Panic gripped everyone's heart.
Lee Eun-ji starts crying; Park Sang-hoon quickly pulls her in to support her.
Lee Do-hyun comes to me with aggressive steps, "IT'S ALL Y-"
I simply punch him in the gut, folding him in half.
I want to jump in immediately; follow it quickly.
I know I can catch up.
My gaze alternates between the hole and the others.
Where.....do I leave Shin Yoosung and the rest?
It is not certain if, in normal circumstances, they would reach back to the station safely without me.
And that's not even an option now, not when they are panicked.
"HEY!"
Carrying Shin Yoosung on my back, I yell, "Follow!"
They wanted to ask questions, but there is no time for those.
Guilt twisted in my stomach.
'I failed to lead them.'
'If only I hadn't let my guard soften for just a moment.'
I guide them through the dark tunnel.
After navigating a series of jagged paths, the tunnel suddenly is wide. It was wide enough that 3 individuals could walk comfortably. It almost felt like a hallway leading to an altar.
I slowed my pace significantly for them. But at this point, if I leave them behind, their safety is also compromised.
I shook my head in an effort to stop useless thought.
Not long after, we reach an illuminated passage. My instincts were ringing constantly; I sensed a big density of mana. It was unlike any I sensed before.
[The sub scenario has been updated.]
[You have entered the 'Ground Rat's Treasure Trove'.]
I signal for everyone to move slowly.
We were getting close to the mana source.
Eventually, we find ourselves positioned behind a large rock
Jung Ha-eun was in sight.
She was unconscious, bound with massive dark roots. But physically, she didn't appear to have sustained any immediate life threatening wound.
When the second Lee Do-hyun caught up, he was about to rush in, but fortunately Park Sang-hoon managed to stop him in time. He jammed his elbow in his mouth to stop him from talking.
He seemed to say something to Lee Do-hyun but I paid no mind to that. Without turning towards the others, "I hav…."
But then my instincts go haywire. My body moved before I could think, I jump back pulling Shin Yoosung, slamming straight into a wall behind me.
Fortunately I had let Shin Yoosung down, so now she is in front in my embrace, uninjured.
A significant portion of the rock's edge turned to dust. The impact shook the whole cave; dust came raining down from above.
Cough* Cough*
As the dust settled, the creature's figure slowly became clear.
An overwhelming sense of dread hits us
"ugh"
Most of its figure was hidden beneath it's dark robe. Whatever skin could be seen was purple. Around it were numerous tentacles, twitching.
['Dark Keeper' has appeared!]
[The sub scenario has been updated!]
[Sub scenario 'Kill the Guard' has begun!]
I grip my swords hard, silently dumping coins to max my stats.
[Physique lv 15-> 20]
[Agility lv. 15 -> 20]
[Strength lv 15-> 20]
Its eyes shone brightly, tentacles wiggling as if excited
'It's surely just… me.'
I glance at the others.
Fortunately, they came out mostly unharmed.
However, they were frozen in shock.
[The 'Dark Keeper' has received the favor of the demon king it follows.]
The boss got power up
"….damnation"
But
Compared to how I envisioned it, it didn't attack.
It Just stared, doing nothing.
My brows knit together
"Kamyun. Der. Yitur."
it… talking?
[The 'Dark Keeper' has emitted 'Fear'.]
My blood ran cold.
I felt helpless.
Limbs refusing to move
A burning rage filled me from within.
[Exclusive attribute 'burning soul' shines]
[Effects of fear are offset!]
I quickly throw Shin Yoosung toward where the others were.
"Take her, I distract!"
Not waiting for a response, I rush forward. Two swords drawn.
"Yitur!"
'How dare this thing!'
[Blood lust is emitted from you]
"Kallitu!"
A tentacle shot for my face,
Slash* black viscous liquid poured out.
The dark keeper roared angrily, "Kallituo!"
[Instincts lv 6 activates]
Dozens of tentacles snapped forward.
I keep slashing, cutting through one after another.
My body was reacting before I commanded.
Cut
Deflect
Yet, some were getting through.
Shoulder.
Capitalizing on the opening, one came whipping toward my face.
