《Unknown Labyrinth》 V1 - Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Squuuuekkkk! As the giant Rat roar, it then dashes towards him with its fangs bare. Passing through the dimly corridor Poof! Squueekk! <[{Bandicota} received [Slow] for 5 seconds]> <> [LV: 13] [Bandicota] [-10% AGI] [Name: None] [STR: 45]< [AGI: 50 (-5)]< [INT: 0]< [VIT: 45]< [DEF: 3%]< [Skills] <>[Lv 2 - Bite] <|> A powerful bite that could ravage a steel armor like paper. > Armor penetration 5% <> [Swift Nimble] <|> When one''s feet is used, body shall move. > 3% increased in user''s speed [Race: Rat] Even with such small handicap, the monster still continiously rushing towards him, furious. Trying to calm his breathing, he step back 4 steps, raise his wooden shield as he crouch down, and Squuuuekkkk!! BOOM! BANG! BOOM! Squuuuekkkk! 3 loud explosion reverberated through the dimly corridor. "....." And as the smoke and dust covered the pathway Sqqueell! <> [LV: 13] [Bandicota] [-10% AGI] [Name: None] [STR: 45] [AGI: 50 (-5)] [INT: 0] [VIT: 16] [DEF: 3%] Battered and injured, the monster emerge with its eyes flickering with ferocity and tiredness Sqqueeek! Still harboring such malice even with its poor state. As he saw the opportunity, while the monster just stood still, roughly breathing, he then take his bow and armed it with an arrow, and Swoosh Shot it towards the wounded creature Sqqueeek! <> [LV: 13] [Bandicota] [VIT: 13.09] Plonk! Sqqueeek! <> [LV: 13] [Bandicota] [VIT: 10.18] And continously doing so until the said monster fell to its slumber Sqqueeek! <> [LV: 13] [Bandicota] [-10% AGI] [VIT: 0] <[You''ve gained 4 exp by slaying {Bandicota}]> Phew~! <[You''ve received [Bread](x1)]> And as its body dissappeared, a small size [Bread] appeared. Though common sense will question where such meal came from, nor how did such dirty monster carry such thing, he did still take it and slowly move on, vigilantly surveying his surroundings. (???? POV) I can''t remember much beside who am I, where I am from, and how did all things came to be. It was Christmas, though such day was supposed to be celebrated with either your love ones, friends, or family, I on the other hand greeted such day on my workplace, taking an overtime stay for a work that wasn''t supposed to be mine. My back hurts, my eyes hurts, my body was itching for a rest.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. 14:00 am(2 am), I seemingly and luckily finished everything. Such event is worth celebrating for. So I took out my futon, placed on the floor, and took my rest. After a cup of noodles and a slice of bread BOOM! BOOM! And while the fireworks display explode, cheers and songs resound, I slowly took my rest. (Author''s POV) "Merry Christmas!" (a family greeting each other at the dining table) As everyone greeted each other "May you have a joyful year!" (a co-worker separating) As some bless each other "I hope Santa read my letter" (a child at the orphanage, wishing as he pray) As some yearn for their wishes "Cheers!" (a group of men drinking) As some celebrate, unknown, oblivious, as a large magic circle appears below them, unnoticing the faint glow as the christmas light shimmers in the evening time, and just like a snap, the whole city folks dissappear in the cold winter''s time. (???? POV) And just like that, when I woke up, the cold floor wasn''t smooth anymore, the cheers and songs vanish, and the scent change. I was out of nowhere, either kidnap or seemingly prank, was now standing at an old medieval sanctuary. Cold, dirty stone walls, unpaved ground, torches lighting the dimly place, a marred wooden door, and 3 stalls like those one you often see in a fantasy, medieval setting series - an item stall, a food stall, and an empty quest board. Disbelief, I tried pinching myself and even trying to scream about this stupid prank of theirs, yet no one replied. Hours went, I started to feel anxious, though I held myself not to panic, but I can''t control myself to keep yelling and angerly asking about this mess I am into, but no one but me was their to answer all those questions. I was lose. Hours went by, as I impatiently decided to moved towards the old wooden door, a sudden <[Welcome to the [Unknown Labyrinth] adventurer!] > Notification pops out in front of me, almost made me pee in shock. As I stumbled down, the unknown notification bar continues <[Unknown Labyrinth] is an old ruin. An ancient one built by the combine power of the [Sage], the [Hero], and the [Demon King] in the old time, creating this mysterious and powerful place. Though millennia had passed, this old ruin still stood strong, even today. Secrets of its creation still unsolved, artifacts and lost treasures were still unfound, and unknown shadows still lurks. Those who dare to challenge the labyrinth''s might, were now lost and seemingly forgotten. Oh brave challenger, adventurer, move with vigilance, stand with might, may the God''s guidance and blessing be upon you, and seek what lies ahead to this old ruin. And be warn to the danger that still within this [Unknown Labyrinth]> Ending with such ominosity. Still skeptical to this situation, I ignored those words and just continuedly moving towards the old door Creak <[May the guidance to those who adore you, may be with you]> (Author''s POV) Irritated and anxious as he opens the door "....." A sudden shiver crept down to his spine, as unfamiliar place showcase before him. Daze as he stood still wondering, as the room he once before was now gone, unknowingly replaced by an expanse that felt both alien and suffocating. Swoosh Cold touch of a chill breeze run through him, as the very atmosphere seemed to hum with a disquieting energy, passing each walls and ground, alarming him. Still confused and worried Grrowwwll! "!" A loud reverberating roar resound, waking him up. Hurriedly crouching down, he then survey his surrounding area. Spotted a group of wooden barrels, he then quickly and silently run towards it, hiding behind it. Hah ha As his heart beat fasten, his breathing becoming rough, and his mind gone dissaray <[Please choose what class do you want to become]> Another notification bar appeared before him. Though still doubtful, he calm himself and clear his mind, as panicking won''t get him anywhere. "Whooooo~" <[Please choose 3 classes: Thief Knight Guard Mage Ranger Assassin Priest Blacksmith Berserker Alchemist]> One by one, he then carefully read each of this classes, though games and such aren''t his forte as work, sleep, and eat are his daily routine accompanied with stress and tiredness. <[Thief - good against traps and has exceptional scouting skill] [+3 [AGI]> {+[Map] [R], +[Spyglass] [R]} <[Knight - master in the art of swordsmanship] [+3 STR]> {+[Iron Sword] [C]} <[Guard - when in need, its shield has the might to receive it] [+3% DEF]> {+[Wooden Shield] [C]} <[Mage - those who are adore by the mana can cast them] [+3 INT]> {+[Wooden Staff] [C], +[Arcane Tapestry] [R]} <[Ranger - exceptional in the ways of the bow] [+2 STR, +1 AGI] {+[Bow and Quiver] [C]} <[Assassin - dwellers of the darkness] [+1 STR, +2 AGI]> {+[Iron Dagger]s [C]} <[Priest - they who heal and guide]> {+[Sustainment Satchel] [R], +[Wooden Staff] [C]} <[Blacksmith - in the ways of the hammer, no one can top them] [+2% DEF, +1 STR]> {+[Iron Hammer] [C], +[Forge Techniques] [R]} <[Berserker - an expert in the art of battle] [+3 STR, -3 INT, +3% DEF]> {+[Iron Axe] [C], +[Wooden Shield] [C]} <[Alchemist - a wondering mind speaks of truth and dance in lies] [+2 INT]> {+[Composition Compass] [R], +[Creation Codex] [R]} As games, novels, and series with fantastical realms aren''t his forte, he carefully examine every aspect of each classes through description alone, finding which is the best suit in this situation, and which should he prioritize the most. Coming up with a good combination of each classes <[Do you want to lock in?] [Y] >(click) [N]< He made up his mind and choose what is appropriate for him and the upcoming event that might come, that might unexpectedly come <[Congratulations! You have received [Map] - let you see the overall structure of the place you set into (size and distance doesn''t matter) [Spyglass] - let you see anything within 15 meters radius [Sustainment Satchel] - list of medical materials [Wooden Staff] - +[Heal], +1 [INT (when equip)] [Iron Hammer] - +[Forge], +1 [STR] [Forge Techniques] - list of equipments and items production> <[Please check your status by opening [Status]> "[Status]" [Status] <> [LV: 1]< [Name: Ren Hyunwoo] <> [Classes: [Thief], [Priest], [Blacksmith] [STR: 1(+1)] [AGI: 1(+3)] [INT: 1] [VIT: 1] [DEF: 1%(+2%)] "!? 1 HP?! What the fuck is this!" He confusedly yelled, baffled, as he tried to piece together the events leading to this moment, the weight of the situation pressed down on him. Even a level 1 F rank or a 2 star character have a much higher HP than him. Squuuuekkkk! "!?" Startled, he quickly crouch down and survey his surrounding area. With the thick fog he can''t see anything, and he wish that whoever that was couldn''t also. But not far from him <> [LV: 9] [Bandicota] [Name: None] With its head shown and eyes glimmers [STR: 27] [AGI: 32] [INT: 0] [VIT: 27] [DEF: 3%] Appears in this thick fog [Skills] <>[Bite] <|> A powerful bite that could ravage a steel armor like paper. > Armor penetration 2% [Race: Rat] Now he felt the unfairness of the world, the injustice between the weak and the strong, and he who pulled the short stick now has to face this unexpected outcome. How had he ended up with this unexpected outcome, he still can''t answer that, as he hold his breath and pray, pray that it will only pass and nothing more. ..... Squeek! Favored of fate, maybe the God had blessed him, the monster left. As the familiar creak of the hinges faded into an unsettling silence, stepping through, he felt a disorienting jolt, as if the very fabric of reality had shifted around him. "..." He has now believe, forced to, that whatever place he has been, isn''t the same one before. <[Welcome to the [Unknown Labyrinth], adventurer]> Authors Note I would like to apologize for being late. If I remember, I said that I will post another series after a month or 2 break, but unfortunately, it got extended. I just got addicted to this game that I found and used all month on it, and totally forgot about writing anything. And after 2 months, which should be enough for me to write or come up something new, I got sidetracked again by reading the latest novels, manga/manhwa, then watched some anime, and play again. Only a month ago did I start, really start writing. My apologies. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. And also just a reminder, I''ll be releasing another series, I''ll explain, I''ll be releasing another series after finishing the 1dt volume of this one, then continue my other series. So it will be like this: Unknown Labyrinth -> Another series -> Dark-Ages -> I was reincarnated by being summoned -> Unknown Labyrinth So tall won''t get bored waiting for the other series to get updated, and I won''t also feel haywire cuz I can''t turn off my brain from thinking Once again, thank you for reading my series V1 Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Sssswooooossh~ As the cold breeze of the wind passes, I carefully and silently walk as I crouch down through this old and foreign place. Ssswwiishhh~ Down this misty and unpaved ground, I vigilantly watch and listen. Krrraakkk! "!" For every corner, every step, something else lurks in this ancient ruin (Author''s POV) 2 days right after this sudden event, as day nor night revolves in this deep ruin, so time was a bit of a troubling matter for him. So rather than counting by the rotation of the moon and the sun, he base his time by hour. After his forceful summoning, he steeled himself to move forward than to stay put. Staying low won''t get him anywhere, though venturing post a risk. During the days he was here he have learned 7 things: 1. The map he has completely covered the whole area he was in, from end to end, every nook and cranny. 2. Monster won''t easily spot you when you crouch down, for now. 3. Every room of this place has either traps or a treasure chest 4. Monster levels and drop item rank vary even within the same floor, and sometimes even a higher level one would appear. 5. Every monster carries loot, but even the same monster doesn''t drop the same kind. 6. There''s a staircase that leads to the next floor, and when you cross it you can''t go back. 7. Even if you didn''t have the necessary class for such item, you can still use them, though not at its fullest potential. He already passed the 1st floor, the very floor where he got summoned. Though circumstances came that he couldn''t fully survey the whole place, but he was able to grab a few loot. <> [Quick Bow] [N] [+1 STR] [+1 AGI] |>[When equip(for Archer only): +1 AGI, +3% Crit]< [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Potato] [N] The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. |>[When consume: heals 1% of the user''s health for 5 seconds] [Description: It seem someone left behind a hearty gift to those who explore the ruins. What a pleasant welcome] .. <> [Iron Sword] [N] [+1 STR] |>[When equip(for Knight only): +1 STR] [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Torch] [Duration: 30 seconds] [C] |>[When in use: lights 2 meters radius and heals 1% of the user''s health] [Description: They said that only when one faces the darkness, can one see the light] .. Squek Squek <> [Lv 9] [Bandicota] <> [Lv 11] [Bandicota] Glop Flop Flop <> [Lv 6] [Slime] Even with such items, he could only pray that those monsters won''t notice him, nor will he need to fight them. ... Glaop Gloop <> [Lv 15] [Slime] Around the corner, a gooey monster stood upfront towards the staircase that leads to the another floor. "....." With that on the way, Hyunwoo couldn''t pass this level, nor leave this place. Slowly backing away, he then looked around the misty corridor, then to the [Map] he was holding. (Hyunwoo''s POV) ''.... Fuck'' I cursed, as the only way out, the only place where I can go to pass through this area was blocked by damn that monster. The whole area looks like a cross with a square shape at the center. I was lucky to be teleported at the top left, near the exit up north, or so I thought, as to move forward I need to pass that monster. Looking around, sighing, I then store the map I was holding and went back. Fighting that monster with such meager stats, especially my HP, will be my end, so scavenging anything in this area will be my only one way out. "If there is nothing, sleeping in this place isn''t that bad anyway.... I guess?" ... <> [Bread] [C] >[When consume: heals 6% of the user''s health] <> [Torch] [C] <> [Stick] [+1 ATK] [C] ".... *sigh* what a luck" Venturing back wasn''t an easy one, but to do whatever I can I did try, and even with those risks I could only have this much. "... *sigh*" If this is a sign that I should give up, I don''t know whether I should be happy or not. (Author''s POV) Going back to the place where he found those items, he stayed there for some time as he took his rest. Grumbling about this situation without anything in hand made him relentless and tired, so a quick nap might do some trick and clear his mind. ... [Status] <> [Map] [R] >(click) |> [Clothe: 0/ 10] <> [Spyglass] [R] > |> [Glass: 0/ 20] <> [Wooden Staff] [C] > |> [Sturdy Board: 0/ 10] <> [Iron Hammer] [C] > |> [Iron: 0/ 25] ''So I can level them up?'' He asked himself, as he laid his back to the cold wall, and just noticed this when he was killing some time. ''Can the clothes I am wearing counted?'' He then reached his handkerchief at the back, and "....?" Pause, as he doesn''t know what to do. He have the material(?) but how to level it up? Or whether the thing he have is the same material as what the ''thing'' wanted. Seeing no answer to his question, he just sigh and stood up "Should have tried some game or 2" And left the area, trying to solve the most important matter before the other. ... Moving stealthily in this dim and misty corridor "AAAAAHHHHH!" "!?" A reverberating yell resound, surprising him. Alarmed, he hurriedly survey his surrounding area, his eyes thoroughly scanning the darkness "!" Only to be met by the horrifying gaze of a faceless monster looming behind him. Every instinct he has screamed as his heart beat beat in terror, his voice silence as the monster gaze at him. ''Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck!'' He wanted to run yet his feet felt rooted to the ground, ensnared by fear. Then it smiled, as the monster''s lips curled in a twisted one, revealing an array of grotesque sharp teeth. Even with its faceless feature, the monster gaze of sinister hunger shown, as if boring his very soul. And as sweat roll his skin, the monster stood and crawled above the ceiling of this ruin, leaving him alone, paralyze and in dread. Even the small gasp couldn''t left his throat, as he stay there frozen, cornered and helpless. Whatever that was, it won''t be the last nor the only one that he will meet in this abandoned ruin. V1 - Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Haah Hah Haah hah Leaning against the wall as he roughly breath, shiver and chills still lingers to his body as tried calming himself. If once he thought this was merely a joke, a simple prank, just a bad dream, now ".... Wh.. What the fuck was that!?" Now he was unsure, to where is he "That was... That was..... What the hell!" To where he should be "Fuck!" Under the thick cloud of this mist, he slowly made his way forward, using the cold walls to assist him as he walk. Haah Hah hahh Still anxious, still unsure, with fear looming beside him, even thinking nor walking straight was hard for him to do. In this old, unknown place, what should he do? Squelch ''!?'' [What should he supposedly do?] ''!'' Bleaurgh... Splattered body, chopped limbs, as if being rolled over by a tractor, mawed into such grosteque scene. Whether it was human or something else, he doesn''t know, as the stench and its figure alone made him vomit, bended on the ground as fear now hold him tight ''What the hell is that!?'' He thought ''Who did that!?'' He ask ''What the fuck is going on?!'' He wonders. His mind was disarray, his body was heavy "Christene?" ''!?'' "Christen! Christen?!" A voice, a sudden voice just out of nowhere called out in this dimly place ''A human!?'' But even how much he try, his body doesn''t listen as if he was rooted to the ground. His hands won''t let go, nor does his fee wants to get up, he could only do was stare upfront to where the voice comes from, trying to see with his hazy sight. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "Christene.. Kkk? Christene!" ''... Aa... A... Aaa....'' He wants to reply, he wants to yell, yet not even a whisper leaves his throat. He just wish that whoever that was "Kraa-Christene! Kraakkk... Christene!?" "..." Could atleast come over towards him "Krreekksteennne!? Kkreekkkk!" "!" To let him know "Krreeaaakkk! Chhhrriiskkkkteene!" "!!" [Who was it?] "Kreeraaakkk!" A skinless creature with a thin feature, as if a walking bamboo stick in this abandoned ruin. 4 arms and legs, with a mismatched pair of eyes - one was bulging while the other sunken deep into its skull - both glimmers in a hungry gleam. Fleshless skeletal frame with bones jutting out at odd angles beneath its pale, slick and sinew muscles. Drip Drip Drip Under its cavernous teeth "!?" Was half of the once head, with eyes and skin hanging by its mouth. Blood drops with its saliva mixed, tightenedly secured between those sharp teeth. "Kkrrr-Ccchrissssteeenee!" And as his eyes wonder down below, as the mouth of this monster didn''t move yet spoken, was a large hole with a spiral structure, with a long disgusting tongue. Its abdomen was its mouth also. He unconsciously hold his breath as the monster pass him, with his body frozen. [Was he afraid? Fear can''t describe what he experienced, it was different yet the same. What was it?] ..... Hours passed as he was left frozen to the side of this dimly corridor. His eyes were unmoving, his breathing was silent, his body turned pale, yet even with such time he wasn''t hungry nor thirsty, he was just unsure, unsure how or why is he here? What is going to happen to him? He couldn''t think straight, even if he tried, he just couldn''t. He just couldn''t face the fact that thing won''t be the last nor the 1st if he stay longer in this place, in this unknown land. ..... Swooosh As the cold wind passes through Tok Tok Tok As a droplets of water falls, Hyunwoo, though feeling unease he tried to comfort himself that staying out won''t get him anywhere. Swooosh As the silence presses down, only his faint footsteps broke through with the cold breeze caressing him. "..." As if the very walls have eyes, the ground moves, the seemingly endless silence amplified his senses, as if they were alive, watching, waiting. Shhhhhhhhsss Feeling a creeping discomfort in his bones, a gnawing sensation that something is off, but you can''t quite place what, Hyunwoo steadily move forward as his eyes wonders around, carefully screening everything he passes. Haahh Haah hah "..." With his hazy eyes, his blurry mind, the corridor seems to stretch endlessly in this misty place, and as though the walls are closing in. With the little light lightening the area, shadows flickering in this dim area, Hyunwoo''s breathing has gone heavier and heavier in each step he took. Haah Hah Haah Slip Thud Slpat [..... So weak, why so weak adventurer? Why?] .... Tightly covering its lips as it crouch down behind some pile of broken wooden boxes, that not even a whisper of gasp couldn''t leave its mouth. Hnghhhhrrr Covered in a black, tattered coat Hghhhrrr It silently prayed that the monster roaming around the area it was in, would left Hghhkkkkk... Hkkkrrkk! (??? POV) The creature before me was a grotesque silhouette Hkkkrrkk! Something that would hunt you to death, that even a glimpse of it won''t let you sleep a wink. No legs, no arms, just an oval shaped monster with a thousand heads screaming in agonizing song, walking around with its dozen upon dozen of tentacles. Hollowed eyes, tears of blood, smiling and in agony. Hghhhhkrrrkk! Always on a hunt, and always "Run! Just run!" "!?" !! Hkkrrrk!! And always on high alert for any prey it heard ''Idiots!'' "Do-ahhhhhhh!" ''Should have stayed quiet'' V1 - Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Haah Hah Haah hah Leaning against the wall as he roughly breath, shiver and chills still lingers to his body as tried calming himself. If once he thought this was merely a joke, a simple prank, just a bad dream, now ".... Wh.. What the fuck was that!?" Now he was unsure, to where is he "That was... That was..... What the hell!" To where he should be "Fuck!" Under the thick cloud of this mist, he slowly made his way forward, using the cold walls to assist him as he walk. Haah Hah hahh Still anxious, still unsure, with fear looming beside him, even thinking nor walking straight was hard for him to do. In this old, unknown place, what should he do? Squelch ''!?'' [What should he supposedly do?] ''!'' Bleaurgh... Splattered body, chopped limbs, as if being rolled over by a tractor, mawed into such grosteque scene. Whether it was human or something else, he doesn''t know, as the stench and its figure alone made him vomit, bended on the ground as fear now hold him tight ''What the hell is that!?'' He thought ''Who did that!?'' He ask ''What the fuck is going on?!'' He wonders. His mind was disarray, his body was heavy "Christene?" ''!?'' "Christen! Christen?!" A voice, a sudden voice just out of nowhere called out in this dimly place ''A human!?'' But even how much he try, his body doesn''t listen as if he was rooted to the ground. His hands won''t let go, nor does his fee wants to get up, he could only do was stare upfront to where the voice comes from, trying to see with his hazy sight. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Christene.. Kkk? Christene!" ''... Aa... A... Aaa....'' He wants to reply, he wants to yell, yet not even a whisper leaves his throat. He just wish that whoever that was "Kraa-Christene! Kraakkk... Christene!?" "..." Could atleast come over towards him "Krreekksteennne!? Kkreekkkk!" "!" To let him know "Krreeaaakkk! Chhhrriiskkkkteene!" "!!" [Who was it?] "Kreeraaakkk!" A skinless creature with a thin feature, as if a walking bamboo stick in this abandoned ruin. 4 arms and legs, with a mismatched pair of eyes - one was bulging while the other sunken deep into its skull - both glimmers in a hungry gleam. Fleshless skeletal frame with bones jutting out at odd angles beneath its pale, slick and sinew muscles. Drip Drip Drip Under its cavernous teeth "!?" Was half of the once head, with eyes and skin hanging by its mouth. Blood drops with its saliva mixed, tightenedly secured between those sharp teeth. "Kkrrr-Ccchrissssteeenee!" And as his eyes wonder down below, as the mouth of this monster didn''t move yet spoken, was a large hole with a spiral structure, with a long disgusting tongue. Its abdomen was its mouth also. He unconsciously hold his breath as the monster pass him, with his body frozen. [Was he afraid? Fear can''t describe what he experienced, it was different yet the same. What was it?] ..... Hours passed as he was left frozen to the side of this dimly corridor. His eyes were unmoving, his breathing was silent, his body turned pale, yet even with such time he wasn''t hungry nor thirsty, he was just unsure, unsure how or why is he here? What is going to happen to him? He couldn''t think straight, even if he tried, he just couldn''t. He just couldn''t face the fact that thing won''t be the last nor the 1st if he stay longer in this place, in this unknown land. ..... Swooosh As the cold wind passes through Tok Tok Tok As a droplets of water falls, Hyunwoo, though feeling unease he tried to comfort himself that staying out won''t get him anywhere. Swooosh As the silence presses down, only his faint footsteps broke through with the cold breeze caressing him. "..." As if the very walls have eyes, the ground moves, the seemingly endless silence amplified his senses, as if they were alive, watching, waiting. Shhhhhhhhsss Feeling a creeping discomfort in his bones, a gnawing sensation that something is off, but you can''t quite place what, Hyunwoo steadily move forward as his eyes wonders around, carefully screening everything he passes. Haahh Haah hah "..." With his hazy eyes, his blurry mind, the corridor seems to stretch endlessly in this misty place, and as though the walls are closing in. With the little light lightening the area, shadows flickering in this dim area, Hyunwoo''s breathing has gone heavier and heavier in each step he took. Haah Hah Haah Slip Thud Slpat [..... So weak, why so weak adventurer? Why?] .... Tightly covering its lips as it crouch down behind some pile of broken wooden boxes, that not even a whisper of gasp couldn''t leave its mouth. Hnghhhhrrr Covered in a black, tattered coat Hghhhrrr It silently prayed that the monster roaming around the area it was in, would left Hghhkkkkk... Hkkkrrkk! (??? POV) The creature before me was a grotesque silhouette Hkkkrrkk! Something that would hunt you to death, that even a glimpse of it won''t let you sleep a wink. No legs, no arms, just an oval shaped monster with a thousand heads screaming in agonizing song, walking around with its dozen upon dozen of tentacles. Hollowed eyes, tears of blood, smiling and in agony. Hghhhhkrrrkk! Always on a hunt, and always "Run! Just run!" "!?" !! Hkkrrrk!! And always on high alert for any prey it heard ''Idiots!'' "Do-ahhhhhhh!" ''Should have stayed quiet'' V1 - Chapter 4 Chapter 4 "Mother!" Awaken from a deep slumber, from his lingering dream, Hyunwoo anxiously yelled Haah Hah haah Heart racing, sweat quickly beading, still hazy to the dream he dreamt. Disoriented, Hyunwoo looked around with his tired eyes, trying to understand where he was, trying to piece his shambles mind. Hah Hahh Hah Hah "Oh" "!" "You are awake" Just then, a sudden voice came. Still trying to keep his bearing intact, he glances to his side to where the voice came, only to be greeted by someone he never meet "Quite a dream ha?" Deepening his confusion further. .... "I am Celest, from the [Village of Minorth]. Nice to meet you" Wearing a *wrap dress coated in dark blue and dray, this unknown woman introduces herself. "... [Village, of Minorth]?" Though still quite confused after just waking up, Hyunwoo puzzledly asked "Hmm? It''s just up north of the [Great River Dale], 2 weeks journey by foot. Named after, well, from a once passing group of {Minotaurs}. Never been there?" She asked, wondering. Frowning, Hyunwoo has gotten more confused. So he shook his head before he ask "I, never heard of such village nor river before, which country is that?" "Country?.... Hmm.... Country..... I think, our village lies between the border of the [Kingdom of Eristelle] and [Queendom of Lurairel], and below the [Town of Honstkel], on the island of [Terrestel Island], which I couldn''t recall if the place where we are is a coun-" "..." ".... Hmmm?" Placing his palm on his forehead, Hyunwoo has gone silent, truly confused and bewildered ''Kingdom? Queendom? Island? What?'' After wrapping his head and calming himself, he then further asked after introducing himself, which further confuses both of them "There''s another habitable planet than ours!?" She yelled, surprised and amazed "I, I guess? As I never heard of any of those places you are telling me" "I see" Looking around the area ".... You''re a doctor?" "Hmm?" She then glances back and saw the piles of herbs she collected, empty potion bottles, scattered books and metal scraps, shattered crystals and glasses, unopened wooden boxes, tattered furniture, and more "No, I''m an [Alchemists]" She then stood up, went to the drawer just a distance from them, took something out. "That''s a-" <> [Vile of Healing] [C] >[When consume heals any minor wounds and restore 2% of your health] [Description: Even in death, she didn''t abandoned her sacred duty] A cylinder bottle with a light red liquid inside it. "It took me almost 2 weeks to make this one, and a ton of resources atop of it" Glancing at the shattered glasses, Hyunwoo then understood. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "So it doesn''t instantly makes you one, ha?" "I was surprised too when I picked it, thought I would *snap* become a great [Alchemist] in an instant" She then sat down beside him and continued "But I guess, work doesn''t finish itself without its worker" Gazing at his palm, he then lay his head down and wanted to take a rest, when "!" "Hmm?" He suddenly realized as he quickly sat down "2 weeks? You have been here for 2 weeks?" "Yes?" "How?" "How what?" "I only been here for 2 days, so how? How did you get here before me?" ".... What?" .... (???? POV) Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Arrff! Arrf! Arf! "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! You damn useless bastards! Fuck!" (cursing as it run around the verdant labyrinth) Bang! Boom! BOOM! Thud (stumble down as he tripped then stood up and staggerly running) "Heheh... Ehehheh..... Ahhahahah! She wanted to see monster right? Fine! I''ll bringing you one then, bitch!" (it grin, evident in its eyes the insanity it have as it took a turn to the left) .... "It was during the 3rd month of Winter, almost at the end of the season. After we have sold the {Nero Rabbits} and some {Boars} that we hunted in the nearby village, we were about to head back when a sudden magic circle appeared below us, and when I woke up, my younger brother and sister was nowhere to be found while I was lost in this ruin" She then gazed at Hyunwoo "Though pathetic it might be, but after meeting those monsters in my way, I... I couldn''t have the courage to find them, nor to even.... *clench* nor even imagine their situation" "So you, give up?" She then stared above the ceiling as she replied "... Haaaa~ I guess, pathetic right?" Silence then envelope the room as Hyunwoo can''t refute, nor does he have the right to do so. Was it wrong to be a coward? Does being selfish a mistake? He wonders. Crossing her legs, she then added "Rotten corpses, those grotesque monsters, this unknown ruin, even how much I try to be brave, trying to be a hero in this mess would just end my life than to gain anything valuable on it. So yes, I just give up, and didn''t further look" "..... Don''t you, miss them?" She then grin as she stared at him ".... Only a madman wouldn''t" And stood up "Do you like a drink? I only have a coffee, water, and a little bit of tea left" "..... I.. I''ll just take the coffee" She then made her way towards the cabinet, just behind the drawer "Wanna add some milk? I have some few left" ".... Do... Do you think-" "They resent me? Who wouldn''t?" She then took out a small wooden boxes and went back "I was the eldest, yet I abandoned them. I assure you, if we meet, we will be enemies" She then handed the wooden cup to Hyunwoo "How about you?" As he silently sat there, lost in his thought as he grab the wooden cup "*sigh* I-" BOOM! GRRGGAAWWRRGG! "!?" A sudden loud roar then reverberate after such a large explosion, alarming both of them "..... What was that?" "I don''t know, but as long we are inside this place, whoever that was can''t get in" Hearing that, Hyunwoo glances back at her and asked "What?" Confused and skeptical. Staring at him, she then reply "..... This place is quite hidden in a narrow passage, that even if you are near to it, you still can''t notice it. It was also behind some pile of wooden boxes, so this room is hard to s-" BANG! "!?" BOOM! BANG! But as those loud explosions get nearer and nearer "... I guess the secret passage isn''t a secret anymore" CRASH! "W-what?" "Follow