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

4. 84

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"Got everything you needed?"

Evie was startled at the sudden appearance of the man in her thoughts.

"E-excuse me?"

"The map and our information. Have you got it?"

". . ." Evie's pupils rounded before she looked at anything that her eyes could lay rest. It was a good thing that the others ahead were occupied with their chatter and that Ren's voice was low.

"I . . . I don't know what you're talking about." Evie had no idea how Ren figured it out. Was she so obvious? Or was it because he was suspicious of her, just like with the rest after Robert's betrayal.

"It's fine if you don't want to tell the truth. But just let me say a few words."

Evie opened her mouth, but no letters were out. Could she keep lying even if she was found out? Or would she tell the truth, free herself from the guilt, and risk not getting a contract with one of the most sought-after guilds?

She was torn, and her stoic face cracked for the first time.

"I don't know why you're doing this, but doing it for a guild that kicked you out, left you on your own to fend for yourself, and exploited you in the promise of something isn't worth it."

Evie was stunned.

Why did he know about that?

Why did he sounded like he knew everything?

Could he read minds?

Was that part of his skill too?

"If they sent you out to be a spy for the first time, then they'll do it again the second time. Again and again. Are you sure that's what you want? To be a dog for a guild?"

". . ."

Evie knew Ren was looking at her, but she couldn't face him. Not when he was slapping facts straight on her face.

She bit her lips and said bitterly, "What choice do I have? I need the money." There was no use in pretending. She had enough and couldn't maintain her lie under the pressure of truth from him.

Ren thought that Evie was going to play ignorant until the end. He was glad that she gave up within just a few minutes.

He almost let out a laugh. Evie was indeed a money-hungry mongrel like him.

"You can be like me. A mercenary who offers his services for a price." After all, I got this idea from you. Ren thought.

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Evie scoffed though her voice remained dead. "I don't have an incredibly high ATP and don't have a set of impressive skill lists. I don't even have a pet that could find hidden rooms."

Ren was surprised that the proud Illusion Queen lacked self-confidence at this time. He wasn't used to seeing her so downcast. Not that he had often seen her in the past.

It didn't suit her.

Though her face was shrouded in illusion, he saw her mostly with a confident stance and nothing but a proud straight iron back when she deceived enemies left and right.

He guessed that all great people were once a newbie full of self-doubt.

"Not many took a Blue Mage class because of their mediocre skill list at the start of the game. However, if you pressed on and persisted, I'm sure you'll become one of the sought-after Blue mages in COVENANT."

Evie smiled with no mirth. "How long would that be? By that time, others can gain an advantage too. I'm afraid I wouldn't turn out as I hope to be, and no one would want my services by then."

". . ."

Ren scratched the back of his head and thought for a moment before he said, "After this dungeon, once your INT reaches 30, venture into Illusion Forest in the land of the Sprites. There you will find something that would . . . help you."

Evie was confused. Ren spoke like he knew everything about the game. And she was confused even more because he was helping her. "Why . . . are you doing this?"

Evie looked over at Ren. Though his appearance was shrouded in darkness, she felt he was looking at her too.

Instead of answering, Ren sent another shock to her in the form of a request.

[Ren is sending you a Friend Request]

[ACCEPT]

[DECLINE]

Evie was dumbfounded. Everything was turning so fast for her. She still hadn't recovered about Ren knowing her mission and still drew a blank as to why he was helping her –– and now she was pressed again with another option.

Ren moved ahead and waved his hand. "I won't be saying anything to Silvia and the others. And whatever you decide is your choice. You can either restrict yourself in a guild and be an enslaved person for a penny's worth . . . or you can risk it all and carve your own path and become an Illusion Queen. Your choice."

". . ."

As she watched Ren's back, Evie suddenly felt light. Like all the worries didn't exist. She felt that burst of energy that she lost before. The one that vanished after being made as a cannon fodder and errand girl for a day.

Evie didn't know why but watching Ren's back made her feel like she could do anything.

Evie looked at the notification on her screen before she pressed [ACCEPT, a genuine smile spreading on her lips.

Ren . . .

—-

Meanwhile, Robert's group was advancing forward at a steady pace, and the more they uncovered the path, the more the map grew in percent.

"As I thought. The hundred percent is the Boss's room!" Jack said in glee when the map was already ninety-eight percent complete after they rounded the corner and came to a large hall after the arch passageway.

In this hall was a massive door made of dried magma, shut together to prevent anyone from going in and out.

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"W-we're finally here." Vida caught her breath. She thought that this cave would never end.

"After this, I'm going to have a long nice cold bath." Trixie chuckled before she flung her attention to Lucia. "You wanna' join?"

