Every time interference occurred in the dungeon, monsters appeared.
It wasn't just once or twice. Since the first time the newbie found me, there have been numerous instances, and high-level monsters have appeared as well. Chirpie also seems like a baby of a high-level monster based on its stats.
[※ Please be cautious as there is a possibility of monsters appearing due to external interference when installing the disc!!]
Even this time, a warning message was included. It was written as a possibility, but in my honest opinion...
'It's a hundred percent certain.'
Honestly, with a newcomer actively interfering with this world, connecting to the dungeon, there's no way nothing would happen. I was confident that a monster, especially SS-rank or higher, would undoubtedly appear.
And as expected...
"SS-rank monsters, two entities!"
An urgent shout came from the S-rank guard. Two of them appeared at once. It would be better to find two more people and install the disc after that.
My chest tightened from the overwhelming pressure that covered my whole body. Suppressing the instinct to run away immediately, I stood my ground. I hope it doesn't hurt.
It was a bit wasteful to lose a life, but considering everything, this seemed like the best option. Rather than wasting time getting cooperation from the Sigma imposter, it's better to quickly install the disc and leave for another city.
'They probably won't chase after me if I die right in front of them.'
Although my body trembled reflexively, I smiled. I didn't have time to think about this, anyway. Sorry for losing your money. This was probably a good experience for Sigma, even SS-ranks occasionally lose money and get beaten up. Let's call it a valuable lesson.
As I felt a shadow looming above me and closed my eyes.
"Ugh!"
My body convulsed abruptly.
Kwaaang!
A thunderous sound echoed. Between the roars of the monster, the smell of blood permeated the air. It wasn't mine. It was thrown to the ground and bounced back up like a puppet.
Even before I could open my eyes, I sensed what was happening, but I didn't understand.
"Was your life so boring that you're willing to throw it away?!"
"The stakes aren't life-threatening, but I've lost an arm so."
A nonchalant reply came back. Sigma's intact arm caught my attention. I happened to be the one who shot the other arm.
"Can the city defense chief act like this?"
Ka-ga-ga, the sound of claws digging into the ground was heard. While the monster that had momentarily retreated due to the fallen lightning attacked, Sigma was standing where I had been.
'...Is this guy for real?'
Isn't that the Searcher's chain? There could be chain weapons in this area, but still, it looks too identical.
Kuack!
The lion tore through its own path through the chain that blocked its way. At the same time, a flash of light was blindingly bright. Although the lion's body trembled, it didn't suffer significant damage. The power of the SS-rank topic seemed weak, but Sigma was standing next to me by then.
I thought this guy must have used the skill lightly, afraid I might die. Ah, that bastard. I tried to turn around and run away, but the hand grabbing my caught arm was faster. With a thud, the sound of hitting the ground rang out, and I was lifted into the air.
"It hurts!"
If I were F-rank, my arm would have come off!
Kwa-ga-ga-
In the meantime, the lion that pierced through the chain attacked, covering the spot where Sigma had been standing. The ground was violently upheaved, and trees and grass sprang up. The thorny lion's body writhed under me.
As I tried to pull my captured arm out again, it was surprisingly released smoothly.
'No, why release me here!'
In the air, the sound of something cutting sharply rang out, and the lion covering Sigma's entrance collapsed. I felt a few drops of venom land on me, but it was fine. Apparently, the venom skill of the lion wasn't strong enough to be a threat to an SS-rank.
"Do you have poison resistance too?"
"Anyway, it's not far to─."
Hwak!
Surprisingly, I thought it was Sung Hyun-jae for a moment. The amusement in the voice intensified, making him seem eerily similar. Turning around, by now, had he used a potion? The blood flowing from his arm had ceased. However, the wounds weren't recovering properly.
"You don't have any good potions... or is it a monster skill effect?"
"They say you must always avoid Shalonatz's first attack."
