MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist

by Little Merger

For the sake of his family, Ren embarked on the popular VRMMORPG, COVENANT, that used real-time in-game currency. But being a mediocre player who only knows how to gather information, he was put in a supporting role. As the game explodes in popularity and every multibillion-dollar company invested in the game, things have turned for the worse for Ren. Due to the amount of informat

3. 52

MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist #Chapter 52 - Read MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist Chapter 52 Online - All Page - Novel Bin

"Aggro on me!"

ShHrRieEkK!

The Maiden of Agony locked on Leonel and used its skill [Multiattack] on him.

Looming over him with a face scarier than his most demented dreams, Leonel almost passed out again if not for Ren's shout.

"Raise your shield, idiot!"

At Ren's voice, Leonel automatically raised his shield, and he was jolted awake when the Maiden of Agony's hammered its two heavy arms against his defense.

BaAmM!

BaAm!

Even with his shield up and DEF, Leonel still suffered HP reduction.

–27

–22

And since the Maiden of Agony had its passive skill [Cunning Action, she was granted a bonus attack.

–17

Isolde and Ragnar were about to attack when the Maiden of Agony snuffed all the light for two seconds and hid in the dark before she completely turned invincible because of its passive skill.

Tsk. "Her skills are annoying." Ragnar clicked his tongue, axe in a tight grip as his eyes seek the Maiden in the dark.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

If this was going to continue, how would they attack it? It will appear if it's going to launch an attack with a bonus attack upon its every action. What's more, it could snuff all light and hide in the dark for another sneaked attack that would surely end their life with a critical hit and poison.

"Stay vigilant. Don't let it attack you from behind," Isolde warned Leonel since the aggro was still on him.

"Easy for you to say. I can't even see you, much less her." Leonel's hold on his shield shook, and his body was trembling in fear.

He hated the dark. Even more so, if there was a scary monster hiding behind it and only revealed its hideous face at the time he least expected it.

Leonel swore that he would never watch horror movies again.

He then drank two [Health Potions] to restore his health. By this, he had already consumed all his Health Potions, and still, his HP was near half.

At the side, Ren saved the Maiden of Agony's skill [Multiattack LV.4] and erased the previous skill he got from the Dread Widow since the one from the Maiden had a higher percentage chance of successful hit even though he could only attack three times.

He also erased [Web of Doom LV.1] that he got from the Arachnid and replaced it with the Maiden of Agony's skills [Cunning Action, [Shadow in the Night, [Torturing Venom, [Multiattack LV.4, and [Snuff Light LV.2].

With this, his [Mind Palace] was full.

Ren's eyes were shining in excitement, even if facing an enormous threat. The Maiden of Agony's skills were a combo that he could pretty much use in his succeeding fights.

And since the monster's skills were changed to fit his race upon saving in his [Mind Palace, he was even gladder that he used his Books (?) early on.

In the future, he could just eliminate the lights in the cave and hide in the dark before making a sneaky attack that would guarantee critical hits. He could pretty much one-shot anyone with two digits ATP with this combo. And with [Multiattack] and [Cunning Action, he was guaranteed four total attacks. Plus, if he injected [Torturing Venom, it was a sure kill without an antidote.

Ren was in a good mood before he cast [Multiattack]. One [Heal] on Leonel. He didn't release all three [Heal] on Leonel since it was useless. Even with three [Heal, the amount of HP added to Leonel was still insufficient to combat the Maiden of Agony if it successfully landed a critical attack.

In truth, Ren wouldn't cast any [Heal] at all, but he did, so that Leonel wouldn't feel that he was a meat shield and being sacrificed to the Maiden to prolong his life. Even if it was true.

Ren's other two attacks, he cast [Fire] and used it as light so the Maiden of Agony couldn't sneak behind Leonel, avoiding a critical hit and its venom that would surely end Leonel's life.

"Ha! There you are!" Leonel timely flung his shield at the Maiden of Agony's sharp arms when the Fire illuminated some areas and revealed the Maiden near Leonel's side.

Leonel quickly took a step back when the Maiden's wide mouth almost bit a chunk of his flesh. He shivered from its menacing eyes and scary face.

"Quickly attack it before it can use its skills again!" Leonel shouted at the others.

He didn't have to remind the others. Isolde and Ragnar were quick on their toes. The two didn't leave anything to chance and wanted to reduce the Maiden of Agony's HP ASAP!

Isolde used the very best of her skill, consuming more than half of her MP in one go.

‖ B U L L E T

D I V E L V. 1 ‖

–– a piercing attack that deals true damage

–– MP –40

––can cause Knockback and stun for 1 second if STR is higher than the enemy

–– cool down 10 seconds

‖ E N D ‖

A loud BaAnNG resounded, followed by a hissing sound of a bullet seeking its enemy. The Maiden of Agony was hit straight on its bulging stomach, but only a minuscule amount of number appeared on its head due to its resistance against none magical attacks and piercing damage.

– 24

"That small?" Isolde couldn't believe her eyes. When she used that skill in the past, it was a guaranteed one-shot to Craze Wolves and Horned Rabbits. She knew she wouldn't be able to one-shot the Boss, but she was expecting at least 40 damage with her skill.

Her STR was still lacking too much.

It was Ragnar's turn, and he also used the most devastating skill in his current arsenal.

‖ B R U T A L

S T R I K E S L V. 2 ‖

–– a wild torrent of attacks that overwhelm any foes

–– MP –50

–– can perform x4 attacks

–– cool down 10 seconds

‖ E N D ‖

Ragnar was enveloped in a faint golden light as he dashed towards the Maiden of Agony with his axe. Four slashing strikes hit the Maiden straight on her torso, but it felt like the monster's hide was made out of metal.

– 12

– 15

– 12

– 14

Ragnar's eyelids twitched. The Maiden of Agony's resistance to slashing and none magical attacks was an eyesore.

The Maiden of Agony hissed, saliva-coated her wide mouth, and Leonel gasped when some of its slobber splattered against his shield.

Leonel used his skill [Dash and Slash, so he could cancel the Maiden of Agony's skill when it was about to make an attack. And his action was followed by Ren's [Multiattack].

Thanks to Leonel's skill [Dash and Slash] that could cancel any skill and spells, it had brought enough time for Ren's [Fire] to cool down, and he cast three [Fire] using [Multiattack] and another bonus attack from [Cunning Action] a total of four fires.

– 1124 Critical Hit!

[ Maiden of Agony suffered from BURN

–5% HP every minute ]

–250 (BURN)

The Maiden of Agony screeched. The tiny furs in its skin rattled before the [Burn] status was gone. It used its skill again, and all light disappeared from the torches as it hid in the darkness.

"Ren used your fire again," Leonel shouted.

"It's still in cooldown," Ren replied in a calm tone.

"What?!" Leonel had a cold sweat running on the line on his spine. He felt that his death was fast approaching in the form of a hideous giant spider with two spear like arms.

The Maiden of Agony's [Snuff Light] had a two-second cooldown, the same as Ren's [Fire]. And by the time Ren had the chance to cast [Multiattack] again, the Maiden of Agony would already made her move.

And like what Ren expected, the moment the torches returned and his [Fire] no longer in cooldown, the Maiden appeared behind Leonel.

When everyone came to, Leonel was already pierced in the stomach by the Maiden of Agony's two sharp spear like arms, raising his body from the ground.

– 214 Critical Hit!

[ You have suffered from POISON

–10% HP every minute ]

–17 (POISON)

[ You have DIED!]

"AaArgGhH!!" Leonel screamed in shock.

But then he realized there was no pain, and he checked the two spear-shaped arms that pierced his stomach.

"Egh? It doesn't hurt?" Leonel chuckled, but then he realized that he was slowly dispersing into particles, and he quickly looked at Ren and growled.

"Ren, if you can't kill this spider and I suffer from ATP lost, you owe me a big bowl of ramen!"

And Leonel burst into nothing but fine sparkles of dust.

The Maiden of Agony's wide mouth stretched to the maximum that almost ripped its head into two. Its eight red eyes locked on Ren.

"You're . . . next . . ." It slurred with its raspy voice, pointing the edge of its arm on Ren.

—-

A/N

Last chapter for this week.

Double chapter update a day by July plus one BONUS Chapter if goals are met

For the meantime, I'm going to write nonstop for my stockpiles (I have none by the way)

Happy Weekend!

No rest for the wicked

Cheers!

The Maiden of Agony's wide mouth stretched to the maximum that almost ripped its head into two. Its eight red eyes locked on Ren next.

"You're . . . next . . ." It slurred with its raspy voice, pointing the edge of its arm at Ren.

With no one to Tank, the Maiden of Agony would automatically deal with the group's highest damage dealer, Ren.

"No, you don't!" Ragnar went in and took on the vanguard. Running to the Maiden with his giant axe, he swung it forcefully, but the Maiden of Agony easily dodged Ragnar's attack. Bending its eight legs, the Maiden took off from the ground.

At this exact moment, Ren flashed a grin and casted [Multiattack]. And since the Maiden was still in the air, she couldn't avoid the incoming rows of Fire.

– 1224 Critical Hit!

[Maiden of Agony suffered from BURN

–5% HP every minute]

–250 (BURN)

Isolde was ecstatic to see the HP bar of the Maiden flashing red and settled in the middle. Two more attacks from Ren, and it would surely go down.

The rewards were there for the taking!

"Isolde, don't just stand there and help," Ragnar said, waking Isolde from her daydreaming state while he took a step back when the Maiden fell to the ground after suffering from [Burn].

"R-right!" Revolver in hand, Isolde aimed at the Maiden of Agony when it stood on its eight legs and attempted to attack Ren once more.

She depleted her rounds in the barraged of attacks while Ragnar stopped the Maiden of Agony from closing in on Ren.

However, all she did was waste her ammunition since the Maiden didn't even mind her.

For the Maiden of Agony, Isolde's attacks were like tickles. The greatest threat was Ren, and she had to eliminate him as soon as possible.

– 5

– 2

– 4

– 3

Isolde clicked her tongue when her normal attacks only did that much damage to the Maiden.

After exhausting the seven rounds of ammunition in her revolver's rotating cylinder, Isolde had to take a time off to reload.

Ren's [Fire] had already reset, and he was about to cast [Multiattack] when the Maiden snuffed the Fire from the torches again and hid in the darkness.

"Ren, be careful!" Isolde said as she looked everywhere for the Maiden amidst the darkness.

Ragnar immediately crossed the distance between Ren and him and stayed closer to Ren in case the Maiden of Agony launched a surprise attack.

If Ren died, then they all die, and this escapade would result in failure, with the consequence being the loss of a considerable amount of ATP.

"Ren cast fire so the Maiden can't launch another critical Hit," Ragnar said.

However, Ren had other ideas.

If he cast [Fire, he would have to wait for another two seconds again, and the Maiden might have killed Ragnar in that short amount of time.

But if he used the Maiden of Agony's [Shadow in the Night] and hid in the dark, then the next line for the Maiden to target was Ragnar.

And making sure that his [Fire] hit the Maiden of Agony one hundred percent, he would have to use Ragnar as bait.

Seemingly knowing Ren's plan, when the latter didn't answer back, Ragnar was in disbelief. "Ren you–!"

Before Ragnar could finish his sentence, he felt something from his belly, and when the light returned, he found himself in the air with a big spear protruding from his chest.

– 277 Critical Hit!

[ You have suffered from POISONNew n𝙤vel chapters are published on

–10% HP every minute ]

–15 (POISON)

[ You have DIED!]

This was Ren's chance. While the Maiden of Agony's attention was still on Ragnar, he immediately casted [Multiattack, and four rows of [Fire] hit the Maiden of Agony head-on.

– 1024 Critical Hit!

[Maiden of Agony suffered from BURN

–5% HP every minute]

–250 (BURN)

The Maiden shrieked, retrieved its arms lighting fast, and crawled meters back while shaking off the [Burn] status from its body.

"Yes! Only one more!" Isolde was ecstatic. They could really win this!

The only one who wasn't overjoyed was Ragnar, whose body fell on the hard stone floor face first.

He cursed under his breath when he looked over at Ren, who had a grin on his face –– not even sorry for what he did.

In fact, he seemed to be enjoying this.

"You . . ." Ragnar sighed. He regained his calm and said his final words before ultimately disappearing into particles.

"You better kill it, or there will be consequences . . ."

Ren just chuckled before facing the Maiden of Agony. Its MP was probably running low, and it couldn't cast [Multiattack] again. The problem was [Snuff Light] since it only consumed –20 MP.

"Don't worry, Ren!" Isolde jumped in front of Ren when the Maiden of Agony opened its mouth wide and released a loud cry in Ren's direction. It was outraged, and its blood-red eyes were blazing with fury.

"I'll protect you." Isolde stood tall with her gun in her hands.

Towering in front of Ren, Isolde's back was straight and proud, and her long black hair cascaded like silk. She would look cool if only there were an actual wind that would blow her hair back and forth.

Ren held back his laughter over his fisted hand and looked to the side. "I'm counting on you."

"Understood. Don't worry. With me here, that spider wouldn't come even close." Isolde was confident that Ren could finish it off while she distracted the Maiden with her bullets.

"Ah . . . actually . . ." Ren was feeling a little guilty thinking about his plan of sacrificing her, but before he could say anything, Isolde was already charging toward the monster.

With the AGL boost from her Elven race, Isolde was quick on her feet, but she was still no match for the Maiden's speed.

All the bullets she threw at the beast were wasted when the Maiden of Agony jumped from one place to another within a blink.

"Annoying . . . bugs!" the Maiden of Agony hissed. Since her [Stuff Light] didn't work on Ren, and she was slow on MP for another [Multiattack, she used one of her skills to reach her target.

The Maiden's wide mouth opened, revealing its long slippery tongue as she raised her spear-like arms and shot them towards Ren's direction.

It was disgusting to see that the Maiden's arms twisted and detached from the rest of its body, but Ren's focus was on the two incoming arms in the shape of a spear.

"Ren!" Isolde shouted.

Ren didn't flinch. He didn't even have any plans of avoiding the incoming javelins. His DEF was two times that of the Maiden of Agony's STR. But of course, if it were a Critical Hit, he would still die in three or four hits since his HP was only 155 if he didn't equip [Phantom Clock].

Ren was going to let the spear arms hit him while he cast [Multiattack, taking advantage that the Maiden was still regenerating her arms.

However, before he could cast anything, he was surprised to find a shadow looming over him in the form of a giant girl, pushing him to the side.

"Isolde?" Ren stumbled on the floor, butt first, while the spears that were supposed to hit him were now plunged on Isolde's back as she laid on the ground, flat on her stomach.

– 317 Critical Hit!

[ You have suffered from POISON

–10% HP every minute ]

–14 (POISON)

[ You have DIED!]

"R-Ren . . . if we're wiped out, I'll be back to square one again." Isolde rasped though she wasn't feeling any difficulty in her breathing. Just her heart rate was increasing since her palms were still hot from touching Ren's biceps.

She then beamed with an okay sign on her fingers. "No pressure."

And she disappeared with a silly grin on her face.

"Ugh . . ." Ren didn't know what to say to that.

He picked himself from the floor and tapped away the dirt on his pants.

Thanks to Isolde, his chances of hitting the Maiden of Agony and reducing its HP to zero were gone as the giant spider had now regenerated one of her arms, and its menacing red eyes zeroed on him once more.

—-

A/N

Sorry for my very slow update *bows head

We'll update 2x by July and 1 BONUS chapter if GOALS are met.

JUNE JULY STRETCHED GOALS!

Every 500 PS = 1 BONUS CHAPTER

Every 50 GT = 1 BONUS CHAPTER

Every SUPER GIFT = 1 BONUS CHAPTER

PS.

BONUS Chapter later for reaching 500PS last week

Thank you for the support everyone!

And I do read all your comments. I will try my best to reply to each one just give me time since I'm drowning on them. Lelz

When did my comments reach hundreds in just two days. ehehehe

Thank you2x

CHEERS!

Ren and the Maiden of Agony looked at each other.

Ren calculated his moves. If everything went to plan, he would reduce the Maiden of Agony's HP enough to trigger its [Berserk] mode. And then, like what happened to his fight with the [Midnight Phantom, he'd let the [Burn] status kill it.

But if something did deviate from his original plans, Ren was still fine, considering that he could defeat his opponent with just his ATP alone, provided that the Maiden didn't manage to land a critical hit on him.

Which Ren doubted since he already had its skill [Shadow in the Night] that made him invincible in the dark, nulling the Maiden's sneak attack.

The only way for the Maiden of Agony to win was a fight head-on which was less than a one percent chance of success since Ren's DEF and AGI were higher than the Maiden.

However, the problem was, now that his Meat Shields were killed, Ren didn't have someone to stop the Maiden of Agony's movement, and there was a chance that it could avoid some of his [Fire] since it was only seventy percent and not a hundred success hit rate.

It was a race on who could land their attack first.

Ren waited for the Maiden of Agony to make its move while putting on his [Phantom Cloak] for added DEF bonus. With the Maiden's low MP, it could no longer make [Multiattack]. That only left [Snuff Light, but it wouldn't work on him, so that only left the Maiden's [Long Bow].

Ren would wait for it to attack before unleashing [Fire] in that way, the Maiden of Agony couldn't move while she was casting her skill, and his [Fire] would surely hit it seventy percent to a hundred.

And as Ren expected, the Maiden of Agony made another [Long Bow] attack when both its arms regenerated.

This is it!

Ren casted [Multiattack, and all four [Fire] sought its target while the two javelins catapulted from the Maiden of Agony's shoulders and pierced him straight on the head before the two spear-like arms burst into particles.

– 27

– 25

[You have suffered from POISON]

–10% HP every minute]

–16 (POISON)

Ren just consumed [Health Potion] to regain his health, and he didn't mind the [Poison] status since it would go away after five minutes or less.

Ren's attention was focused on the Maiden of Agony as it shrieked and cried when all four of his [Fire] hit it straight on.

– 1324 Critical Hit!

[Maiden of Agony suffered from BURN

–5% HP every minute]

–250 (BURN)

ShHrRieEkK!

The Maiden's cry resounded in all corners of the room, and some debris and dust fell on the ground. Its mouth almost ripped half its head while its long slithery tongue slithered up and quaked with its cry. Its two arms regenerated at a rapid pace.

Its flesh rippled, and its muscles twisted, giving way to a form straight out from hell.

[The Maiden of Agony entered BERSERK MODE!

HP: 5 000

MP: 500

STRG: 30 15

DEF: 25 12

MDF: 20 10

INT: 25 12

AGL: 30 15

LCK: 15 7 ]

[All status effects on the Maiden of Agony were nulled!]

[BURN was nulled]

In truth, the Maiden of Agony should have died with Ren's [Multiattack, but Bosses were given special features to retain 1 HP to enter [Berserk Mode].

The Maiden of Agony took advantage of its boost, and it charged toward Ren's direction.

Ren wasn't worried since its HP was still blinking at 1. The only advantage the Maiden had was its double ATP that would surely one-shot players within seconds.

But if Ren managed to avoid its attack and land an attack of his own, then it was a sure win.

Within a blink, the Maiden of Agony was right in front of Ren with its two sharp spear-like hands rising in the air, ready to pierce him in a fraction of a second.

The Maiden of Agony's smile was so wide its eight eyes squinted upward, giving way to a horrendous face. "Die!"

Ren was slashed into two with a strike of its arms before his image disappeared like static. Using [Teleportation] in the nick of time, Ren reappeared behind the Maiden.

The Maiden of Agony was baffled, and it couldn't react for a moment. It was about to jump to its webs and hide in the dark but was a fraction of a second late when Ren struck it with his stuff from behind.

– 2 Critical Hit!

And the 1 HP of the Maiden of Agony depleted from its health bar.

AaArRgH!

Its loud cry pierced Ren's ears before its body burst into tiny particles.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Ren grinned, and this time, he pressed

If he wanted to be a mercenary, then he had to let the others know about him, and getting first blood here and there would help boost his name and his group.

By now, Ren had already made up his mind to have two identities in the game. His Mercenary self would earn money from his services, and his Merchant self would hide his identity to sell rare items he acquired and crafted in the future.

It was a good plan if Ren said so himself.

[ CONGRATULATIONS to player Ren from the group, SLAYERS on getting first blood in clearing GARGANTUAN CAVE! ]

[ CONGRATULATIONS to player Leonel from the group, SLAYERS on getting first blood in clearing GARGANTUAN CAVE! ]

[ CONGRATULATIONS to player Isolde from the group, SLAYERS on getting first blood in clearing GARGANTUAN CAVE! ]

[ CONGRATULATIONS to player * from the group, SLAYERS on getting first blood in clearing GARGANTUAN CAVE! ]

[GARGANTUAN CAVE, HARD, NIGHTMARE, SADISTIC Modes UNLOCKED!]

It looked like only Ragnar didn't press , and this got Ren thinking if he really was Ragnar in the Leader board who didn't like fame.

‖ W O R L D C H A T ‖

AMemberOfPoisonViper: You dare steal our boss?

PoisonViper4ever: Assholes! We remembered your faces! Don't think that you can come out there alive! We have the place surrounded!

WeRPoisons: Don't think that you can get away with this!

PoisonVipersRock: We will hunt you down and kill you whenever we see you!

PosionViperIsStrong: That's our loots, you thieves! Give it back!

SharingIsLoving: Can someone share the Gargantuan Cave's Boss info, pwetty pwess?

RichGuyRick: Alright, I'll pay you $5000 real money for the info and your team and items composition

IcanBuyYou: I'll double it. Send me a private message.

WhoseyourDaddy: Wow. I wish I were rich.

ImPoor: Plz. Gib money, oh great lord

IamBeautiful: I am beautiful!

EXPisLife: I am EXP. EXP is me. EXP is life

ImPoor: Plz gib GIL and EXP

. . . multiple persons are typing . . .

‖ E N D ‖

—-

Meanwhile, before Ren defeated the Maiden of Agony, Leonel was conversing with Ragnar in Venezia Village as a wisp.

Leonel: So, how did you die?

Ragnar: Pierce by its two arms because your friend would rather use his Fire to lower the boss's HP than help me

Leonel: *nods head. Seemed like Ren to me

Leonel: But he is a good friend . . . kinda.'

Isolde: Hey guys!

Isolde zoomed to Leonel and Ragnar as a flying wisp with big eyes and a smiling mouth.

Leonel: Oh, hey. Did you die too?

Isolde: Hm. Hm. Although I did, I died an honorable death.

Isolde: Listen to this. Ren almost died if not for me! I pushed him to the side and took in the attack that was supposed to end his life.

Leonel: Cool

Ragnar: Are you sure that you didn't just trip over and push Ren to the side?

Isolde: Of course not. I'm not a klutz.

Leonel left the Group.

—-

A/N

WIFI was down because of the storm yesterday.

So one chapter and two BONUS Chapters today

CHEERS!

BONUS Chapter for reaching 500PS last week!

—-

[ FIRE Spell LV.2 » LV.4 ]

‖ F I R E L V. 4 ‖

–– cost 40 MP

–– inflict 40% fire damage based on INT

–– single enemy target

–– 2 sec. cool down

‖ E N D ‖

Ren ignored the [World Chat]. He had something to do, which was related to why he hid the final Boss of the Gargantuan Cave from the others.

It was to make sure that the others were unprepared for the Boss and would be caught off guard. It was also the reason why he suggested using them as meat shields so they wouldn't be present when he burned a chunk of the web on a ledge above the ceiling and a [Rope] fell down just meters from where he stood.

[ACQUIRED, Rope!]

Ren walked forward in the room, where he stumbled upon a cracked floor with a deep hole. It wasn't noticeable since numerous cracks and holes were scattered across the floor. And if you weren't paying attention, you would miss the small voice coming from below.

". . . on . . . he . . . Anyone there? Help." It was a very small voice that could be passed as a whisper.

Ren didn't speak and just threw the rope's end towards the hole while holding the other end by his hand.

After a while, a violet-skinned gnome crawled out from the tiny fissure. It had a white gentleman's mustache on its upper lip and was wearing a monocle on his left eye. Its ears were long and pointy, as well as its nose and chin with a height of only knee in length.

"Thank you, stranger. I don't know how I will ever get out from there with that overgrown spider guarding this place." The Gnome patted away the dust on his clothes and said with a high-pitched but raspy voice," My name is Hubert, by the way."

"Ren."

[Your relationship level with Hubert went from Strangers to Friends!]

"Nice to meet you, Ren. And thank you for getting me out from that hell hole."

"How did you get in there in the first place?" asked Ren so he could get the items that he wanted from the Gnome.

The corner of Hubert's lips twitched, revealing a broad set of sharp teeth like the jaws of a shark.

"Those good for nothing Orcs! They're the reason why I'm stuck in this spider's lair in the first place. Thanks to them, I already forgot how many years I have been trapped here."

Hubert began, and there was no stopping him when he continued ranting on and on.

Ren already knew about his story, but he still let the Gnome continue least he wanted a [Relationship Level] reduction. He needed his relationship with Hubert as [Friends] even better if it was [Intimate].

"So there I was, minding my own business in Maze Forest, selling my wares to passerby under the Millennium Tree when I spotted these two giant Orcs with an elven girl on their shoulder.

"It's not that I was snooping or anything . . . but I decided to spy on them and followed them 'cause I was . . . curious. But one of them spotted me and chased me all the way here."

Hubert sighed and grumbled under his breath. "If it's not that I went hiding inside this hole, that Orc might have found and killed me.

"However, just as I was going to escape, another took that Orc's place in the form of a giant spider!"

Hubert caught his breath and shook his head. "My life had not been easy down here."Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

And then he beamed at Ren, showing his row of yellow stained teeth.

"Thanks to you, stranger. Here, I'm giving this to you as a token of my appreciation."

Hubert handed Ren trinkets.

[ACQUIRED!

Crystal Keys x4

–– can open any locks.

–– very handy in dungeon exploration.

Smoke Duds x4

–– envelop an area of 10m radius with thick fog

–– AoE Damage

–– very handy in escaping.

Paralyzing Duds x2

–– envelop an area of 10m radius with static that paralyze all foes upon contact for 1 minute

–– AoE Damage

–– very handy in a group fight.