Lucia just shrugged. "Sure. The heat is unbearable. I probably won't play for a whole day after this. It's so exhausting."

Trixie beamed. "You're welcome to hang out with us. Maybe a nice spa tonight?"

Lucia stared Trixie in the eyes and grinned. "Gucci. Add me up to your friend's list."

While the two girls were happily chatting, Robert's attention was on Black Lion, who was parking on the south side of the hall.

There were other groups too that were waiting for their turn, and everyone seemed to be on edge. Numerous groups entered the Boss's Room before them, and still no firstblood notification. They all respawn at the cave entrance as wisps while the door opened for another challenger.

The forum was also eerily quiet. None dared to tell the tale about their encounter with Vulcan. Everyone's lips were sealed for fear of the others claiming firstblood.

Robert's grin stretched his face when he saw Scar's group, who had nearly half of their MP depleted while theirs were still in full.

He couldn't help but laugh. "The firstblood is in the bag!" Only Black Lion held the highest threat to them, and looking at them so battered and beaten with almost zero MP . . . he almost wanted to dance from joy.

Their supporting unit had zero MP, while their main attacking team had only less than half of their MP left. It might be a blow to Scar's ego that he underestimated this dungeon. That was a miscalculation on his part. He had grown complacent, thinking that COVENANT was the same as Clash of Guilds.

Heh! Robert couldn't contain his laughter. There was nothing to stop them from claiming firstblood now.

Robert went to Scar, grinning from ear to ear. "Yo. I see that you only have less than half of your MP left. Do you mind if we entered before you? Don't worry. As compensation, I tell you the Boss's information once we claimed firstblood."

Black Lion glared at Robert while the latter had too much layer of thick skin to even care about some sharp glares.

Scar stifled a laugh. "And I see that you still have your usual tricks," Scar said meaningfully, looking at the full HP and MP of Robert's group.

Robert smirked. "I was just using my head. And as you can see, from all the groups in here, ours have the highest chance to defeat the Boss."

"What did you say?" Zevi hissed.

Scar raised his hand and stopped her. "Actually . . . you are correct. We do have to use our brains. Tactics is everything in this world. Which I enjoy, mind you. We can't just push our way into this with brawns and just hope for the best, can we now?"

Robert was confused for a moment, didn't quite catch what Scar meant.

"Ah, yes. There they are. Right on time." Scar's smile widened at the appearance of another group who were marching towards them.

"I'm sorry," the guy said, panting. "Some of the monsters have respawned, so it took us a while to get here."

"No worries. Did you bring what I asked for?"

The man nodded. "Yes. But all in all, we only managed to purchase five Mana Potions with our gill."

"No problem. You've done a good job. You can log out now and get some rest." Scar smiled before he smirked at Robert, looking at him under the bridge of his high nose.

"You see. We have multiple groups who attempted this cave before us and other groups who were doing other dungeons. They were clearing the monsters nonstop so it was no wonder that their ATP reach the requirement to enter towns. I have rounded those who can enter the city and have them buy the Mana Potions.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

"The only downside is, they had to start at the very beginning of the cave once they forfeited or logged out. So it took a while . . . but no worries. All are going according to plan."

Robert's smile fell.

Scar leaned over and whispered in Robert's ear.

"I'm telling you this so you can add this to your strategy next time so you wouldn't have to ride someone's tail all the time."

Scar then patted Robert's shoulder. "Good luck out there. But we will be taking the firstblood."

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Robert went to his group fuming with anger before he slammed his feet against the rock. He yelped when a tingle vibrated from the tip of his toes and traveled to the end of his bones.

"F*ck! Mother F*ck! As*hole! Sh*t!"

Trixie covered her face and shook her head in embarrassment at how her boyfriend was acting, while the other members cringed at the sight of their leader.

Where was the composure that he always spoke about?

While the players who saw all snickered and pointed their fingers at him.

"Everyone!"

Every player's attention went to Scar when he spoke. His voice was enigmatic, while his face was charismatic. What more could you ask for a leader?

"Is it alright if my group and I will enter first?" Scar said straight to the point. Now that their main attacking unit had full HP and MP, there was no need to wait anymore.

It was time to get that firstblood.

However, as Scar expected, the two groups that were ahead of them protested. And Scar couldn't just brush them off and force their way towards the Boss's Room. Bad press wasn't what they needed right now.

"What do you mean enter first?!" Group 1 shouted.

"Mother-Father! We have been here for hours. We have traversed this cave for an entire day!" Group 2 stated.Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

"I know. I know. However, I propose a proposition to the two groups that came ahead of us," Scar started and continued when the two groups only looked at each other in confusion.