Shalonatz is the name of the lion cub currently underfoot. Did you jump in knowing that! Even though the recovery wasn't great, considering that Sigma was trying to save me and got hurt in the process, it seemed like the first attack was a conditional special skill with a high rank.
Roar!
The lion's body trembled. Three snake heads glared at us fiercely. Although the lion's stage is broad, there wasn't a convenient place to escape considering the length of the snakes on both sides.
- Shit!
The snake heads towards my head extended, attacking with their bodies. The tail side also exposed sharp fangs, as if inviting me to try and dodge. Simultaneously, the lion's body trampled the park. Thanks to the interference of the golden chain wrapping around its mouth and front legs, it hadn't left the park yet, but at this rate, it might dash into the downtown area anytime.
'The dragon species.'
SS-ranks like Sigma were likely holding them down. Whack! Sigma kicked away the attacking snake head. His hand touched under the jaw of the snake raised by the upward force, and as light flashed, the snake's head burst.
However, it was short-lived. The snake head regenerated shortly.
"Don't mind me and use your skills!"
If I was going to die anyway, damn it! Tck, I quickly tapped the snake head towards the tail with the bullet I shot, then immediately hid behind a pillar-like thorn without even looking, as the body made a rustling sound.
Kwak! The snake bit into its own body thorn, spraying venom. In the meantime, I gathered magical power in the gun and shot at the softer belly scales, albeit slightly wobbly.
"Ah, what are you doing?!"
If you're so bothered, how about letting yourself die. Anyway, I thought of losing a life, and I aimed the dagger at Sigma, who had saved me. Although it was a backup C-grade, it was too much.
The long blade flashed, and the snake heads were successively cut off. But Sigma still didn't seem to have any intention of making a proper attack. Is he saving mana, or maybe...
"...If you get hit by a lion cub's first attack, does it affect your skills or stats?"
"It seems you're quite experienced."
Golden An laughed towards me. Laughing at a time like this! "It won't be permanent, and how long will it take? Once the SS-rank leaves the park, won't the damage increase?"
"There is a shelter not far from here, but unavoidable."
"So irresponsible!"
From a rational perspective, it was right to prioritize the safety of the SS-rank guard over the potential harm to citizens. It was better not to rashly confront with reduced stats than to wait for a proper opportunity.
However, the lion cub also had venom. It wasn't hard to imagine how tragic things could become if it got out of control.
"Why the hell did you save me! I'm not even a person here!"
Even though I thought it was past information and didn't need attention, I still shouted in frustration. Even if it's a fake, it's right in front of me, so vivid.
Terung!
Another snake head was smashed.
Sigma approached me with a determined expression, speaking matter-of-factly.
"I have a buff skill. It can only be maintained on contact, and it can't be used for a long time, so please finish it in one blow."
He deliberately asked for it to be finished in one go. Well, because it would be hard for me to endure. Even if I died due to the aftermath of Sigma's skill, or survived pretending to cooperate and then died at an opportune moment, it didn't matter. Sigma probably wouldn't bother guarding the corpse for more than an hour. Even if he tried to collect it.
Then, as soon as I revive, I can use the stealth skill and escape.
Well, there's no harm in getting help. Until I defeat the monsters, it seems like he'll continue to protect me from not dying. No need to drag this out. Let's finish this quickly.
- Damn!
With a swift motion, the severed snake head rolled away. Sigma pulled something out of his inventory and handed it to me. A bright beige-colored long coat... SS-rank!
"It's defense-specialized, so put it on."
Wow, SS-rank! I reflexively put it on, but the thought of taking it off and putting it in my inventory crossed my mind. Can I take this? If I quickly put it away before dying, he won't be able to snatch it. Please let me take it outside! Newbie, newbie! If you help me, I'll forgive all the mistakes you've made so far!
'Come to think of it, there are probably a lot more high-grade items in this world than on our side!'