Monocle of a Tinker x1

–– can change class into a Tinker and acquire its set of skills and spells for one day

–– Skill and Spell set dependent on ATP ]

Hubert was a [Tinker, another class that could invent devices that would aid players in battle. However, it's not a permanent class. It was one among the non-permanent classes that the players could change into the future.

A class change device like the one Ren had allowed him to be a [Tinker] for one day. Some dungeons and areas required a [Tinker] in the group in order to advance since a [Tinker] could invent tools that help solve puzzles and open locked doors and such.

"Thank you," said Ren, who couldn't contain the grin on his face.

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 50GT!

CHEERS!

—-

"Thank you," said Ren, who couldn't contain the grin on his face.

The items he got from Hubert were indeed amazing. But the best of all. It was FREE!

Ren remembered that Hubert's items were mainly in the hundreds of thousands in gil, especially the [Crystal Key] that could open any locks and his status effect [Duds] that have AoE damage. Only Guilds with backing and a lot of money could afford to splurge on those items in a dungeon raid and guild wars.

Hubert mostly sells these kinds of stuff, and he also sells mechanized weapons. He could also add a mecha feature on weapons with the right price and items, of course.

However, Hubert's craftsmanship catered mostly to Elven weapons. After all, he was a Gnome in the Elven territory, selling his wares to the locals.

One of the reasons that Ren wanted a [Sniper] class in their group was because of this. In the future, Isolde could add a mecha feature to her guns to boost her firepower, and her weapons could even acquire a unique skill if he upgrade it to Hubert.

Hubert nodded at Ren's cordial attitude, and he pinched his gentleman's beard with a nod of his head.

Gnomes in COVENANT were an intelligent race but had a grumpy attitude.

The same was also true about Hubert. But since his relationship level with Ren was that of [Friends, his attitude towards him was also amicable. "If you need me, I have a shop under the Millennium Tree passed Erendia Town, inside Maze Forest."

Hubert brought out a map from his vest and gave it to Ren. "Here's half the map of the Maze Forrest so you won't get lost when you search for my store. Since we're friends and all, I'll give you discounts when you buy something in my shop."

Maze Forrest. Exactly its name, it was a Forrest where the majority of beasts and monsters reside. It was a huge content of elves which connected to many of the Elven villages and towns — dungeons and hidden caves and home to many quests.

Maze Forrest was a dangerous area if attempted alone. It's a very confusing Forrest without a map, and one wrong turn would lead to some space entirely different. It even had its own [World Boss].

Animists and Hunters took months to map out this place. It was so vast since it connected all of the Elven places.

Getting half of the map this early on was an excellent boost for Ren, even though it didn't display hidden areas as well as treasures and chests.

Ren didn't recall anything regarding Maze Forest except the [World Boss]. Even how good his brain was, something that vast and confusing was impossible to recall.

But it was fine. He could just work around it in the future.

"That is great, and thank you for the map." It was also the reason why Ren wanted to maintain his [Friend] status with Hubert so he could get discounts from his shop.

After saying goodbye, Hubert immediately trotted towards the exit, couldn't contain his excitement to be free, finally!

As he watched the Gnome retreating, Ren thought about Hubert.

He was a hidden character that could only be saved one time. And once he was saved, his shop [Little Trinket] would be open in Maze Forrest passed the Town of Erendia in the land of the Elves.

Ren could already access Erendia. It was way north of Venezia village. Erendia Town was considered the gate of the land of the Elves.

In order to get to the Maze Forest and others towns and the Kingdom of the Elves, you must go through Erendia first, Maze Forest seconds and traverse the many twists and turns in the confusing Forrest to access other places of the land of the Elves.

Since his INT was already passed 30, Ren could already enter Erendia Town and head towards Maze Forest to buy the Trinkets in Hubert's shop.

Although the downside was the expensive Gil.

Hubert was the only one in the whole COVENANT that sold those [Trinkets] like [Duds, [Bombs, [Keys, and other devices that were useful in battle and raids.

Little Trinket even had its own Save/Teleportation spot for easy access in the future once you found the place.

It was the main reason why Ren wanted to maintain his [Friend] Status with Hubert for the big discount. In reality, it required numerous buying, spending, and crafting to get Hubert's relationship status to [Friends].

This event was a quicker way for Ren to be [Friend] with the genius Gnome and acquire that discount early on, saving him tons of gil in the future.

He had to save and horde as many gils as he could for the upcoming in-game conversion. Because if the in-game currency was established in the game, 1gil = $1, there would be a significant revamp of gil in the game. And the amount of money they get from slaying monsters and beasts and clearing quests would soon be reduced to even the conversation rate.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

Another thing, the two Orc that Hubert mentioned were related to the World Quest [Rescue the Dark Elf Prince Zeroth] though Hubert wasn't necessary for triggering it.

However, Ren wanted to acquire the free items and map as well as the relationship boost with Hubert. He was already in this cave, so he might as well.

Ren wasn't stingy. It was just, he wanted to monopolize these items early on. If he was going solo, which would happen, these items were a great help to him.

—-

Meanwhile, at the Venezia Village entrance.

Leonel: Ren sure is taking his sweet time.

Isolde: Could it be that those poisons, whatever their name is, got a hold of him?

Ragnar: I don't think so. Those fools are still ranting in the World Chat.

Leonel: Could it be that there's another boss again?

Ragnar: If there is, then we wouldn't have gotten that notification of first blood.

Leonel: oh right.

Leonel scratched his head and changed the topic: I wonder what I will do after this.

Ragnar: I'm going to explore and grind solo.

Isolde: Maybe I will, too, if Ren wouldn't ask about exploring another dungeon.

Leonel: Why solo? Don't you two have friends that you want to play with?

Ragnar and Isolde left the group.

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"Ren!" Isolde beamed when Ren appeared in front of Ironto village.

Since Ren already defeated the Boss, each of them got their EXP rewards and gil, while they also got their body back without suffering the death penalty except maybe a glaring 1 HP on their Health Bar.

As soon as everyone was back in their avatar's body, Ren messages them to meet in Ironto village to split the loots in their group inventory. It wasn't safe to talk about [Platinum Chest, especially since players from Poison Viper were still hovering near Venezia Village.

"Geez, what took you so long?" Leonel whined as he ran towards Ren. "I thought you escaped with the loots."

Ragnar shook his head at Leonel's words. "It's in our group inventory. He can't retrieve it unless all of us approve. Didn't you read the guide?"

"Who cares about that serious stuff? Where's the loot?" Leonel rubbed his hands together, eyes shining in excitement.

"Let's open the chest in the inn just to be safe," said Ren.

"Good idea." Isolde and the others then made their way inside Ironto Village and rented an inn.

In this way, other players wouldn't be able to hear their conversation inside the private rooms. And best of all, the players couldn't barge inside and eavesdrop on their conversation while their HP regenerated at the same time.

As soon as the door closed, the group huddled together on the round table and simultaneously opened the [Platinum Chest] and [Gold Chest].

[Gold Chest]

High Potion x10

Antidote x10

Black Silk Thread x10

RECIPES:Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om

Dry Curry (Cooking)

Ultimate Curry (Cooking)

Grape Juice (Cooking)

Dark Javelin (Forging)

[Platinum Chest]

Black Carapace Shield x1

Spider Silk Suit x1

Ring of Darkvision x1

[Black Carapace Shield (Rare)

–– A dark shield made from the Maiden of Agony's tough carapace.

–– a rare armor that could resist POISON when worn.

–– 5 HP, 3 DEF, 2 MDEF

–– Class: Defender, Swordsman]

[ Spider Silk Suit (Rare)

–– a sexy black body suit for females made from the Maiden of Agony's black silken thread.

–– a rare grade armor that grants its wearer extra movement speed and an ability to climb difficult surfaces, even hanging upside down without requiring any mana reduction.

–– 5 AGL

–– FEMALES only!

–– Class: Hunter, Sniper ]

[ Ring of Darkvision (Rare)

–– a ring made from the Maiden of Agony's hard tendons twirled around a bright moonstone.

–– a rare grade accessory that grants its wearer vision ten meters into the dark

–– Class: ALL ]

"Whoa! Looked at all the items that we hauled from just getting firstblood!" Leonel exclaimed, eyes sparkling with glee. This was the first time that he encountered a piece of Rare grade equipment, and it went without saying that the [Black Carapace Shield] belonged to him.

"It's all worth the trouble," Isolde seconded, eyeing the [Spider Silk Suit].

Ragnar's eyes squinted in dismay. "The two of you only said that because the items are specially made to your class and gender."

Ren was disappointed as well, but he didn't show it. He wanted a piece of equipment, too, so he could upgrade his armor and weapon. But if the rewards weren't for him, then it wasn't for him. He could do nothing about it.

Anyway, he could just move to another dungeon until he stumbled upon a piece of equipment for him.

All he wanted was the [Black Silk Thread] since it was an item that could only be acquired by defeating the Maiden of Agony. [Black Silk Thread] was mainly used material in making armors. So it was best if he horde a lot of them this early on.

Besides, x10 of the said material was very generous. The drop rate for those were relatively low. About only 20 percent even if your LCK was high.

Maybe because they got firstblood?

Leonel and Isolde both deserved the equipment, while Ren gave the accessory to Ragnar.

"Are you sure?" Ragnar also wanted a piece of equipment, but he could do nothing about it if the rewards only fit certain members of the group.

Ren grabbed the ball of [Black Silken Thread] and inspected its quality. It was so soft to the touch like it would melt, and the color glossed over his fingers that he could see his reflection. "It's fine. I'm okay with this and the recipes."

"Are you sure?" Isolde felt somewhat guilty since Ren mostly defeated the Boss, yet he didn't get any equipment.

And just as she said so, she equipped her new armor, and her shabby beginner's clothes were replaced by a black suit that hugged her body while intricate white armors like spiders bones followed the curved of her shoulders, knees, breast, and torso.

She looked stunning, and the suit really brought out her height and slim frame.

The three men nodded in appreciation.

Leonel grinned and gave his thumbs up. "It looks good on you."

Isolde flung her hair to the side and beamed. "Thanks."

Ren then looked at Isolde and Ragnar, while Leonel had puppy eyes and a goofy smile at his new piece of shield.

"It's totally fine." Ren shrugged. "There's nothing we can do if the Platinum chest only contained these items. I definitely can't use the shield and that suit, so it's best to give them to you. The ring is good and all, but I have no use for it. Ragnar can have it."

Isolde somewhat felt a little better when she noticed that Ren wasn't really interested in the items except for the materials and recipes.

"If you wanted to hunt for equipment and go on another dungeon raid, then I'll help you," Isolde said, face beaming with eagerness.

Ren flashed a small smile. "Thanks, then."

"What are you going to do with that?" Ragnar asked, eyeing the ball of thread on Ren's hand.

"Horde it. They will be useful later on."

Ragnar was already used to Ren speaking like he already knew the game, so he didn't comment further.

After dividing the [High Potion] and [Antidote] while Ren got most of it as compensation, the group discussed their next course of action.

"Alright, on to the next adventure! I can't wait to try out my new shied!" Leonel was so excited as he flexed his shield left and right.

"Be careful with that. You might hurt yourself," Ragnar muttered.

"Hurt? What kind of a Dwarf Defender would hurt himself with his own shie–Ow!" Just as Leonel spoke, the shield he held slipped from his hand and fell straight on his foot.

"Oh right, it doesn't hurt." Leonel laughed when he only felt a slight tingle from his toes. Though the mental image and the pain of it made him yelp.

Ragnar just shook his head. "A clumsy one, apparently."

"Anyway, how about we go to another–" Isolde didn't finish her sentence when an incoming call popped on her screen.

Her eyes rounded when her father's name appeared on the caller's name.

Did the meeting already ended? Isolde thought to herself before rejecting the call.

"It seemed like I had to log out. My father is calling me, and I have to take his call. It might be urgent," Isolde explained.

Leonel raffled his fringe as he released a big breath of air. "Right . . . bummer. Me too . . . I also have to log out. A notification popped on my screen a while ago saying that I had to log out earlier because of the sudden influx of people who wanted to play the game in the café."

He got too excited with the shield that he completely forgot about it.

Ren looked over at Ragnar. It was kind of awkward if only the two of them played the game since they didn't know each other that well.

Ragnar read Ren's mind as he said, "I will going to grind solo and explore some areas first."

Ren masked his relief with an indifferent face. "Is that so? Then I guess I'll be playing solo for a while too."

Leonel stared at Ren with big puppy eyes. "Egh? You'll grind alone? You'll leave me behind? Rather, what café are you in right now? Why isn't there an influx of players in your area?"

Ren looked to the side and changed the topic. "I will receive that notification too, so don't worry about me leaving you behind since I'll be logging out soon."

"Is that so? Good then. What would you do without me tanking for you? I'll bet you'll be dead within seconds out there."

Leonel coyly grinned while Ren just looked at him with dead eyes.

Eventually, Isolde and Leonel logged out while Ragnar went on his way, leaving Ren alone inside the inn.

Since he didn't get any equipment upgrade in his successful raid at Gargantuan Cave, Ren was thinking of another cave. Regular beasts and monsters didn't drop equipment, only materials, and items. Only in difficult quests, Boss fights, and Dungeon raids would those equipment fall in the form of a [Platinum Chest].

And since he was playing solo, Ren would use his hidden identity and have Pii accompany him.

Dungeon required a specific number of players to enter. Ren looked at the [World Chat] to see if there was anyone who was looking for a member for a dungeon raid.

And just as he was about to press the [World Chat] icon, a message popped on his screen.

[Silvia: Are you free right now?]

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[Silvia: Are you free right now?]

Ren wondered why Silvia suddenly messaged him when he just saw her with Ragnar a while ago.

Did the two just have lunch quickly, retire to their own home, and played the game?

Ren stifled a laugh. Though curious as he was, their circumstances were none of his business.

[Ren: Yes]

[Silvia: Good. Do you want to clear Vulcan's Cave with us? I'll pay you for your services as long as we cleared this Cave]

Ren thought for a second. Vulcan's Cave required ten players with 25 ATPs in STR for melee classes and 25 INT for magic-related classes.

However, that elemental dungeon was big and required mapping. Even Ren wasn't familiar with the Cave's layout since it was cleared a long time ago before he was even an information gatherer in a guild.

But he did know about the final Boss. Though he was worried about the many forks they would take and what many traps awaited them inside that Cave before reaching the final Boss. And by that time, he was afraid their HP and MP were already near zero.

[Silvia: I heard it's also an excellent grinding spot to catapult your ATP into the 30 so you can finally enter towns]

Silvia enticed when Ren didn't reply.

Ren didn't have to worry about his ATP reaching 30 since he could already enter towns with his 76 INT.

[Ren: I'll join given that I'll get a piece of equipment that applies to me. You can keep the money. But if not, then how about another hundred thousand for clearing it and another fifty if firstblood?]

[Silvia: That much for a low level dungeon?]

[Ren: It's a big cave that housed a powerful Boss. It required at least a day of mapping and exploring before we reach the final boss]

[Silvia: I did heard about it form others that the cave was huge . . . but a day? That big?]

[Ren: The reason why until now that cave isn't cleared]

[Silvia: Fair enough. Fine. As long as we get firstblood. I'm putting up a guild you see and I needed the fame and equipment]

Ren ignored Silvia and change the topic.

[Ren: . . . Is there a Healer, and Animist/Hunter in your group?]

[Silvia: Yes. My friend is a healer, and we also have an Animist with us]

[Ren: Does your Healer already unlock the Cure spell?]

It was necessary if they would attempt Vulcan's Cave. The amount of [Burn] damage inflicted upon them was troublesome, and they needed that [Cure] which nulled all status effect.

Though the rewards at the end . . . a guaranteed [Flame] spell that dealt AoE damage that could be evolved into its final form [Inferno]. A perfect cave for an aspiring Red Mage or Mages for that matter.

[Flame] was the evolve of [Fire] but since Ren couldn't evolved that spell since he wasn't a [Fire Mage, he could only acquire [Flame] spell through this method. Though he couldn't evolve it further to [Inferno].

It was a great spell to replace his [Fire].

[Silvia: Yes. Her Heal is at LV.3, and her Cure is at LV.2]

Not bad . . .

Ren thought about the chic with pink hair tied in twin buns. It must be her, Pamela. Silvia's right-hand woman who was always with her during guild wars, fights, and raids.

[Ren: How about a Tank?]

Since Leonel wouldn't be available, he had to ask to make their life easier.

[Silvia: Is that necessary?]

[Ren: You should never attempt any cave or Boss for that matter without a Tank in your group]

[Silvia: . . . I'll find one]

On the side, various notifications were popping of firstbloods, but Ren ignored them. It was only natural that others were also getting firstblood in some low-level dungeon, not just them.

The important was . . . Vulcan Cave wasn't among them.

[Ren: Good. Meet you at Rocky Hills the next day, game time. Just have to prepare something]

[Silvia: Next Day? That long? What if others got firstblood before us?]

[Ren: It's better to prepare than get wiped out in the Cave]

[Silvia: . . . Fine then. I have to find that Tank and prepare either way]

Ren closed the message and thought about his next move.

Rocky Hills was located east of Plain Rock village in the land of the Dwarves. The Dwarven content, as well as the Elves, were just boundaries apart though it's enormous. When traversing on foot, it takes about a month and a half by carriage.

If they would go against Vulcan, then Ren needed to prepare first.

Even though there was going to be a Healer in the group, he wasn't going to be complacent since this was a cave that he knew nothing about but the Boss.

The one thing that he remembered with Vulcan Cave was that . . . it was long. About a day-long journey before they could reach the final Boss's room.This chapter is updat𝓮d by

Yosh.

Ren got out of the inn, went to the save/teleportation crystal, and picked Evonis's newbie village in the land of the Elves.

It was the quickest way towards Erendia Town and onwards to Maze Forest, where he was going to pay a visit to Hubert's shop.

—-

Meanwhile, Ragnar was thinking about where to go and what areas to explore next. Maybe the Human Continent?

Ragnar was going to check the [World Chat] or the [Forum] for anything that would caught his interest when a notification popped on his screen.

[Silvia: Hey, Are you in the game right now? Do you want to party with us? We'll be going to Vulcan Cave. By the way, are you playing a Tank?]

Ragnar's forehead wrinkled.

Silvia didn't know that he was playing an Orc with a class [Brute]. All he told her was that he was playing the game when their topic at lunch a while ago was COVENANT.

Both of their families would heavily invest in the game's shares once its IPO was publicly released. Ragnar didn't care about any of that since all he wanted was to live in another world with an ugly face.

He was even thinking of plastic surgery if not for his mother and father threatening to disown him if he did.

COVENANT came at the right time and saved his life.

However, he was not keen on playing together with people who knew his real appearance since others might chase after him if they knew who he was, even if he was playing an ugly Orc.

As long as his actual appearance was like that of a God with richest enough to last for multiple lifetimes, others simply didn't care if he was a monster in the game.

Ragnar sighed and replied with a decisive 'NO.'

Before closing the chat box and set it to 'Block All Notifications,' and resumed his adventure as an ugly Orc with a brand new, peaceful life ahead of him.

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 100 GT!

—-

Back in the real world, Leonel had just finished taking a bath when his phone rang with his mother's name appearing on the screen.

"Geh . . ." Leonel was hesitant at picking it up, but if he didn't, his mother would surely not stop calling him until morning.

"What took you so long to pick up the goddamn phone?"

Ugh . . . Leonel's energy was already draining from his mother's high-pitched voice. "I was taking a bath."

"Why didn't you call us the soonest you arrive there? Don't tell me that you already spent all your money partying in the city?"

"Mom, I just got here and didn't get the chance to spend all my money. And what do you mean by partying? You know that I can't handle any liquor."

Juliet ignored her son and changed the topic. "I don't know what's with you and wanting to enter college when you're not even that smart. You're just wasting money and time. If you just worked here in the factory-like me and your father, saving for your sister's education wouldn't be so burdensome.

"Your sister is smarter than you and has a higher chance of success in entering the corporate world with a higher position since she's charming and intelligent!

"But NO. You just have to go to some stupid college and waste money and everyone's time on a degree you can't even finish! Mark my words, you'll be crying home after a couple of months, whining about how college life is hard."

Egh . . . Leonel pouted. "I'm going to college for you guys, you know. So I could graduate and get a higher salary. And I'll work here for my expenses and tuition. You guys don't have to worry about anything."

"How can we not worry when you're an idiot and a klutz?"

Leonel sighed. He was used to his mom's scoffs and lectures. "How can you insult your own son? Shouldn't you support me with all my decision?"

"What do you mean support? That privilege is only for the rich! Us poor people don't have much choice! We can't afford to waste money and precious time on something that isn't sure!

"And how can a son give so many headaches to his parents?"

"Ah! Mom, I got to go! My cat just jumped over the window!" Leone changed the topic.

"Huh?! What cat?! You're allergic to–!"

TuUtT!

Leonel immediately pressed his phone to silent mode before releasing a big breath over the ceiling.

Out from ear out from mind.

He then got dressed and went out for his first job for the day.

Before he even went into Zone A, Leonel was already applying to numerous part-time jobs in the area. There happened to be a convenience store where he could work after school hours to night that accepted college students like him.

Outside it was his first night of Spring in the big city, and the air was stiff and a little humid. If it weren't for the humidifier and filters constructed in every building, the air would be much worse, like in Zone C.

Leonel looked at the map on his phone that led him to his soon-to-be job. The Convenient Store was just a thirty-minute walk from his dorm and school, and the path was easy to follow because everything was already plastered on his phone.

Leonel peeked at the floor-to-ceiling glass first once he was standing in front of his soon-to-be job. There were no more cashers, and machines operated everything. But of course, they still needed humans for inventory checking, shelving, and assisting customers with any concerns.

Leonel was about to push the revolving glass door when a kid pushed it outward in a hurry prompting Leonel to take a step back, or the bridge of his nose would bear the brunt of the door.

The Kid was holding a duffel bag and seemed to be in a bad mood from the way he was biting his lip under a frowning face.

Leonel was surprised because he knew the Kid.

It was the Kid from the restaurant who was arguing about a silly table with Lira!

Leonel followed the Kid with his eyes before another girl went out, shouting.

"Roz! You forgot your hat!"

But Roz neither cared nor bothered to stop and looked back. He just went walking forward with his head down and slumped shoulders.

The girl looked worried, and she clutched the hat on her chest, muttering in a sad tone, "Roz . . ."

"Uhm . . . excuse me, what happened to that kid?" Leonel asked, curious.

That's when the girl finally noticed Leonel. Her big brown eyes went wide at Leonel's height before recovering from her shock. She was used to seeing handsome men since they were abundant in Zone A. However, a man with a giant's height was an entirely different matter.

"Oh, you mean Roz?" the girl sighed. "He is one of our best hardworking staff at this place, but some jerk posted a video of this influencer crying on a camera commenting about this table and what not, and suddenly . . . Roz's pictures appeared out of nowhere!"

The girl tried to say but didn't know how to organize her words since even she didn't know what was happening.

"And then all of a sudden, our store got bad reviews because of him, and the phone had been ringing nonstop ever since." The girl massaged her temple, shaking away her confusion. "I don't even know how they found Roz here. And the manager just kicked him out just like that."

The girl rumbled on and on, but Leonel didn't hear anything about what she said after hearing the word 'influencer' from her mouth.

He immediately checked his phone and found what he was looking for with the hashtag

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 500 PS this week!

Leonel immediately checked his phone and found what he was looking for with the hashtag #PoorLira.

In the video, Lira was seen crying at the restaurant, muttering to herself that she was so exhausted from work and all she wanted was to eat and relax. But some stranger shouted at her to get lost from her reserved table, arguing that her table belonged to him.

And since Lira was a good girl, she waited for another hour for an empty table just to avoid conflict. Right next to the video was Roz's picture.

From the video and angle, it appeared that someone was secretly taking a video, and Lira wasn't aware. And some stranger just posted the video on the net, garnering millions of views and millions of hearts and crying emojis for Lira while curses for Roz.

"T-this . . ." Leonel took a step back. "This wasn't what happened."

Suddenly, the space around Leonel seemed like it was dancing. He blinked away his dizziness and swallowed the vomit that threatened to escape his mouth.

He didn't do anything, but it felt like he was a part of why Roz became a subject of hate and lost his job. He was a part of Lira's cult, so he couldn't help but feel responsible.

Leonel wanted to fix things, and he immediately posted on the video's comment section without thinking.This chapter is updat𝓮d by

[ShortLeo: That's not what happened! I was there. That Kid didn't do anything wrong. It was just a misunderstanding!]

Leonel was hesitant to spill the details since a part of him was still a Lira fan, but his consciousness wouldn't stand for injustice.

[Lira4ever: Another ass* who wanted to stain our Lira's good reputation. Haters go to hell!]

[MyLoveLira: Are you calling our Lira a liar?]

[iloveLira: Dude, can't you see the tears? Are you calling them fake?]

[LiraisLife: Poor Lira. She just wanted to eat, and some brat shouted at her to get lost from her reserved table. What's the name of this restaurant and I'll personally sue you for making our goddess cry!]

The image and video were taken at an angle that didn't give the restaurant away. It appeared that it was taken at any other restaurant.

Lira must have taken another video of her in a different restaurant since Gargino prohibited taking photos and videos in theirs.

Leonel felt hopeless when everyone was against him.

"Anyway. Do you know Roz?" the girl finally asked Leonel after her endless rumbling. "Can you give this back to him?"

Leonel opened his mouth, but no words came out. He just looked at the hat in the girl's hands before grabbing it and chasing after Roz.

But he didn't even run five meters when he tripped with his own legs and fell on the sidewalk.

"Darn it!" Leonel grumbled, pushed himself up from the paved sidewalk, and ran after Roz.

Looking at Leonel, the girl slightly shook her head. "Weirdo," she muttered under her breath at Leonel's disappearing silhouette.

Without pausing nor catching his breath, Leonel panted as he chased after Roz. Locking his eyes on the Kid with a duffle bag, he reached out his hand and grabbed his shoulder.

"Wait!"

The Kid looked over his shoulder, and Leonel's expression fell when it wasn't Roz but a kid on a hoodie with orange hair.

"What, Mister?" the Kid asked with a frown.

Leonel immediately retrieved his hands. "Ah . . . sorry. I thought you were someone I knew."

