Chapter 213 - 212: Annihilation
Old tales retold, this is a world based on DND.
The rulebooks Leon had read before could only be used as a reference.
Speaking of rulebooks, there are many versions, among which the most famous are the third and fifth editions.
In the third edition rulebook, the Elder Brain’s challenge rating is as high as 25, equivalent to that of an Ancient Red Dragon, and only slightly lower than the Githyanki’s Lich Queen Vilakis... What’s puzzling is that despite being so strong, the Elder Brain chooses to cautiously hide in the Dark Territory, fearing enemies will seek it out.
Meanwhile, in the fifth edition rulebook, the Elder Brain’s power has been drastically nerfed, with a challenge rating of only 14... Well, "only" might be unfair; after all, even mature Red Dragons are at that level.
With that, concerns about the hunting parties of the Githzerai and Githyanki, the terrifying predators of the Dark Territory, attacks from Drow squads, rampaging Demons, and adventurers become more understandable.
In any case, based on Tassera’s collection of texts and observations over the years, the fifth edition rulebook serves as a more useful reference. With an Elder Brain challenge rating of just 14, Leon couldn’t care less.
Accompanied by a low growl, Leon immediately activated his "Ferocious Beast" ability.
Though his ferocity didn’t intimidate the Elder Brain, it did scare the Mind Flayers, giving his Red Dragon avatar the chance to strike. Biting, claw attacks, tail strikes, and wing swings combined to suppress the Mind Flayers, keeping them from emerging and interfering with Leon.
The Elder Brain reacted swiftly, almost instantly releasing a Mind Thrust and then whipping its tentacles to lash at Leon.
In his Vajra Body state, Leon took no damage, but he was indeed stunned—while the Vajra Body prevents damage, it doesn’t prevent control—until the Samadhi True Fire ignited within his chest.