Considering that Awakening users have been around for a long time and their average rank is higher, Sigma might have been flooded with SS-rank equipment. Maybe he even has SSS-rank weapons like Hwaryeongsi.
Oh, wait a minute. If I can really take it, it might be okay to work for Sigma for a few days. Since the time difference is at least five times, let's trust the rookie and estimate it at ten times. Even if it takes about a week to fleece Sigma, it should be okay.
My heart trembled with excitement.
'He probably won't give it easily, though.'
Even though the chances of having to leave it are high even if I manage to tear it off. Still, it's thrilling.
"Thank you, Sigma."
Unable to hide my excitement, I smiled widely, and Sigma raised the corner of his eyebrow slightly. It might look like I'm a materialistic person, but honestly, items are the best in this world. Things you can't get even if you pay for them. If he gives me a little, isn't it okay to give him something in return?
"Well then, the double buff will be applied~."
With my words, Sigma enveloped me with one arm. With the defense options and skill attached to the coat, combined with Sigma's electric attribute resistance, there's no way I can die. Sigma probably has at least SS-rank resistance.
Sharing the double effect of the attack skill, Sigma moved. He leaped lightly onto the lion's head as the two snakes fiercely attacked, but once again, they were easily cut off.
- Roar!
The lion roared, and the chains entwined around it emitted light. Unable to withstand the brightening sight, I closed my eyes. With a breaking and dragging sound, a rapidly moving pressure was felt.
When I opened my eyes again, the sinister-looking dragon head, not the lion, was right in front of me. It was the dragon species that S-ranks had tied up. The large jaws dripping with saliva revealed sharp teeth. However, that sight disappeared from my view in an instant.
Unbeknownst to me, the perspective changed, and below, a lion tied to the chains was seen struggling. The dragon species also had both right legs severed. The massive jaws that had been gaping in front of me were also shattered in half.
What happened? Even though the Skill Enhanced Vision improved the field of vision, it was still difficult to keep up with the movements of the SS-rank.
"Close your eyes again."
It was scary to follow Sigma's words.
Quurrrrrng!
With a terrifying sound, the air vibrated. I was told to cover my ears. Faint screams of monsters were heard in my ears.
When I opened my eyes again, only two chunks of the monster that had been there were left. I saw a floating point next to that mass.
'How much is that?'
It was over a million points. It seems like they highly evaluated my contribution. If one SS-rank monster gives over a million points, capturing ten of them would make it possible to exchange for S-rank items. Since exchangeable items in the point shop can be taken outside, it seems.
I really need to meet the kids and go hunting rather than staying by Sigma's side. Since the time investment should be done in a reliable place.
I quickly collected the points and grabbed the hem of the coat. I tried to take it off to put it in the inventory.
"...Ugh!"
My whole body tingled. The coat, which I couldn't put away in time, fell from my hand to the floor. Footsteps approaching were heard. My body, stiffened as if electrocuted, slowly turned backward, not of my own will.
"What's this...?"
Sigma chuckled silently. Well, maybe I was too obvious in trying to grab it. That's what he means.
"I'm not without a sense of responsibility, C-rank."
"What, ugh!"
I just tried to raise my arm a bit, but I was shocked again, and my body froze.
"You have unknown past and special skills that don't match your rank. And."
His gaze turned towards the corpses of monsters.
"External interference. Are you related to beings from the outside?"
Beings from the outside. It was clear that he was talking about the fallen and the devotion addicts. Does he know about them? Sigma has contacted S-ranks like Yoohyun and Sung Hyunjae, so it's highly likely that he has experienced something similar to the Sigma of this place.
Was it because of them that he saved me even though he was injured?
"I... want to ask."
If it's information about them, I also want it.
"...Ugh!"
"Let's slowly get to know each other."
A tingling shock ran through my spine up to my head and neck.I tried to open my eyes again but everything turned black. My body collapsed forward without strength, and my consciousnes faded away.
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