The Kid rolled his eyes before he turned and left Leonel standing alone on the busy sidewalk as people passed by him.

Leonel looked left and right, hoping to spot Roz amidst the crowds. A minute passed, and he was about to search for Roz again when the store just in front of him opened and came out Roz who was holding a plastic bag of ingredients for their supper.

"Agh! There you are!" Leonel was overflowing with relief that he had forgotten his next words.

"You . . . I . . . What . . . ?" Leonel opened his mouth, but no words came out while Roz looked at him like he was an idiot.

"Do you need something?" Roz asked. Then his face darkened. "Don't tell me that you're one of that crazy woman's fans that's going to harass me again?"

"Egh?" Leonel caught his tongue. He was indeed one of Lira's fans, but he wasn't there to harass him.

"No!" Leonel took in a large intake of air to clean his mind and released the stiffness of his paralyze tongue. "My name's Leonel, and the new guy at the convenience store that you just left. The girl working there told me that you just lost your job."

Roz clicked his tongue. "Shirley is such a blabber mouth."

He then faced Leonel, confused. "And what do you want?"

I felt like I was the reason why you lost your job. Leonel wanted to say but didn't have the heart when he looked at Roz's dejected face.

"Shirley wanted me to give this to you."

Leonel gave the hat he was clutching to Roz. His tongue was shaking. His conscience urged him to tell Roz that he was one of Lira's fans and felt that he was responsible for this mess.

Roz's face slightly brightened, although it went gloomy once more when he spoke with a disappointed tone. "Leonel, huh? Yeah. I heard about you. You're supposed to be the new worker. My name's Roz."

He then sighed to the side and bitterly laughed at himself. "I guess we wouldn't be working together since I have been fired from my job, no thanks to that crazy girl who not only stole our table but also stole our livelihood and reputation."

Roz took a large intake of air before he released it through his nose and muttered sadly to himself, "I just wanted to celebrate my mother's birthday in a fancy restaurant . . . heh . . . guess we should have gone to our favorite hot pot on the side of the street. I might have kept my job, and my mother wouldn't have been fired from her job."

Leonel was feeling even guiltier.

He then snatched something inside his jacket and gave it to Roz.

"What's this?" Roz checked the card on his hand.

"It's my ID in a construction site near here. One of the senior workers in there is a friend of my father. Look for Sefin. Just tell him that I couldn't come, and you're my substitute."

Leonel paused and raffled his hair. "What am I saying? Who would believe the words of a kid? I'll call uncle Sefin and tell him that you're substituting for me. The pay isn't much, but it's better than nothing, right?

Leonel then sighed and grumbled. He was frustrated that he couldn't organize his thoughts. "Oh right. There's an age limit. But just tell them you're already eighteen years old."

"I am eighteen years old," Roz said with a monotone voice as he looked at the stranger who was acting weird.

Roz height stayed at 4' 7" and with his baby face and big dark blue eyes, he was often mistaken as a grade-schooler.

Leonel glossed over what Roz said and continued, "I'll call uncle right away and say that you'll substitute for me. Oh, heck, I'm late for my interview at my first job!"

Leonel shifted his eyes at the watch he was wearing and at Roz's confused face.

"I got to go. Don't forget to say that you're eighteen!" Leonel waved at Roz goodbye while he ran back to the convenience store.

He then tripped with his two legs and hugged the floor with his face.

"Darn it!" Leonel grumbled, got up to his feet, and dashed away.

"Don't forget to lie about your age!" he repeated again.

". . ." Roz was dumbfounded. It took him a while to know what just happened before he regained his bearing. He then looked at the card in his hands.

In his situation now, every help was appreciated. There were bills to pay, and food to buy. He also got a call from his mother a while ago saying she got fired because of that video.

Just because of that crazy girl.

Roz gritted his teeth and pocketed the card into his jacket.

Meanwhile, as Leonel was running, he suddenly stopped when a light bulb flashed over his head.

It was like an epiphany that he just realized while he was running.

Mike!

That was right!

Why hadn't he thought of his rich friend who was willing to buy them a pod just to play a particular class? Who could say that he wasn't willing to pay someone who would become a [Chrono Mage] or [Necrolyt] in the game?

What's more, if Roz joined, Mike would pay him monthly, and Roz would also get a monthly allowance from Scar's guild!

Another thing, he could solve Mike's problem, and the latter could finally enter Scar's guild while forgetting everything that happened in the restaurant.

They could finally play together!

They would be back to the way they were!

It was like hitting multiple birds with one stone!

Leonel was so excited that he immediately contacted Mike.

A/N

Thank you all for the support!

will be locked next week I think. So read it while its still free

A total of 82k or so words before locking. I think that's a fair price . . . i hope

CHEERS!

In the game, before Ren went to Erendia, he made a side trip and converted all his Cooking Recipes into actual food.

‖ D R Y C U R R Y ‖

–– a delicious spicy food made from tender meat marinated in herbs and spices

–– can cure the status effect [Freeze]

‖ E N D ‖

‖ U L T I M A T E C U R R Y ‖

–– a delicious spicy food made from tender meat marinated in herbs and spices

–– its spiciness is not for the faint of heart

–– immune to [Freeze] for 4 hrs.

‖ G R A P E J U I C E ‖

–– a sweet juice perfect for a long day of hard work

–– can cure [Poison]

‖ E N D ‖

After which, Ren finally entered Erendia Town. It was the very first town of the Elves and the only accessible town of Elves that was located outside of Maze Forest.

Unlike the usual buildings of the Elves that were made of leaves, woods, and thatched roofs and took a curvy form that blended in with the surrounding Forest, Erendia Town took in the architecture of a medieval fantasy setting of white limestone walls, blue brick pointy roofs, and paved roads.

And like most Towns, the shops are usually centered on a plaza full of stalls or bazaar. Other big towns that were near the sea have a port and a wet market.

The two Elven guards ignored Ren when he entered the gates to the town. Since his INT already met the requirements, he was the first player to arrive inside the city. Or at least that's what he thought.

Unlike in the village, where NPCs were only around ten to twenty, NPCs in towns were in the fifty or more and were bustling with liveliness.

The air was basked with the smell of freshly baked bread coming from the bakery of an old Dwarven woman. A Halfling child was running around selling the daily [Jinx] for the day, short for news or posters of wanted criminals. There were hobgoblins haggling prices for rare stones, silks, and tomes. There were also Gnomes selling Fairies in a jar while a Hag was busy making [Fairy Powders] at the back of the stall with her cauldron and broom.

It would take tremendous effort and patience for the players to talk to every NPC, hoping to trigger a quest or some kind of event.

Ren had already forgotten the list of quests in Erendia Town, but he did, however, remember the important ones.

But Ren wasn't here to fulfill any quest. He was here to get the passive skill [Mobile Casting, so he could cast while moving around. This passive skill was available to all Mages once they entered any towns.

All you have to do is go to the [Magic Shop] available in any Town, and the NPCs in there would automatically give you the passive skill as long as your INT was already 30, for the right price, of course.

Ren did precisely that, and he went to the Magic Shop downtown.

"Hello there. I can't help but notice that you're still a novice Magic-user," Elaine said, his pointy ears flinching while the wings on her back fluttered.

She was a Halfling—Half-Elf, half Sprite, apparently. And Halflings were not welcomed in the many towns and villages inside Maze Forrest, the Elves' territory. Another reason why Erendia Town was outside of the said Forest was because of the Halflings that the Town Mayor welcomed into its doors.

"I can teach you the way of a true Magic-user for only 1000 gil~."

Ren was speechless. He didn't remember that it was this expensive!

Or maybe because the guild paid it for him in the past?

"Why so expensive?" at this point in time, anything that was beyond 500 gil was already passed his budget.

Elaine crossed her arms and pouted to the side. "What do you mean expensive? This skill will allow you to be ahead of the others. Advancing your magic to another level! It's rather a good deal if you ask me."

Not saying the skill was part of the risk that players had to make in the game. But Ren already knew the skill so he didn't have to feel like it was a gamble buying the unknown skill for 1000 gil.

Ren sighed. If not that he needed that skill for his upcoming dungeon raid, he wouldn't get it until the in-game currency was established and the price of everything was reduced to even the currency conversion.

Ren swallowed his indignation and paid for it with a heavy heart.

"Thank you." Elaine had a bright smile on her face while Ren was looking at her like he got scammed.

[ACQUIRED New Skill!]

ǁ M O B I L E C A S T I N G ǁ

–– a unique skill to all mages that grant its user the ability to move while casting.

ǁ E N D ǁ

"While you're her stranger, care to look at my wares? We have new items that would surely catch your fancy."

Ren ignored Elaine's sing-song voice and the other items in the shop except the [Water] Spell.

It goes without saying that one of the things that could hurt Vulcan, en elemental Boss, was an elemental type of magic as well.

Water was needed to douse that Fire of his. Ren thought and bought the [Water] Spell for 100 gil.

[ACQUIRED New Spell!]

ǁ W A T E R L V. 1 ǁRead lat𝙚st chapters at Only

–– cost 10 MP

–– inflict 10% water damage based on INT

–– single target

–– 2 sec. cooldown

ǁ E N D ǁ

Ren already had five spells on his list, the maximum allowable number in his current class. He had to upgrade his class into a [Scholar] in order to open another five slots for his list of spells.

Ren chose to delete [Heal] since that spell was useless to him. He was not going to use it often since consuming [Health Potions] was a better alternative than that.

[Health Potions] were abundant in rewards, and almost all quests have those in their list of prizes.

Moreover, there was already a [Healer] in their group, so there was no need for that spell anymore.

He was planning to be an offensive type of mage and not a supportive one.

After Ren did what he came to do in Erendia Town, he proceeded to the southern exit and entered Maze Forest.

—-

A/N

Last chapter for this week.

Sorry for any typos and grammars. My eyes are not cooperating at the moment. So tired

Got to re-energized this weekend.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

CHEERS!

Ren displayed the Map of Maze Forest on his screen and continued to follow the path towards Hubert's [Little Trinket] shop.

He didn't have time to marvel at the towering trees and canopies so large it blocked the sky and all the other types of flowers and mushrooms growing at the side, the harmless animals and small beasts hopping to their nest, or the little creatures at the side peeking at him from the bushes.

He was in a hurry.

Attention on the map, Ren didn't notice a kid blocking his path. He never did once even considered that there was another being beside from him. And he took a step back when they collided.

"Ofgh!"

Ren blinked and looked down at the Kid he had just bumped.

"Agh. A player!" said the boy with a childish voice. His sharp tone didn't match his bulky build, and his youthful face didn't match his harry look.

He had a face of a child in an adult's body, assuming the race of Beast with tiger ears, tails, and paws, walking on two sets of tiger legs with strakes of gold adorning its white mane.

"Finally! Another player like me! I thought I would go crazy in this place! I'm like exploring this area for hours now with no clue to where I am! I was going to give up and log out to return to the city when you came!"

Who?

Ren looked at the child in confusion. Was he an NPC? Did he triggered an event or something? He didn't remember there was one on his side of the map before.

Rather, his memory was all foggy since this area was so big and confusing that he himself didn't remember much of it.

"Ah. Sorry. Where are my manners? The name's Nikolai, by the way." The Kid introduced, accompanied by a toothy grin.

Nikolai?

The name didn't ring any bell.

"Are you an NPC?" Ren asked because he wasn't sure himself.

The Kid readily shook his head. "Nope! I'm a player! Just like you!"

"How did you know that I'm a player," Ren asked, even more confused. His face was covered by the hood of [Phantom Cloak]. There was no way that the Kid could see his face.

Could the Kid have some kind of an item that tells NPC and players apart?

Nikolai tilted his head to the side. "Know? I just assumed you are." He grinned, face breaming with ignorance.

Oh . . . Ren almost wanted to face palm himself. He was too serious and overthinking so much that he even became suspicious of a kid's innocence.

When did he become so tight?

But what made Ren shocked was the Kid had managed to enter Maze Forest before he was.

And he thought he was the very first one!

"You . . . how did you arrive here?" Ren asked, still confused.

Nikolai placed a finger over his lips. "How did I enter?"This chapter is updat𝓮d by

"There are supposed to be a specific 30 on STR or INT restriction to enter towns. And the only way for you to enter this area is through Erendia Town . . . wait . . . don't tell me . . ."

Ren looked at the Kid, whose eyes were shining like stars.

"Y-you . . . is your STR already in 30?"

Nikolai nodded. "Yeah. What of it?"

What of it?!

Ren was shocked because there should be no players whose STR or INT is in the 30 at this point in time except for him.

Even Beta Testers should have a hard time raising their ATP to 30. Even though they played the game ahead of the others. All the bugs they found were reported and fixed, and not all had knowledge about the secret grinding spots.

"Are you a beta tester?" By any chance, did the Kid possibly know or accidentally stumbled upon a grinding spot and hidden bosses that was why he was ahead of the others?

"Beta . . . tester?" Nikolai's forehead crumpled. "I don't know what that is. I just grind and grind and grind and put all my EXP in STR."

He then chuckled. "And before I know it, I entered this forest and got lost."

". . ."

Ren sighed. So it's just a crazy kid who's a fanatic of grinding nonstop and leveling only a single ATP.

"Is that so?" Ren regained his calm. If that was the case, if he was only leveling his STR, then it was indeed possible to reach 30.

But that was just ridiculous to level only one ATP since the important stats of a Beast like DEF and AGI would be left behind.

But not his problem.

Ren then introduced himself. "My name is Ren."

"Nice to meetcha." Nikolai beamed. "By the way, why are you covering your face? Is your appearance hideous?"

The corner of Ren's lips twitched. "Somewhat."

"Anyway, if you're lost and alone, I suggest you log out and grind elsewhere. This forest is too early for you to try." Ren was indeed surprised that the Kid managed to stay alive this far. The monster and Beast in here were on a whole new level.

Ren had the map, and if he stuck to the right path, he would avoid any unwanted encounters with enemies.

But if you were lost and didn't know where you were going, there was a high chance that you'd take the wrong fork and be transported into an area full of Beast and monsters.

"Eh? What about you? Why don't we party together? In that way, we can watch each other's back." Nikolai gazed over at the Ren. He didn't want to go back and log out. He wanted to continue adventuring forward.

"This forest is too much even for me. Even if the two of us party together. I'm going on a short errand here, and after I'm finished with that, I'll also log out and go back to town."

Nikolai's expression fell. "Is that so?" he sighed, shoulders slumped.

"I guess I have no choice but log out and go back to town then. I kept getting lost in here. I lost count of how many times I was back at the same place. I've wasted too much time, and I'm getting dizzy from all the forks I had to choose."

Nikolai complained and kicked the dirt on the ground with a downcast face.

Ren looked to the side. He had to say that Nikolai's luck was indeed good for avoiding the fork that would surely land him into an area full of beasts.

Nikolai shrugged and sighed. "Oh well. I can do nothing about it. Guess I have to wait for my friends and party with them."

"Good bye mister. See you when I see you." Nikolai waved his hand and was about to press [Log out] when Ren stopped him.

"Wait . . . are you . . . a Monk?"

"Yes. Why?"

The corner of Ren's smile rose into an evil smirk. A [Monk] whose STR is already in the 30. Though his other ATP was left behind, it was still perfect.

"Do you want to party with me and attempt a dungeon?"

—-

A/N

I still read comments though I rarely replied cause its just mostly hate comments. Lelz

Thank you for everyone's support, good or bad, you're still contributing to the story

CHEERS!

"Hmm~ Hmm~."

Nikolai was in an excellent mood after logging out of the game COVENANT.

It would be his first time in a group and tempting a dungeon!

So exciting!

He went out of the pod, wore his big round glasses, and went out of his room to get a bottle of cold water to quench his dried throat.

On the way to their mansion's kitchen, Nikolai yawned and stretched his arms. His feeble arms and legs were getting mushy for staying in the pod too much.

"You're finally out of your pod."

"Yikes!" Nikolai yelped before he cleared his throat and arranged his glass on the bridge of his nose.

He then addressed the older lady in his mid-twenties. She was sitting casually on the bar with a glass of wine swirling in one hand while her other hand held a phone in her ear. Her light blue curls were down on her shoulders. Black stocking framed two long shapely legs under a knee-length skirt. Blues eyes languid, pouty red lips seductive, and D cup breasts almost slipping from her neutral-colored suit.

She was beautiful and appeared like an older, kind lady who had everything in the palm of her hands.

"Hello, sister. You're home early." Nikolai greeted before going to the fridge and chugged a bottle of water in a hurry. Ren said to meet at Rocky Hills tomorrow, game time, which meant around an hour or so in real-time.

Sumeri raised her perfectly shaped brows. "It's already past two. I thought that we were going to have lunch together? I went home because you're not answering your phone. I thought something had happened to you."

Nikolai choked, and water slipped from his nose. "That late already?"

He looked at the clock hanging on the wall and faced his sister with a guilt-stricken expression. "Sorry. I didn't notice. I forgot to set my pod's timer."

He was so engrossed in grinding and exploring that he wasted so much time in Maze Forest, totally forgetting about their lunch.

"Never mind that. I bought you take-outs since you stood me up in the restaurant."

"Sorry." Nikolai wanted to prostrate before his sister but decided against it when he realized he was hungry. He needed to eat, take a bath and log into the game ASAP!

He still needed to prepare before their dungeon raid later.

Ren gave him a list of items to buy in the town, and he couldn't afford a single minute wasted in the real world.

Nikolai hopped on the table and gobbled all the food his sister had brought him.

"Calm down, or you'll choke." Sumeri reprimanded, but it all went on deaf ears.

As Nikolai concentrated on his food, Sumeri took the time to study her little brother.

Nikolai was only fourteen years old. Too young to be alone in this big mansion. His skinny limbs were a concern of hers, as well as his mental and physical health.

Good thing that COVENANT came at the right time. It helped him cope.

But she still had to work on Nikolai's physical health. He couldn't just stay in his pod the whole day and play the game.

Sumeri promised that they would talk about that. For now, she got back to her phone.

"Sorry, dear. My brother had finally graced me with his presence. What were we talking about?"

"It's about the game COVENANT. Don't tell me you still haven't played it? You were a pro player of Clash of Guilds back in your days," said a girl on the other end of the phone.

Sumeri rubbed her temple.

Why?

Her eyes then briefly looked at the young boy sitting opposite her, whose excitement could be felt even miles away. This was the first time that she saw her little brother so excited and smiling again after their parents died.

It was thanks to COVENANT.

Sumeri went to her feet and stayed in the living room.

"You know why. I had to take care of the company and Nikolai. I don't have time to be playing a game." Sumeri looked at the garden over the floor-to-ceiling window. The sadness in her eyes was reflected on the glass, and she blinked them away.

"And besides, I'm too old to be playing a game. My gaming days were over once I finished college. It's all in the past." Sumeri joked and chuckled with no joy.

"It will just take you an hour. It's precisely why COVENANTs game time defers from the real world by a huge margin. It's to accommodate everyone. Working class, the old, the young, the undergrads and grads. Anyone can join. It operated in your sleep."

Sumeri shook her head with a bitter smile on her face. "I don't know, Silvia. You know me. I'm an addict to games. Once I start, it's hard to stop. It's better that I don't play. Least I want the company and Nikolai neglected."

Silvia sighed on the other side of the phone. "You sure? And here I thought I could convince you to play as a Dwarf Defender."

Sumeri nearly choked with her chuckle. ". . . A Dwarf . . . Defender . . . ?"

"It's the only race that had a tank class. At least at this current time. We badly needed a tank, you see. We're going to attempt a dungeon!"

Even from the other side, Sumeri felt Silvia's excitement. It was apparent from her sharp tone and fast-paced talk. There was a bitter pang in her heart. A jealousy and eagerness that she had a hard time controlling that made her want to play the game.

The urge to explore, defeat enemies, hunt for treasures and beasts, participate in guild wars, grind and strategized to reach the top was all the things she missed so much.

She and Silvia were once in the same school when she took her six-month master's a year ago. She was ahead of her for six years, but the moment they met through common acquaintances, they clicked right away.

COVENANT was their favorite topic in the past, even before the game could be launched. And Sumeri told Silvia that she was once a pro gamer.

Sumeri licked her lips and giggled. "Ara-ara~ why are you so into this game? Did I influence you that much, and now you wanted to be a pro gamer as well?"

There was a slight pause before Silvia answered, "Of course not. I just wanted the thrill and challenge. It's just another world waiting to be explored and conquered!"

Sumeri stifled a laugh. Leave it to Silvia to make everything a challenge.

"You said your brother is playing, right? Don't you want to bond with him in the game?" Silvia enticed by using Nikolai as her leverage.

Sumeri rolled her eyes. Silvia knew her soft spot with Nikolai.

"I'll think about it. But not today. I have many works to do that I won't be logging into that game anytime soon."

Silvia sighed. "We badly needed the Tank within an hour. Do you happen to know anyone who might be playing that class from your list of pro friends in the past?"

Sumeri thought for a moment, but only the image of her ex-boyfriend appeared in her mind. She shook it away and took a deep breath.

"I'll search through my contacts and let you know who I find."

"Great! That's already a huge help. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

After they ended the call, Sumeri leaned on the glass with a blank look in her eyes, recalling the memory of her past self who didn't have any worries while playing games the whole day.

It felt like a distant memory.nove(l)bi(n.)com

It was not her life now.

Now. She had a lot of responsibilities.

Saving her parent's company from the aggressive shareholders who wanted to take over after her parents died and ensuring that Nikolai would inherit that company was at the top of her list.

She had no time to play games.

—-

A/N

Dear readers, you hate me that much enough to kill me with 1000 chapters mass release? You want me to die of exhaustion?

But thanks to MiguelWN for gifting this story Gachapon! I never expected to received one in the rest of my life! Thank you very much

And since i'm a man of my words.

15k Gift = 3 BONUS Chapters

Another 100 GT was added today WOW! That's another 2 BONUS Chapters.

A total of 5 BONUS Chapters all in all.

Time to grind.

PS. I'll push 2 or 3 BONUS today and the rest by tom.

CHEERS!

BONUS Chapter 1/5

—-

After his short encounter with Nikolai, Ren proceeded to follow the map toward Hubert's shop.

With the guide in his hands, it only took him thirty minutes to reach the little Gnome's shop.

The Millennium Tree.

It was a popular landmark destination in Maze Forest. It was the biggest tree in COVENANT next to Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life located in the Hidden Lands of the Fey. Occupying about 1000 sq. meter. It would take more than fifty people to circle its bark.

Though not long in the height of around four meters, its canopies almost shaded of the forest itself. In the month of Springs, the leaves were greener and white flowers sprouted on some of its barks. Leaves fell gently on the ground, and even though it was covered in perpetual shade, there was no rot on its barks and no decaying or a foul smell from its surroundings.

The air even had a minty, refreshing smell to it.

Ren took a moment to savor the atmosphere and took a deep breath of fresh air before proceeding to [Little Trinket].

There was a small hole carved from the trunk of the Millennium Tree enough to fit a 36 sq. meter one-story house. And inside it was Hubert, who was inspecting his trinkets.

Ren removed his hood and showed his face while he let Pii wander around the area.

"Oh! If it isn't Ren?! You came here so soon?" Hubert exclaimed in glee, sharp teeth on display when he smiled.

"Yeah. I needed something. Mind if I look into your Elemental Duds."

Hubert's smile widened even more. "Look to your heart's content. And like I said before, everything here is twenty percent off to you for saving my lie."

"Thanks." Ren looked at the selection of Elemental Duds, and he wasn't disappointed with what he saw.

ǁ E L E M E N T A L

D U D S ǁ

Water Dud

–– deals water damage

–– single target

–– Cost: 500 gil

Aqua Dud

–– evolved form of the Water Dud

–– deals water damage

–– AoE damage

–– Cost: 1000 gil

Earth Dud

–– deals earth damage

–– single target

–– Cost: 500 gil

Earthquake Dud

–– evolved form of Earth Dud

–– deals Earth damage

–– AoE damage

–– Cost: 1000 gil

Air Dud

–– deals air damage

–– single target

–– Cost: 500 gil

Tornado DudVisit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

–– evolved form of Air Dud

–– deals Air damage

–– AoE damage

–– Cost: 1000 gil

Fire Dud

Flame Dud

Freezing Dud

Blizzard Dud

Lightening Dud

Thunder Dud

Holy Dud

Devine Dud

Darkness Dud

Void Dud

ǁ E N D ǁ

The best thing about Duds is they weren't dependent on ATP and level. Anyone can use them, and they pack a punch, especially if the enemy has an elemental weakness.

However, they were expensive as hell — especially the ones dealing AoE damage.

Ren was palpitating at the prices. But to win against Vulcan's Cave at his group's current ATP would be difficult without these Duds.

Closing his eyes and gritting his teeth, he bought 20 Aqua Duds. With a 20% discount, Hubert only charged him 16 000 gil, but it was still a significant sum considering the value of gil in the game.

Good thing that there was another grinding spot near Erendia Town, or Ren wouldn't have spent 16 000 gil on the Duds that would only last on a single raid.

Ren comforted himself, thinking that he was investing in a piece of rare equipment. And Silvia would still compensate him if he didn't get any equipment at all.

It was a win-win situation.

To gain some, he had to lose some.

After he was done with Hubert, Ren activated the save/teleportation Crystal so it would be a breeze to access [Little Trinket] in the future.

Ren was about to log out when Pii came crushing on his face and alerted him of something.

Pii!

Pii!

"What is it?' Ren asked the little creature who was biting his clothes, pulling him forward. Like he found something, and it wanted him to take a look.

Pii released the hold on his shirt and flew near the Millennium Tree, pointing with its snout on the trunk.

Just beside [Little Trinket, Ren noticed a hole on a trunk that Pii desperately tried to point out. He thought it was part of the shop, but upon closer inspection, it was a crevice that was hidden by bushes, ferns, giant mushrooms, and flowers.

It wasn't visible if you didn't actually push the bushes and ferns away to reveal a fissure the size of a door.

Is there something inside? Ren became excited.

Maybe there were hidden treasures?

He immediately went inside the gap. Contrary to his expectation, the inside was light coming from the cracks on the trunk. It was spacious, about 400 sq. meters. It was airy and . . . covered in grass and trash.

Pii!

Pii hovered above a patch of overgrown grass, and Ren went over to see what little Pii had found.