"I know how hard it is for everyone to come this far, and I understand your frustration. However, I promised to share the Boss's information with your group if we get firstblood."

Group 1 sneered while group 2 scoffed.

"And we will offer money," Scar added. "Real money."

The two groups' faces lightened.

Now we're talking!

Group 1 and 2 weren't after the fame anyway. Firstblood was good and all, but if they could get actual money from just playing a game, then it was so much better.

When Group 1 and 2 took the bait, Scar pressed on, "I think this is a good compensation for you guys. Not that I don't believe in your skills, but as you know, more than half of your group have no more MP left."

Groups 1 and 2 looked at each of their members and compared it to Scar's well-equipped party. It was like comparing peasants to nobles. Scar was right. Their chance of getting firstblood was lesser than fifty percent.

Maybe even less than ten percent since other groups before them who have better gears and more MP ended up at the cave entrance as wisps.

However, their chance of getting real money was a hundred percent. This was an offer that they couldn't pass by.

Who cares about firstblood anyway? It was not like they could eat it. They were just playing for fun and didn't even know the importance of getting firstblood for a guild.

"Sure. How much are you willing to pay?" Group 1 asked, and Group 2 seconded.

"As long as we received real money. No problem if you go ahead of us."

"Hold it!" Robert immediately interfered and came forward between Scar and the two groups. "If he's offering money, then so am I. I'm buying our spot to go first."

"Hold it!" Group 3 interfered and came into the picture. They glared at Robert's group and growled, "You came after us, so you have to pay us as well."

Robert gritted his teeth, and he looked over at Trixie. Trixie merely waved her fingers and nodded without care.

Robert regained his bearing and grinned. "Sure. No problem. How much do you want?"

Group 3's leader crossed his arms. "How much can you offer?"

Robert grumbled under his breath. He knew that the first one to give a number lost. In negotiation, he had to hear the other's offer first before he would work around it.

"How much do you want?" Robert persisted. He could not lose to a bunch of noobs in terms of compromise.

Group 3 looked over at the ceiling before a crooked grin made its way to his lips. "How about one thousand each of us. There are fifteen of us, so fifteen thousand real money."

Robert's mouth dropped. "That's only for a spot!"

"Take it or leave it." Group three said stubbornly.

Seeing that they could receive one thousand real money, the other group's eyes shone, and they requested the same amount.

All in all, the total amount that Robert had to pay to take the first spot was a total of forty thousand.

Robert looked over at Trixie, and his smile was a little bit awkward. Trixie sighed and nodded before checking her nails. Robert was ecstatic, and he sent a flying kiss her way.

"Fine then." Robert grinned.

However, at this point in time, Scar stepped forward and proclaimed, "It's not only them that you have to pay Robert. Have you forgotten? Our group came here ahead of you."

". . ." Robert's face went white. That was right. How could he forget about Black Lion?

Robert chuckled and cleared his throat. "Scar, you're already rich. What do you need money for?"

"True. However, I can't just allow you to go ahead before us."

"What is it that you want then?" Robert snapped.

"How about a hundred thousand to each one of us, and you can go first? Ey?"

Robert and his teammates almost went out of their skin, and even Trixie shouted, unmindful of her image.

"That's crazy!"

"Yeah. And only for a spot?!"

"That's very unreasonable!"

"You're just taking advantage of us!"

Scar merely laughed. "If you don't want to pay, then don't. Simple as that. However . . . WE will get firstblood."

Robert gritted his teeth. Why did they have to enter after them? He should have picked up the pace if he knew this would happen.

Scar getting his hands on mana potions was out of his calculations.

However, Robert still had something up his sleeve. He leaned closer to Scar and said, "How about I give you the complete map of Vulcan's cave?"

Scar raised a brow. "Complete? Are you sure it's complete?"

"It's ninety-eight percent complete! The last two percent is the Boss's room," Jack said with certainty.

Scar was silent for a moment before he leaned a little closer to Robert and whispered, "You see . . . I don't need the map anymore, Robert. Thank you for bragging about your map to us. I have someone go and take care of it."

The evil grin behind Scar's amiable face put Robert at an edge.

"You mean that girl. Evie?"

Scar shrugged, not affirming or denying Robert's claims.

Robert was fuming with anger when he remembered that pretty girl with white hair. Because of her, his plans were ruined! There might be a chance of negotiation if only she didn't infiltrate the group and get their map!

And DAMN Silvia and the others for being too trusting!

No. DAMN him for mentioning about their map to Scar in the first place!

Robert's head was pounding hard. He wanted to hit himself. He couldn't give up now! Not now when he was so close to getting firstblood!