me" "Wh-whe-woah!" He yelp, as she forcefully pulled him and headed towards a huge wardrobe. Bang! Boom! Creak Rattle She, in haste, opened the wardrobe''s door and pushed all the clothes to the side, revealing a small door to the supposed end(wall) of the wardrobe. Opening it, she then forcefully pull and push Hyunwoo inside, before she then went in, after she placed the hanged clothes to there place. BOOM! Ggggrrr! Arrff! Arrff! "Hush" She then gestures him to be silent, which he nodded, anxiously Sniff Sniff Sniff In the dimly room, prowling with its nostrils flaring as it tried sniffing the scent of its elusive prey, the beast, with its furless body, survey the surrounding area. Crack Crack As the shards of the broken glass crunched beneath its heavy, clawed feet, it moves around with the furniture littered on its path, trying to listen to the faintest sound. Ggggrrrrr~! A guttural growl escaped its throat as fury and hunger twisted in a volatile storm, with its eyes glowing in a dark hue of red. "..." "..." And silently awaiting behind the closet, the 2 tried to hold even the smallest whisper, hoping that the uninvited guest will leave. Pang! "!?" Close to them, a sound of a sudden object being thrown echoed BOOM! Rumble Thud Thud Clatter Clatter Followed by a tremor as the walls of the room crumbled. "....." "....." Then silence came. The 2 waited for an hour to pass before she signalled him to go out. "..... What the hell was that?" He asked, as he look around the area. With an exception to the wall, the state of the room didn''t change. "Well-" Celest then crouch down as he found the object that was thrown at them "A very rude guest" And on her hand was a half of what was once a head "And a traitorous rat" She then glance at Hyunwoo, who was looking at her, and got up before she spoke "Though everyone who knows this place is gone by now, probably, this place isn''t safe anymore, so we should start evacuating" "To where?" She then walk towards at the side of the closet "There''s another place I known off that is far secretive than this one. Let us head there" "Like I said, to where?" "... I''ll explain it to you on our way, for now-" Shhpshh Creak Behind the black curtain, a small secret door then revealed itself, tightly locked. Opening the door by drawing a small magic circle - a hexagonal star with an upside down crescent moon and a line at its center - it then open "Help me pack everything" Flop And throws away a bunch of empty bags. "..." Hyunwoo stood still there as he stared at the crumbled wall "Hurry up slowpoke, that beast isn''t the only one you need to lookout for" Before he went towards her Thud >>[¡Á] |<><><><>| [¡Á]<< *A wrap dress is generic term for a dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other, and is fastened at the side or tied at the back. This forms a V-shaped neckline. V1 - Chapter 5 Chapter 4 "Mother!" Awaken from a deep slumber, from his lingering dream, Hyunwoo anxiously yelled Haah Hah haah Heart racing, sweat quickly beading, still hazy to the dream he dreamt. Disoriented, Hyunwoo looked around with his tired eyes, trying to understand where he was, trying to piece his shambles mind. Hah Hahh Hah Hah "Oh" "!" "You are awake" Just then, a sudden voice came. Still trying to keep his bearing intact, he glances to his side to where the voice came, only to be greeted by someone he never meet "Quite a dream ha?" Deepening his confusion further. .... "I am Celest, from the [Village of Minorth]. Nice to meet you" Wearing a *wrap dress coated in dark blue and dray, this unknown woman introduces herself. "... [Village, of Minorth]?" Though still quite confused after just waking up, Hyunwoo puzzledly asked "Hmm? It''s just up north of the [Great River Dale], 2 weeks journey by foot. Named after, well, from a once passing group of {Minotaurs}. Never been there?" She asked, wondering. Frowning, Hyunwoo has gotten more confused. So he shook his head before he ask "I, never heard of such village nor river before, which country is that?" "Country?.... Hmm.... Country..... I think, our village lies between the border of the [Kingdom of Eristelle] and [Queendom of Lurairel], and below the [Town of Honstkel], on the island of [Terrestel Island], which I couldn''t recall if the place where we are is a coun-" "..." ".... Hmmm?" Placing his palm on his forehead, Hyunwoo has gone silent, truly confused and bewildered ''Kingdom? Queendom? Island? What?'' After wrapping his head and calming himself, he then further asked after introducing himself, which further confuses both of them "There''s another habitable planet than ours!?" She yelled, surprised and amazed "I, I guess? As I never heard of any of those places you are telling me" "I see" Looking around the area ".... You''re a doctor?" "Hmm?" She then glances back and saw the piles of herbs she collected, empty potion bottles, scattered books and metal scraps, shattered crystals and glasses, unopened wooden boxes, tattered furniture, and more "No, I''m an [Alchemists]" She then stood up, went to the drawer just a distance from them, took something out. "That''s a-" <> [Vile of Healing] [C] >[When consume heals any minor wounds and restore 2% of your health] [Description: Even in death, she didn''t abandoned her sacred duty] A cylinder bottle with a light red liquid inside it. "It took me almost 2 weeks to make this one, and a ton of resources atop of it" Glancing at the shattered glasses, Hyunwoo then understood. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "So it doesn''t instantly makes you one, ha?" "I was surprised too when I picked it, thought I would *snap* become a great [Alchemist] in an instant" She then sat down beside him and continued "But I guess, work doesn''t finish itself without its worker" Gazing at his palm, he then lay his head down and wanted to take a rest, when "!" "Hmm?" He suddenly realized as he quickly sat down "2 weeks? You have been here for 2 weeks?" "Yes?" "How?" "How what?" "I only been here for 2 days, so how? How did you get here before me?" ".... What?" .... (???? POV) Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Arrff! Arrf! Arf! "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! You damn useless bastards! Fuck!" (cursing as it run around the verdant labyrinth) Bang! Boom! BOOM! Thud (stumble down as he tripped then stood up and staggerly running) "Heheh... Ehehheh..... Ahhahahah! She wanted to see monster right? Fine! I''ll bringing you one then, bitch!" (it grin, evident in its eyes the insanity it have as it took a turn to the left) .... "It was during the 3rd month of Winter, almost at the end of the season. After we have sold the {Nero Rabbits} and some {Boars} that we hunted in the nearby village, we were about to head back when a sudden magic circle appeared below us, and when I woke up, my younger brother and sister was nowhere to be found while I was lost in this ruin" She then gazed at Hyunwoo "Though pathetic it might be, but after meeting those monsters in my way, I... I couldn''t have the courage to find them, nor to even.... *clench* nor even imagine their situation" "So you, give up?" She then stared above the ceiling as she replied "... Haaaa~ I guess, pathetic right?" Silence then envelope the room as Hyunwoo can''t refute, nor does he have the right to do so. Was it wrong to be a coward? Does being selfish a mistake? He wonders. Crossing her legs, she then added "Rotten corpses, those grotesque monsters, this unknown ruin, even how much I try to be brave, trying to be a hero in this mess would just end my life than to gain anything valuable on it. So yes, I just give up, and didn''t further look" "..... Don''t you, miss them?" She then grin as she stared at him ".... Only a madman wouldn''t" And stood up "Do you like a drink? I only have a coffee, water, and a little bit of tea left" "..... I.. I''ll just take the coffee" She then made her way towards the cabinet, just behind the drawer "Wanna add some milk? I have some few left" ".... Do... Do you think-" "They resent me? Who wouldn''t?" She then took out a small wooden boxes and went back "I was the eldest, yet I abandoned them. I assure you, if we meet, we will be enemies" She then handed the wooden cup to Hyunwoo "How about you?" As he silently sat there, lost in his thought as he grab the wooden cup "*sigh* I-" BOOM! GRRGGAAWWRRGG! "!?" A sudden loud roar then reverberate after such a large explosion, alarming both of them "..... What was that?" "I don''t know, but as long we are inside this place, whoever that was can''t get in" Hearing that, Hyunwoo glances back at her and asked "What?" Confused and skeptical. Staring at him, she then reply "..... This place is quite hidden in a narrow passage, that even if you are near to it, you still can''t notice it. It was also behind some pile of wooden boxes, so this room is hard to s-" BANG! "!?" BOOM! BANG! But as those loud explosions get nearer and nearer "... I guess the secret passage isn''t a secret anymore" CRASH! "W-what?" "Follow me" "Wh-whe-woah!" He yelp, as she forcefully pulled him and headed towards a huge wardrobe. Bang! Boom! Creak Rattle She, in haste, opened the wardrobe''s door and pushed all the clothes to the side, revealing a small door to the supposed end(wall) of the wardrobe. Opening it, she then forcefully pull and push Hyunwoo inside, before she then went in, after she placed the hanged clothes to there place. BOOM! Ggggrrr! Arrff! Arrff! "Hush" She then gestures him to be silent, which he nodded, anxiously Sniff Sniff Sniff In the dimly room, prowling with its nostrils flaring as it tried sniffing the scent of its elusive prey, the beast, with its furless body, survey the surrounding area. Crack Crack As the shards of the broken glass crunched beneath its heavy, clawed feet, it moves around with the furniture littered on its path, trying to listen to the faintest sound. Ggggrrrrr~! A guttural growl escaped its throat as fury and hunger twisted in a volatile storm, with its eyes glowing in a dark hue of red. "..." "..." And silently awaiting behind the closet, the 2 tried to hold even the smallest whisper, hoping that the uninvited guest will leave. Pang! "!?" Close to them, a sound of a sudden object being thrown echoed BOOM! Rumble Thud Thud Clatter Clatter Followed by a tremor as the walls of the room crumbled. "....." "....." Then silence came. The 2 waited for an hour to pass before she signalled him to go out. "..... What the hell was that?" He asked, as he look around the area. With an exception to the wall, the state of the room didn''t change. "Well-" Celest then crouch down as he found the object that was thrown at them "A very rude guest" And on her hand was a half of what was once a head "And a traitorous rat" She then glance at Hyunwoo, who was looking at her, and got up before she spoke "Though everyone who knows this place is gone by now, probably, this place isn''t safe anymore, so we should start evacuating" "To where?" She then walk towards at the side of the closet "There''s another place I known off that is far secretive than this one. Let us head there" "Like I said, to where?" "... I''ll explain it to you on our way, for now-" Shhpshh Creak Behind the black curtain, a small secret door then revealed itself, tightly locked. Opening the