He was keeping his expectation down to avoid disappointment, but he was still disappointed to find a chest covered in rust with a rusty lock keeping it shut tight.

"Oh! I see that you have found my lost items!" Hubert entered the area and trotted in front of the chest. "So this is where it is! I thought I lost it."

"What is it?" Ren inquired.

"This chest contained all my notes, you see. The blueprints for my Duds are all in here. Wait, let me open it."

Hubert went out and returned immediately, holding a strange key in his hand. The key looked simple, and the tip appeared like a heart, but the intricate carvings on its shaft were strange.

"The lock on that chest may seem rusty and breakable, but no amount of hammering could open it. It needs a special Key that only I possessed."

Ren thought for a moment. Could it be that the only way for the chest to be open was to rescue Hubert first? If others had found the chest before he was rescued then that meant that the chest was forever locked?

With a resounding click, the lock was released, and the chest opened, revealing old parchment of scrolls.

"Hubert carried the chest and gave it to Ren. "Here, you can take this."

". . ." Ren was flabbergasted. He didn't expect to receive it, to be honest. He thought that Hubert would just give him rewards for finding the chest.

"Be glad that your class lined on the crafting side. I'll let you have this. You found it, so it's yours."

"Are you sure?" Ren received the chest and all its contents.

[ACQUIRED!

All Elemental Dud Recipes!]

[ACQUIRED!

All Status Effect Dud Recipes!]

Ren was ecstatic! He didn't expect to acquire all the Duds recipes this early on!

He didn't know about someone acquiring all the Dud Recipes before. Was this because of his class and that he was the one who found Hubert's Chest?

The Gnome implied that it was because of his class. But what if others found the chest? Would they have just gotten rewards?

It was possible since Ren didn't know anyone who made Duds except Hubert in the past.

Even if he couldn't craft them yet, it was still a huge relief that he got them all this early. He was now freed of the burden from strenuous quests just to acquire all of them.

Hubert tapped his head with the edge of his pointy nails. "I no longer need those. Everything is inside of my head. Besides, I had made new copies since I thought I lost them."

"Is that so? Then thank you." Truly. Ren was so happy, and it showed on his face.

Hubert nodded in appreciation at seeing Ren's genuine smile.

"By the way, is this space taken?" asked Ren, looking over at the area. It might be a mess right now, but he couldn't ask for a better headquarters for his soon-to-be mercenary troops.

It was hidden, and it's near Hubert's Shop. What more could he ask?

"No. when I made my shop here, I bore too large of a hole on the trunk. I wanted to use this space for storage but realized that I was too lazy to clean the place. My little shop works just fine for me."

"Then do you mind if I use the place?"

Hubert shrugged. "As long as you clean this place, I don't mind. It's just collecting bags of dust anyway."

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After Ren finished his business with Hubert, he logged out of the game.

In an hour or so, they would start their raid. Ren wasn't in a hurry and took his time to have an afternoon snack.

He also called his parents and told them that he had settled in the big city and that he was doing fine. Afterward, he washed his face and stretched his limbs in a light exercise.

If he wanted to maintain his health, he had to think of doing a run in the morning. Everyone could easily forget their health when inside the Pod. It was also why the Pod had an automatic warning response for players who stayed more than a day in real-time in the game.

The Pod was safe. It was just the irresponsible players who didn't think of their physical health that was concerning.

DiinNgG!

His doorbell rang, and Ren took a deep breath before opening the door.

"Finally, you're home!" Roni said the moment Ren opened the door.

"You don't know how many times I have been here ringing that doorbell. I thought that you had gone somewhere."

Ren wanted to slam the door shut on his face, but Roni seemed to know his plan, and he hung a hand on the door frame so Ren wouldn't be able to close the door.

"I was sleeping," said Ren without any emotion on his face and voice. "Do you need something?"

"Oh, sorry." Roni slapped his hands together in a gesture of an apology though his face wasn't apologetic at all.

"Anyway, you're free, right? Do you know about COVENANT? It's all everyone talk about. So I got curious and wanted to know what the hype was all about. They said it's like a new world where you can do anything! So what I'm trying to say is, do you wanna' play together at the nearest café?"

NO. Ren was sure that Roni just wanted a free pass in the café. That was why he was asking him, just like what happened in the past. The only difference now was that he was playing, and he wouldn't be lending him anything.

Roni still hadn't paid him that dinner last night and all his debt in the past.

"I'm not interested in the game." Ren lied. "Sorry, but I had to go back to sleep. Still tired from all the cleaning and organizing my things." he didn't clean, and he didn't bring a lot of things to organize.

Hopefully, Roni got his drift that he didn't want to associate with him.

However, the guy was thick-skinned than Ren gave him credit for.

"You sure? I heard that it's like a new world where you can do magic and stuff! Fight monsters, party, and go to dungeons. Explore a new world. It's so awesome that everyone wanted to enter it!"

Ren shook his head. "I'm not interested." He lied with a straight face.

Roni scratched his head and didn't know what to do when he realized that he couldn't entice Ren to go.

"Alright. If you're not interested then . . ." Roni shrugged and flashed a grin with both hands in prayer. "Can I borrow some money at least? My parents are late at sending me my allowance again. Just twenty dollars to try this game. I'll pay you the soonest that my parents sent my money."

Roni was used to people looking down at him and giving him the stares. He didn't care as long as he got the money and bought the things he wanted.

But right now, under Ren's intimidating pair of silver eyes, it was like he didn't have any worth from the way he looked down at him from the gap of his high nose.

It felt like an enormous presence was in front of him, and all he could do was lower his head and think of his worthless existence.

"Is that so?" Ren thought about the things Roni owed him, and he hadn't paid any of them. The interest was accumulating, reaching an all-time high.

Ren broke into a small smile, and Roni released a sigh in secret. The pressure on him was suddenly lifted, and he could breathe easy again.

"Roni, why don't you work your ass and stop asking for money from others and your parents? It's time to grow up and stop blaming them for everything."

Roni's mouth fell wide open.

Ren slammed the door shut on Roni's astonished face and pressed the silent button on the monitor on the side of the door.

On the little screen, Roni was stomping his foot on the ground and seemed like he was saying something, and based on the rapid movement of his lips and the frustrated look on his face, he was probably cursing him at the top of his lungs.

Ren ignored him and went back to his room. After drinking enough water and doing his business in the toilet, he logged into the game once more.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

The sun was about to rise in the game, and Silvia's message rang in his notification right on cue.

[Silvia: I've finally managed to find a tank, and we're assembling in Rocky Hills now.

There's only one problem . . .]

Ren didn't know why but he suddenly had a bad feeling.

[Rem: What is it?]

. . .

. . .

A minute passed, and Silvia still didn't reply.

Ren got impatience as he awaited Silvia's message. He decided to go to Erendia Town and grind first since he felt uncomfortable with spending 16 000 gil in one go. He needed to replenish that amount. Fast. That was the only way he could sleep at night.

He needed the EXP anyway.

Ren bought a simple Onigiri in the market for 10 gil before he went out of Erendia and took a detour at the fork presented on the road just before entering Maze Forest. He went into another field of meadows. In the center of the Meadow was an Apple Tree.

Right there, Ren laid the Onigiri on the patches of small grass and waited for those delicious Pelkas once more.

These areas and the one in Euclid were among the accessible areas where Pelkas appeared.

Ren recounted the other locations, most of which were either in restricted territories or areas that were not yet accessible at his current ATP.

After a minute, his first little piglet appeared and munched on his Onigiri. Not long after, a bunch of them started to wiggle towards the bait.

Ren was rather disappointed since, unlike the first time when there were ten of them, now it was only seven.

But nevertheless . . . A Pelka is a Pelka.

A sinister smile stretched Ren's lips, and the seven Pelkas trembled at the ominous presence.

With the skills in his [Mind Palace] [Cunning Action] and [Multiattack, four Pelkas were down with just a whack of his staff.

And those that sprinted away were not safe either when Ren threw [Stones] at them. His aiming was not perfect, so he had to throw multiple stones, hoping at least one would reach its target.

-1

-1

-1

[Used Stones x10

Remaining number of Stones: 17]

[ACQUIRED:

Pelka Meat x114

7 000 EXP]

Even though Ren only got 7 000 EXP, he was still feeling happy with the amount of [Pelka Meat] he had horde. Adding to his previous haul, he had now [Pelka Meat x257]!

He couldn't wait for the in-game currency to be introduced so he could auction them. Even better if he waited for the rich 'Tourist' to appear in the game. By then, the prices of [Pelka Meat] would surely surge due to high demand and low supply.

Either way, Ren was feeling secure. If he ever needed the money in the future.

For now, he needed to be prepared to face Vulcan's Cave. Just because it was one of the easiest elemental dungeons didn't mean he would be complacent.

Since his INT was already high, Ren allocated all the EXP he earned to his ATP, emphasizing his MDF, HP, and MP.

‖ R E N ‖

HP: 165 400

MP: 180 100

STRG: 3

DEF: 64

MDF: 14 70

INT: 76

AGL: 54

LCK: 131

‖ E N D ǁ

[A New Message from Silvia!]

Ren pressed the notification on his screen.

[Silvia: That is . . . I won't be the leader of the group. It's handed to Robert]

Ren frowned . . . Who?

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

BONUS Chapter 2/5

—-

Robert?

The name didn't ring any bells.

[Silvia: Sorry. I was pressed for time, so I had to agree with his demands. Anyway, meet me at Rocky Hill, and I'll explain everything]

[Ren: On my way]

Ren closed the notification and retraced his steps in Erendia Town so he could teleport to Plain Rock Village and head to Rocky Hill.

Along the way, he couldn't help but think of what Silvia meant that she wouldn't be the leader of her own group and that she was pressed of time.

And who was this Robert she was talking about?

Something told Ren that Vulcan's Cave had just become even more troublesome to clear.

Appearing in the Rocky Plain Village, the scenery was different than in the previous villages they had entered. Like the name, there were little to no trees, and the soil was hard and brownish, with towering Rocky Mountains dotting the skies.

Ren didn't enter the Rocky Plain Village and proceeded to head into the Rocky Hills. The feel of sand on his boots was soft and rather hot. And if he didn't watch his footing, he might trip on the protruding stones and boulders scattered everywhere.

Ren looked over at the canyon of rocks and continued to enter the path that was heading towards Vulcan's Cave. There were many twists and turns inside Rocky Hill, and without the arrows at every fork pointing you to your destination, you'd easily get lost.

The path was a little narrow and not for those who had a phobia of tight spaces. The feeling of being squashed by boulders wasn't exactly a feeling Ren wanted to feel at the moment, so he hurried onwards.

Ren could only wish that Nikolai was already waiting for him outside of Vulcan's Cave. He messaged him a while ago to go together, but the kid only replied that he would be waiting in Vulcan's lair.

Anyway, as long as Nikolai followed the arrows and signs, he wouldn't get lost in the Rocky Canyon's many forks and winding paths.

And besides, he wouldn't be traveling alone. Many players were also traversing the canyon. Usually, players were kind to children, especially women.

But upon seeing Ren and the other competitors, everyone hurried onwards, afraid that they might take their thunder.

There were no beasts nor monsters on the path to the cave unless, of course, if you wanted to explore a different area like the home of the [Scorpion King] or the Cave of [Minishatar the Destroyer] among the many options.

And like every continent, there's always a home for a [World Boss].

After fifteen minutes of climbing, hopping rocks, and avoiding dead roots and boulders, Ren finally arrived at a spacious sanded area surrounded by giant stones from all sides. And just ahead, a cave was present in one of the towering boulders.

There were a lot of players than Ren had expected. The area of about 500 sq. meters was full of players of different races and classes.

It was kind of nostalgic.

Ren forgot the last time he went on a dungeon raid with these many players who wanted to try their luck and skills at getting firstblood.

He was mostly seated in the office and doing fieldwork for the guild.

"Ren!" Silvia ran over to him soon after she spotted him amidst the crowds.

"Glad you could make it in time." She beamed, turning her beautiful face into divine.

However, unlike with the majority of players who were admiring Silvia's beautiful face, Ren was busy admiring her equipment.

Silvia was already equipping a [Silver Breastplate, [Iron Gauntlets, [Brooch of Miracle, and [Speedy Boots]. The Silver Breastplate alone provides 7 DEF and 4 MDF. While [Brooch of Miracles] up her LCK by 4.

It sounded minuscule of a number, but at this point in time, it was a considerable boost.

She was clearly overgeared.

"Where did you get your equipment?" Ren couldn't help but ask. They were surely unavailable in the Villages' shops, and Silvia couldn't access towns yet, so purchasing them in the cities' shops was out of the question.

She also lacked the skills to defeat bosses, and she couldn't possibly acquire her equipment by defeating beasts and bosses alone in the short amount of time they had meet at Ironto Village.

Then there's only one possibility . . .

"Oh, this." Silvia grinned and looked at her equipment with pride. "I bought this at an auction shop on the internet. They were loots from players, and they're auctioning it online."

Ren thought so.

Those Beta testers and money hunger mongrels like him were sure to act fast.

"Is that so?"

Silvia's lips formed into a smirk, and she crossed her hands. "Do you want to know how much I acquire them?"

"No."

Ren then looked over at the players and asked Silvia, "Where's our group?"

Silvia couldn't react for a moment before her face turned serious. "Oh right. Before we proceed, I want to tell you in person that I won't be the leader of our group."

"You did tell me that." Ren was starting to worry when Silvis's expression turned even more serious.

"When I searched for a tank, a friend of mine recommended that guy . . ." Silvia pointed to a man with shoulder brown hair tied neatly behind his back. His bushy brows and long thick lashes looked so good with his striking blue eyes. His Dwarven appearance actually complimented his face, and he looked even more dashing even without the staple beard of the Dwarves.

He made Leonel look like a beggar on the street.

"That's Robert. He's a pro player in the game Clash of Gilds if you heard about it. He had a lot of experience as a tank. His DEF and MDF are also nearing 30. And I heard his skills and map awareness are on a higher level compared to the others."

As Silvia was explaining, Ren studied Robert.

Women of all shapes and sizes surrounded him. And like any male, he was enjoying the attention and company.

Ren expected that Silvia would have a lot of women in her group, but he was still caught off guard because they were beauties that stole all the attention.

They looked like socialites and daughters of the higher class.

Sophisticated, elegant, and unapproachable.

"He is a perfect Tank," continued Silvia. She paused and bit her lower lip before proceeding with a hesitant voice. "But . . . There's only one problem."

"He wanted to be the leader?" Ren chimed in.

Silvia nodded. "That and other . . . things."

That got Ren's brows wrinkling at the center. "Other things?"

"As compensation for his help and time, he wanted an equipment for his class and race if there's any and of course, money . . . ," Silvia rolled her eyes, "and . . . fifty percent of all the loot in the group's inventory."

". . . I see." No wonder Silvia was hesitating to tell him.

The distribution of loot was uneven. Robert was going to hug half of it.

"And he gets first pick at the loots," Silvia added immediately before Ren could open his mouth.

". . ." That made it even so much worse that Ren was rethinking about the whole dungeon raid.

Upon noticing Ren's silence, Silvia was beginning to worry while Pii was comfortably lying around his neck with its eyes closed.

"And what did the others say?" Ren asked after a moment.

"They're cool bout it since all we wanted was to carve our names on the stones and leaderboards. But don't worry," Silvia hurriedly added, "I already told him about you and your demands. As long as the equipment fits your race and class, you'll have it."

She then bit her lips again. "It's just that . . . the overall loot distribution . . ."

"It's fine," cut in Ren with an edge to his voice. He was here already, and he had already given her his words.

In doing business, integrity plays an important part. How would he attract other clients in the future if he broke their deal?

It was too late to back out now.

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"Really?" Silvia's eyes rounded, and her face brightened.

"Does that mean you will still help me clear the cave?" Silvia asked, voice soft and a little imploring. Her tone was always proud, but ever since what happened with the Horned Rabbits, her voice took in a softer tone when talking to Ren without her even knowing it.

"If you want, I'll pay for your services, equipment or not."

Ren shook his head. "We've already established our deal. And besides, I was the one who insisted on having a tank in the group. As long as he's good, and I get an equipment fit for me, then I don't mind having lesser loot."

Silvia briefly closed her eyes and released a breath.

"Thanks. I hope that you'll still listen to me even if I'm not the leader," she joked.

Ren just glossed over her relief and said with a monotone voice. "You're my client. You're the one who employed me. I'll only listen to you no matter who the leader is."

". . ." Silvia caught her tongue, and her eyes went wide at Ren's words. What happened to him that he was suddenly acting like a knight with principles and not just some money-hungry, blackmailing mongrel looking out to exploit her at every chances he got, like what happened at their first meeting?

Was this his way of making amends for what he did in their first encounter?

Or was she right all along in assuming that he might be into her as well?

Silvia suddenly saw Ren in a new light. Could it be that he was not such a brute after all? For once, he was acting like a gentleman.

"Anyway, I hope you don't forget our deal," Ren said when Silvia was busy prying for his face while thinking about his actions.

"Huh?"

Ren raised a brow. "The equipment if there's any and the money if there's none. We just discussed it not even seconds ago."

Silvia's mood plummeted, and all her good thoughts regarding Ren completely went down the drain. She waved her hand in annoyance. "Fine. Fine."

She then paused like she remembered something. "Oh, and another thing, besides all that I mentioned, he's bringing some of his friends along with the raid."

Ren was silent before he asked. "How many?"

"Not much. Only two people. One healer and one DPS."

DPS (Damage per second) in this case. It pertained to players who have a high damage output.

Ren looked at the girl with short golden hair beside Pamela and the other male loitering close to Robert with clothes and a weapon akin to a Human [Swordsman].

Ren had a bad feeling regarding about this, but he kept his mouth shut. He didn't want to say anything that would cause mistrust and discord amongst the group.

And besides, Ren wasn't sure if he was going to be right with his thoughts. He was aware that he was too suspicious and always thought of a grim outcome. He needed to release some of the tension. It was exhausting to always overthink.

He needed to give at least a benefit of the doubt though he would not be complacent either.

But if he was right . . . Ren's eyes turned cold, looking at Robert, who was enjoying talking with the ladies.

Ren still wouldn't say anything about it.

If Silvia was going to put up a guild, then exposing her to all kinds of treachery would do her good. Experience is always the best teacher.

"Is that alright?" Silvia asked Ren.

Ren dodged the question and brought up another topic. "Speaking of which. I'll bring someone with me too."

". . . Huh?"

Before Silvia could say anything more, Ren cut in, "He's a Monk and would be a great help to us. Don't worry about the loot. We've already talked. As long as he gets EXP and gil, he doesn't care about the rest."

"Why didn't you tell me that there would be an extra person?" Silvia wasn't against the extra person, but she was more annoyed that Ren didn't tell her beforehand.

"I just met him a while ago by chance," Ren simply said. "If you're against it–"

Silvia immediately shook her head. "No. It's fine. Just tell me this early so I can tell the others beforehand. I have no qualms with it, but you know that even an additional person could be an issue since . . . you know EXP and gil would get reduced if there are too many members in a group." Silvia even had to reduce her number of members to accommodate Robert and his friends since she was thinking of the EXP and gil.

Ren knew that he had his fault for not telling her immediately and not confirming with her about Nikolai. He just simply forgot since all he could think about was clearing Vulcan's Cave, whatever it took.

Failure was never an option since the EXP penalty would surely be huge if they got wiped out.

"Sorry. It won't happen again."

Egh? Silvia was stunned yet again. She surely didn't expect Ren to apologize.

He portrayed himself to be prideful and confident and wouldn't admit any fault.

Silvia guessed that she had judged him wrong and re-evaluated Ren in her mind.

He was indeed prideful but knew how to apologize when at fault. She didn't know any men who were like that except Ragnar.

Come to think of it. She was surrounded by arrogant and prideful young masters all her life who didn't know what apology or defeat was. Her father, her relatives, her friends.

Silvia took a deep breath and changed the topic. "Where is he anyway? So I can introduce you to the others."

Ren shifted his gaze and searched for Nikolai. When he didn't spot him, he left him a message.

[Ren: Where are you?"]

"Mister!"

Ren and Silvia's attention flickered at the incoming tiger pup, who was wagging his tail and flapping his ears as he squeezed himself from the crowds.

Ren breathed easy. He thought Nikolai had ditched him. "Good. You made it."

"Sorry. Sorry. My sister had held me against my will. I had to make so many excuses for her to let me go."

Nikolai caught his breath the soonest he was in front of Ren.

"It's fine. I'm glad that you showed up."

Nikolai took in a large air intake before facing Ren with sparkling eyes. "Of course! I wouldn't miss this for the world! This is my first-time 'dungeoning,' and I'm so excited I could hardly breathe!"

Ren just shook his head while Silvia squinted her eyes at the kid.

"Nikolai?"

Both Ren and Nikolai looked at Silvia.Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

"Oh! Big Sister Silvia! You're here too?"

Silvia stifled a laugh, and she pointed at Nikolai while looking at Ren. "Don't tell me that Nikolai is the Monk you speak of?"

Ren nodded. "You know each other?"

"Yes," Nikolai answered. "Big sister Silvia is my sister's friend."

"Is that so?" Ren then faced Silvia. "Isn't that great that you're both acquainted."

"Egh?" Nikolai shifted his head between Silvia and Ren. "Don't tell me that the group you speak about is Sister Silvia's group?"

"Yes."

Nikolai burst into a smile. "That's great! We can play together!" then his smile fell right off his face. "If only sister . . ."

"Does Sumeri know that you're attempting a dungeon?"

"Yes."

Silvia grinned and raffled Nikolai's hair. "Tell her that you're in my team and that we had a blast so that sister of yours would get jealous, and she would start playing again."

Nikolai's downcast face turned brighter once more. "Yes!"

While Ren stood on the side like a statue, who didn't know what was going on with the conversation.

—-

A/N

Electricity and Wifi was out yesterday because of the rain and thunder. So I'll try to publish four chapters today.

CHEERS!

PS.

I post A/N after I publish the chapter so the coins would remain the same even after I add one hundred or thousand words.

A/N doesn't add to the coin price.

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BONUS Chapter 3/5

—-

"So this is Ren that you've talked about?" Robert asked Silvia the moment she introduced Ren and Nikolai into the group.

"Yes." Silvia began the rounds of introductions while Ren just studied everyone and the team's composition.

In Silvia's team, there were three White Mages being the healers in the group, Pamela, Rosie, and Rafaela. A Blue Mage named Alicia and a Red Mage named Lucia. And the last was a girl named Ruru, who took up the form of a green raccoon. She was about sixteen years old, and her big fluffy ears and bushy tail were adorable that the ladies couldn't help but pinch it all the time.

Ren deducted that she was the Animist in the group. The one who will be in charge of traps and mapping the place.

While on Robert's side, he had Jack the swordsman and Vida the Healer.

On Ren's side, he had Nikolai the Monk.

All in all, a group composed of twelve members would attempt Vulcan's cave with their main ATP's nearing 30.

Not bad of a number. Ren thought before he was disturbed from his thoughts with Robert's question.

"If you don't mind me asking. What exactly is your class?"

"Mage," Ren answered simply and ignored the stares directed at Pii that was sleeping on his neck.

"What subclass?" Jack inquired with a frown.

"Classless," Ren answered again with a neutral tone. It was better if he didn't give anything away regarding his class so he wouldn't be associated with his other identity as Ren the Arcanist.

"Oh. So you're aiming for those rare classes?" Robert's lower lip puckered out. He was aware of it since others were already doing it. Not assigning any subclass in the hope of getting the rarer class later on.

While Jack scoffed. "Good luck with that. I heard that those rare subclass associated with your class is hard to find. You could be stuck without a subclass the entire game if your luck is shitty. It's a risk that you might want to reconsider."

"I'm fine," Ren answered as short as possible, and Jack was starting to get annoyed that he couldn't make Ren jump on his toes.

"Anyway, I can't believe you guys are more curious about his class than his face and that cute little pet on his neck?" Rossi chuckled. Her red hair swayed with her movement, and her dimple smile lightened her face.

"Silvia said that it's some kind of an item? Where did you get it? I want one too! And a pet!"

"Me too."

"Me too."

The ladies swarmed at Ren, and he took a step back.

In all his life, this was the first time that Ren couldn't form any words with all the beautiful faces dominating his view.

He wouldn't have lost his composure if there were only one or two beauties shoving their faces on his, but five of them at the same time was too much even for a cold guy like him.

Unconsciously, Ren took a glance in Silvia's way. Good thing that the latter caught his intention.

"Everyone, stop it. We're here to raid a dungeon and not pry on people's lives. What did I tell you guys? Don't ask for his APT, his pet, and stop prying for his item and face."

At Silvia's words, everyone left Ren alone and got back to their positions.

"Bummer." Alicia stuck out her tongue in a cute way. Her wavy golden hair was braided at her back, keeping her fringe from getting on her face.

"But I'm really curious," Rosie whined and flipped her red curls. She was the oldest of the group but acted like a young soul.

"Now. Now. Don't overwhelm our guests too much. He might not want to work with us in the future." Pamela reprimanded like an older sister though she was second to the youngest.

And Ruru just stayed at the side with a closed mouth, clutching her hands together and avoiding any eye contact. Apparently a shy soul.

"What do you mean don't ask for his ATP?" Robert let out a laugh. "I'm sorry, but . . . since I'm the leader, I needed to know. Your ATP. Your list of skills and spells so I can take command better on the battlefield."

Robert then looked at everyone. "We already showed each other our stats. It would be unfair to the rest of us that you get to keep yours."

The ladies looked at each other. Silvia said that Ren was a powerful player but warned them not to ask questions about him. They trusted Silvia's words but still, they couldn't help but be curious too.

While Jack and Vida simply pressed their lips tight and looked away like they were pondering something.

Ren was no stranger to the feeling that they were blatantly slapping on his face. A feeling of distrust. When he came across such feelings in his past life, he was pitiful enough to put that person's name on his enemy list.

However, now . . . it was a pointless matter that he didn't even care anymore.

"It's true that as a leader, you have to know your members ATP. However, I'm just a player temporarily employed in your group. Something like AT list of skills and spells are considered secret, and I plan to keep them that way for my sake."

Ren tilted his head. "It's the basic of the basic."