Robert went to Trixie, grabbed her hand, and talked to her at the side.

"Bo,' Robert pleaded, but he hadn't even finished his sentence when Trixie slapped his hands aside.

"No! Robert, my monthly allowance is only five hundred thousand. I will not be spending all of my money at the beginning of the month. What would happen to me the rest of the week? I'll starve. I can't go shopping. I can't go to the spa. What about my weekly appointment with my skin dermatologist and orthodontist? Not to mention that the latest Luis Vuitton bag is just around the corner. I can't let Silvia have one while I don't! What will people say? That I'm starting to get Poor?! That I can no longer compete with Silvia? Forget it, Robert."

Robert didn't get the chance to open his mouth fully, and Trixie already barraged him with words that left him wagging a white flag in defeat.

The woman's voice was high pitch, and it hurt his ears. Her mouth was like a nonstop drumming gong that pierced his eardrums.

He would have broken up with her if she wasn't rich and hot.

Robert gritted his teeth. He couldn't lose Trixie now. He needed her in his guild as a financer and backer, even if all she cared about was getting ahead of Silvia.

"If you're done talking, then I guess we're going ahead," said Scar when the door opened for the next challenger.

Just us everyone expected, the firstblood still wasn't claimed!

"Guro, get all their names and message Invayne to transfer the money to their accounts as soon as possible," said Scar.

"Yes, Boss."

Group 1 and 2 both rubbed their hands together with eyes shining like sparkly gil.

The only one who wasn't happy about the turn of events was Robert and his group.

"Bye . . ." Sevi smirked. "Losers," she whispered in the end.

Robert let out another series of curses as the door closed behind Black Lion.

The leaders of Group 3 crossed his hands and looked at Robert under his enlarged nostrils. "So, are you going to pay us or what?"

"FUCK OFF!!" Robert screamed at the top of his lugs.

Scar's group already went ahead. What's the use of paying the others now?

The greatest threat had just entered the Boss's room, and there was a hundred percent chance that Black Lion would get first blood!

This was Scar they were talking about!

Damn it!

Robert kicked a hard rock and yelped when that famillar tingle traveled from his toes and rippled in all parts of his body.

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The seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to fifteen minutes, but Robert's eyes remained glued to the door. Unblinking and unmoving. His eyes strained, red veins crawled on his white pupils, and the door remained unmoved.

"Stop it," snapped Trixie. "There's nothing we can do but wait our turn." She shook her head, disapproving of her boyfriend's behavior.

But Robert seemed not to hear anything. His whole focus was on the door. Nothing else mattered right now, but the notification popping in the sky, announcing that Scar's group had finally gotten firstblood.

"Well . . . the good thing is Group 1 and 2 already backed out," said Vida eying the groups who were so happy to receive their money before they logged out.

Jack sneered. "Those assholes probably couldn't wait to spend those meager sums." He spat on the ground. "Talk about no class at all."

"The good news is, after Group 3, we are next." Lucia eyed the leader of Group 3, who approached Robert again, persisting about the deal.

Apparently, they were jealous of the other groups getting a thousand bucks, and they wanted to extort Robert nonstop.

"So we have been thinking of lowering our prices. How about five hundred each one of us, and you go first?"

They even lowered their price!

They weren't willing to go home empty-handed, that was for sure.

". . ."

"Four hundred?" The leader of Group 3 bargained again when Scar remained quiet.

". . ."

When he couldn't elicit a response from Robert, the former sighed and said, "Alright, you win. One hundred. Take it or leave it."

"Fuck off!" Robert growled and snapped. "Don't you understand?! It's no longer important if I go first! Scar is already inside the Boss's Room and will probably get firstblood! He always does! What's the use of me going in there before you when I can no longer get firstblood! Huh?!"

Group 3's leader took a step back, raising his hands in the air as he looked at Robert like he had gone crazy. "Chillax, dude. If you don't want. Then fine."

Group 3's leader walked away, but before he did, he turned around and asked again, "Are you sure you don't want to take the offer?"

"Fuck off, asshole! Or I'll thrash you!"

Group 3's leader immediately went back to his group and shook his head in dismay, spreading to his members how Robert was crazy.

Great! Trixie rolled her eyes at the ceiling. Now their guild's reputation was in shambles because of their leader. Her reputation was going to suffer too if Robert kept losing his cool like this.

He was such an embarrassment. Trixie lamented to herself. If not because she needed him to trick Silvia and also put a guild to combat Golden Phoenix, she wouldn't have anything to do with Robert.

However, the guy was her ticket to build a guild like Silvia. Trixie didn't know anything about that stuff while Robert was a pro player and was planning to put up a guild. Plus, he was commissioned by Silvia to help them in the raid.