door by drawing a small magic circle - a hexagonal star with an upside down crescent moon and a line at its center - it then open "Help me pack everything" Flop And throws away a bunch of empty bags. "..." Hyunwoo stood still there as he stared at the crumbled wall "Hurry up slowpoke, that beast isn''t the only one you need to lookout for" Before he went towards her Thud >>[¡Á] |<><><><>| [¡Á]<< *A wrap dress is generic term for a dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other, and is fastened at the side or tied at the back. This forms a V-shaped neckline. V1-Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Black company, if you ever heard of a place where social being of their worker and working conditions weren''t on the list of "must be prioritize", then may the gods or whatever deity you believe guide you. When the industrialization and business competition boom, unending development in the economy, and rapid growth in social hierarchy, like a disregarded seed that suddenly sprout, these companies arose. Working conditions? Environment? Workers life? Labor law? These things doesn''t ring a bell to these types of companies. They rather have a chained rat that doesn''t complain, than a barking dog that bites. Unfortunately, people can''t avert their eyes on them, nor can they avoid it, even how much they want. Thats happen, when you don''t want society to judge you. That''s how I realized, how pitiful I have become. Money can change everything, anyone, and anything. Does it gives you happiness? I will be lying if I said it doesn''t, but it doesn''t come for free. It''s like a swamp, if you don''t want to sink, better hold unto something, if you don''t, nothing will be left, not even yourself. It was December, almost Christmas, just an hour before you heard a loud bang, before the clear sky covered with colors and the surrounding area with scream. In the place where I poured my sweat and blood, where our 1st blessing comes and nightmare follows, atop of our bed, my wife was hanging. Holding our child''s medical bill, and the money she left behind, I was mourning her death during our daughter''s birthday. How did everything comes to this? The once blooming business we have had shutdown, gone bankrupt. The once merry and easy going wife of my, has lost her touch and succumb to alcohol. My once beaming daughter was stucked in the hospital, with only the machine keeping her alive. How did everything that I have worked for, ended up like this? What did I do wrong? After her death, I worked my bones in one of the oldest black company in Japan, just to pay our debt and to keep my child alive. Harassment, physical abuse, mental pressure, environmental stress, and workload, I endured everything. But even how much I did, our debt doesn''t decrease, she wasn''t getting better. I can''t deny that there''s time where I wish everything ends, my child will cease her breathing, and me meeting my end. And I regretted it. When I woke up, I wasn''t sleeping anymore on the folding bed near my daughter, nor she was there. The tile walls were replaced with this cold, and old battered ones, with a stone cold floor. I panicked when I didn''t saw my daughter, but when I looked around the area, I meet several people, and like me, they were anxious, sacred, and helpless. Everyone of us believe it was just a dream, a nightmare, and some even thought it was prank, a surprise getup from their friends or co-workers, and some, and some didn''t care, they were just relieved that they can at least escape from their life, their reality. A hour or more came, as we sat there doing nothing, someone among us stood, yelled, and hurriedly walk towards the door beside me "Fuck this bullshit! I''m out of this place!" None stop himself, and when he opens it <[Welcome to the [Unknown Labyrinth] adventurer!] > A sudden voice rang in each of us, welcoming us. When everyone heard it, sigh of relief and cheers echoed, thanking it was merely a prank, a getup, a simple on-air joke. I was also too, as I already miss the only child I have. But even when we felt relieved, we are still impatiently awaiting for this getup to end, so we did our best just to enjoy and answer whatever this invisible friend of ours asked. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. And when we are done Wooosh We then found ourselves in a long hallway, in this dimly lit, eerily silence, corridor. Everyone of us felt unease, but even so, knowing we can get out, knowing this wasn''t real, we anxiously move forward. The quietness was suffocating, but we still hold ourselves and keep moving forward, and within this cold and silent walls "Wahhhhhh!" A child''s cry reverberate. "Is my baby hungry?" She said, as she gently caress and cradles her child. She then, though a bit embarrass, breastfeed her child. And when it slowly settle down "We should con-" RAWWWWWRRGHHHHHHHH!! "!?!" "... Aw....wwaa....Waaaaaahhhhh!" "Shhhh, mommy is here. Mommy is here. What was that?" "I.. I don''t know" "D-dont fret on it, everyone. That''s just some sfx shit. W-we just need to keep going" "His right, we are either in a popular comedy skit, or some popular youngster proposed this setup. Anything you see or hear are either fake, or almost believable, but nothing is trARGHHHH!" Bang! "!!" Pang Pang Pang Thud Thud Thud That was his final word Roll Roll Roll Thang "... Aaa... AHHHHHHHHH!!" Before his head rolls towards us, and his body flew. We just then noticed the long, black hand that killed him, as it retracted back to where it came from. "Ahhhhhhhhh!" And that''s where chaos, started. Everyone of us didn''t care to who is who anymore, we elbow anyone who gets in our way, shove anyone out when they gets in our way, pull them when they get in our way, and drag them when we fall. It was disorder. I run as fast as I can, didn''t bother to look back as those screams resound, and didn''t even stop when someone fell in front of me. I just keep running, and running, and running. That was the 1st time I was afraid to look at death. As we got away from that monster, we found ourselves inside an empty room. I stumble down and heave a breath, trying to calm my beating heart, trying to settle my shaking hands, trying to hold myself together. "Hic Hic... Ahhhh... Hic Hic.. My baby Ahhhh My poor baby Hic Hic hahaaahhhh I''m sorry.... Ahhh..... I''m so sorry" The once 40 cherry people was left with 19 exhausted individuals. "Hahhhh Hah What the fuck!? I thought this was frank!? What the hell was that!!?" He furiously yelled, as he look at us. "That bastard just died, in front of us! And those people were massacred by that.. That.. That fucking shit!" His eyes then landed to someone, standing at his side, not far from him "Hey! Isn''t you the one who said it was a frank? Huh!?" Closing the gap between them, he then forcefully pulled him and push him "You motherfucker said it was a prank! A fucking shitty prank! Then what the fuck are those then, ha!? You damn fucking shit! You killed them, you piece of shit! You fucking shit almost killed us all!" He cursed as he keep pushing him by the shoulder, repetitively placing the blame unto him, yet ".... " He didn''t respond, only staring at him with a blank face. "You fucker!" Pissing him off even more "You damn fuck! You better take responsibility here you little shit! You hear!? You fucking bastard better ha-... Ghahhhh...aghhhh...." And just like the 1st, it happens so fast. Quick and easy "..... You..... Fuck..." A long black spear suddenly pierced him from his abdomen towards the back of his shoulder, dripping with blood. And the man itself, simply smiled as his neck twisted in a grotesque manner, and his head, as if being squeeze, slowly shrinking Bang! And pops like a bubble. Silence then envelope the room as everyone frooze in their place, weighted by the death before them. "Stop!" Until a sudden yell shattered the stillness. As everyone turned their heads, they then saw a man behind them, holding a black knife pointing at his head, and a woman beside him, with her arms and legs being twisted, like a puppet. As the woman''s body turned in a gruesome turn and her mouth tightly shut in a disoriented form, the man, with a silent and blank look, keep stabbing himself without a care, motionless to his doing, landing each thrust without hesitation. It was disturbing Scream and cries then filled the once quiet room, unable to hold back their disgust and fear. And as my body froze in place, my eyes suddenly wonder, and landed to their shadow, creepily smiling as it toyed them without an ounce of mercy. My instincts screamed in plea, signaling me to run, to hide, to get away as fast as can, away from that monster, away from this place "Those thing, those thing are dangerous. So whatever you do, don''t look at them" That once helplessness I felt back then, that hopelessness, I rather die by being eaten alive than to be tortured by them. Those things, those things are monsters among the monsters. V1-Chapter 7 Chapter 7 As the cold wind presses on them, the 4 silently ventured the dimly corridor, passing through gaps and debris that will shade them from anything unknown, transversing with careful step as they further move forward. With the mist still blocking most of their vision, being cautious is a must. As he was still unfamiliar to this place, unknown to this group, he still can''t, reluctantly, trust them nor he can have fate that nothing will happen to them. So distancing, not far, himself a bit from them, so if there''s something happen, he can easily back away and run. Being a group is a must, but disadvantages follows too, if an enemy out of nowhere appears before them, a chain reaction of panic will hinder anyone of them from moving, causing for all of them to die. Ungrateful it may seem, but one can''t be careful. As they took a turn to the right Click Henry then hurriedly signals his cohort to halt and crouch down. Eyes discerning his surroundings, he was attentively listening and carefully observing, finding even the smallest movements in the vicinity. "....." But for a while now, nothing showcase itself to them, nor did he hear anything in the area. Skeptical, he was unsure if moving from there spot will be a good idea, or even staying here won''t be. Hesitant, he signals everyone to move, and whisper without looking back - while leaning his head "Slowly move forward. Do-" BOOM! GRAHRRHHGHHH!! Just a second away, just a meter away from them, a large black thing just emerged from the cold, battered walls of this ruins. Long, slender black arms tightly grasp the walls of this place, with wide monstrous, dislocated jaws and a tail like body. Its eyes - dozens of them - swiftly scanning the surrounding area before it then roar once again and dash forward with reverberating step. Henry and his cohort still hold their breath, awaiting for the monster''s resounding roar to be felt like a whisper, before they heave a sigh, and grasp for breath. Frozen still in their spot, the 4 could only downcast their gaze with cold sweat, still remembering the luckiest one they have so far. [Thank every second of your breath as a blessing, you are lucky enough to heave one.... Or so what it said] .... After taking a few turns, carefully transversing the ruins, avoiding any monster along the way, and of