Robert's smile fell off right his face. Ren indeed was correct. In this game, where PvP and PKing would be common in the future, players had to protect their stats from everyone.

Robert knew that, but he still took advantage of the noobs (ladies) who just played the game to learn about their stats since it was important for his plans later on.

"You don't have to be concerned about my ATP," Ren said without revealing any emotion on his face. "As for my spells, I only have fire and water."

Which was true. He didn't lie. It was just he didn't reveal everything on his cards.

Robert muffled a condescending smile. "Then I guess you're out of the group if you can't obey your leader."

"You're not my leader," Ren answered straight away. "Silvia is."

". . ."

". . ."

A heavy silence descended, and the ladies all looked with a face of a gawker between Robert and Ren. The only thing that was missing was the popcorn.

Men were so dramatic over a simple game. The ladies thought.

While Nikolai was beginning to get scared at the seriousness of the situation that he didn't know what to do. Wasn't this just a game? Shouldn't they just get along?

"Enough of this." Silvia broke the tense atmosphere and went between Ren and Robert. "Sorry, Robert, but my deal with Ren doesn't involve his ATP, pet, and face. I hope you understand."

The underlying meaning behind Silvia's words was very apparent. Robert had to leave if he still insisted on giving Ren a hard time.

". . ." Robert didn't want to back down, but Silvia was adamantly defending the guy, which got to his nerves. He was supposed to be the start in the group, and he thought that Silvia was willing to prostrate before him, seeing that she agreed to his terms.

He was a pro player with ten years of experience as a tank in the pro gaming world. He was very sought after in COVENANT because of his experience and class.

But right now, he felt like Ren was challenging his position. What made him so special that Silvia employed and defended him like so?

Was it because he got an item that hid his face? Or was it because he got a pet that only a Hunter or Animist could have. Or maybe he had rare equipment?

Robert raised his hands in surrender when he realized that he couldn't get Ren to agree to his terms. Not with Silvia around.

"Alright. But at least share your GS (Gear Score) with everyone. This will put our mind at ease, right?"

Jack and Vida nodded while the ladies just shrugged. Couldn't be bothered. As long as their name was on the stones and leaderboard forever as the one who got firstbloods, they didn't care about the specifics.

If they were putting up a guild, having at least one firstblood on a dungeon was only right.

They only wish that the men could be this attentive to details in real life too.

"Robert–" Silvia was about to say something when Ren cut her.

"It's fine. Add me to the group."

"You sure?" Silvia looked at Ren up and down. Gear Score was the overall number of Equipment. And Ren was still wearing the newbie clothes and a long staff as his weapon.

Ren just nodded.

[Player Silvia asked you to join her group, GOLDEN PHOENIX]

[JOIN]

[DECLINE]

Ren pressed join, and he immediately sent his GS over to everyone in the group.

"Only fourteen?!" Vida exclaimed, surprised.

Jack snickered. "Man. I felt sorry for you. Did you really enter the game at the opening? How come your GS is only this much? A newbie player who just entered the game had much more GS than you."

Ren ignored Jack's taunt. He was aware that his Equipment was crap.

"That's why I'm here," Ren answered simply, not one bit embarrassed about his low GS. Even without any equipment, he could PK Jack and the condescending smile on his face.

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True, that equipment played an important part in COVENANT, but it's the ATP that mattered the most.

The problem with pro players playing COVENANT was that they thought they already knew the game even though it was their first time playing a VR game with no emphasis on levels.

Ren had known so many noobs who were better than pro players in terms of combat and using their skills and spells since this wasn't control operated.

No matter how fast your fingers typing on the keyboard, it didn't matter in COVENANT.

This wasn't an RPG-styled game with controllers.

This was VR.

While Silvia whispered at Ren. "Do you want me to buy–"

Ren answered a decisive, "No."

Asking money for his services was one thing, but being pitted upon was a different matter entirely.

Ren has his pride. He could get his own equipment. Thank you very much.

Silvia closed her mouth and put the matter aside since she felt that Ren didn't appreciate her gesture.

Whispers made their way into Ren's ears, and he couldn't help but sigh at some of them.

"Just 14?"

"There is already equipment selling online."

"He's poor, so he can't afford them."

"There is cheaper equipment for only a hundred bucks."

"Well, Silvia said that he is in need of money."

"Poor guy. No wonder he wouldn't reveal his face."

"Rather, are we going to be okay?"

Upon the whispers that also made into Silvia's ears, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She highly praised Ren to her friends and said about how his magic output was ridiculously high.

But upon facing such scrutiny of the man she had championed, Silvia couldn't help but be self-conscious, and she slightly shrunk from Ren's side.

"M-mister . . ." Nikolai didn't know where to put his eyes. He wasn't embarrassed for Ren since his GS also didn't reach 20. He was scared of the adults who were acting strange, and he unconsciously stayed closer to Ren.

While the star of the show didn't think much of it. Ren was used to players who tried to undermine their fellow players to look good themselves.

It was common wherever he went.

Ren only thought that it was cute.

Rather could they get going now?

"Hey, look, it's that–?!"

Everyone's attention shifted again when the crowd parted ways and revealed a group of men and women with an eye-catching glistening silver equipment.

The area was occupied mainly by newbie players who had just entered the game so having a group with all its members geared up for the raid was indeed a sight to behold.

"That's Scar's guild, right?" Jack muttered to the side. "Black Lions?" he completely forgot about Ren at the appearance of a new subject of his interest.

"They'll be attempting the dungeon too?" Vida proclaimed, worried, coating her face.

It didn't escape anyone's notice that Scar had been busy parading his guild's name by doing dungeon raids and accomplishing firstbloods.

While the once amiable look on Robert's face was gone, replaced by a twisting desire to crash their new competitor. Ren was even cast out from his mind. With his low GS, Ren didn't pose a threat to him at all.

Scar and him were pro players in the game Clash of Guilds, and he never did win against Scar. Not once.

Robert had a good grasp of his surround, and his skills were on par with Scar, but Robert still lost against him. And he knew why.

It was because of his teammates.

But this time . . . Robert smirked. It would be different.

COVENANT was a game he would conquer and rise upon every player.

Robert clicked his tongue before he put on his game face and approached Scar at the side, who was addressing his party. And based on his get-up, Scar was playing as a Mage.

"Yo. It's good to see you again, Scar. How long has it been?"

Scar merely lifted an eyebrow and said with a serious face. "Robert. Nice meeting you too."

"What fancy members you have there." Robert looked over at Scar's party. It goes without saying, but one look and Robert knew that they were veterans. Pro players in some games that Scar put together to be core members of his guild.

Great. Robert mused to himself. "You're going to attempt the dungeon too?"

"Yeah. And you too?" It was a stupid question since everyone knew the answer. Scar looked over at Robert and Silvia before addressing the latter with a nod.

They were in Vulcan's Cave. Of course, they were going into a Dungeon raid. However, both men just wanted to be courteous in front of the eyes of everyone.

Silvia merely nodded in greeting before she looked away and crossed her hands in distaste. She was no stranger to Scar since they knew each other through Sumeri.

"Is this your guild?" Scar asked, looking over at Silvia and the others behind Robert's back.

Robert didn't know why but he suddenly felt embarrassed. Compared to Scar's group, his looked like a bunch of ladies going into fashion shows.

"No. I just joined as a favor from your ex and help out her friend." Robert's attempt to crack Scar's cold façade failed miserably when the latter just looked at him dead in the eyes.

"Sumeri? Good luck then," Scar said and provided no further ongoing conversation.

Robert's eyelids twitched. He clicked his tongue and addressed the girls. "Let's go. I'll explain our strategy once we're inside the cave."

As the group followed Robert's lead, Ren was stuck between the past and present at the sight of a girl in Scar's party.

A girl that only reached his shoulder with waves of white hair that some tickled at the side of her cheeks. Her lips were pink and made a small heart when she opened her mouth. Eyes like silver moon encased in crystals and an aloofness that was engraved in her entire being.

If Silvia was beautiful, then the girl was . . . the girl's appearance was something that would stick in everyone's mind. An ethereal beauty that none dared to claim, for they felt that they weren't worthy enough.

Evie.

Ren was caught unprepared. He was like a dear caught in the headlight. He couldn't move and was paralyzed in place.Read lat𝙚st chapters at Only

He thought that he would see Evie at the start of the school, and never once did he expect he would meet her so soon.

She was just right there, only meters away from him, but he felt like she was a distant memory.

"Mister?"

Nikolai's calls wake Ren from his daze. It was a good thing that his face was covered, and no one knew that he was staring at Evie for a whole minute.

"Mister. Are you okay?" Nikolai tugged Ren's clothes.

"Y-yeah." Ren cleared his throat and said, "Let's go."

He gave one last glance in Evie's direction, but the latter already had her back from him, and only the uneven cut of her long white hair was visible.

Ren sighed and forced his mind away from her. It was difficult, considering that his guilt was driving him insane. It was one thing for others to ruin his life . . . But for him to do it to someone else, someone who was just minding her business, who didn't do anything wrong to him – was an entirely different matter.

He had ruined her life all for the sake of climbing the corporate ladder in his previous guild.

Ren sighed and released the tension that suddenly pricked his muscles by cracking his neck.

As they went towards the dungeon, Ren passed by Scar, and the both of them looked at each other in the eyes before Scar pulled away when he couldn't see the face hidden beneath Ren's hood.

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Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

BONUS Chapter 4/5

—-

Ren had never been inside Vulcan's Cave before. He didn't even step foot inside the dungeon during his past life since he entered late in the game. The only thing he did was compiled reports from the supporting team who mapped the area.

Ren only knew the Boss through the data sent to him by their supporting team. They needed all the data of the cave since new members were required to at least clear the dungeon.

The damp and humid cave wasn't a problem to Ren. He was rather excited. The excitement of exploring a dungeon again was very precious to him since he never really got to appreciate the game in his previous life.

Though Ren had more than seventy percent knowledge about COVENANT, exploring Vulcan's Cave wasn't one of them.

"Is every cave dark like this one?" Nikolai asked after he slipped and gave the hard rocky floor a big hug with his face.

Ren chuckled and helped him up. There were a lot of scenic dungeons in COVENANT. It just so happened that this one wasn't one of them.

"Don't let this dishearten you. This is only your first dungeon," Ren said.

Nikolai pated his clothes. "I'm not. I just didn't expect that it was so real life. Kinda cool."

"Why is there no light?" Rosie whined and taped Lucia's shoulder. "You're a fire mage. Can you light our way?" she teased.

Lucia slapped her hands and growled, "Don't make me your personal lamp. And don't make waste mana on something so stupid."

"I don't think it's stupid. It helps us see in the dark."

"Ladies," Silvia butt in, "We're only at the entrance. There should be light further ahead."

"How do you know that?" Alecia asked.

"Its called making our life easier by buying information," Silvia replied matter of factly. If it could be bought with money, then it wasn't a problem at all.

The girls rolled their eyes and giggled.

And only after a minute in, there were already torches lighting the way hung on the walls. There were also other groups who raced them onward, but Ren and the others maintained their steady pace.

"Don't worry about them," Silvia said when she felt the girls uneasy. "If this dungeon is so easy, then it would have been cleared a long time ago by the number of groups who entered it first before us."

The girls released a sigh of relief.

"Yeah, that's right."

Jack grinned. "Though you guys wouldn't be able to farm since the others are beating us to it, and the monsters' respawn rate is too slow at this normal difficulty."

Ren scratched his head when the women's mood plummeted. He didn't know if Jack was purposely spoiling the mood or if he was just acting cute to get the women's attention.

It was indeed working, though, in a negative way.

Everyone breathed easy when there was finally light in the torches on the walls and illuminated the area revealing a path of six meters wide with dried molten rocks as walls and floors.

"Alright, listen up," Robert started, "Since all of you are new to partying and clearing dungeons. Let me explain the basics of team composition.

"Usually, there are more members in a party, but since we're attempting an easy cave, ten players will have to do."

Nikolai snickered and muttered to himself, "We're twelve, though."

Robert didn't mind Nikolai, and he proceeded, "According to our sources, this dungeon is extremely long, so we have to break our group into two. The main attacking unit and the supporting unit."

At least Robert wasn't exactly ignorant. Ren thought. If he didn't know at least that much, then his ten years as a pro player would surely go to waste.

"The main attacking unit would conserve their strength as much as possible while the supporting unit is in charge of mapping and taking out monsters in the area.

"The main attacking unit will comprise of me, Jack, Vida, Sylvia, and Pamela while the rest are supporting unit."

Alicia cut in, "But wouldn't the supporting unit be at a disadvantage if the main attacking unit wouldn't help clear the monsters? If we reach the Boss, what HP and MP would we have left?"

Vida rolled her eyes and explained further, "What Robert meant was reserving MP and HP. The main attacking unit will still help in clearing monsters though they will not use too much MP since there isn't a [Mana Potion] available yet. We have to reserve our MP in time for the final Boss."

"Oh, if that's the case, good then," Alicia said and gave an elegant half-shrug. She thought that they would do all the work while the Main Assault gets to laze around and benefit from the equal sharing of EXP and gill. That didn't sit well with her.

Nikolai looked over at Ren. He was about to say something when Ren put a finger over his lips to signal Nikolai to keep quiet.

Robert skidded to a stop and faced everyone. "So you two, Ren and Nikolai, are going to take the front together with Ruru while the main attacking unit will stay at the rear. The healers are aggro magnets, so they have to stay at the center and be protected. Make sure that you steal the aggro as soon as possible, or they will be annihilated."

Silvia frowned. "Shouldn't the tank be at the front to attract the aggro on him?"

Robert merely flipped his hair. "That is true. However, since I'm the Main Tank (MT), I should preserve my HP and MP as much as possible and have the Substitute Tank (ST) take the lead."

"Substitute Tank?" Silvia raised a brow. "We only have you as a tank."

"That kid is a Monk, right? His DEF should be high enough as an ST, and he has Ren supporting him, so they should be alright."

The girls looked at each other before Silva asked Ren, "Is that okay with you?"

Ren had a feeling that Robert wanted him gone as soon as possible. Since there was no revive in a dungeon, once you're dead, you'll be stuck as a wisp outside of the cave or the village where you made your last save until your party decided to forfeit the dungeon or got wiped out in the end.

However, Ren wasn't planning on dying.

"It's fine." Ren didn't have any qualms about the arrangement. Though his suspicion about Robert grew, he kept it to himself.

Like everyone agreed upon, Ren and Nikolai took the vanguard while Ruru was just behind them, mapping the dungeon and detecting any traps with her passive kill [Detect].

"Mister, are we the cannon fodder?" Nikolai asked.

"It seemed that's the case."

Nikolai's expression fell. "Are we going to be alright? My DEF isn't exactly that high."

"Don't worry. Just follow my lead, and we'll be fine. I've brought you here, so I'm responsible for you."

"Ehehehe." Nikolai rubbed his nose and beamed. "Anyway, I bought everything that you've asked."

Nikolai's voice went into a whisper, ensuring that only Ren heard him. "I've bought potions you told me to buy."

"Good. It's yours. But don't use it just yet."

"Copy that." Nikolai then looked over at Ren with his innocent big eyes. "But what about you, mister?"

Ren almost let out a chuckle. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself."

He then winked at Nikolai though the latter couldn't see it since Ren's appearance was hidden. "I'm stronger than you think."

"Oh." Nikolai's eyes sparkled, and he was back to being an excited kid who hopped when he walked.

Ren had to praise Nikolai for his perceptiveness. He asked him to buy [Mana Potion] and [Health Potion] from all the gil he accumulated, keeping it a secret from the others.

The one thing that Robert and his crew didn't know about the game was the skill/spell unlock once their ATP hit a particular milestone.

And in Nikolai's case, a White Monk with an STR of 30 would acquire the spell [Soul Attack]. This attack was neither physical nor magical. It was a neutral damage that would land an amazing blow to enemies who were either immune to physical or magical attacks.

Moreover, this attack deals true damage that ignores its enemy's armor. It was one of the Monk's unique spells, and it was quite handy to have against enemies like Vulcan, who have a high DEF and could resist most physical damage.

However, if Ren was correct, the amount of MP from that single target attack was at least 50. And with Nikolai only leveling his STR, his MP was sure to be only in the 60.

It was a blessing that Nikolai could already access towns to buy [Mana Potions]. Though it had to be kept a secret least everyone would take advantage of his items.

Ren didn't tell anyone about Nikolai accessing towns since he feared something would happen to the kid. Since gil couldn't be transferred to players or used as payment to other players, he was afraid Nikolai would be bullied to buy potions in town using his hard-earned gil.

It was better to be safe than sorry.

And Ren was glad that he brought Nikolai along. He had a backup plan in case something . . . unexpected happen.

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"Is this dungeon going to take so long?" Nikolai questioned, biting his nails. "I've set the timer of my pod to seven in the evening. I've missed lunch with my sister a while ago, and I can't afford to miss dinner with her too or else . . ."

Nikolai shivered. "She'll hold me against my will again."Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

As much as Ren wanted to know what 'Held me against my will' was, he opted to put Nikolai at ease. "Don't worry. The time difference between this world and the real world is huge. By the time we cleared this dungeon, it would only be two hours in real-time or less. You have plenty of time to prepare for your dinner with your sister."

Nikolai breathed easy. "That's good news. Still, my sister said that I should only spend two hours in real-time in the game. She said that I'm getting flimsy and needed the sun."

Nikolai stretched his limbs and wiggled his paws.

Ren couldn't help but smile. He never had a sibling, so he didn't know what it was like. This was probably what it felt like to have one. A warm feeling of protectiveness flowed inside him.

Though regarding Nikolai's concern. In the succeeding days, the game would have a huge update. A seven days update. And after the update, the guild, PvP would be open, as well as the time modification in the game.

Due to the parents overgrowing concerns for their children no longer coming out of the pod, the developers put a time restriction on the game.

In the next couple of days after the update, the players could only play four hours in real-time per day. That's four-day gaming time until you'd be forced log out and take a break until the next day.

No one complained about it since four days in-game was still long.

"Don't you think that it's too quiet?" Nikolai asked Ren.

"We're fairly walking at a steady pace while the others were running ahead," Ren said. "The other group must have cleared the monsters in the area. It's good and all since we get to keep our HP and MP a little while longer."

"I guess. But I wanted to grind and increase my STR." Nikolai flexed his muscles. He was amazed by his biceps ever since he was in the body of a beast and opted for a much bulky build. However, his frame wasn't exactly proportionate to his baby face.

Don't do that. Ren lamented. "It is better if you increase your other stat like DEF and AGI. It's important for a Monk like yourself, or you won't be able to unlock your other skills."

Nikola thought for a moment. "Hmm . . . I'll think about it. I wanted to be strong in this world, at least since I'm so wimpy in real life."

Nikolai bitterly smiled at himself. "You should have seen my appearance. I look like a twig."

"You're still growing up."

Nikolai pouted. "People said that all the time, but when will I be taller like you? Taller and sexy?"

Sexy? Ren grumbled under his breath. Could he have said masculine instead?

Ren was startled when Pii suddenly made a noise.

Pii?

Pii rose from its slumber and went towards a specific side of the wall.

"Oh. Your pet is finally awake." Pointed Nikolai at Pii, who was sniffing on the walls.

"Is there something there?" Pamela asked when she spotted Ren's pet flying to the left side of the wall.

"Move along. We can't afford to dally in one place," Jack snarled at the back when the group slowed to a halt.

"There might be something in there. Ruru, do you feel something with your cute ears?" asked Rosie with her baby tone.

Ruru's fluffy ears wiggled before they stood on alert. "I don't detect anything. Wait, let me check."

Ruru checked where Pii was sniffing around and used [Detect] in that specific area. There was a hole between two big rocks. It was hidden by the shadows and protrusions of stones. "There's a small gap here. But I don't know what it leads to. It's too dark to see."

"Should we go in and check it?" Rafaela was getting excited.

Jack sighed. "It's probably just a dead end."

"Or it could lead to a treasure chest," countered Alicia with one hand over her tilted hips. She had enough of the guy's negative attitude.

"What do you say?" Silvia asked Ren, which didn't sit well with Robert, as evident from the creased on the latter's forehead.

Ren merely answered, "If Pii is adamant about going in there, then there might be some treasure."

"Or an enemy that we couldn't defeat," cut in Vida.

Ren didn't mind Vida as he said to Silvia, "It's your call."

". . ."

". . ."

Silvia pondered for a moment. If Ren said was true, then they want to take that risk. However, if Ren was wrong and only enemies awaited them on the other end, they would surely suffer HP and MP reduction this early on.

It wouldn't be a problem if they could already access the town and have [Mana Potions] with them.

Silvia made up her mind to move forward. The important thing was getting firstblood and get their specific ATP to 30, so they could finally enter the towns.

They could just re-raid this dungeon again in the future with better equipment and items.

Silvia was about to open her mouth when Robert beat her to it.

"Let's go in."

All eyes went to Robert when he spoke. "Like Ren said, there might be treasures, and it would be a loss if we pass it by."

Ren didn't like the tone in Robert's voice that seemed like he was pointing him as the perpetrator of everything. If they didn't find a treasure and only enemies, then he was to blame.

That was his underlying meaning.

Robert masked his sinister plot with a friendly grin. What could he possibly lose? Ren and the others were the ones who would fight while he would stay at the back. He wouldn't lose any HP and MP.

Moreover, the EXP and gil would still be evenly distributed in the group even though he and his friends would just lazed around. And the loot would go in their group inventory where he got fifty percent and first pick.

Silvia looked over at everyone. When Robert decided to go, Jack and Vida's mouths tightly close while the others' faces went excited, except for Pamela, who was afraid of tight and dark areas. It looked like the majority wanted to explore it.

Silvia's tight face loosened a little. "We might as well complete the map. Right Ruru?"

"We only have uncovered four percent of Vulcan's map," answered Ruru, who was busy looking at Pii. The little guy was still twirling around and around on the aperture.

It was so cute with its enormous fluffy wings and ears and big eyes . . .

Ruru couldn't wait to get her own pet!

She thought that she could sense traps and hidden rooms with her skill, but apparently, there were limitations. And if not for Pii, they might have missed out on an important part of the map.

Rather, were all pets so keen like Pii?

Or was it only Pii?

Ruru's eyes shone at Pii. She wanted one like him!

Meanwhile, at the side, Ren pressed the map icon on his screen, and like Ruru said, a four percent completion was displayed on the side of his map as well.

With the majority agreeing to go inside the aperture, the group squished into the small path with Ren taking the lead.

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BONUS Chapter 5/5

—-

"I swear the walls are moving and are squishing me," Alicia complained.

Rafaela laughed. "It's just your bulging tummy."

"Excuse me? I'm size twenty-four."

"Don't you mean thirty-four?" Rosie teased, and the others laughed.

The only woman who didn't laugh was Pamela, whose fingers were sweating, eyes keeping watch, seeking whatever light was present.

Traversing a 400-millimeter-wide path with only a torch in their hands as light against the darkness wasn't exactly her type of adventure.

"You okay?" Silvia looked over her shoulder and grabbed Pamela's hand.

Pamela swallowed her fear and gulped her saliva. "Y-yeah."

Silvia was worried about Pamela but decided to respect her brave front. Pamela didn't want to burden the group just because she was afraid of tight spaces and darkness.

She'd rather take it all to herself and not complain all for the majority's sake.

Silvia was aware of it, and she was grateful that her best friend was enduring all for the sake of the guild.

Silvia's grip on Pamela's hand tightened, and she gave the latter a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. This isn't real. It's just a fantasy. A dream. A game."

Pamela somehow regained her breathing at the thought. "Y-yeah. You're right."

There was nothing to be afraid of. Everything was not real. This was a just a game.

Pamela gasped when she felt something on her behind. Looking back, she found Jack grinning from ear to ear.

"Sorry. I slip." Jack said and coyly smiled.

Pamela's chin crumpled, and tears welled in her eyes. She didn't want to make a scene and disrupt the mood within the group, so she held it all in.

She pressed forward and squished herself to Silvia, hoping to distance herself from the man behind her.

On the other hand, Jack was enjoying Pamela's vulnerability and was going to attempt another 'slip' when Vida warned him in a hushed voice that only they could hear.

"Put your hands where they belong. Don't push your luck, or everything will be ruined because of you."

Jack grumbled and took a wild breath.

First in line in the group was Ren, with a torch in hand to light his path. Next was Ruru and Nikolai, followed by the others.

"Uhm . . . If you don't mind me asking . . . how did you acquired a pet?" Ruru asked, eyeing Pii, who was flying just ahead of Ren.

Ren didn't have to look to know that Ruru was curious.

Ren didn't answer her direct question, but the question that concerned her deep in her heart. "Don't worry. You'll get a pet yourself soon enough.

Ruru opened her mouth but closed it again. Looking at Ren's wide back and tall frame, she felt intimidated for a girl like him who only reached his torso. Not to mention the coldness that he naturally gave off.

It was even hard to breathe from his presence.Read lat𝙚st chapters at Only

"You an Animist?" Nikolai asked Ruru. They were the same age, so he felt at ease talking to her.

Ruru nodded. "And you are a monk?"

"Yeah. What made you decide to be one? Me, it's because I wanted to be strong."

Ren left the two alone to chat while he focused his attention up ahead.

The air turned denser and hot, and it wasn't easy to breathe as they neared the end of the narrowed path that opened into a wide clearing where steaming smoke burst from the holes on the ground.

Jack was right. It was a dead end.

However, in the very far corner of the room laid a [Golden Chest] on top of an altar guarded by a Giant [Lava Hound] twice the size of a man.

[Lava Hounds] were monsters taking the form of a giant dog with a large bulging stomach. Lava flowed on its veins, and its hide was made of layers of dried magma rocks. And from the numerous cracks of its hide, lava poured.

They were monsters running rampant near the Boss's Room. They were usually slow because of their size, but they were hard to deal with, especially if they were dozens of them coming after you in an enclosed space like this that you even have to watch out for the terrain or you'd get hit by the steams that burst erratically from the ground and suffer HP reduction.

You'd automatically get the [Burn] status with one touch from the Lava Hound.

However, a single one poses no threat to Ren. He only had to be careful about one skill of it . . .

"Whoa! There really is a treasure in here!"

The Lava Hound opened its eyes upon Jack's loud voice and locked on the newly arrived interlopers.