What more could she ask for?

However, now, looking at the once graceful man, Trixie didn't know what to think anymore.

"Wow. Look at that group full of beauties."

"That man is so lucky to be surrounded by a bunch of pretty chicks."

"I wish I have a harem like that, serving me grapes while massaging my shoulders, *sigh . . . I could die happy."

Robert and his group's attention flung at the newcomers and their eyes rounded in shock when Golden Phoenix entered the hall before the Boss's room, led by none other than Silvia and Ren.

"W-what . . . what are they still doing here?" Trixie couldn't believe her eyes. She thought that Silvia and her group had already forfeited the dungeon. She had already messaged her friends and her inner circles that Silvia had failed the cave.

Trixie bit her nail. No matter. They were first to enter the Boss's room. As long as they got firstblood, then all was good.

At the side, Robert's jaw dropped when he noticed Silvia's group had full HP and MP.

How did that happen?

Just what the hell was going on?!

However, before Robert could say anything else, the door of the Boss's room creaked before it opened with a loud bang, welcoming its new challenger.

. . .

. . .

Silence descended. Thick and heavy.

The hall was eerily quiet. Not a sound was heard, and even everyone's breathing stopped.

Alecia's head tilted to the side with a flower blooming over her head. "Why is everyone so quiet?"

". . ."

". . ."

Everyone was silent because of the absence of the [World Announcement] saying that Black Lion had claimed firstblood.

W-what happened?

Robert didn't know what to think at first. His mind was in a jumble of mess that it just shut down into blankness. He didn't know what to think. The fact that Scar, who had a well-equipped, full HP and MP, with twenty members going inside the Boss's room, was still defeated –– completely blew his mind!

What kind of a dungeon was this?!

Wasn't this supposed to be a newbie cave?!

What the hell was going on?

Robert couldn't wrap his head around what was happening.

And now this.

Silvia's group suddenly appeared out of nowhere with full HP and MP ready to take on anything.

What in the fuck?! Did he miss something?!

"All right, men! It's time to shine!" Group 3 shouted when it was their turn to take the Boss since Group 1 and 2 had already logged out to enjoy their thousand bucks.

"Unless, of course, if you want to pay–"

"Fuck off already!" Robert shouted, and Group 3 throttled into the Boss's Room.

Robert was still having difficulty breathing, and his mind was still a mess. He was hung up on two things, Scar's failure to get firstblood and Silvia's group having full HP and MP.

His brain was all over the place, and his concentration was nowhere to be found.

Only two minutes passed, and the door screeched open once more, asking for a much better challenger.

But Robert wasn't even excited at the turn of events. Even with the Boss's room welcoming them with open panels, he wasn't thrilled in the slightest.

He was horrified!

If Scar, who had a well-equipped balance party, was defeated, what more were they?

Suddenly, Robert had cold feet.

"Robert!" Trixie called. Batting her eyelids and nudging her head at the entrance, "Let's go!"

"Huh?"

Trixie rolled her eyes. "The Boss, idiot. Let's go!"

Before Robert could say another word, Trixie led the others inside the Boss's Room while Robert didn't know what was happening. He was like a walking numb corpse with a full head containing zero brains.

And before the door of the Boss's room completely closed, Robert looked over his shoulder at Silvia's group. The girls just sweetly smiled at him, taunting him, waving their hands like he was going to die.

Fuck it!

Robert regained his bearing a little when they were transported in a different plane of nothing but liquid fire sprouting from the ground, flowing everywhere like a river. Molten rocks and dried magma scattered all over the place, forming little islands.

The place was like a sea of fire where the only respite for their legs were the minuscule numbers of dried magma rock sprinkled throughout the area in the form of small islands. While the sky was dark and even the stars twinkled like molten rocks.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

"Be careful of your footing," Vida warned, "one wrong step, and you might suffer from the Burn status."

Not only were they going to fight the Boss in this difficult terrain, but they also had to mind their positioning and footing.

No wonder Scar failed.

The level of these dungeon's difficulty was too much at their current ATP!

Was this really a newbie cave?

Damn it. Robert gritted his teeth. He was trying hard to formulate a strategy. He already had many, but the sudden defeat of Scar took a blow to his confidence.

If Scar couldn't defeat the Boss, how could he?

The war hadn't even begun, but he had already lost!

WhooSsH!

At the sudden gust of wind came the appearance of Vulcan, and contrary to everyone's expectation, the Boss's looked like a giant sphere of dried scorched magma rocks put together to form a big ball with hollow eyes and mouth.

Vulcan looked like a packman.

Everyone really thought that they were going to fight a golem or something.

