"Boss. We did it... We cleared the Hard mode of the Feral Dungeon." White Emperor giggled excitedly, barely able to contain himself. He had just been gifted seven levels, and with his original levels added, he had shot up to Level 13. Young Star and Malik were both Level 11 now. Kenny had reached Level 17, while Slicer, Angel Michael, and Taiwo stood at Level 16. Tipa and Big Nurse followed closely at Level 15.
Their aura had completely changed—they were no longer poor. Each of them had at least 150 gold coins sitting pretty in their inventory.
After picking out the 11 rarest loot drops, Malik pulled out all the other items in his inventory and told the team to swap out their equipment. A frenzy of equipping, comparing, and excited chatter followed as everyone picked the gear that best suited their class and combat style.
Most of the loot was Level 20, with a few being Level 17 or 15, but thanks to the system uplift that came from clearing the dungeon on Hard Mode, they could equip them without any stat restrictions.
Young Star completed his Feral Steel Set, and now looked downright profound—a warrior reborn. The full set, ranked Fine Gold, gave bonuses so insane it was like jumping several levels in power.
"Young Star. What do you think about this saber?" Malik asked, presenting it to him.
---
Inferno Steel Fang (Two-Handed Weapon)
Rank: Dark Gold
When Equipped:
Melee Damage +40%
Critical Hit Chance +20% (Feral Instincts)
Active Skills:
Fiery Slash: 150% damage with a 20% chance to apply burn over time. (Cooldown: 15s)
Whirlwind Strike: Hits multiple enemies within range, dealing 120% AoE damage. (Cooldown: 20s)
Saber Fury: Boosts attack speed by 30% and critical hit rate by 15% for 20 seconds. (Cooldown: 1 min)
---
"This is way too cool," Young Star muttered, eyes gleaming.
"Since you like it, it's yours." Malik tossed it to him casually.
Young Star trembled. Never in his life had he imagined the young man he chose to follow would gift him a Dark Gold weapon and a full Fine Gold set. He tightened his grip on the saber and clenched his jaw, swearing loyalty in his heart.
"Slicer, this chestplate suits you. It'll boost your strength and complement your sword," Malik said, handing over another Fine Gold item.
"Thank you, Boss!" Slicer giggled like a kid in a candy store. As he equipped it, he felt a powerful surge, his strength and stability skyrocketing.
"I never imagined I could get this powerful..." he muttered in disbelief.
"Angel Michael..." Malik said, turning to him. "This staff was probably the one the Boss Monster was planning to use. It's got a wide AoE effect and works with all elemental types. Of course, if you'd prefer Taiwo have it..."
"You don't have to do that, Boss," Taiwo cut in with a smile. "Brother Angel Michael already let me take a skill book that'll boost my damage. I won't fight over the staff."
Angel Michael smiled softly and took the staff, replacing his old one. As he activated the pendant embedded in it, he felt a wave of mana ripple through his body—but one look from Malik made him pause, then silently back away.
"Sister Taiwo… Let's go test our new DPS together," Angel Michael said quickly, and Taiwo followed him, while Malik and Kenny exchanged a glance.
Their expressions twitched.
"...I'm sorry," Malik muttered.
Kenny shook her head. "I'm more satisfied with the outcome than the loot. Besides, I already swapped out all my gear. Because of you, I even got a ring that triples my Berserk mode effects. I'll forever be in your debt, Brother-Man-Like-Malik."
"Stop spouting nonsense," Malik said with a chuckle. "This was teamwork. Without you guys, I wouldn't have been able to kill that monster. As a reward, I'll let you keep the Frost Greatsword."
Kenny blinked. She had grown fond of that Greatsword, and now Malik was just giving it to her?
Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at him.
"What? You don't like it?" he asked, amused.
"Can I hug you once more?"
Malik shrugged, not seeing anything wrong with it. Kenny wasted no time, instantly embracing him tightly.
How can he be so kind…?
That was the only thought echoing in her mind as she buried her face in his chest. Malik just stood there, letting her hold on.
"Boss, can I keep the White Shield too?" Big Nurse asked.
"And the headgear?" Tipa added.
"You both can have them," Malik said. "White Emperor, you should take the armor kit and attach it to your chestplate to boost your strength. And Tipa... take the Storm Javelin. It's meant for spearmen, but Guardian Knights like you can make use of it, unless you'd rather have a sword..."
"No, I'll take it, Boss!" Tipa said eagerly, picking up the Fine Gold spear. White Emperor used the armor kit, and his chestplate evolved into a Fine Gold rank instantly.
Kenny finally let go, her face flushed but her heart satisfied.
Malik glanced at the three remaining items in his hand. He didn't reveal them yet. Instead, he slipped them into his inventory system.
"Alright, everyone. Time to move out," Malik commanded once the team was geared and ready. He pressed the Log Out button.
Their silhouettes shimmered, turning into streaks of light and vanishing from the dungeon.
---
In God's Realm, it was nighttime, but the area in front of the Feral Dungeon was still swarming with players. Word had spread like wildfire: someone had cleared the Hard Mode of the Feral Dungeon.
Guilds, scouts, and independent players alike had gathered, hoping to confirm the rumor and identify the mysterious party.
"Is it true the Feral Dungeon's Hard Mode was cleared?"
"It might be. I saw a squad enter earlier—and they haven't come out since."
"Boss Warwolf… could it be them?"
"We shouldn't assume. But if it is them, that kid White Emperor has insane foresight."
Just then, a red portal appeared. Nine players stepped out of it. The lowest among them was Level 11, the highest Level 17. Each one radiated an overwhelming presence.
"Wait, weren't they supposed to be low levels?"
"Look at their equipment... all Fine Gold ranked!"
"Those weapons—are they Dark Gold?!"
"Who said they were frogs in the well? These players are the well itself."