RoOaArR!

Upon the sight of the threat, the group momentarily froze. All their eyes saw was the gleaming chest and nothing else. And at the sudden appearance of the Lava Hound sprinting towards them, they were temporarily stunned.

"Stop daydreaming and get into position!" Ren moved to the side and paused before he cast [Water]. He wanted to hide [Mobile Casting] from the others until the final Boss. And he was right to be careful since the unexpected appearance of Robert and his group might pose a threat to him.

–475 Critical Hit!

After everyone's shock at the sudden appearance of an enemy, they were stunned in place yet again at the enormous numbers flashing on the Lava Hound's head.

What kind of damage is that?!

"Nikolai, draw its aggro on you. Use your skill [Taunt]." Ren instructed, and Nikolai followed even before he could regain his brain.

Though [Taunt] wasn't as effective as [Aggro on Me] like the skill of a real Tank because others could steal the aggro of the Boss if they weren't careful with their damage output, it would have to do for now.

"R-right." Nikolai cast the spell, and the Lava Hound locked its eyes on him.

"B-Big brother Ren! W-what should I do next?"

"Just run around," Ren said without a care, "My Spell is still in cooldown."

"H-huh?" Nikolai was in tears, but he did what Ren asked him to do. His AGI was low, but the Lava Hound was slower.

In truth, Ren could finish the Lava Hound with one shot, but he wanted to know his group's combat strength when facing an enemy.

He wasn't worried about Nikolai since the Lava Hound's only concern was the [Burn] status that a White Mage could quickly dispel with [Cure].

In fact, it would do good for Nikolai to realize how lacking his AGI and DEF faced with a much stronger enemy than the usual beasts found in the forest.

"Don't worry, leave it to me!" Lucia shouted. The pressure was real. She was one of the damage dealers in the group, and some strangers would not best her in terms of magic damage.

"Water!" Lucia shot a water ball and luckily hit the Lava Hound despite her poor aiming skills and off positioning.

–42 Critical Hit!

Lucia's mouth dropped. "Only that much?" she had the highest INT in the group, but her damage only amounted to that?

Just how high was Ren's INT?

It was not only Lucia who was shocked. Robert and the others were too.

"Whoa!" Lucia screamed when a hot stream of air burst from below her.

–20

"Shit! Heal me quick!" Lucia shouted at the others. "What the hell? This steams do damage too?"

Pamela healed Lucia and lectured with a soft voice drowned by the commotion, "Be careful of your positioning and don't just waste your mana by blindly attacking the enemy."

Robert clicked his tongue and rethought his plans. With meager equipment, Ren could deal that much damage already. Then it only means that his INT was extremely high.

Was he a beta tester? Or did he stumbled upon a grinding spot?

Whatever it was, Ren's damage output wouldn't be a hindrance to him. Robert regained his calm and stayed at the side together with Vida and Jack while the others shot [Water] spells at the Lava Hound like a shooting game – only their aiming skills suck.

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There were a lot of things in Ren's mind as he watched the fiasco, but one saying stood out from the rest of them.

'One did not need to be afraid of a godlike opponent, but one should always be wary of pig-like teammates.'

And that saying was so accurate at their current predicament as he watched Silvia's group fight a single Lava Hound.

It felt like it was the first time the girls were working as a team, and Ren even lowered his expectation, but he was still left disappointed at what he saw.

Among the group, besides Robert, Jack, and Vida, who was standing at one side, enjoying the show, the only one who was useful was Pamela. She was the only one among the Golden Phoenix who was acting true to her class while taking into consideration of her positioning.

There were three White Mages in the group, not counting Vida, but only Pamela was healing Nikolai, and the rest were throwing whatever spells they had at the Lava Hound without regard to their position.

Most didn't land. Wasting their MP, but the ladies didn't mind as long as they could get the Lava Hound.

Meanwhile, Ruru stayed at the back, curled into a ball.

Ren knew that they were new to this, and they had to start from somewhere, but this was a mess.

If this kept up, the group would OT (Off Tank) the aggro from Nikolai, and the next target would surely be Lucia since she was casting water spells like a mad woman.

Even Silvia forgot her cool and joined in the fray though her attacks were only doing so much against the Lava Hound's tough rocky hide.

While on the side, Robert and his friends were laughing at Silvia and the others. He didn't even bother to point out their mistakes since he was a veteran and all. He was just casually chatting with Jack and Vida, even making a bet on who would kill the Lava Hound first.

"Ha! I got you!" Lucia grinned, pink hair swaying as she shot another water spell, and it landed directly against the Lava Hound

The Lava Hound released a loud roar before the magma glowed on its rocky hide while its bulging stomach was pounding against its skin like it would explode.

BoOmM!

Lucia was grinning from ear to ear at her success. But her smile soon faded when the Lava Hound popped, and in its place were little hounds the size of an average dog that breathes fire. There were around six of them, and all went after Lucia.

"Agh!" Lucia screamed and ran away from the incoming spits of fire.

However, these little Lava Hounds were light on their feet though their defense was weak compared to their giant form.

In a matter of seconds, they caught Lucia, and dribbles of fire rained upon the latter.

"Aw! Hot!" Lucia stopped screaming when she realized that it wasn't that hot. It was just warm to the touch, like the bath she used in the cold early morning. But her HP was flashing red before her eyes.

[ You have suffered from BURN

–5% HP every minute ]

–20 (BURN)

"That fuck ya' all been standing there?! Heal me! Quick!"

"On it!" Rafaela and Rosie said simultaneously, and both cast [Cure] and [Heal] at Lucia, wasting another chunk of their MP.

"Oh, sorry, I thought she was referring to me," Rosie giggled.

"She was obviously referring to me. I'm the best healer here," Rafaela said, and the two girls argued.

"Never mind that, you guys, the monsters are still alive!" shouted Pamela though her shouting voice was still soft, drowning still from all the commotion.

Lucia was still running for her life and the little Lava Hounds were still chasing after her.

It was a complete mess!

"Mister, I think we're doing good." Nikolai was beside Ren and gave a thumbs up with a toothy grin on his face.

Ren sighed and massaged his temple. What part of this was good?

Eventually, the Little Hounds were defeated with another round of casting spells here and there. And by the time everything was settled, only Pamela and Ruru had enough MP in Silvia's group to go into the dungeons further. The rest simply exhausted their MP to half from just a single enemy.

"At least we got the chest." Lucia flipped her hair, unbothered. She then zoomed at Ren, and the latter took a step back when Lucia's red eyes sparkled like rubies. "Just how much is your INT to land that kind of hit?"

Ren ignored her and addressed Silvia. "I think we have to regroup. Half of our members MP are already gone. It's best to recover some MP in the village before proceeding onwards."

It was not too late to go back and retry again. However, they couldn't use that strategy forever since reaching the Boss's room would take double or even triple than the expected time of accomplishment.

And he was afraid the others would claim firstblood if they continued to re-enter the dungeon.

Firstblood was good, and all since your name and group were permanently plastered on the stone of fame and leaderboards. However, the slot after that was equally important too.

After the different modes were unlocked, like Hard, Nightmare, and Sadistic, it was all about time. A race with other guilds on who could best the dungeon in the hardest difficulty within the shortest time possible.

However, it didn't apply to their current predicament. They have to go back and replenish their MP. It's just the beginning of the dungeon anyway.

"Forfeiting this dungeon is not an option," Robert said as he walked towards the others.

"I think we should." Silvia faced Robert. She was annoyed, and it showed on her tone. "Thanks to you not helping us, we have exhausted too much of our MP."

Robert merrily smiled. "My job is just to be the MT, and as I said, this isn't the Boss's room, so there is no need for me to go in there just to defeat a single enemy. If your group knew how to attack, then you might have conserve a lot of MP. Don't lay the fault of your inexperience on me. It's not my job to educate you."

Silvia was speechless, while the others were livid.

Robert was supposed to be a veteran. And he even claimed the Leader's position. Wouldn't it hurt him to teach them some strategy of attack since they were entirely clueless in coordination and positioning?

"Anyway, going back to the village and taking a rest there would take half a day. Are you sure you want to risk getting firstblood with that? You do know that Scar's group is just behind us, right?

"Another thing, forfeiting now would damage your reputation," Robert continued, "Think about it. It's not even thirty minutes, and we are all forced out from the cave before that huge crowd."

". . ." Silvia's face went red while the others looked amongst themselves.

Humiliation.nove(l)bi(n.)com

That was the only word for it, and their guild would be the talk in the forums as the very first guild who couldn't last even thirty minutes in Vulcan's Cave.

Humiliation!

Something that neither of them wanted.

Robert was right. Golden Phoenix would be the laughing stock of everyone before their guild could even be established. Who would join them afterward?

They couldn't afford that kind of setback this early part of the game. They couldn't be known as a group who couldn't last thirty minutes in a newbie dungeon. The first impression was always important. It was the only thing people would remember for a long time.

Silvia looked over at Ren, and something in her eyes didn't sit well with him.

Ren looked away. "Do as you want."

Silvia expected Ren to be cold, but she was still stunned at the indifference in his voice.

Now she was torn. She didn't want to pick Robert's side and made Ren feel that his opinion didn't matter. But she had no choice. For her guild, she had to do what she thought was right.

When Silvia couldn't find her words, Pamela rescued her. "How about we pressed forward and let things progress as far as we can before we decide to forfeit?"

"Yeah, that's right." Alicia clapped her hands together. "It's a bummer if we leave now. We can still press on even with half of our MP."

Rosie nodded her head. "And besides, there are no monsters in the main path because of their slow respawn time, right? I think we can last for another hour or so before all our MP went out."

"We might even reach the Boss's room," seconded Rafaela.

"That's the spirit," Robert encouraged, but none of the girls paid any attention to him.

They were still salty that Robert and the others just stood on the side while they looked like a fool out there trying to kill just a single dog.

Robert's eyelid twitched when all the girl's attention was on Ren.

When did he steal the spot light? Just because his magical damage output was high? Robert sneered in his mind.

Ren was aware that all eyes were on him. He sighed and waved his hand, back facing the others. "Do as you want."

The women looked at each other and giggled.

Ren was cold, but at least he looked out for them. Evident by how he suggested going back to town for their sake.

A cold man with a warm heart was truly the best! The girls thought.

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 500PS this week!

Thank you all for the support!

Whew! Finally finished all the BONUS Chapters.

Time to rest

—-

"So your INT must be high, huh? No wonder you refuse to tell us. Is it because of a grinding spot?" Robert started trying to sew discord between Ren and others.

He wanted to redirect the girls' attention to how Ren could possibly have a very high magic damage this early in the game.

"That's right. How did you do it? I mean, I couldn't even land one hundred damage to that thing, and my INT is the highest amongst us," Lucia said, eyes squinting at Ren. Could it really be a grinding spot? If so, she wanted to know.

Ren looked at Lucia's face. She had crooked teeth and sharp canines, which added to her cuteness. She was the most willful amongst the women in Silvia's group.

"You don't need to concern yourself with my ATP," Ren said matter of factly at Robert. "Like you who refused to educate everyone even with your experience as a veteran player, as I quote, isn't part of your job . . . discussing my ATP is also isn't part of my job.

"I'm here for two things only, the firstblood and my equipment. Nothing else," said Ren with an unwavering voice.

Lucia stepped back when she realized she couldn't use her charms against Ren. She pouted and harrumphed to the side. "So stingy."

The corners of Robert's lips twitched before he directed his focus on the chest on which Vida and Jack already took part in checking.

"I'll open it." Robert immediately went to the chest, which didn't sit well with the ladies.

Robert and his friends didn't even participate in the fight, and yet he acted like he was the one who killed the Lava Hound.

How shameless could you be?

The women's favorable impression of Robert and his companions before was utterly destroyed.

Silvia cursed Sumeri in her head as to why she recommended this kind of person to her.

Was she sabotaging her guild because she couldn't play the game? Silvia jokingly thought to herself.

After she was done in this dungeon, she and her had to have a heart-to-heart talk.

"Shouldn't we go there, mister?" Nikolai asked Ren when the latter didn't join the others in circling the only chest on the altar.

"No. We'll get a notification of the items even if we're not there."

"Is that so?" Nikolai rubbed his hands together. "I wonder what's in there."

He then addressed Ruru, who was standing not far from Ren, secretly admiring Pii on Ren's neck.

"What do you think, Ruru?"

Ruru was still mesmerized by Pii, and she answered in a daze, "A pet would be nice. Even just an egg."

[ACQUIRED!

Health Potions x5

White Staff x1

Iron Helm x1

Aqua Douse x5

"Wow, look at this. There's actually a helmet in the chest and a staff." Jack's eyes shone. "We're so lucky."

Rosie frowned while Rafaela rolled her eyes.

"And who is it that said that we wouldn't find anything here?" muttered Alicia.

Everyone was showing their discontent, and it was further fuelled when Robert announced.

"The White Staff will go to Vida, and it goes without saying that the Iron Helmet belongs to me."

"Huh? What the fuck do you mean, belong to you?! You didn't even help kill that Lava Hound!" Lucia couldn't help but burst out.

Rosie stopped her, took a step forward, and said with a calm tone but foreboding pair of seductive red eyes. "Please enlighten us. Why would this treasures belong to you when it was us who did all the work?"

Robert merely smiled. "Oh, have you forgotten our deal already? You guys said that you don't care about the loot as long as you get firstblood. And that I got to take first pick and fifty percent of the rewards. Or did you suddenly have a change of mind?"

". . ."

The women were indignant. They wouldn't have said anything if only Robert and his friends had helped them with the Lava Hound.

Silvia took a step forward. "Robert, we didn't even get firstblood yet. We should divide the loot after we're done here."

Vida shook her head and said with a condescending voice. "We should equip these items now than waste them. It would add to our chance of defeating Vulcan."

Lucia cut in with a snarling tone showing her canines. "If we're going to equip it, then that staff should belong to one of us."

"Easy there, or you might pop a vessel," joked Jack. "We're the Main unit remember? It's only natural that the priority is us."

"Then at least give that staff to Pamela," argued Rafaela with her soft tone and angelic face.

The girls nodded while Pamela shrunk at the mention of her name. She hated being in the spotlight, but she was also against Robert claiming the loot for themselves.

Robert sighed and faced Silvia. "If you're going to be like this, forgetting about our deal, then we might as well part ways here."

. . .

. . .

Alicia crossed her hands and smirked. "Go ahead. You'll do us a favor. I don't even know why we hired you in the first place when you're not even going to help and had the gal to steal our loot."

Here we go, Ren thought. All things were good and all, and all promises were made at the beginning, but in the face of a treasure, all of those disappeared.

It was exactly like this in the past, and nothing changed.

It was just a White Staff and Iron Helmet which could be bought in towns later. Nothing to be fussing over.

"Silvia, let's just kick them out and be done with it," said Lucia. Rosie and Alicia seconded in agreement.

Silvia had a headache. She took a glance in Ren's direction and cursed under her breath when the latter didn't even help her defuse the situation. It was his idea to find a tank in the first place.

Though Robert and his friends weren't ideally the best companions, they still needed a Tank. Silvia was made aware of it with their current fight with the Lava Hound.

Without a Tank, their mages would be annihilated. Nikolai could only do so much before his [Taunt] ran out. And his DEF and skills weren't exactly Tank material either. All her crew had weak DEF, and they needed someone to absorb the damage.

As infuriating as it was, they still needed Robert. Without him, they wouldn't last in this cave. Even if Ren had high magic damage, he depended on his MP, casting time, and cooldown.

Without a Tank, Pamela and the other Mages were at risk of being annihilated even before Ren could cast anything.

This was no time to be thinking about items. She had to think in the long run, and the important thing was to secure firstblood.

They could just re-enter again and get those items and loot.

Silvia raised her hand, and the ladies stopped, closing their mouths shut.

"Excuse us," Silvia said to Robert before pushing Pamela and her crew to the side.

"We still need him," Silvia said as soon as they huddled together away from Robert's prying ears.

"Need him? Those guys are jerks!" Lucia spat.

"Shh . . . manners," Rafaela reprimanded while Lucia rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue.

"What do we even need them for?" Rosie asked and batted an eyelid at Robert and his friends. "They didn't even help us. He claimed to be the leader, but he didn't do anything but claim our loots. He's a lich."

"Didn't you see our fight a while ago?" Silvia asked.

"Oh yeah. It was a disaster," Alecia snickered.

Silvia ignored her and explained, "Most of our team are mages. If they pull out now, then all of you will be targeted first."

"But that guy didn't even help out. What's the difference?" Rosie whined.

"The difference is," Silvia took a deep breath, "We have a Tank when facing against Vulcan. And that at least boosts our chance to get firstblood."

—-

A/N

Is my English so bad?

I don't have an editor and not a native speaker.

I think my English is simple and understandable except for a few misspelled words since I sometimes gloss over them when I edit. but I don't think it's so bad to the point that it couldn't be understood anymore.

Or is it just me and I'm speaking alien without even knowing it? nove(l)bi(n.)com

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". . ."

". . ."

"But what about the rest of the dungeon?" Rafaela asked worriedly.

Silvia briefly looked at Ren's direction and said, "I have an idea."

Ren seemed to know what he was doing. She'd ask his help later . . . with money involved, of course. She had enough of Robert and his companions anyway.

"It's just an item, you guys," Pamela said, voice like bells gently ringing a lullaby. "I'm okay leaving this place empty handed as long as we get firstblood. Isn't that what we agreed upon in the first place?"

Silvia cast an appreciative smile in Pamela's way. Leave it to her best friend to make everyone's temper disappear.

Rosie took in a deep breath. "Fine."

"It's just infuriating since they didn't even do anything," grumbled Alicia.

With the majority agreeing, Robert and Vida both equipped the items while Silvia approached Ren.

"Ren, can I talk to you for a second?"

"What is it?" Ren asked when the girls approached him.

"We can't continue like this," Silvia started, staring at Ren seriously, "If we continue like this, attacking all over the place, we will surely die."

"I'm glad you know."

Silvia's lips twitched while the rest giggled.

"Can you be the substitute leader? That is until we reach Vulcan's Cave. I'll up your fee if we manage to get to the Boss's Room alive."

Ren didn't have a problem with that. He was going to do that anyway, even if Silvia didn't ask.

"Yeah, no problem."

The women's faces lit up, and their impression of Ren became favorable . . . even though he was a money-hungry mongrel, at least his services were brought. Unlike Robert, who promised them the full package but later on had a hidden charge for everything.

"However," Ren chimed in, cutting the women's exciting faces, "You have to follow my orders to the letter."

The women looked amongst themselves and shrugged.

"Sure," Alecia replied.

"I'm okay with it," said Rafaela with a playful wink.

"Whatever." Lucia flipped her hair.

Pamela and Ruru just gave a thumbs up.This chapter is updat𝓮d by

Rosie tilted her head and crossed her arms under her bountiful breasts. "Whatever you say, leader," she slurred the final word.

Ren looked the other way and cleared his throat. "From now on, all of you are forbidden to use MP related spells."

"Huh?" That didn't sit well with Lucia. "If we don't fight then–!"

Ren held a hand. "Let me finish."

The women who were about to make their complaints shut their mouths.

"My damage output is high, and I have a skill that lets me regenerate MP. So you guys leave the monsters in this area to me while all you have to do is heal Nikolai while he takes the aggro on him and anyone that needed healing using Potions. Understand?"

". . ."

". . ."

None of the ladies answered before Lucia broke the silence.

"What kind of spell that generate MP?"

"Lucia," the others reprimanded.

How many times do they have to tell her that Ren's ATP and list of skills and spells were secret?

Lucia's eyes widened, and she defended herself. "I'm just curious. Don't tell me that all of you aren't?"

Silvia shook her head while sighing at the ceiling, "Don't mind her. Continue."

Ren then stated his team's mistakes after having observed them earlier in the fight with the Lava Hounds.

"Nikolai."

Nikolai stood straight in alarm. "Y-yes?"

"You're the ST, in this case, the most important character in this group at this point."

Nikolai's eyes shone. "The most . . . important."

"Don't be afraid of facing the enemy head-on. Use Taunt whenever possible. Don't hesitate to use it again after its cooldown."

Since Nikolai had [Mana Potion, his MP wasn't going to be a problem. Bedsides [Taunt] wasn't dealing any damage, so its MP cost was only about 5.

Nikolai fisted his hands and nodded. "R-right!"

"Silvia, if you're going to help, then just use your normal attacks. But be careful not to OT. Meaning having damage output higher than Nikolai causing the aggro to switch on you."

Silvia's fist hit her palm and a light bulb appeared on top of her head. "Oh. So that's what it is." And she faced the girls in glee. "We should have controlled our attacks and made sure that the aggro doesn't shift to us!"

Lucia and the others nodded in understanding. Seemed doable. They thought.

"It's just mean that no barrage of attacks unless you're sure that you can finish off your enemies with your attacks," Ren explained further, just in case.

The women all nodded with a serious expressions.

"Rosie and Rafaela, you both are healers and not damage dealers. Your main job is to heal Nikolai, the substitute tank, while paying attention to the overall health of your team.

Rosie looked to the side while twirling her hair, pouting while murmuring incoherent words.

Rafaela's brow creased. "But we can help . . ."

"We don't need much damage in this dungeon. Me is enough," cut in Ren. "What we need is a healer."

Rafaela still wanted to object but decided against it when Silvia batted an eyelid at her.

"Fine . . ."

"Alecia, you're a Blue Mage, right. Do you already have the spell Butterflies of Deceit?"

Alecia nodded, amazed that Ren knew her skill even though he wasn't present when all of them showed their ATP and list of skills and spells.

Butterflies of Deceit could hide a single target from the enemy for ten seconds.

"Good. Cast that when we faced the final boss. However, in the meantime, I want you to conserve what mana you had left until the final boss."

Ren then shifted his attention to all the women. "All of you. You're forbidden to use your mana from now on."

Lucia objected. "But I have the most magic damage, maybe I should . . ."

"Save it for the boss. From now on, every one of you will never shed a single MP. Use your potions to heal and nothing else. Understood?"

The women all nodded and said, "Yes."

After assigning roles to the party, the group continued forward to the main path.

Thanks to Pii, they've discovered more hidden paths on the walls that Ruru couldn't uncover with her [Detect]. It was maybe because of the low level of her skill or the unique ability of a pet, but Pii took the lead and became the secret room finder.

Ruru wasn't entirely useless, though. With her passive, she had found numerous traps like a floor that collapsed onto a magma-filled room below or a wall that spurted steam when a player accidentally stepped on a trap on the floor.

They were the basic traps in the dungeon, and more were waiting for them as they reached the middle of the cave.

The group also learned to ignore Robert and his friends, who steal all the loot every time they found a chest, even though Ren took care of the monster guarding the chest.

Thanks to what Ren said, they regained their calm and no longer argued about those items.

"Those items were basic. They would respawn again. You can just attempt this cave once more. The important thing is the goal. The first blood and the Platinum Chest that came with it."

Moreover, after traversing nonstop the many twisting and spiraling paths, they finally reach half the cave after half a day. Eventually, they have their first encounter with the monsters in the dungeon.

"Looks like they have respawn now." Nikolai was happy to be able to grind again.

"Remember not to use mana," Ren warned the others.

"Geez, stop being a broken record. We know already," Lucia said and assumed her position at the back.

Since Alecia and she wouldn't be going to attack, they were responsible for ensuring that all the party members were in good health. They had now become a supporting healer.

Up ahead were Lava Ants. Monsters that were a meter in height and three meters wide. There were four of them who were carrying boulders between their sharp mandibles. They were native to Vulcan's Cave, and their attack was considered weak, but their DEF was high against physical damage.

"Remember what I told you," Ren said, and the other nodded.

"Nikolai, don't be scared at their intimidating appearance. Your DEF can take their hit even if it's four of them. There are plenty of healers (rich ladies who have plenty of Health Potions) who will support you from the back."

Nikolai nodded and used [Taunt] and drew the aggro on him.

With someone tanking the Lava Ants, Ren didn't have to move all over the place, and cast [Water] spell against the Ants.

The Lava Ants HP also didn't reach 400, unlike with the Lava Hounds, whose HP reached 1000. The only problem was their numbers.

One hit from Ren and a single one went down without much effort.

"Alright, I'll use my health potions first and heal Nikolai," Lucia said.

"Why are you going to heal him when you're not even a healer?" argued Rosie.

"I'll heal him. I have plenty of health potions with me." Rafaela chimed in.

"Ladies!" Silvia took in a sharp breath and released it in one go. "Let's go by alphabetical order, okay? Alecia first, then Lucia, Pamela, Rafael, and Rosie. Okay?"

"But what about Ruru?" Ruru muttered. Her weak voice only got drowned with the battle raging on.

Before the others could complain again, Silvia escaped and joined Nikolai, helping him lower the Lava Ants HP so Ren could one-shot it. Though he probably didn't need it.

At the side, Robert, Vida, and Jack all looked at Silvia and the others with bitter faces.

It was like they were totally invincible in their eyes!

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Everyone was on edge, especially the ladies, as most of them just stood on the side and watched while Ren, Nikolai, and Silvia took out the group's Lava Ants easily.

The one who was probably the most relaxed was little Pii. The only thing it did was waging its tail and flying around, searching for food it could eat and the treasure it could find.

"Alright, huddle up," said Ren after they defeated the Lava Ants and acquired its loot, EXP, and gil.

What they got was minuscule of a number since there were only four of the Lava Ants, and its EXP and gil were shared amongst them.

"How are the durability of your weapons? Ren asked.

"Durability?" Rosie pointed a finger to her chin before she checked her staff. "Oh, you mean this little number beside our weapon? Mine said 75/100."

After Rosie, the other also said the remaining durability of their weapon.

Ren took note of it and said to Silvia, "Do you have an extra weapon since yours is almost gone."

Silvia puffed her chest and smiled. "I have plenty stored in here. The others have extra too. I have about–"

"It's fine as long as you have extra weapons. Make sure to keep in mind the durability of your weapons since we still have a long way to go, and the monsters are all starting to respawn." Ren also had extra pair of [Long Staff] just in case.

"Yes."

The women's impression of Ren increased again. True to his words, his damage was all they needed to get through half the dungeon, and everything was easy with him around.

Their coordination also didn't suck like before though they were still messing all over the place because of silly squabbles amongst them.