Vulcan's eyes glowed red, and magma began to flow in its body. Its color then changed to black while lava flowed in all parts of its frame like red glowing crimson veins.

RoOAarR!

At Vulcan's roar, dozens of little Vulcans appeared the size of half a man, floating together beside Vulcan. Their eyes also glowed red. They were cute but menacing like little round devils.

"S-someone! Use a goddamn monocle!" Trixie shouted when everyone was stunned, including Robert.

Lucia regained her wits and gulped. She used a monocle and gasped at Vulcan's information.

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[Used Monocle x1

Remaining number of Monocles: 1]

ǁ V U L C A N ‖

Location: Vulcan's Cave

Description:

"The heart of the Volcano."

After thousand years of harnessing elemental fire, the once heart of the Volcano took a shapely form that defended its home against intruders.

Wherever Vulcan walks, explosions follow.

‖ A T T R I B U T E ‖

HP: 9 000

MP: 200

STRG: 40 5 [Domain Bonus]

DEF: 40 10 [Domain Bonus]

MDF: 10

INT: 30 4 [Domain Bonus]

AGL: 40 5 [Domain Bonus]

LCK: 10

‖ D A M A G E

R E S I S T A N C E S ‖

Bludgeoning [Non-Magic]Foll𝑜w current novℯls on nov𝒆lb((in).(com)

Piercing [Non-Magic]

Slashing [Non-Magic]

‖ D A M A G E

I M M U N I T I E S ‖

Burn

‖ W E A K N E S S ‖

Water

‖ S K I L L S S P E L L S

Passive Skill:

Levitation

Can ignore terrain restrictions and fly anywhere on the map.

Explosion

Once defeated, Vulcan explodes in a ten-meter radius at him as the center point. Damage is equal to its INT x2.

Double Attack

Vulcan could perform a single bonus attack if the enemy failed to hit it.

Fire Rain

–– Vulcan can shoot multiple fires as long as his little minions are alive. However, he can't move on his spot while doing so.

–– damage is equal to Vulcan's INT

–– causes Burn Status

Active Skill:

Blink LV.4

–– Vulcan can teleport anywhere in its lair

–– Cost –50 MP

–– Cooldown 4 sec.

Vulcan Charge LV. 1

–– Vulcan can charge at its enemies and deal massive AoE damage

–– Cost –100 MP

–– Cooldown 10 sec.

Lava Beam LV.2

–– Vulcan can shoot a large expanse of lava in a straight line dealing massive AoE damage in the area.

–– Cost –50 MP

–– Cooldown 20 sec.

‖ E N D ‖

Like any Boss, its passive skills all complimented its active skills. But Vulcan had a lot of AoE damage, and the terrain wasn't exactly ideal for defending against such attacks.

No wonder Scar got wiped out.

"Robert!" hissed Trixie.

"H-huh?"

"Stop daydreaming and tell us what to do! Quick! That thing is about to attack!"

Robert looked at Vulcan and the dozen little Vulcans by its side before he shifted his gaze at his party. Even from meters away, he could smell their fear. The uneasiness and uncertainty on their faces intensified the more when he blanked out.

"Oh my god! You're so useless!" Trixie growled and shouted at the others. "Tank drew its aggro on you while mages take your position at the back and target those little balls first! Healers, heal the tank and DPS, be careful not to OT! Get to work, everyone!"

At Trixie's high-pitched voice, everyone recovered from their daze and got to their positions. Robert also regained his wits thanks to the voice he hated so much.

Robert, together with the secondary tank, drew the aggro and the little balls of spitting fire locked their eyes on them. They were spluttering hot magma and ramming the tank's guard with their hard body while Vulcan stayed on its position at the far end.

"Mages, make sure to quickly finish these little balls first!" Robert instructed. "While DPS, go take care of Vulcan while it doesn't move!"

The mages cast their [Water] Spell, and the DPS all went to Vulcan. However, before they reach the big ball of searing magma, a rain of fireballs shot towards the sky, blocking the horizon with nothing but blazing spheres of concentrated lava, hitting anything at random.

BooOmM!

BoOoOmM!

"Agh!"

Shouts echoed in the cave when the others couldn't evade on time because of the difficult terrain, while some went into the Lava pool and suffered continuous damage and burn damage. Their HP immediately went half.

"Damn it! Healers, don't let us die!" Robert shouted when his HP flashed red before his eyes. "And someone get this annoying Burn status from me–argh!"

Robert lost his focus for a moment when out of the blue, an enormous sphere of water came spiraling in his direction, hitting him straight on his head.

"The fuck watch your aim, idiot!" Robert looked over his shoulder and saw Lucia sticking out her tongue in an awkward smile.