I tilt my head to the side as the tentacle zooms past me.
Another immediately pierced from the bottom
Aiming for the chest.
I hazardously bring the blade up to deflect.
In a split second, it snapped in the air, changing targets.
Stomach.
I manage to shift my weight at very last second to lessen the impact.
Cough*
Legs!
I quickly leap back.
The whole cave shook at the strength with which its tentacle hit the floor.
My body shook involuntarily.
'If that had landed...'
I swallow dryly.
[Analysis lv 5 activates]
[Reinforcement lv 1-> 2]
More tentacles lashed forward.
"Kallituo!"
But now, the attacks became clearer to me.
I see it!
The tentacle on the upper right followed from below and then left.
My eyes fell on the cut stubs
Although they seem to regenerate, it's fairly delayed.
'I can do it'
[Analysis lv 5 -->6]
'No, I was wrong'
The number of tentacles increased.
'shit'
I know the pattern; I see it.
But I am just not fast enough.
Dodge
I cut the tentacle that grazed past my ear.
'This is bad'
[Continuation lv 3 activates]
The hits are adding up.
I am just unable to keep up.
There is no end to them!
Ache*
Another hit connected with my stomach.
I skidded about 10 meters back.
Bleh*
It didn't let me wipe the saliva, as a tentacle shot for my mouth.
Slash
"Kallituo!"
It started the barrage again.
I am desperately trying to get an advantage, it just; my body isn't fast and strong enough.
After each tentacle I cut, my blade slows; I am able to cut through 4, the fifth lands. Followed by the sixth.
I try to deflect it.
SNAP!
The tentacle smashes at the side of my head.
I tumble to the other side, smashing into a wall.
A big cloud of dust forms.
Cough* Cough*
Dust settles.
Huh? Half my vision is red.
At a distance, Yoosung was crying; she was trying to rush over, but park Sang-hoon held her back.
No more attacks followed. I look at it questioningly.
It was just staring at me. As if evaluating whether I had finally stopped resisting or not.
Unfortunately for it.
[You reached the requirement for the exclusive attribute 'Demon of Battle']
'NAH!!'
Using the wall behind me as support, I stand back up. Blood pouring down like a waterfall.
[Continuation Lv.3 -> 4]
[Exclusive skill continuation boosts your blood regeneration]
[Exclusive skill provides passive minor regeneration]
My hand unconsciously goes to my face.
Smile?
I am enjoying?
It stared at me, as if letting me gather my bearings.
Like how a cat would wait for its prey to run.
Pain echoed through every muscle
Fear gripped my mind
Yet
The fight,
No, everything.
- felt exhilarating.
"HAHAHAHA!"
It honestly felt euphoric.
Something inside me shifted.
"I just have to be faster."
How?
I don't know.
I just have to, and I will be'
My limbs felt light all of the sudden.
[Mana Burst lv 1 activates]
[Maximum output = +10 states to every physical state for maximum 1minute]
I burst forward like a cannon. A sea of tentacles surged forward.
[Analysis lv 6 --> 7]
[mana sense lv 6 -->7]
I. SEE. EVERYTHING!
3rd second,
A dozen to my right are gone.
14th second
Through the tentacles its silhouette was visible
28th second
Past the tentacles, I am now in front of its main body.
30th second
I stand in front of its now tentacle mutated body. The regeneration seemed to have stopped as I stabbed its core.
My blade paused mid swing.
DANGER*
[Dual wielding lv 4 -> 5]
Familiar silhouette yet a different dokkaebi appeared.
[Constellations, am I seeing things right?]
[h-how did you?!]
I decide to ignore him and instead go to the treasure trove.
It was littered with items.
My steps were unsteady, filled with exhaustion.
[Hey! Why are you not killing? I-if you kill I will give you 7000 coins. Don't you know the value of 7000 coins!!!]
"If I wanted to kill, I would have."