One time, or too often to count, Nikolai almost died because they were busy arguing about their turns that they had forgotten about the poor kid. Good thing Pamela saved him.

A capable man leading the group was not what they wanted, but it was what they needed at this current moment.

"Let's hurry onward." Ren whistled at Pii to move ahead, and the little creature followed suit.

"What?" Ren asked Nikola when he kept staring at him from his side. Neck straining and eyes shining.

"You're strong."

"I know."

"And cool."

"I know." Ren stifled a laugh.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Nikolai beamed. "Usually, when I'm grinding, I sometimes feel scared, and I must constantly watch my back. But when you're around, it's like I can fight with no worries."

"It's because you have plenty of big sisters who will support you from the back."

Nikola's face turned red. "Ehehehe. I guess that's one of the reasons. Partying is nice, huh? It's more fun than being alone."

". . ." Ren didn't comment. He was always alone in the past. And he only parties with his subordinates on a job. It was never because of fun. It was always about business.

However, right now, as he watched Nikolai smile while the women chattered and laughed behind him . . . he thought it wasn't so bad.

He did enjoy himself partying with Isolde, Ragnar, and Leonel a while ago especially seeing their faces when he lied about the boss.

Ren couldn't help but smile.

Meanwhile, while the front and middle lines were all in a happy mood, the back line was full of grumpy people.

Robert, Jack, and Vida were totally convinced that Silvia and the others were ignoring them.

"Let's just go with our plan. This is no fun anymore." Jack complained in a hush but hissing voice.

"Shh . . ." Vida put a finger over her mouth. "Not too loud, idiot."

Robert glanced over his shoulder for a moment before saying, "Not yet."

"What do you mean not yet? We have gone long enough. The map is already seventy percent complete. I thought we'll execute our plans after fifty percent?"

"Are you a fool?" Robert spat at Jack, being careful with his voice. "It was different before because of the pet on that asshole's shoulder. An Animist couldn't even detect the things that creature found. Do you want all those treasures to go to waste? And importantly, lose the chance to acquire a hundred percent map of Vulcan's Cave?"

Due to everyone clamoring about Vulcan's Cave being long and windy that none of the groups ever had a one hundred percent complete Map of the cave even after reaching the Boss's room, it was a sought after information.

They could sell it at a high price.

Jack's lips shut tight. He was silent for a moment before he released a grumble and harsh breath. "Fine."

The group walked steadily before reaching a wide clearing where tons of players were resting.

It was like a vast hall free from monsters and traps, specifically made for the players to take a break after reaching more than half of the cave.

There were multiple groups in the hall, but the one who stood out from the rest was Scar's group.

"What the heck? Aren't they supposed to be behind us? How did they get here before us?" Lucia asked, confused.

"Don't you remember the amount of detour we had to do because little Pii found so many hidden rooms?" Alecia replied.

"Still . . . they're quite fast." Rosie put a palm on her cheek and pouted. "How troublesome."

"At least they don't have a map that's already more than eighty percent completion. Right Ruru?" Silvia tapped the little raccoon girl on her shoulder.

Ruru nodded. "Yes."

"What should we do? Should we take a break?" Pamela asked, and all eyes were on Ren.

However, the man remained dazed, like something had happened. Not even squeezing a word.

Though hidden from everyone, Ren's line of direction was focused on a girl with white hair among Scar's group. But the ladies thought that Ren was merely looking at Black Lion.

"What's wrong?" Silvia asked and nudged Ren. "Are you also bothered as to why they're so fast?"

Ren slightly shook his head. "Nothing. Do you want to rest first, or do you want to proceed?" he asked Silvia.

Silvia looked at the women and asked, "How about it?"

"I think we should rest first." Rafaela rubbed her temple. "A five-minute break from all this . . . 'dungeoning' stuff would greatly replenish my energy and tired brain cells."

Though it was just a game, it was one hundred percent realistic. More than half a day was spent in the cave, and the group was exhausted.

"I agree." Seconded Rosie as she stretched her arms, breasts wiggling as she did. "It would be nice to rest my tired eyes and old bones."

Lucia smirked. "Old is accurate."

Rosie chuckled and crossed her arms under her breasts, full cleavage on display behind her robe. "You mean mature, right." she teased and pointed an eye at Lucia's flat chest.

Lucia burst red and hid his breasts from everyone. "Mind your own business!"

While the two argued, Silvia said, "Let's take a five-minute rest."

There was no point in continuing and pushing themselves to exhaustion. They would just make many mistakes along that way. It was best to recuperate and take a breather.

While the women all went and took a rest at the side, Robert went to Scar's group again.

"Yo. I thought that you were right behind us. I didn't know that you're so ridiculously fast. How's your map completion, by the way?"

Zevi, the Hunter in Scar's group, looked over at Robert while the latter threw a wink at her. She batted her eyelid and resumed checking the map on her screen.

"Good. About seventy percent," Scar said while drinking a [Health Potion] to recover his HP.

Robert smiled though his smile only appeared like a smug smirk. "Is that so? Ours is already eighty percent. That's probably why we're lagging behind. We had found so many hidden rooms along the way."

Robert enjoyed it when he saw Scar's face cracked a little, and his amiable expression slightly fell off.

"Is that so?" Scar said in an even tone. "Good for you then."

"Want our map? I can give it to you if you want. We found multiple hidden rooms in the dungeon that . . . I bet your hunter didn't found."

Scar took a look at Zevi, their huntress, before addressing Robert, "How much do you want it?"

Robert's lips quirked to the side. "Not much. How about ten thousand real money?"

Scar repressed a laugh. "Fine then. But I only want a hundred percent complete map for that price."

He then took his back and left Robert with no further ongoing conversation.

"You'll see. We'll have a hundred percent soon."

When Robert left, Zevi approached Scar and muttered, "He's joking. There's no way that my [Perceive] can't detect hidden rooms. He's clearly bluffing."

"Don't worry about him. He's always been a clown." Scar said, though, beneath his calm facade, he was bothered by what Robert said about an eighty percent completion of the map.

They were clearly behind them a while ago, and he thought that Robert's group was already ahead of them. Who would have thought that they were left behind? He was even surprised to see them appeared after them in the resting area.

Was this because they really have found other paths? Could he be telling the truth?

Scar looked at Silvia's group once more. There [Animist, a raccoon girl wasn't anything remarkable.

However, Scar's eyes were drawn to a tall, lean man leaning on the other side of the wall. He was together with Nikolai, Sumeri's little brother, and this got him bothered even more.

The man seemed to be a [Hunter] based on the creature that was coiling around his neck. However, the question was, how did he acquire a Pet this early in the game?

"Guro," Scar called one of his teammates.

"Yes, boss?"

"See that man?" Scar said, pointing at the man with a hood, "Have him investigated. If he turned out to be remarkable, recruit him into the guild."

"Right away."

[Butterflies of Deceit] . . . Evie rolled the words in her mouth. It was the reason why Black Lion had recruited her among the many applicants they had in raiding Vulcan's Cave.nove(l)bi(n.)com

And those who performed well in the dungeon would get the chance of a contract with the guild. Evie wanted to take advantage of a guild with pro players as its members to raise her level and gain equipment along the way. Not to mention the monthly allowance, once she proved that she was one of the best amongst the new recruits.

Black Lion was among the crowd's favorite and one of the top guilds the newcomers eyed to enter because of its roster of pro players and supported by not just one but many large corporations.

Mostly, these large corporations were businesses of some of the players or belonged to their families.

And one of the rich kids was their guild leader, Scar, and their management leader, Invayne. They were a power couple, and both were pro players in games before COVENANT.

There were four vice leaders in the guild, but only Scar led this dungeon raid while the other commanders brought the other new members to a different raid.

It was the only initiation to enter Black Lion. And once your performance was the best amongst your group, then your contract was set in stone.

They were planning on dominating every dungeon early on, and Evie wanted to be a part of it. It was the only way to climb to a position of a core member and get a very good contract.

Earning money just playing a game in her sleep was a good side hassle for her.

"Evie," Guro called. He was next in position from Scar, and he was the leader of the supporting team.

Their team.

While Scar was the overall commander and leader of the Main attacking unit.

"What is it?" Evie didn't like the glint in Guro's eyes behind his faked smile. He was a bitch to her throughout the dungeon just because the men all fawned over her.

He frequently ordered her to check the traps first or enter a secret door head on, and his reasoning didn't even make sense, saying that she was a Blue Mage and could escape easily.

A Blue Mage AGI wasn't a priority, so how could she escape with a low AGI and crappy spell list?

The only valuable spell to her at this point was [Butterflies of Deceit]. She didn't heal because Scar wanted to conserve her mana for the final boss fight.

So she was turned into a cannon fodder. And Guro wouldn't even order to heal her until her HP was only ten percent.

Evie took a deep breath. She couldn't do anything about her face, so she sucked it up. Guro's position was higher than hers, so she had no choice but to take it all in. All for the sake of money.

"I have a job for you. Especially for you." Guro said meaningfully.

Evie's brows creased a little. Her face was permanently paralyzed, and everyone said that she had no emotions since her face was always blank no matter the circumstances.

It would take a great deal of confusion to even crack her facade.

"Excuse me?"

Guro led Evie to the side, and after making sure that the others weren't listening, Guro started.

"Scar told me to investigate the man on the hood in Silvia's group. You know that pretty blonde bitch over there."

Evie was about to look at Silvia's group when Guro stopped her.

"Don't look. Don't make it so obvious." Guro's eyebrow arched high above his eyes, and his duck lips pouted even more.

Evie's forehead crumpled a little as she tried her best to direct her line of sight in Silvia's group. The man on the hood Guro was talking about had a strange pet coiling around his neck.

"The man with a pet? A hunter?" she muttered with her soft, low voice.

"You see him?" Guro's smile stretched, and his squinty eyes curved upward. "I want you to investigate him."

". . ." Evie was stunned. She thought she had misheard him. "What . . . do you mean?"

"Scar said to investigate that man, and if he turned out to be remarkable, we would recruit him into our guild."

Evie was still lost in her confused state. "I don't understand. Why me?" she was not a spy. And she didn't know anything about that department.

Guro chuckled at Evie's confusion and said with a condescending voice, "What better way to trick a man than a pretty bitch, right?"

". . ." Evie raised her head, her silver eyes burning with anger, but she kept her mouth shut.

"Anyway, I'm not telling you to flirt with him. There are only two women on our team, you and Zevi. And Zevi needed to stay to map the dungeon. SO that only leaves you."

". . . You're . . . kicking me out?" Evie couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Temporarily, dear," Guro said without care and checked his nails, "everyone had to pull some weight around here. And besides, everyone is weak before a woman's tear. Just tell them that the team kicks you out 'cause you're useless or whatever reason and use your charms to infiltrate their group.

"Good thing is, you don't need to act anymore. You're already a pro at it, as evident how your charms blinded everyone." Guro beamed, and the jealousy was thick as his lips.

"You get to acquire their map and also got the chance to observe that guy. Hitting two birdies with one p*."

He laughed and giggled at his words.

". . ." Evie had many things she wanted to say, but Guro just barraged her with words. His mouth was like a machine gun.

"Anyway. If you did well, who knows, you might have a permanent spot in the guild."

"But I don't think . . ."

Guro held a hand. "Dot worry. A pretty girl like you acting like a damsel in distress. Who wouldn't fall for it? Everyone had a weak spot for beauty. I mean, more than half of the reason why the others picked you is because of your appearance."

Guro looked at Evie from toes to hair and batted his eyelids. "And besides, I heard that they're just noobs. They wouldn't find it strange that someone was kicked out of a group. It happened all the time during raids."

". . ."

"If you succeeded, who knows, you might become the face of our guild?" Guro beamed at Evie, but the latter's mind was blank.

"Now, let's go. Scar would fill you in about the specifics."

Before Evie could say anything, she was dragged by the hand and faced their leader.

—-

Scar had noticed Evie way before the expedition had even begun.

Who wouldn't?

She stuck out from the rest. She was more than pretty. She was stunning with her white straight hair, silvery eyes, and cold front that seemed like you would turn into ice if you came even a meter near her.

She was a woman that made even him speechless every time their eyes met. And not many could do that to him.

However, regarding her combat abilities, Scar knew nothing about her except that she was usually at the side, checking traps and secret doors.

He specifically picked her because a Blue Mage was rare. They were a supportive class, but their list of spells at the beginning was so poor that they needed to be in a group to level up like a White Mage.

But unlike with a White Mage, where they learned [Cure] early on, a Blue Mage was useless except for their spell [Butterflies of Deceit]. And he planned to use her spell in the Boss fight later on.

Besides that, there was nothing noteworthy about her except her face. However, Scar wasn't interested in women if they weren't going to be useful to him. He was more interested in the man with the hood and the map of Vulcan's cave.

And thus, when Guro presented Evie to her. He had no qualms about sending her off to the opponent's team. Her [Butterflies of Deceit] was good and all, but he could manage even without it.

After making sure Evie understood her role, Scar decided to move out.

There was still a nagging feeling in his head that wouldn't go away. Evie was just an outsider, and Scar wasn't keen on putting so much trust in a person he barely knew.

However, Guro was right. Women were readily pitied upon. And usually, everyone put their guard down if it was a woman they faced. And the only women in his group were Evie and Zevi. It was either of the two of them.

Zevi was part of his core members, so she was out of the question, and that only left the new girl who he promised a spot in their guild once she succeeded in getting information about the hooded man and acquiring the map in Vulcan's Cave.

Scar rubbed his jaw.

Anyway, her job was simple enough. As long as she managed to infiltrate Silvia's group, then all was well.

She didn't even have to do anything but act pitiful.

Scar smirked to himself. Though the idea of her beautiful stone cod face cracked as she acted out was also tempting to see.

Too bad he wouldn't be able to see it.

Maybe Guro was right. If Evie did become successful at her mission, he might consider putting her as the face of the guild.

Though he had to talk about it with Invayne.

After Scar's party left, Silvia group followed next, and they pressed further into Vulcan's Cave, unaware of all the deceit they were about to face.

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"Isn't it too quiet?" Lucia asked, looking over at the cave, and added as she fanned the hem of her robe under her jaw, "and too hot."

The scenery changed after they passed the resting hall. Now they were walking on floors of dried magma where lava crawled like veins against the hard rock. The ground and walls both spurted hot magma that was enough to put [Burn] status to anyone who even grazed the burning liquid fire and steam.

"Scar's group must have engaged some of the monsters that respawn." Alecia fanned herself with her hands. It was hot and humid, and the background wasn't helping either to diffuse the blistering atmosphere.

They might have already died from the fuming air alone if this was in the real world. Luckily that this was all just a fantasy set in a realistic scenery that wouldn't let them die by stepping foot in a pool of burning magma.

"Let's pick up the pace." Silvia took the front together with Ren, Ruru, and Nikolai.

While the others were busy with their thoughts and chatting, Ren was busy admiring the place.

It was like they were inside the stomach of a volcano. A live-breathing Volcano.

Ren stifled a laugh. However, Pii was restless in his neck. It kept looking behind his shoulder, making hissing and gurgling sounds, and he knew the reason. He was warning him of a potential threat.

But Ren chose to close his mouth and rubbed little Pii's chin. "Relax. Everything's going to be okay."

Unbeknownst to everyone, Ren kept an eye at the resting hall a while ago. And it didn't escape his notice about a group that came as they were going to leave.

It wouldn't be a problem since it was normal for other groups to come after them in the dungeon. There were tons of groups who wanted to try their luck in Vulcan's Cave.

However, what was not normal was that one of the group members made eye contact with Robert and his friends. They shared a slight nod with each other before they acted like they didn't know one another.

Ren was already keeping an extra eye on Robert and his friends, to begin with, and any slight movement from Roberts' side would trigger his suspicion in full gear.

Ren couldn't help it. He was geared that way.

Even if it was just a typical show of acquaintances meeting each other in the dungeon, Ren had other thoughts. He was traumatized by the number of schemes the players committed in his past life, all in the name of getting ahead from the others.

However, he kept all those thoughts in his head.

He wasn't one hundred percent sure, and it might be him just overthinking again.

"I don't like that guy," Nikolai was suddenly right beside Ren, stealing the latter's attention.

"Who?" Ruru asked.

"That Scar guy."

"Why?"

"He used to date my sister," Nikolai said grumpily.

Ruru laughed. "That's normal . . . I think. Anyone would hate the guy his beloved sister dates."

Nikolai shook his head. "No. That's not it. I'm not jealous or anything . . . It's just . . . he dumped her because we became poor."

Ruru put her palm against her mouth. "Really? That's . . . That's just mean . . ."

Ruru looked at her fidgeting hands and said consolingly at Nikolai, "But look at it on the bright side. At least your sister didn't end up with a guy like that, right?"

Nikolai nodded, but he was still feeling grumpy. "Yeah. It's just . . . he hurt my sister and all and left her when she needed him the most."

As Ren listened to Nikola and Ruru's conversation, he couldn't help but sympathize with Nikolai's older sister. He was very familiar with that feeling of being used and dumped after he had nothing left.

However . . . That was all sympathy. He didn't know her, so he couldn't be bothered too much.

"What's that?" Ruru suddenly skidded to a stop when she heard something. Her big fluffy ears wiggled, picking up sounds ahead.nove(l)bi(n.)com

"What's wrong?" Nikolai asked.

"I think theirs . . . fighting just ahead." Ruru pointed forward.

Nikolai closed his eyes and listened. The others did the same when Ruru pointed it out.

SpLaAsH . . .

There was a faint sound of like a water hitting something and echoes of indistinct growls.

"I think there are monsters up ahead!" Nikolai said in glee.

Lucia burst into a toothy grin. "Finally!"

Ren and the others hurried forward, eager for another round of grinding. And like they expected, there were indeed a Lava Ant and a Lava Hound in the area, in addition to a girl with white hair and twin silver moon eyes.

Ren was stunned in place.

Evie?

—-

Evie was still processing all the things that were happening to her. She still couldn't believe the turn of the event. Being a spy wasn't what she signed up for and definitely not one of her forte.

Part of her just wanted to quit, while another part wanted to push with it. It was an easy task if she could just manage to enter Silvia's group. And that was an automatic spot into Black Lion that she could hardly pass by.

"Oh. There are monsters up ahead," someone in the group alerted.

Evie looked at the three Lava Ants and Two Lava Hounds. The monsters were beginning to increase in numbers. Maybe because they were already nearing the Boss's room?

"Alright, get into position," Guro announced, and like a disciplined army, everyone took their position and engaged the monsters.

There were ten members in the support group and another ten that took the main unit.

"Don't kill them all. Keep each one alive," Scar announced before he faced Evie with a smile.

"I think this is the spot where we have to drop you off," Scar said over to Evie.

Evie blinked. She opened her mouth and was about to say that she had changed her mind when a notification popped on her screen.

[Everyone kicked you out from Black Lion!]

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Ren looked over at Evie, who was fighting the monsters solo. He didn't know what had happened and why she was alone, but she was going to die if someone wouldn't do something.

A Blue Mage didn't have anything in her list of spells to fight and defend except if she bought the water spell.

However, her mana was almost half, and she kept avoiding the Lava Ant and Lava Hound with not much success. The only thing that kept her alive was her consumption of [Health Potions].

Ren was torn between helping her and not. He had a nagging feeling that all of this was just a plot since it was so common in his previous life.

It was a popular strategy to kick a member out and have it picked up by the succeeding party, unknowing that she was a spy sent to infiltrate their Group and acquire mostly their data and map.

However, at this point in time, no one of the members of Silvia's Group suspected a thing, and they went to help Evie at the first notice of her life flashing red in danger.

Who wouldn't? Not when Black Lion was strong and portrayed themselves as honorable. No one would think that one of their previous members was a spy. Why would they even spy on a weak and newbie guild like Golden Phoenix in the first place?

Ren knew better, though. And at this moment, he was paralyzed in place, thinking of his past debt or his present predicament.

Why was it her of all people? Ren thought, shaking his head in frustration.

If it were any other member in Black Lion, he wouldn't give a damn. He would even help the monsters kill her by accident, of course, to eliminate any potential threat.

Ren forcefully scratched his head before he said, "Nikolai cast Taunt." He'd think about what to do later after saving her.

Nikolai used [Taunt] and drew the monsters attention to him while Ren casted the Water spell on the Lava Ant first, killing it with one shot.

At the side, Rafaela threw a [Health Potion] at Evie and the red alarm flashing on the latter's screen disappeared.

"Are you okay?" Alecia asked after she ran next to Evie and helped her to her feet.

"Y-yes." Evie still hadn't recovered from her shock when Scar kicked her out. And now, she became speechless at how Silvia's Group actually helped her without a second thought.

Maybe she could really infiltrate their Group if she asked? Evie bit her lips. Guilt was making her have second thoughts.

Finishing the Lava Hounds and its minions after it burst, the ladies all took a short breath before circling Evie for the expected rounds of questioning.

"Are you okay?"

"What happened?"

"Why are you alone in this part of the map?"

"Did you get separated from Black Lion?"

Evie wanted to abort her mission at the sight of the women's concerned faces and worried tones.

However, the following words that came out of her mouth made her look away in shame. "I . . . I was kicked out from the Group. . . because I . . . couldn't fight."

Upon hearing her reasoning, Ren closed his eyes briefly and released a deep breath. He was hoping that Evie would tell the truth. There was no way that Black Lion would kick one of their members in a dungeon raid and risk tarnishing their reputation this early in the game.

They couldn't afford even a single newbie this early on to go to the forums and spread how she was kicked out from Black Lion and left alone in a dungeon because she was a Blue Mage who couldn't fight.

Black Lion was just starting their foothold and a negative press wasn't one they could afford right now.

What made her so desperate? Ren couldn't help but think. Did she waned to enter Black Lion that much?

But in the past, Ren didn't remember she did. She didn't belong in any guild. However, she never did once associate herself with Black Lion.

Could this be what happened in the early game that he wasn't aware of?

Maybe Evie changed her mind at the end and decided to leave Black Lion instead?

Who knows?

Ren had pressing matters when things escalated so quickly, and the girls decided to recruit Evie temporarily to the Group.

The women were all so trusting!

"Not a chance." Robert stepped forward.

Alecia put a hand to her tilted hips. "Why not?"

". . ." Robert was silent for a moment, face tight like he was having a hard time formulating his words. He didn't know how to explain without putting them in the spotlight of suspicion.

Ren smirked at the side. That was right. If Robert said that Evie might be a spy from Black Lion, the others might become wary and also suspect them since they weren't originally members of Golden Phoenix.

Robert would not thread on any single word that pertained to 'spying' and give away their identity.

"Why can't she just log out?" Vida suggested, and Robert sighed in relief.

"Yeah, that's right," seconded Jack, "the amount of EXP and gil we got is already minuscule enough. Another additional person would further lessen that number."

Though Evie was another feast for the eyes, Jack and Robert's priority was entirely different. Beauties were good and all, but their goal was more important.

The women all looked at Evie.

"What do you say, dear?" Rosie asked with a doting voice, acting like the big sister in the Group. "Do you want to log out, or do you want to come with us?"

Evie shifted her eyes left and right and muttered in a low voice, "I want to . . . continue grinding. Thank you all for your help. But I can manage now."

Evie was about to turn her heels and go away while secretly hoping for the best outcome with her move.

"Wait. Don't go." Rafaela went to Evie and grabbed her by the elbow before she faced the others. "She's only one person. Why don't we just let her join? She has half of her MP while most of us are almost gone. She's a good addition to our unit at this point in time."

Silvia nodded. Rafaela did have a point. Evie still has more than half of her MP. "Do you have heal and water spell?"

Evie nodded.

And with her nod, the ladies seemed to have made a decision, while Robert's jaw dropped. He couldn't believe that he was singled out again.This chapter is updat𝓮d by

"What say you, Ren?" Pamela asked, eyes imploring.

"A girl like her wandering around in this part doesn't sit well with me," seconded Rosie.

Lucia just shrugged. "Whatever. I'll go with what the majority decides."

Pressed with doe-like eyes in different colors, shapes, and sizes, Ren couldn't help but release a big breath.

At this moment, he held Evie's fate in the palm of his hands as he did so in the past.

One word from him that she was a spy sent by Black Lion, and Silvia's Group would no longer let her in. They already trusted him after a whole day of exploring. They would even become wary of Robert and his friends.

However, more than anything, Ren wanted to know why Evie was doing this. She wasn't like this in the past. She had her pride and image to uphold. She didn't bow down to anyone. She was the Illusion Queen who dominated the battled field with her deceptive spells. Whoever employed her would surely get a win.

He wanted to know the reason behind her desperation to get into Scar's guild, which was the only reason he said 'yes' to her joining their Group.

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There were many scenarios in Evie's mind on how her plans would work. But she never guessed that the one who would let her in the Group was the Man she was sent to investigate.

What's wrong with everyone in this guild? Why were they so nice? Evie couldn't help but think to herself.

In Scar's guild, she only got to be a cannon fodder. The men eyed her as nothing but a pretty face, the muse of the party, while the women just batted their eyelids. While everyone else was busy getting ahead of each other, competing with one another for a contract.

So having to be treated differently in some guild she was tasked to spy on was . . . really overwhelming –– the guilt, that is.

Evie eyed the Man in the hood. Prying for his face, but she couldn't see anything beyond the darkness of his cloak.

Is that some kind of an item? And the pet around his neck. Where did he acquire it? He looked like a hunter, but his skill was a mage. Could he be a beta tester? Or was he a son of a developer? Evie thought but kept it to herself. She had just joined the Group, and he couldn't be asking questions that would jeopardize her mission.

They were traversing a much safer path, so Evie took the time to check her map. She was surprised because Silvia's Group already had more than ninety percent of the map. More than Scar's Group and Black Lion were even ahead of them.

Once she entered Silvia's group her Map of Vulcan's Cave was also updated. And she could send it to anyone in her friend list. At least, that was how Scar worded it for her.

However, she was not naïve. She would not send it to Scar until she got hold of that piece of paper with their signature plastered in black ink at the end of the agreed monthly allowance.

Evie thought the Silvia and the others didn't know about the map and that it was sharable. That was why they welcomed her into their group.

If only they knew . . .

Evie shook her head when the guilt made her have second thoughts again.