course thoroughly inspecting each room they encounter to find any valuable goods, items, and such ".... Henry!" Stancy then hurriedly, with careful steps, went towards Henry and quietly called him. He then discern the surrounding area before he then face her. "What is it?" "I found a [Camp] not far from here" Joy and excitement almost painted his face if he didn''t controlled himself, and solemnly ask "Where?" "3 turns from here, 1 from the right and 2 from the left, then continue moving forward" Hearing them discuss, he then slowly move forward and curiously ask "What''s a [Camp]?" "You never heard or meet one before?" Ann asked. He simply replied by shaking his head "[Camp] is like a safe zone in this area, so you can rest there if you needed to. No monster can touch there, nor can they break in. We already experienced it so we know" Henry explained "... Then how come we never seen one other than now?" "Believe me, I really wish also, but they are quite a rare find in this place. Sometimes you can stumble on them twice, sometimes none" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. "Then, how did she know?" Though he asked with curiosity, yet a hint of suspiciousness blends in "It''s kind of part of her skill, didn''t you know about that already?" He then shook his head "Wait you don''t?" "That''s, a first, if I might say" Stancy spoke, quite surprised, while Henry gaze at him with bewilderment, but still responds to his question "Each one of us can choose 3 [Classes], and each [Classes] has either a weapon or an item on it, that can help us delve in to the [Class] we choose" "One of the [Class] I picked have a [Map] on them, and with it, I can easily see the whole area of the place we entered, like one of those x-ray vision or having a CCTV camera all over the place. Though it can''t pinpoint the monsters in the vicinity, it''s still quite a helpful one" Understanding, he then nod. .... <> [LV: 5] [Slime] [Name: None] [STR: 15] [AGI: 15] [INT: 15(+5)] [VIT: 15] [DEF: 3%] Appears in this thick fog [Skills] <> [Acidic Spit] <|> With a range of 1 meter, this monster can secrete a acidic substance that could melt armor and equipment. > Armor penetration 2% and 3% physical damage [Race: Slime] <> [LV: 6] [Slime] <> [LV: 3] [Slime] After making their way to the [Camp], 3 [Slimes] then blocked their way forward. Though wide, the place have limited space to invade with no mist to hide "What to do now, Henry?" (Henry''s POV) "..... Can we take a detour?" "This is the only route that connects to this place" "Any hidden area?" "None" "*sigh* Then there''s nothing we can do" I''m level 7 with Stancy being level 6, while Ann is level 4, and the new guy being unknown. Battling against 3 of them in this cramp place will be disadvantageous for us, especially when they with those harmful vomit, we will be doom if we got hit. ''What to do, what to do....'' (Author''s POV) Having limited option, Henry found himself stump. Deeply lost in his thought, like a snap, he then frown and look at them "This won''t be a safe one, but the only option we have. Are you all in?" Stancy and Ann nodded without hesitation, while he simply followed through, though skeptical to it. ... "S-[Status]" [Status] "Woah" <> [LV: 1]< [Name: Ren Hyunwoo] ''Ren... Hyun, woo? Is that my name?'' Before discussing about the plan Henry came up with, he asked him(ren) to check his status, to at least aid them to whatever he can. "So, how is it?" "... Umm.... I have a [Class], and 3 of them" <> [Classes: [Ranger], [Guard], [Alchemists] Which surprises him and them "W-what is it?" "Umm... [Ranger], [Guard], and [Alchemists]" He replied to Stancy''s question, which made Henry even more bewildered towards him "How about your skill?" [STR: 1(+3)] [AGI: 1(+1)] [INT: 1(+2)] [VIT: 1] [DEF: 1%(+2%)] [Skills:] "Skills..... I have-" <> [Lv 2 - Swift Nimble] <|> When one''s feet is used, body shall move. > 3% increased in user''s speed >> Enemies accuracy against you will be affected by 4% <> [Lv 2 - Area Detection] <|> Surveillance is the key for survival > It can let you feel the presence of any hostile enemy for 3 meters radius for 10 seconds. [CD: 5 seconds] >> When presence is detected, [Flee] will be activated for 5 seconds. [Flee: +3% boost in speed] <> [Lv 2 - Swift Shot] <|> To hunt in silence, to kill in peace, the hunter took their bow and shot their arrows with great speed. > 5% increase in accuracy, and 3% increase in draw speed >> When [Perfect Strike] is activated, additional 5% damage to the next arrow. [Perfect Strike: occurs when hitting a vital spot of the enemy] <> [Lv 2 - Guard] [CD: 5 seconds] <|> Protection from danger and loss, this skill shall protect the wearer from any physical might > It can defend the user from any physical damage as it can block 2% (+2%) of the initial attack. [Duration: 5 seconds] <> [Lv 2 - Iron Reprisal] <|> As one could say, the strongest defense is the greatest offense. > Return back [2% + (2% of user''s STR)] of the attack that was blocked towards your enemy. [Perfect: +2%, Clean: +1%] [Flaw: when miss, receive 5% additional damage when the skill was activated] >> Returned damage dealt additional 10% <> [Lv 2 - Curebrew] <|> Creation is a form of creative knowledge and practical practices. In the hand of those who hold it, even a twig can be lethal. > The user can brew antidotes with 10% effectiveness, and 3% increase in [AGI] and [DEF] for 10 seconds >> +5% stats boost for 5 seconds "And" <> [Lv 2 - Runic Enchantment] <|> Creation is a form of creative knowledge and practical practices. In the hand of those who hold it, even a twig can be lethal. > The user can enchant items that boost the equipment stats [equipment stats + half of the user''s stats] by 5% for 5 seconds >> Items that are enchanted deal 10% physical/ magical damage [Race: ????] "L-level 2!? What is your level then?" "Amazing!" Astonished, Stancy asked in a hurried tone as Ann congratulated him in a low tone, which Henry then swiftly warn her "I know how you felt, but let us keep it down, or somebody else will celebrate it with us" "I-I''m sorry, I was just-" "I know, having a level 2 skill is already amazing, and to top it all, all his skills already are" Though puzzled, Ren already got the guesses on how surprising his arsenals are, so he then replied. "I''m still level 1" Which made the 3 of them almost yell in unison. Quickly calming themselves, Henry then ask "How?" "I.. I don''t know...." "How about your stats?" "Umm.... They all are at a single digit" Astonished, everyone of them has their mouth agape and speechless as they stared at him - while Ann is simply following his parents reaction. V1-Chapter 8 Chapter 8 "[Runic Enchantment] ha, we can use that" As he said that, he then grab something from his [Inventory] and showcase it to Ren, it was a [Steel Sword], with a bit rust on its blade "I want you to enchant this, can you do it?" Ren then nodded and took the sword from him, grab it with both of his hands - with the right on the blade and the left on the hilt - close his eyes, and muttered "[Runic Enchantment]" "....." "...." "...." "...." Silence envelope everyone, baffled on the situation. Henry broke the silence 1st as he ask, seeing that Ann and Stancy have their grin almost visible "*cough* hngh.. Is that how you enchant things?" Ren staring at him, puzzled, spoke "I don''t know, it isn''t?" Which almost broke the silence with laughter if Ann and Stancy didn''t covered their mouth and turned around. Henry, trying to hold back, already got the answer to his worries "So I was half right, huh" (palm placed on his face) "..... Half right?" "During the time we found you, till the time you stated you didn''t have a class until we found out you have one, I was quite bewildered about your existence. I took a guess that you are someone with circumstances that trying to hide it by having an amnesia, but it seems you really do have an amnesia" "... Well, I don''t really remember anything before I have meet you 3" "You could have at least told us about that, you know?" This time, he replied with unusual sharpness "Would you?" "..... Well..... Maybe?" (taken aback) "I didn''t told anyone about it, as I don''t even know who you 3 are. You might have save me, but who could tell if it was out of sympathy, or something else?" And before Stancy could even retort "I know I should be grateful to you all, but you people are strangers to me, so I am to you" "So if we didn''t stumble on this matter, you will stay silence? How long?" From his usual caring tone, Henry voice spoke of a silence offense "Until I could say that I can" Both of them locked their gazes at each other with an intense yet emotionless exchange. Ann was relentless as she watched the 2 of them, fidgeting to what to do, while Stancy simply watched them, yet her eyes sharply looked at Ren. Sigh Henry broke the silence once again, knowing that continuing this mild battering won''t do the any good. "It was my own decision to help you without any return, so at least trust me with that" Ren simply nod to his words "Then, how about your other skills? Like the [Forge] and [Curebrew]? Do you know how to use them?" This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Ren then shake his head "So I guess this left us with [Swift Nimble], [Area Detection], [Swift Shot], and [Smite].... Do you have any weapon with you?" (.... Means thinking) ".... I don''t know" "Then try checking your inventory by invoking [Inventory]" "[Inventory]" [Inventory] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] |> [¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á] "So?" "I have none, all 7 slots are empty" "7 slots?..... Your existence is really full of wonders... *sigh*... We will still follow the plan, but their will be a bit of change" All 3 of them then nodded .... Splop Splop Splop Gloop Gloop Gloop Schlorp Schlorp Schlorp As the 3 [Slimes] moves around the area, Henry''s cohort was patiently waiting for one of them to separate from the others, though knowing it won''t be far from them, but at least a distance from its group. An hour passed as they waited "!" Gloop Gloop Gloop Finally one of them took a different turn from its usual route, facing their direction. "Now go" Signaled, Ren then stand up and rush out from their hiding spot, and stand still until the [Slime] notice him, and came rushing at him. Ren then hurriedly went back, while Stancy started conjuring a small ball of flame - a [Fire Ball] - and Henry steadily holding his sword, awaiting for its perfect time. Slop Slop Slop Slop And as the monster reached their spot Swoosh BOOM! Sshhehesshhh... "... It seem I wasn''t needed anymore" Henry spoke, as he lowered his sword and gaze at the ground where the [Slime] was once was "So they are weak against magic!" "It seems so" Hearing such words, joyfully, Stancy then conjure another [Fire Ball] while Henry stored his sword, and Ann and Ren simply loosen up Gloop Gloop Gloop Gloop And as they heard those sounds rushing towards them, Stancy then peek out from their spot and cast her magic towards the approaching monster BOOM! And hid herself again and conjure another one, before she release it to the last one of the group BANG And ending the one sided battle. ... 