf Guard, only the leader Benedict was a gold-tier mage and could provide some assistance.


    A shadow loomed over Owen, completely enveloping him.


    The air around him seemed to compress, becoming almost a quagmire, restricting his every


    movement.


    For an ordinary silver-tier mage, or even a gold-tier mage, this claw would be unavoidable, imposing severe constraints.


    But mana surged within Owen, and a dark, deep glow quickly flowed over his skin, forming an armor-like cover.


    A powerful force coursed through him, dispersing the oppressive aura from the Sphinx''s claw. His rapid breathing quickly returned to normal.


    Benedict and the others, who were about to take action, were suddenly surprised to see Owen break free from the Sphinx''s oppressive aura.


    The Sphinx''s level was so high that even from a distance, its pressure made them pale, their hands and feet cold with instinctive fear and trepidation.


    However, at this moment, Owen showed no fear. Instead, he exuded an aura of extreme


    fervor.


    The awakened Sphinx also didn''t expect the tiny ant before it to break free from its oppressive


    aura.


    It hesitated for a moment, feeling a surge of anger at being challenged by such a lowly creature. Its front paw then accelerated towards Owen with even greater speed.


    Boom!


    As its paw smashed down, the Sphinx suddenly noticed the brilliance of Owen''s greatsword


    increase exponentially.


    Without dodging, Owen met the attack head-on, resulting in a chaotic surge of magical


    energy.


    Although the Godslayer Sword Owen wielded was severely restricted, it was still a legendary artifact, incredibly sharp.


    Driven by his mana, its blade shone like a bright white light.


    The Sphinx''s front paw, as heavy as a mountain and seemingly forged from indestructible


    gold, clashed with Owen''s sword.


    After a moment of deadlock, Owen was forced to retreat, his feet sliding on the ground and


    carving two deep black furrows.


    Although the Sphinx remained unmoved, the front paw that came into contact with the


    Godslayer Sword bore a deep white gash several meters long, revealing the white bones


    beneath its flesh.


    The pain from its front paw caused the Sphinx to frown. Its mana surged, and the wound


    quickly healed.


    However, a hint of seriousness appeared on its human-like face, especially as it gazed at the dark golden greatsword in Owen''s hand.


    With its golden body, even gold-tier weapons couldn''t harm it.


    Yet Owen, a mere silver-tier level 1, had managed to wound it with his sword!