Evie briefly shifted her eyes at Ren. Was it because of him and his pet that was why they achieved over ninety percent of Vulcan's Map?

It didn't escape her notice that Pii was leading the adventure while Ruru was just hanging around with Nikolai.

Evie's thoughts were disrupted when Alecia hopped right next to her and asked in a cheerful voice, "So Evie, right? You're also a blue mage like me?"

Evie nodded.

"What number is your INT?"

"Twenty-seven."

"Whoa! That high? Yours is the same as Lucia!"

Lucia growled at the back. "Mine is already twenty-eight."

Alecia just stuck out her tongue and giggled.

Evie was about to say something when she felt something at her back, piercing and hard to ignore. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Robert and his friends glaring at her.

"Don't mind them. Threat them as invincible." Alecia winked at Evie when she noticed that the latter turned quiet.

"Aren't they your friends?"

Alecia readily shook her head. "No. Those three are bloodsuckers. I don't even know why we hired them in the first place."

"Hired?" Evie was confused.

"You know. Just like Ren over there, we hired that guy to tank for us since we don't have one. For a price, of course."

". . ." Something big struck Evie in the head. Hired? Services? Money?

Could she have thought about this whole game wrong? She thought that the only way for her to get good money was through a guild. She hadn't thought about using her class as a Blue Mage to earn.

She was silent for a moment blocking out all the noises from her surroundings to focus on that one single thought in her mind.

Could it be that she could make money in another way that didn't involve guild and leaders and cannon fodders and musses and pretty faces?

She thought about being an employee just like in the real world to earn money, but . . . could she really start her own business in this world? Like maybe offering her services too?

But being a Blue Mage with meager skills and spells, could she really do it?

How about if she tried to recreate her account?

No. The real problem was . . . Where would she start? She didn't know anything about the game. What's more, was she willing to discard a permanent job with a monthly salary over an unknown venture that she wasn't sure would work with her class?

This was her chance to enter Black Lion and might be her only chance while they were still recruiting members. If she failed her mission, Scar would definitely kick her out.

Evie's thoughts were disrupted when a series of exciting voices rang in the air.

"Oh! Another hidden room! Good job, little Pii!" Rosie clapped her hands in glee.

The others hopped inside the newly opened aperture that was only opened by a secret lever that the little creature had found camouflage from all the rocks in the area.

So that's how it was. It was really the pet who discovered hidden rooms. Evie thought as she watched the percentage of the map go up.

No wonder that Golden Phoenix was way behind even though they entered first before Black Lion.

Silvia chuckled and tapped Ren's shoulder." Maybe next time, you can lend little Pii to us?"

"No."

"I'll pay you, of course."

"Pii only go where I go. If you want to hire him, then you have to hire me as well."

Silvia laughed, illuminating the area with her smile, while Evie just looked at the conversation on the side.

Even a pet was more sought after than her. Evie thought, dejected though her face remained blank as ever.

Inside the hidden large compartment were four Lava Hounds, and Nikolai took a step back, being careful not to wake up the sleeping giant dogs, and accidentally went into the area of their attacking range.

"Why are the monsters increasing with every secret room we went into?" asked Lucia.

"We're probably nearing the boss's room," explained Pamela.

"There's another golden chest." Robert and his friends only saw the gleaming treasure on top of the altar and nothing else when they entered the hidden room.

Why would they bother about the monsters since Silvia and the others would take care of them while they'll get whatever was inside the chest?

However, this time, Silvia and the girls had enough.

Silvia only smirked. "Good. Go ahead and claim it."

". . ." Robert, Jack, and Vida didn't quite heard what Silvia had just said and their faces went blank. "Huh?"

"She said that if you want the chest go and get it yourselves." Rafaela sweetly smiled.

Lucia snickered. "The Lava Hounds are asleep. Maybe you can tiptoe your way in there."nove(l)bi(n.)com

"We're going to stand here and guard the door for you. Aren't we the sweetest?" Rosie giggled.

Jack was so mad, his veins were pounding hard against his forehead.

"Easy there, you might pop a blood vessel." Lucia laughed.

"You wouldn't get the chest?" Robert asked though the answer was so obvious with all the women's disdainful looks thrown at them. "But what if there's a valuable item in there?"

Silvia gave an elegant half shrugged. "It's pointless to us since you get the first pick, and most of it will still go to you. We're only concerned with the map and our MP at this point. Whatever chest we find is yours. But of course, you have to take care of the guard that came along with it."

They should have done this at the very beginning.

Ren was so proud he was left speechless. He thought that the women would never figure that out.

Watching Robert, Jack, and Vida's faces turn red with anger was satisfying. They shifted their eyes from Silvia's Group and the chest before they gritted their teeth.

Robert looked at the woman with sinister eyes and a crooked smile. "If you're going to be like this, then don't blame me for what's about to happen."

The women stared amongst themselves. Clueless as to what Robert was talking about until a notification popped on their screen.

[Robert has left your Group!]

[Jack has left your Group!]

[Vida has left your Group!]

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 500PS!nove(l)bi(n.)com

Thank you all for the support!

—-

Silvia's face went dark at the strings of notifications, and she asked with an ominous tone, "What's the meaning of this, Robert?"

Robert merely smiled. "Just like what it said. We left your group since your usefulness had reached its end. And we already got ninety-seven percent of the map. I bet the remaining three percent is the boss's room."

Lucia's mouth skewed to the side. "Huh?"

"What do you mean by that?" Pamela asked. Her soft voice was on edge.

"It's exactly what it meant." Jack grinned.

And before the others could ask what was going on, another group made their presence known and entered the secret area.

As the women watched Robert and the newly arrived party getting acquainted with each other, something finally clicked in their minds.

They have been tricked!

"You . . ." Silvia gnashed her teeth. She couldn't believe that she was tricked by a person her friend recommended to her.

She and Sumeri really need to have a heart-to-heart talk.

"Thank you for the map, ladies," Robert said and laughed. "But we'll be taking our leave now."

"You . . . you planned this?" Rafaela couldn't believe what she was seeing. Was that why Robert and his friends were adamant about equipping the weapons and armors in the previous chests?

It was because they couldn't get those in the group inventory if they were going to leave.

"Don't blame me. Blame yourself for being ignorant and gullible." Robert shrugged with a smug smile. "Thanks to you girls, we get to acquire more than ninety percent of the map, and we got a free ride as well."

Silvia and the others looked at Robert's groups full HP and MP bar.

"Now we can take on the final Boss in full health." Jack chuckled. "And soon we will get a hundred percent of the map.

Silvia took a step forward. "Robert . . . are you forgetting who you're talking to?"

Silvia didn't like to use her powers, but her temper got the best of her. Robert crossed her first, so it was only right to get even with him.

"Oh, he didn't, Silvia Rutherford," said a voice of a lady who appeared last in the room.

Upon the sight of a beautiful girl with short black hair, phoenix eyes adorned by thick lashes, and pouty red lips, Sumeri and the others hissed.

"Trixie."

"Hello girls," Trixie beamed at Silvia and the others before she sashayed to Robert and kissed him on the cheek.

"Hey, Bo. Miss you." she slurred.

Robert laughed. "Miss you too."

The women all looked disgusted while Ren put a hand over Nikolai's eyes.

No wonder Robert was brave enough to double-cross her. Silvia thought and faked a smile at Trixie. She has someone to back him that had enough power to rival hers.

Trixie belonged to another powerful family and could content with Silvia in wealth.

Now that she was part of the story, Silvia couldn't do anything to Robert without risking her father's eerie. Mr. Rutherford was a doting and kind father.

However, it came with a price. Obedience and reputation. Those were his terms for the comfort and wealth they received.

If Silvia made a move at Robert, then Trixie would too. And their clash would surely bring the two of them in the limelight . . . in a not so graceful way.

"Is this your plan?" Silvia said and stifled a laugh. "Are you still salty that Ragnar chose me over you?"

The smile on Trixie's face dropped, and she nervously defended herself when Robert questioned her.

"Is that true? I thought you were over him."

"O-of course I am!" Trixie stuttered before she regained her calm and looked Silvia up and down. "Clearly, that man had no taste. You're way hundred times better, Bo."

Robert raised his head and smugly smiled while Silvia and the others rolled their eyes.

"Anyway," Robert changed the topic, "You ladies are welcomed into my group if you want. Seeing that your MP is low and you no longer have a tank, I think it's best if you join my group. But of course, loots and chest belonged to us. Right, Bo?"

"Right." Trixie sweetly smiled before she faced Silvia and the girls with her lower lip puckering out. "You ladies can join. After all, we're not so bad to actually leave you here all on your own."

"The nerve of you to say that after you stole our map and used us like meat shields so you can have your HP and MP at full." Alecia was fuming with anger, and it seemed like she wanted to storm Trixie and have a go at her hair.

Robert only grinned while Vida shook her head and sneered.

"Don't blame your naivety on us. We merely used whatever stepping stone we had to advance. If you were smart, you should have done the same."

Silvia and the women clenched their teeth, and there was statics between the two groups. One wrong move, and the place would explode.

Ren yawned, waiting for the next big thing to happen, while Evie stayed at the very back, trying to hide her presence. She was confused at the turn of events, but it didn't take a genius to know that Robert betrayed Silvia's group.

Just like what she was about to do them. To the women who were nothing but kind to her.

Evie closed her eyes shut and took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Ruru and Nikolai shrunk beside Ren while Nikolai grabbed Ren's cloak and squeaked. "W-women are scary."

Ren couldn't agree more.

Ren really thought that a fight would break out, but against all odds, everyone was stunned when Lucia broke from the group and went to Robert's side.

"Lucia . . ." Silvia frowned. "What are you doing?"

Lucia merely replied, "Changing sides."

"What do you mean changing sides?" Alecia almost went out of her skin.

Lucia rolled her eyes. "Come on, you guys. Without a tank and zero MP, what good are we? Our chance of defeating Vulcan is near zero at this rate. However, if we joined Robert, there still a sliver of hope for us to carve our name on that stone pillar and leaderboard."

"OUR guild needs to be on that stone," Silvia said with an edge to her voice.

Lucia shook her head. "No. Your guild! I just wanted my name on that stone! And nothing else! Who cares about some guild or whatever? The important thing is . . . our name is on that pillar and leaderboard. Who cares what group gets firstblood."

". . ." Silvia was indignant while the rest of the women looked at Lucia like they were burning her in hell.

"You traitor," hissed Rosie.

"Whatever." Lucia flipped her hair. "Thank me later when my name appeared among the firstbloods of Vulcan's cave. At least one of your members managed to get it."

Silvia scoffed, raising her chin. "Huh?! What do you mean by one of your members? Are you still expecting us to take you in? After what you did? Good luck in finding a guild that would take a traitor in."

"You're welcome to join us," Trixie immediately butt in and beamed at Lucia before shifting her gaze at the others. "All of you are."

"Except you." Robert interceded and jabbed a finger at Ren. "We don't need you anymore."

Ren ignored Robert. He just stood there and watched everything like a bystander. If only he had popcorn, hotdog, and drinks to go with the show.

"M-mister . . . t-things are looking grim for us," Nikolai stuttered at the side.

"Leave them if they don't want to join. It's there lost," Lucia said and pressed the button that allowed her to leave Silvia's group and entered Roberts.

Robert shrugged before leaning a little closer to Silvia. "Well . . . don't say that I didn't invite you. As compensation for my actions, you can keep that chest over there. But you have to fight those monsters yourself."

He winked and patted Silvia on the shoulder while the latter slapped his hands away with a disgusted face.

Robert merely grinned and rubbed his hand before he said to his group, "Let's go. Scar is already ahead of us. We can't let them take firstblood."

"Yes!"

Trixie sent a flying kiss to Silvia and giggled. "See you after we get firstblood."

As Robert's group left, Silvia and the girls could do nothing but glare at their backs.

At the side, Ren, Nikolai, and Ruru were hit with a wave of killing intent coming from the ladies. It was so hot and blistering more than the landscape itself.

The women's beauty was shrouded in darkness, and it looked like horns would erupt from their heads and fangs in their mouths.

"This is just a game . . . but they just made it personal!"

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"What now?" Pamela asked, worry coating her angelic face.

Before Silvia could say anything, Alecia stormed Evie and confronted her.

"Are you also a spy sent by Black Lion?"

". . ." Evie took a step back and couldn't say a word at the sudden question.

Rosie approached as well with a rare frown on her usually smiling face. "I have my doubts before but after what happened . . ."

Rosie palmed her cheeks and had a trouble look on her face. "Tell us the truth, dear. Are you here to get our map and information as well?"nove(l)bi(n.)com

Evie was coated with sweat, which wasn't due to the heat. Her palms were cold enough to dry the hot magma. She was formulating some good excuse in her head, but she could only manage a "No."

"Really?" Alecia leaned closer to Evie's, eyes unblinking and voice interrogating.

Evie looked at the others besides Alecia and Rosie, but the other girls simply looked at her with their questioning gazes, seeking the truth from her.

Ren couldn't blame them. They would become suspicious of everyone at this point. Even Lucia betrayed them. He wouldn't find it unfair at all if they were wary about him too.

"I . . . I . . ." Evie was having difficulty forming words. She wasn't the best speaker in their family, and she was definitely uncomfortable with lying.

Seeing her under pressure like that, Ren moved on his own to defend her before he could even think of what the hell he was doing.

"Calm down, everyone," Ren said in front of Evie.

Looking at the wide back of the tall man she was sent to spy on, Evie was surprised. He actually defended her?

A stranger?

A girl he barely knew.

Why?

Consumed with these thoughts, Evie could only stare at Ren's back in a daze.

"Are you in on this too?" Rafaela accused. Her eyes shook, and her chin crumpled. "Could it be that you two are together as well?"

Ugh . . . With emotions and tension high in the air, Ren didn't know what to say to calm the women's nerves. He was good at debate and being sarcastic, but he never knew how to speak comforting words to others.

"Enough." Silvia sighed and went between Ren and the women. "So what if she's a spy sent to take our map?"

Evie's brows twitched. It didn't escape her notice that Silvia only suspected her. And it seemed that she trusted Ren one hundred percent.

"What do you mean?" Pamela asked.

"I'm planning to make the map public anyway," explained Silvia.

To their shock, Rosie, Rafaela, and Alecia somehow forgot about Robert and the others.

Alecia gaped. "You will? Why?"

"Think about it. Our guild is unknown at this point, and getting firstblood would be hard at our current predicament," Silvia explained, "however, if we publish Vulcan's map at a hundred percent that no other guild had ever accomplished until now, our guild would be known throughout the net."

Pamela's face brightened. "I see. That's a good idea."

Rosie nodded as well. "It's good press too. Free map for everyone. That would put us in everyone's good graces."

Alecia chuckled, and she regained her smile. "We might even become more popular than the one who got firstblood in this cave."

Silvia smiled when the ladies somehow recovered their cheerfulness. She then looked at Ren and flashed a coy grin. "What do you say? Is my idea good?"

Ren's lips slightly twitched. Silvia's plan was indeed fanatic . . . except for one thing.

"I believe that's going to be an epic move . . . however . . . your guild would be known as the one who completed Vulcan's map and got firstblood. Nothing less." This was his first mercenary mission. How could he settle for anything less than firstblood?

At Ren's confidence, all the women were left speechless.

Some people spouted nonsense with a tone of confidence to the point of being arrogant. But Ren said those words like it was the law. A matter of fact.

Rosie blinked before she bent over and laughed. "Ahahaha! I like you more and more."

Alecia shook her head with a smile on her face. "And how are we going to do that? All of us are nearing zero MP while you're only one person. You can't possibly take on the boss all by yourself. This is the end of the line for us."

Rafaela sighed though her expression portrayed of satisfaction." It's fine. At least we made it this far."

Ruru nodded while Nikolai felt like crying. This wasn't how it was supposed to end! His big sisters did nothing wrong! They had done everything they could to stop now. It's only right that they get firstblood and not the bad guys!

Pamela blinked away her tears and sadly beamed. "It's fine, Ren. Thank you for your service. Without you, we might not even acquire more than half of the map."

Ruru nodded her head vigorously though her eyes remained glued to Pii.

Evie bit her lips. The mood was depressing, and it added to her guilt. She couldn't stomach her feelings anymore, and she was about to say that she still had more than half of her MP and that she would help them get firstblood when Ren beat her to it.

"It's fine. I'll be your tank, DPS, and support. All in one. And we will get firstblood. So stop moping around and get going," Ren said in a resolute voice.

" . . ."

". . ."

The women's mouth fell.

Tank, DPS, Support? All in one?

Was there such a thing?

Or did the heat get to Ren's head?

Ren knew the women needed a little demonstration for them to believe him and regain their spirit.

And a demonstration they would have.

Silvia shook her head and smiled bitterly. Ren's INT was indeed high. However, he still couldn't solo the boss with only that. He was still restrained with the cooldown and the amount of MP he had left.

Not to mention that a Mage's defense wasn't a priority. And with his INT that high, it was apparent that he was only leveling that particular stat of his and left his DEF in the number the time they first encountered each other.

"It's fine, Ren. You don't have to push–"

Before Silvia could finish her sentence, Ren cast four [Water] Spell and directly hit the two Lava Hounds head-on.

–1042 Critical Hit!

[ Lava Hound suffered from SLOW ]

–1072 Critical Hit!

[ Lava Hound suffered from SLOW ]

With four hits, two Lava Hounds burst into tiny hounds, and the other two giant dogs were startled to their feet and released a frightening howl.

"You ladies stay here while I take care of these dogs."

Before anyone could say anything, Ren leaped into the Lava Hounds' range and engaged them in battle.

All the others could do at the side was watch with mouths hanging open, petrified at the sudden four [Water] spells that Ren cast in a single attack.

How on earth did he do that?

Was that another part of his hidden spell?

Was a classless Mage that OP?

Should they just recreate their account and become one too?

However, the others still hadn't regained their bearing when they were stunned yet again when a Lava Hound bit Ren straight on his shoulder. But the man didn't even flinch and only attacked with his spell again, killing multiple tiny Hounds in the process.

What was more, he was casting while moving. Something that blew their mind entirely.

If the others were shocked by the damage and the four [Water] spells that came out from Ren's staff, then they were truly convinced that they were seeing things at the number flashing on Ren's head after the Lava Hounds bit him.

–7

–5

–1

The others rapidly blinked, making sure that they were seeing right. If anyone of them was bitten by the rabid dog spitting volcanic fire, it was 30 to 40, and they immediately had to take [Health Potion].

Just how high was his ATP?

Ren was right. The others thought.

He was the Tank, DPS, and support –– all in one.

Heck, he could even solo this cave if he wanted to!

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BONOUS Chapter for reaching 100GT

Thank you all!

CHEERS!

—-

After less than five minutes, Ren singlehandedly defeated the four Lava Hounds.

He then approached Pamela, who had her eyes opened wide like a dear caught in the headlight while her mouth was gaping.

"Cast Cure on me. I'm suffering from burn."

Pamela's gaze went over to Ren's face, straining her neck in the process as she looked over him though she couldn't see his appearance. For some reason, she felt like it was the only time she saw a man in her life. And the alluring line of his muscles from his hands and legs were all she could see.

She only made gurgling noises before she got over her shock and stuttered.

"R-right away!" with shaking limbs and a heated face, Pamela cast [Cure, and the [Burn] status was gone over Ren's head.

The others also regained their bearing, and Rosie was the first one to hop onto Ren.

"I'm totally smitten! You're so strong and mysterious. A capable man is truly the best!" Rosie hugged Ren's arms, her enormous breasts pressing against his hand as she stared over at him with a pair of seductive red eyes. "How about it? I don't mind you having a Girlfriend. It would be our own naughty little secret. What do you say?"

"Rosie! That's inappropriate!" Rafaela reprimanded. Rosie was always easy to fall for a guy. Especially tall, lean and talented men.

"What? I'm single." Rosie stuck out her tongue at Rafaela.

"What do you mean single? You have so many boyfriends!" Alecia retorted.

"That's in the real world, honey. It doesn't count here. In this virtual world, I'm single." Rosie giggled before she looked over at Ren once more.

Licking her lips, she purred while rapidly blinking her eyelids, "So what say you, Ren?"

Ugh . . . Ren took his arm and put distance between them. "I'm not interested," he said in a blank tone.

Rosie was a mature beauty and definitely knew her way around men. Ren would bet that she was popular among the boys, especially her figure coupled with her seductive charms.

But Ren preferred an honest and real relationship. Not just someone for good times.

He was sick of all the fake relationships he had in the past.

Rosie wasn't the least bit offended that Ren brushed her off. Men sometimes like playing hard to get. Especially the younger ones. She even giggled and teased, "I see . . . you have a girlfriend?"

". . ." Silvia and Pamela's ears turned big.

Ruru looked over at Ren with expectant eyes.

Rafaela clenched her hands tight without knowing it.

Alecia just frowned.

Nikolai was lost in the conversation.

Evie didn't know what was happening.

When Ren didn't say anything, Rosie sent Ren a [Friend Request] and licked her lips. "Call me if you're done playing in the Kidde pool. You can definitely join me in the deep, deep, DEEP sea," she slurred and winked.

Ren was left speechless. Good thing that his gear hid his appearance. He didn't want others to see his expression right now.

"Hey, no fair! I want to add him too!" Alecia immediately sent a friend request to Ren while the other girls followed suit.

Even Pamela couldn't resist sending one.

Knowing Ren's high ATP, he'd be just one call away if they need him in the future.

Seeing that the women were all fawning over her hired man, Silvia didn't know how or what to feel. She was smug about it since she was the one who contacted Ren in the first place. But now that the others were considering employing him too, Silvia released a low grumble.

Nikolai snickered at the side, looking at Ren with his bright eyes. "Wow, mister. You suddenly became popular.

He then looked at his hands and clenched them into fists. "As I thought! Becoming stronger is every man's priority."

Please don't only increase your STR. Ren prayed silently.

"Alright. Enough of this. Don't tease the poor guy." Silvia broke the women from torturing Ren. Especially Rosie, who kept rubbing her assets at the man, 'accidentally' of course.

"I'm sorry, she's old and retarded," Silvia said, rolling her eyes.

"I'm not old," Rosie protested with a pout. "Twenty-four is still young!"

"She constantly had to repeat years in college because she always forgot her name on her test papers."

"That's just one time!" Rosie shouted before she pressed a finger over her lips and looked over at the ceiling with an innocent face. ". . . Or two . . . or three . . . ?

". . ." Ren shook his head and got back to the topic. "Let's open the chest and get back on track. We still have a boss to defeat and a firstblood to claim."

The women looked amongst themselves, and their happy faces turned awkward and hesitant.

Silvia broke the short silence. "Are you sure that we can defeat the boss?"

". . ." Ren stared at Silvia's pretty face. Unlike her usual haughty expression, she was sporting a vulnerable one right now, which didn't sit well with him.

Silvia should remain proud. How else would he extort her in the future if she suddenly went all weak and submissive now?

"Nikolai."

Nikolai stood straight at Ren's call.

"Yes?!"

"Sorry. But can you share your Mana Potion with everyone?"

Nikola happily answered, "Not a problem!"

"Wait. Wait. Wait." Alicia put her hands up. "Mana Potions?"

"Where did you get such a thing?" Rafaela asked.

"In town," answered Nikolai since Ren had already given the signal about the [Mana Potion, then Nikolai got the picture that it was no longer a secret.

Getting the overall picture, Silvia stared at Ren, couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You . . . you could already enter towns?"

Ren stifled a laugh. "Honestly, you should have thought of that earlier with my damage and all. And Nikolai's STR is also 30."

Silvia and the others looked at each other before they face palmed themselves.

That was right!

With Ren's serious magical damage, there was no way that his INT didn't already reach 30.

Why hadn't they thought of that before?

"But why keep it a secret?" Silvia looked at Ren before staring down at Nikolai, gaze reprimanding the little kid.

"I-it was Ren's idea," the kid readily pointed at Ren in an attempt to rescue himself from everyone's scrutinizing gazes.

"I have my reasons. And it's my trump card. Everyone should have at least one. And besides, it's a good thing that I did."

". . ."

Everyone realized what Ren was trying to imply, and they couldn't help but take a deep breath. Their mood worsened at just the thought of Robert and his cahoots.

Yes. It was a good thing that Ren hid it. Or else, Robert might have formulated some sort of nonsense to get his hands on it.

"But still . . . you could have just told only me," Silvia said, garnering glares at her from her friends.

What did she mean just her? The others pouted.

Silvia ignored them and continued, "And about the Tank. You could have just Tank for us since your ATP is so high, so I didn't have to hire that bastard."

Silvia didn't want to sound accusing, but it just came out like it did.

"The tank wasn't for me," explained Ren, "It was for you. To keep you all alive. Though I said I could Tank, I didn't have the necessary skill a Tank has to draw all the aggro on me. All the monsters will still go after you girls first until I attack it and shift its aggro towards me. If we encounter multiple enemies, I can only manage to draw four while the rest would come after you."

Silvia shifted her gaze. "I-is . . . Is that so?"

Ren didn't want to waste time explaining since everything had already happened. "What happened, happened already. Let's go. There's no point in staying here."

The group opened the chest and was surprised that it contained only one piece of equipment. A [Healing Staff] that provided additional INT and reduced spells cooldown. Much better equipment than a [White Staff].

However, it could only be equipped by a White Mage.

Pamela, Rafaela, and Rosie all toss a dice for it, and the Goddess bestows her luck on Pamela.

After which, the group pressed forward.

Thanks to Nikolai's [Mana Potion, they regained their MP. And with Ren's high ATP, the women felt like they could take on anything.nove(l)bi(n.)com

"Ha! I can't wait to see Robert's face when he sees our full HP and MP!" Alecia laughed.

"Never mind that. I would pay a blank check just to be on the front row seat when his expression turned ugly when we get firstblood." Silvia smirked.

As the girls were enjoying their time talking, Ren slowed his steps and went beside Evie, who was contemplating something on the far back.

Thanks to Ren's display of prowess, all the attention was shifted to him, and Evie was utterly forgotten. The downside was that the girls no longer talked to her.

That was fine with Evie. She preferred it that way to lessen her guilt.

Right now, she was so focused on what she found about Ren that she didn't notice the man was already beside her. His deep but low and soothing voice startled her when he asked.

"Got everything you needed?"