2 torches lit at each side, with a tough, wooden door, and a semicircular arch barrier surrounding it "..... So this is the [Camp]" "Yes. This is probably the most safest place in this place, and no other" "What if the monster try to break through the barrier?" ".... I can''t say, but I''ll be positive this time and say they can''t. Let''s go" The 4 of them then headed inside. Creak "..... Woah" The space resembled a medieval tavern, made not from a sturdy wood but from a uneven stonework. From the cold floor to its weathered beams, this place exude a cool, ancient air, as the cohort entered. "...." (ren looked in awe) To one side, a small stall stood with tools displayed, and a banner - with a hammer design - erected. It only has a wooden desk, an anvil, and a one sitting wooden chair. Forge lit in a fiery heat even in this cold ruin, speaks of a smith''s labor in this desolate place. "That''s a [Smith Stall], they repair equipment, enhance it, and even add some quirks on it, though not for free. If you have the materials, the smithing fee will be less, if not, full price it is" Stancy explained To the other was a money exchange booth, built from iron bars and heavy oak, crafted with a sturdy, practical design with its counter covered in scratched. "That''s the place where we exchange our money, from copper to silver, from silver to gold, which follows:" >>¡Á<><{|[¡Á¡Á[Money Exchange]¡Á¡Á]|}><>¡Á<< 100 Copper Coins = 1 Silver Coin 50 Silver Coins = 1 Gold Coin (this exchange is only available in this labyrinth) >>¡Á<><{|[¡Á¡Á[¡ì¡ì¡ì¡ì¡ì]¡Á¡Á]|}><>¡Á<< "... Is there really a need to exchange your money? What for?" "If we don''t, we can''t buy anything in that store" She then pointed out a medieval goods stall, displaying all items, equipments, and materials from needed to wanted. Made from stone and timber, with design practically envision what a Japanese stall was like. "..... But how do you get the money anyway? I mean those coins, how do you acquire them?" "... You, you didn''t fight before?" Sighing, Stancy then explains as she noticed the curiosity and bewilderment Ren have "If you kill a monster, they can drop coins along with some items, though the latter will be up to your luck. Each monster have levels, and each levels have their own set of coin drop, which we don''t know by how much" "You didn''t try experimenting?" Dumbfounded, Stancy eyebrow rose as she looked at him "If that were easy, we can" She then looked around the place and mutter "[Camp] is both a refuge and a store for us, giving us both rest and hope, that at least in this place, we know we have something we can fight off, and somewhere we can rest. And without it.... I think you could have guess it" Stancy then move forward along with Ann, and went to a corner not far from the [Merchant Stall] - which owns both the store and money exchange. She then took large blanket from her [Inventory] and place it on the ground, before they then sit down and take their rest. Henry on the other, was busily exchanging their money, purchasing goods, and repairing their equipments. Looking around, Ren then head towards Stancy. The dim light of oil lanterns flickered against the stone, casting shadows that danced across the space, evoking a sense of stepping back in time. It was mesmerizing. <><¡Á¡Á><> ] <<><>¡Á>>{¡Á¡Á¡Á¡ì] Coin Drop per Level [¡ì¡Á¡Á¡Á}<<¡Á<><>> [ Level 1 - 10 = 5 Copper coins ¡Á: this increase by 3 till Level 50 (level 11+ - 8, level 21+ - 11) Level 51 - 60 = 22 Copper Coins ¡Á: this increase by 5 till level 100 ] <<><>¡Á>>{¡Á¡Á¡Á¡ì] [¡ì¡Á¡Á¡Á}<<¡Á<><>> [ V1-Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Flicker Flicker Flicker "Can''t sleep?" Turning around, I then saw Henry approaching me. He then sat down just a distance from me on the cold floor. Awaiting for the water to boil "How many days are we going to stay here?" I asked "We will just rest here for another day, venturing the ruins doesn''t give us enough rest, so we will use this opportunity to settle down to get back our lost strength" I then added another firewood as he continues "After that, we will start hunting in this area" "Hunting?" "Yes- oh I remember you have lost your memory, let me explain. There are 2 ways for anyone of us to find or discover a camp, 1st by spotting them in the ruins, and second by stumbling them or literally spawning directly inside when you go up. The former gives us advantage of the situation while the latter doesn''t. When we spot a camp when venturing the ruins, we can easily get in and out of it, grind or farm every single monsters we find, loot some areas around the camp, and train ourselves, which is something the latter can''t give us" "So basically, it''s like a training ground?" "Yes, but only of course if you can handle it. Some camps spawn at floors with strong monsters, full of unknowns. So even if the opportunity was already served to us, we still can''t fully enjoy it" "I see....." Flicker Flicker Flicker "By the way, how do you raise those skills to level 2, like mine? Also for the same for the level?" "Just by killing monsters of course. Each monster gives different amounts of Experience Points or Exp, which follows - also this was proven by us as we observe how much we can gain every monster, during our exploration in this ruin" >>¡Á{[¡ì¡ì¡ì>| Exp Gain for Every Monster |<¡ì¡ì¡ì]}¡Á<< Lv 1 - 5 = 2 Lv 6 - 55 = +1 per 5 Lv (Lv 6 = 3, Lv 11 = 4) Lv 56 - 60 = 15 Lv 61 - 80 = +3 per 5 Lv Lv 81 - 85 = 32 Lv 86 - 95 = +5 per 5 Lv Lv 96 - 100 = 48 Lv 101+ = +8 per 5 Lv >>¡Á{[¡ì¡ì¡ì>| ¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á |<¡ì¡ì¡ì]}¡Á<< "And each of us will level up when we reach the maxed Exp, which also follows like this" >>¡Á{[¡ì¡ì¡ì>| Level Up |<¡ì¡ì¡ì]}¡Á<< Lv 1 - 20 = 50 Lv 21 - 40 = 100 Lv 41 - 50 = 150 Lv 51 - 70 = 200 Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Lv 71 - 80 = 450 Lv 81 - 90 = 700 Lv 91 - 100 = 1,000 Lv 101+ = 1,400 >>¡Á{[¡ì¡ì¡ì>| ¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á¡Á |<¡ì¡ì¡ì]}¡Á<< "And to level up your abilities, you needed just to reach level 5, or level up per 5 level to gain 1 [Ability Enhancement], which you can use to boost one of you abilities. By the way, I and Stancy already reached level 7, while Ann is still level 5" Flicker Flicker Flicker Puzzled, he wonders "Then if we needed to level up per 5 levels to gain 1 [Ability Enchantment], then.... For me who has 8 abilities that are already at level 2, that''s means..... I already reached, or my old me already reached level 35!?" "Hmm..... Now thinking about it, you are right" He then smiled as he glance at me "Then that means, whoever you are back then was awesome" Staring at him, I then spoke "You are kinda off different back then" "Then?" "When we 1st meet, and the time when we you found out I was hiding something, you were quite stern and have this ''I am leader'' vibe, but now, now you look carefree and at ease, why?" "Oh that time, well, like how you said it, you are stranger to us, so I gotta be the ''I am not someone you can easily move around'' type of person, as 1st impressions matters. But when I suddenly found out you did the same to me, I kinda flip up, which made me realize how hypocrite I was. And realizing also that you have no memories of who you are, which gives me the guilt that I was being stupid to my action. I apologize" ".... I see" (Author''s POV) As silence came, and when the water boils, Ren then stand up, take the lid off, and scoop a cup of boiling water from the pot and sat down. He then summoned a small jars - 8 inches in size - which was given by Stancy to him, filled with cocoa powder and white sugar. He also took one for Henry, to warm themselves in this cold time. Fooou~ .... As time passed by, when all of them rested well, they then started tackling on the task on hand "We will try to gather as much material we can get in this floor, while also leveling up. Becareful on your surroundings, always watch your back, and don''t be afraid to run" Understanding his words, they then started packing the things they needed, before they then head towards the camp''s gate. "I will go 1st" Henry spoke, as he then cautiously and slowly open the door. Creak "!" Only to freeze in horror when he came face to face with a creature he had never seen before. Frame as large as the wooden gate, skin painted in alabaster coat, with body imprinted with a thousand faces of horrifying soul, stared at him with its sharp teeth hanging on its large maw. As its eyes burns, Henry panic as he stumble down backwards. Nghraaahhh!! Thud His hands trembles as he desperately grasp and forcefully open the door, and hurriedly went inside as the foul mouth of the monster in front of him follows him Bang! As he tightly shut it, the others was alerted as they saw him grasping for breath, with sweat rolling on his face. Stancy quickly run towards him, as Ann hid behind Ren, holding him tightly. Nghhhhraaaa! The monster roars once again, as the barrier stopped its jaw from breaking the wooden door, or even scratching its scared prey. It uses its large and long arms to claw the barrier out, trying to break it. But not even an inch of a crack shown itself Ghrraaaa!! Pissing it off. Bang! Boom! It tried to whip it, claw it, and even biting it, but the barrier stood still, unfazed. Ghhraaaa!! It knows the prey hid inside, it knows that it can''t force its way in, but it knows that the prey will come out on its own, so it left, and hunts others while waiting for its runaway meal. (Henry''s POV) Haah Hah Hahh Hah Haah Hahh ''Wtf was that!?'' I yelled, trembling in fear as I cower to that being that I saw. It wasn''t merely monster "It was like seeing the devil itself!" "What happened? What did you saw?" (Stacy''s POV) ''I never seen him like this before, even during that time'' As I watched him almost bending his knees to hug it, I felt uneasiness to the situation we are in. ''If there something out there that can make him cower like a dog, then this will be the end of us here'' (Author''s POV) Trying to calm him, Stancy hugs him and place his trembling body near herself, consoling him. Ann watching this hid her face away from her father, not wanting to see his state. Ren caress her head as he watch, not knowing what happened, nor what to do. "Tell me, what did you see?" In a gentle yet concern tone, Stancy asked. Yet no answers left from his mouth, as he trembles and trying to grasp for breath. Seeing him in such state, Stancy did summoned a bottle of potion from her inventory, a [Lucid Vile] - a potion with clear white color with a tint of blue violet coat. Seeing he can''t drink it on his own, Stancy opens the vile, drinks it, forcefully made Henry look at her, and kiss him. Seeing such scene, Ann blush as she hid her face in Ren, while he stare at them, baffled. The confusion and fear they felt was changed with embarrassment. As Henry drank down the last drop of the potion, his eyes slowly returned its shine, his hand slowly at ease, and his heart gone steady. Phew~ Stancy heave a sigh of relief as she wipe the remaining drop from her mouth. .... After a while, when he was able to calm himself, Stancy then ask him once again "What did you see?" He look at them with eyes full of fear and seriousness ".... It was floor boss, a [Wanderer]" V1-Chapter 10 Chapter 10 "A floor boss?" Ann then handed them some freshly brew coffee