"Sorry. Sorry. I'm a little nervous since this is my first boss, so my aiming is a little off."

Robert clumped his mouth tight before he refocused his attention back on the annoying little minions.

There were still three little Vulcans left because of the Mages' lousy aim. And not only that, whenever they killed the annoying little balls, they popped and dealt explosive damage, enough to half their HP while a burn status was inflicted on them.

The Mages and Healers all wasted their MP on the little minions while healing the tank, and the Boss was still levitating at full health because the DPS couldn't do much physical damage against it.

"Shit!" Robert cursed and shouted, "Damn, Mages. Can't you aim, right?! They are literary in front of–argh!"

Before Robert could finish his sentence, another burst of water splashed straight on his face again.

"What the fuck?!" Robert looked over his shoulder and found Lucia again, who was sticking her tongue out while playfully knocking her head with her fist.

"Sorry. Sorry. My aim is a little rusty. I'm not exactly a sharpshooter material."

"You don't say?!" Trixie sneered. "You have been aiming at our members since the very beginning! You bitch!"

Lucia tilted her head before she bent over and laughed. "What took you so long to figure that out?"

The cat was out of the bag and Lucia merely shrugged. "You should have really thought about double-crossing us in the first place! Bleh!" She stuck out her tongue and pulled down her eyelids.

"Y-you!" Trixie was speechless and in rage.

"You Bitch!" Robert shouted at the top of his lungs. Lucia just wanted to infiltrate their group and cause havoc.

"Right back at you, you asshole! You're not the only one who can act!" Lucia grinned before she shot a water spell at Jack, slowing him down.

Jack didn't suffer any HP reduction, but the [Slow] from the [Water] spell affected him, and his movement speed decreased. It was enough for the next rain of fire from Vulcan to hit him multiple times.

"Motherfuc*!" Jack cursed so loud he choked from his own saliva. He then burned Lucia with his glares before he evaporated into nothing but particles.

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"Fu*! Someone kicked that damn girl out of the group!" Robert shouted.

"W-we can't! The group function is locked in this place!"

"Sh*!" Robert gnashed his teeth. He forgot that some features were disabled in the Boss's room. It was to make sure that all members who entered the room shared equal EXP and gil after defeating the Boss and not just a selected few who kicked out their members to gain an enormous sum of EXP and gil.

"Then at least restrain her!" Trixie commanded.

Some of Robert's members went to Lucia, intending to grab her. However, this caused what little DPS and Mages left, which took care of the little minions and Vulcan, to decrease even more.

"Never mind her!" Robert instructed. They didn't have the manpower to spare on Lucia. Their members were dying left and right! "Focus on the battle ahead! She's running out of MP anyway!"

Lucia's grin never faded. "So what if I'm running out of MP? I can always do this!" She rammed herself against Vida, who was casting her spell, and this caused her to miss, wasting precious MP in the process.

"Aagh!" Vida screamed when she fell into the pool of liquid fire. "Fu*!"The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Vida hadn't finished her sentence when another rain of fire erupted from Vulcan's wide mouth like multiple mortars, hitting her straight on.

Vida immediately drank a [Health Potion]. However, the continuous damage and the [Burn] Status were draining her HP faster than she could heal and get out of the lava pool. "Heal me quick! Cast Cure"

"No, you won't!" Lucia ran towards the group of White Mages. She chose to stay close to them as much as possible so it would be easier for her to disrupt their game play.

She pushed the healers to the side, disrupting their casting while they lost their bearing and fell into the pool of hot lava.

Now even the Healers required healing and cure while Vida disappeared in battle, leaving only shouts and insults in her wake.

"Fu* Bi*!" showers of curses erupted from Robert and Trixie's mouths.

They shouldn't have accepted Lucia in the first place!

The girl was so good at acting that they made them believe she shifted her side! All of the women in Silvia's group were!

"Hahahaha! Mess with us, and you'll burn in hell. Literality!" Lucia hysterically laughed. She looked at the minuscule number of players on Robert's side. Only one White Mage was left while her MP was gone at saving herself.

Jack disappeared, so the only DPS remaining was Trixie. But since she was a Human Swordsman, her damage wasn't enough to kill Vulcan.

Only Trixie and Robert were left, and some two mages who were running out of MP while the Boss was still near full health.

Heh!

A job well done, if I do say so myself. Lucia nodded to herself with her flat chest rising in pride.

"Son of a B*!" Robert went after Lucia when all of the little minions popped and exploded, unmindful of the damage he received.

However, at precisely this time, Vulcan moved, and it shot a beam of molting lava in a straight line, targeting the island where the healer and mages were stationed.