'I know better'
[Constellations are questioning what they witnessed]
[Some constellations applaud your care for your comrade]
[Many constellations are satisfied with the fight]
[You received 1000c sponsor]
[The demon like judge of fire is jumping around screaming 'great job showing where that demon parasite belongs']
[Constellations aligned with good are satisfied]
[You received 400c sponsor]
[Devil of Lust and Wrath takes notice of you]
[He takes a liking of you and says he will be watching]
[Sponsors 100coins]
[Demon like judge of fire bare her teeth at Devil of Lust and Wrath, Threatening 'it' to leave]
[Devil of Lust and Wrath mocks Demon like judge of fire saying 'I see Ms. angel has called dibs on him.']
[Devil of lust and Wrath laughs, saying he respects the virgin angel's taste]
[Demon like judge of fire is breathing fire in rage]
[Demon like judge of fire is over turning everything in her room 'WHERE IS MY SWORD!!!']
[Lily Blooming in Aquarius rushes to stop her]
[other angels follow]
[The one like's drama is enjoying his snacks]
…
While I had been enjoying the drama, the leash around the meteor has been finally undone. Noticing her rushing steps I spread my hand to catch her.
She slammed full force into me, bawling her eyes out. It took more than 30minutes and consuming a recovery potion to finally convince her 'I am Okay.'
'Honestly, though my whole body aches a bit, though… mana and stamina wise I am in top shape after taking the potion'
Beside me stood shin Yoosung, she appears to be still upset.
As much as I want to console her more, I have learned.
When outside, stay sharp.
As for the rest,
Lee Do-hyun was near Jun ha-eun. He was cradled her gently.
Lee Eun-ji seemed to be checking her pulse and other things like eyes with the flash light.
"Seems to have suffered from head trauma..... she was most probably hit around the brachial plexus nerve cluster and the vagus nerve....mmmm..... " My sharp hearing caught what she mumbled to herself.
"You're a doctor?"
She flinched a little before hesitantly shaking her head in denial.
"...a nurse.."
I shrug, 'works either way'
"is she going to be okay?" asks Lee Do-hyun in a quivering voice.
Lee Eun-ji purses her lips, hesitant to answer
"....It's...hard to say. As there is no external bleeding and her pupil are normal, we can hope she's going to be okay. but try not to move her head much"
I walk up to Jung ha-eun.
Lee do-hyun goes all defensive, "Why are-"
I pinched a healing potion in my fingers.
"a healing potion, feed her she's gonna be fine"
"H-how do i-" "Don't you see me? 10minutes ago, a bleeding fountain now healed. Goshh"
Lee Do-hyun's expression said he had things to say but decides not to.
'For now'
[The insane one finds this one annoying, recommends sending him to the lord.]
[Demon like judge of fire tells the insane one to shut up but agrees with him]
[Secretive plotter thinks giving potion is a waste of coins]
[Many constellations admires you corcern for you companion]
After it all settles, I focus back on the loot.
I asked them if they want from the loot; They stared at me, wide eyed as if shocked.
Seeing no response from them, I assume they want nothing.
Among haul, there are 2 swords, and they stood out.
Grade: A
Description : It's a high magic conductive blade made of mana crystals found underground. But even as just a blade it's an excellent sword
The crystal-neon blue double edged blade shimmered faintly in the cave light, its Black hilt giving it an almost royal elegance.
I couldn't help but admire it.
Next
Grade : B
The blade was black, the hilt full golden and the handle what mostly black with golden designs.
Next a big Roman shield, which gives +2 physique bonus, also grade B.
I shove it toward Park Sang-hoon. With his big body, this will fit nicely.
He was adamant about not take it. So I asked him to carry it for me, as he is the most physically big.
There were other things too but, those are for another time.
At the center of the trove is a chest. Usually, when a chest shines gold, it means legendary loot. I didn't waste any more time and opened the chest.
The thing in the chest was a stove. It was small enough to fit into a pocket.
[Magic Power Stove.]
At first, I was disappointed seeing this, until I read the description.
My mouth waters, 'I wonder how monster meat tastes'
But.....
Others were not in any condition to eat.
They seemed like they would be relieved the sooner we leave.
[Magic Power Stove can only be obtained once per person.]
…
I thought we could get more magic stoves, but only one other came out.
I push the Golden dawn to park sang hoon.
"You take the front. I will survey from behind."
....