and hot chocolate, and some bread. Henry then started explaining after he took a sip and a bite "This ancient labyrinth houses not just some unexpected monsters or traps, but also entities that you wish you won''t encounter. We don''t know when would they appear, nor we can predict which floor could we meet them, but each places have bosses inside them, and this is the 1st time we meet one" Confused, Ren ask "So whose information did this come from the?" "We have been staying in this place for a couple of months, not sure if the days in here is the same back on Earth, but I did started counting after we got here. Few weeks ago, Stancy and I meet a couple, a man at his 40s and a woman at her 20s. They shared us some information they got from the people they have meet, and some from their experiences, and one of them is about this ruins overlords, the bosses" As Ann happily drinks her hot cocoa and moving her feet to each side, the 3 continues their discussion while taking a nimble on the bread "This ruins floor have 2 different bosses, one is a [Wanderer] and the other is the [Guardian]. The former, as its name implies, can move around the floor they spawned it, freely, while the latter can be found in a [Dungeon], which is like this [Camp]. If anyone enters the [Dungeon], they can''t leave not until they defeated the boss that dwells inside it. And like how the monsters that roams this ruin, bosses have their designated levels also, and they are 10 level higher than the dwellers of the floor, so dealing with them are up to ones luck, strength, and wits" "Unlucky enough, we meet one right after we found a [Camp]" Ren then frowns upon hearing it "Why? Can bosses enter here?" Henry then shakes his head in denial and reply "With an exception on us, humans, and those who can freely enter the [Camp], monsters, even the bosses can''t barge in, even how much they try, just like what happened a while aback. Though we can''t say for certain what will happen if those bosses uses all their strengths, but I can fairly state that [Camps] is our only safe haven in this hell" "So then why?" "Because meeting a boss inside a [Camp], is like a rat being cornered by a cat in a small box" Understanding the meaning of his words, Ren felt unease "As long as that monster freely roams this area, then we can''t do anything but stay here" "Then isn''t that-" "Fine? No, staying here cost money. We are indeed safe against those monsters, but we will still need to eat to get by, without coins that those monsters drops, we can''t buy anything in this place. So yes, if you have enough money or rich enough, then staying here is beneficial, but if you have none, then this isn''t different from a graveyard" "So what should we do then?" "Well..... *sigh* seeing that we already found a [Camp], we can try our luck to hunt some monsters in this area, while also trying to come up with counter measures against that boss, or we can just move to the other floor to escape from that monster''s claws" Puzzled, Ren ask "How?" Henry then look at Stancy, who then got his message and take out a large bag (just imagine a large capacity travel outdoor bag) and place them. Ann, curious, tilted her head while sipping her favorite drink. Ren simply observe in silence "This is what you call a [Traveler''s Pack]. It can store items inside it with a capacity of 20 slots, like..... like one of those ring thing in martial art world, or those fantasy ones. Though it is kind of amazing, the problem is the whoever brings it, the total amount of weight of all the items stored inside the bag, the owner will feel it" "... Then doesn''t that means, it''s more of disadvantage than advantage?" "Can''t deny that. When running away from monster with this thing on, will end your life faster than you can think. So we mostly just stock items that has less weight, like food and some necessities" "... So this bag only have food in them then?" Henry then shakes his head "In the past yes, but after we got informed on how to deal with its flaw, life wasn''t the same as back then. Each one of us are given with 4 slots in our [Inventory], and to increase one''s slot further is by using an item that allows one to add another slot, called [Expandable Area], but finding one is quite rare that some of us even think that it doesn''t exist, of course, not until I meet you. And guess what? The simplest way on dealing with this bag flaw is just merely placing them inside our [Inventory] and viola, problem solve" "You can?" "Right? I was also surprised and quite skeptical on believing it, not until I tried and find out how unlucky I was during those times" Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. After speaking with hype on his voice, Henry sigh as he cross his arms. "Why?" "Just to make sure that bag can be useful, we disregard some valuable items that is heavy for us to carry, which include those armors and weapons that could have aid us against monsters. There was even an equipment that could increase our strength with how many people are fighting, or holding a weapon by 20%" "20%!? And you throw it away!?" "It was an armor, and it was too heavy for me to wear or even to carry, so I give up and left it behind. I just wish no one finds it. Another one was an axe, and guess what its skill? It can double its attack damage every hit we did, and after the 5th one, the 6th swing can''t be block and can deal damage equal to the half of the enemies attack power, and ignore defense, which is truly op, but alas, as I am not a [Berserker], that item is useless to me, so I left it behind, completely hidden" Completely baffled, Ren was speechless. Henry then grab the bag towards him and open it, showcasing the equipment he have stored "But after those foolishness, luck was still on our side as we were able to grab some good loot" <> [Lantern of Silence] [R] [Skills] <> [Silent Tread] [Usage: 10/ 15] <|> Those who attack with great might were feared, those who defend to protect was respected, but those who stride in silence brought terror on their wake <> Upon activation of the skill, [Invisibility] will activate for 30 seconds. [Invisibility: can''t be seen] [Flaw: when the bearer speaks or stands up, the ability will be nullified] [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Stone of Protection] [UR] [Skills] <> [Veilguard] <|> Protection from danger and loss, this skill shall protect the wearer from any physical might <> Erects a 2 meters barrier that repell magic and physical damage for 20 seconds. [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Sturdy Leather Armor] [R] [+3% DEF] [Durability: 19/ 50] (durability means how many swing/ thrust/spell attack it can block before breaking, exception when a protective barrier is erected by the item) [Skills] <> [Guard] [CD: 5 seconds] <|> Protection from danger and loss, this skill shall protect the wearer from any physical might <> It can defend the user from any physical damage as it can block 2% of the initial attack [Duration: 5 seconds] [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Wooden Shield of Preserverance] [R] [+2% DEF] [Durability: 34/ 50] [Skills: for Guard''s only] <> [Painlash] [CD: 10 seconds] <|> Endurance speaks to those who are patience, to those who are resilient, to those who knows when to strike when opportunity arise. <> Upon receiving an attack from the enemy [slash/thrust/spell attack/bash] return 50% of the attack received to the attacker while ignoring 5% of their defense. [Duration: 3 seconds] [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Tempered Steel Breastplate] [UR] [+5% (+0) DEF] [-5 AGI] [Durability: 30/ 30] [Skills] <> [Iron Resolve] [CD: 20 seconds] <|> Endurance speaks to those who are patience, to those who are resilient, to those who knows when to strike when opportunity arise. <> Boost the armor''s defense by 2% when receiving an attack from the enemy [slash/thrust/spell attack/bash] upto 20% for 10 seconds [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Lightning Orb] [R] [Usage: 12/ 20] [Skills] <> [Thunder Strike] <|> An orb that unleashes a powerful strike of lightning <> Unleash a lightning strike that deals 10% magic damage [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Firelash Bow] [Unlocked: Level 15] [UR] [+5 STR] [+5 INT] [Skills: for Archer''s only] <> [Flame Arrow] <|> Embedded with the power of elements that strike true to its enemy. <> Normal arrows will be engulfed with flames, dealing +3% magic damage. [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Boltstone Sword] [Unlocked: Level 23] [UR] [+7 STR] [+5% DEF] [DD (defense durability): +(user''s DEF + VIT)] [Skills: for Knight''s only] |> [Passive: Everytime it unleash a lightning attack, +2% DD (it resets)] <> [Lightning Edge] [CD: 5 seconds] <|> Embedded with the power of elements that strike true to its enemy. [Duration: 3 seconds] <> Deals 7% attack damage and unleash a lightning slash that deals 10% magic damage. [Description: Such a precious item crafted by the hand of an unknown entity, left alone in the darkness in this old ruin] .. <> [Potion of Healing (small)] (¡Á15) [N] |> [Heals 20% of the user''s missing health] [Description: Even in death, she didn''t abandoned her sacred duty] .. <> [Lucid Vile] (¡Á13) [N] |> [Cleanses the user from any debuff [Status Ailments only] [Description: Even in death, she didn''t abandoned her sacred duty] .. <> [Grilled Pork] (¡Á20) [C] |> [Increases the user''s ATK by 3% for 5 seconds] [Description: It seem someone left behind a hearty gift to those who explore the ruins. What a pleasant welcome] .. <> [Roasted Chicken] (¡Á32) [C] |> [Heal the user by 2% for 10 seconds] [Description: It seem someone left behind a hearty gift to those who explore the ruins. What a pleasant welcome] .. <> [Bread] (¡Á44) [C] [Description: It seem someone left behind a hearty gift to those who explore the ruins. What a pleasant welcome] <> [Coffee/ Sugar/ Milk Container] (¡Á44) [C] (they have the same description) [Description: It seem someone left behind a hearty gift to those who explore the ruins. What a pleasant welcome. But this pose a question, where and how?] Ren, seeing those equipments, was speechless and completely shocked as he stated at them. Henry then smiles and utter in a confident tone "Though fighting a floor boss is hard, but not completely impossible, it''s still not ideal to go upfront. So, should we poke the hornet nest, or leave the banquet?" >|<>|<>|<>|< When they used those containers, it will be gone, vanish. ¡Á|= So you won''t get lost in my novel ER (epic rarity) = items with a special condition to unlock, an attack power stats, 2 skills with 2 passive each - 1:450 ratio SSR (specially super rare) = items with 4+ skills, an attack power stats, a special condition, and a passive - 1:300 ratio SR (super rare) = items with 3 skills, an attack power stats, and a passive - 1:200 ratio S (special) = items with a skill, an attack power stats, and a passive - 1:150 ratio UR (ultra rare) = items with a skill and a passive skill set - 1:100 ratio R (rare) = items with skill - 1:50 ratio N (normal) = items that has better effect than common type, and has Stat bonus - 1:10 ratio C (common) = items that doesn''t have any skills but with special effect, and can be normally found - 1:2 ratio