Lucia immediately leaped into the Lava Pool to avoid the incoming AoE attack.

In one single hit, the other players who couldn't escape couldn't even let out a scream before they burst into particles.

Lucia laughed maniacally, enjoying Robert and Trixie's angry and frustrated faces. The two didn't know what to do. They were on the verge of crying from anger.

"Bye, bye." Lucia wiggled her fingers, and her HP flashed red.

And before Robert could get hold of her, she burst into white particles.

Robert bent towards the ceiling, veins almost popping from his head.

"FfuuuuUUUccKKK!!!!

—-

As soon as Lucia regained her body after she suffered an ATP reduction, she immediately removed herself from Robert's group.

And before the other members in Robert's group got hold of her, she escaped using the save/teleport crystal near the cave entrance and chose a faraway village to lay low. Good thing that there were many players congregated outside of Vulcan's cave and that the spot where they could respawn was completely random in the large save area.

After which, she requested to join Golden Phoenix and was granted access. She then sent Vulcan's information to the girls with a smirk on her face.

[Lucia: You guys owe me one]

Silvia chuckled as soon as she read Lucia's message. Too bad she didn't see Robert's face. The game should really add a camera feature in the future.

Maybe she could suggest it?

At the side, Ren shook his head when he was had. He really thought that Lucia betrayed them, only to find out that she just infiltrated Robert's team when the chance presented itself.

And the women's acting was spot on. He didn't even suspected a thing, and this was coming from him, who liked to overthink to the extreme.

No wonder they didn't speak ill of Lucia even after the latter shifted sides.

Girls sure are scary. Ren thought to himself as he watched Silvia and the others huddled together with evil smiles on their faces.

He blinked and rubbed his eyes because he seemed to be hallucinating that the women had horns and fangs like they were plotting something sinister.

"As much as I want to wallow in this happy occasion of Robert getting his own medicine, we have to think of a way to defeat Vulcan," said Silvia.

"That's going to be difficult." Rosie pouted. "If what Lucia said was true, then the terrain is our biggest challenge."

Alecia sighed. "Not to mention the Boss's troublesome skills."

"It will be our first boss who deals AoE damage," said Rafaela.

"Maybe we should leave the little minions alone and focus all our attack on Vulcan?" Pamela muttered, analyzing every angle on where they could approach this.

"We can't leave them alone," Alecia protested. "Those little annoying things will continuously deal damage to us."

"No," cut in Ren, and all eyes went to him. "Vulcan is a hard Boss if you approach it wrongly. You can get wiped out in a matter of minutes. However, though its list of skills complemented each other, it also hold the clue on how to defeat it. And if we executed it right, we can clear Vulcan's Cave within less than five minutes."

"Less than five minutes?" Alecia's mouth dropped. "Have you seen the HP of that thing?

Ren didn't speak, and when the others saw that he wasn't joking, they swallowed their protest and shook their heads to the sky.

That's right, Ren never jokes about these things. They have gotten used to his no-nonsense personality already!

Silvia tilted her hips to the side. "Then how do you suggest we approach this?"

Ren grinned, and the girls had hives erupting on their skin.

Why did they suddenly think that their life was in danger?

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Ren further explained his strategy in defeating Vulcan. The only method that was effective at their current ATP. It was tested and proven, and as long as the girls followed his instructions, everything would go according to plan.

"If you look at Vulcan's spell again, you'll notice that two of its active skill required him to move, [Blink] and [Vulcan Charge]. However, if you analyze its passive skill [Fire Rain, it will remain on its spot as long as its minions are alive. And so it couldn't do [Blink] and [Vulcan Charge]. And if it couldn't move and blink to a certain area, then our attacks would surely hit it, and it's passive [Double Attack] is useless.

"What's more, the little Vulcans only do minuscule damage, and it would take multiple spits of fire for the [Burn] status to appear if they attacked you. Their only threat is their explosion damage when they're killed that would surely half your life. And the advantage we have, if we don't kill those little popsicles of fire, we can avoid its explosion damage when it bursts and save tons of [Health Potions] in the process.

The girls and Nikolai's faces brightened.

"I-I . . . I think I saw the light," Alecia whispered, eyes sparkling and hands in prayer.

Everyone nodded in agreement. It was like they could finally see the sunny day after the dark unwinding tunnel.

Ren laid out the strategy, which was so simple that everyone thought it wouldn't work. But the more he spoke, the more they were convinced that they could do it.

They could really firstblood the Boss!

Ren approached the women and handed out the [Aqua Dud] he got from Little Trinket.

Silvia's eyes rounded. "Where did you get this?"

Ren dodged the question, "Don't worry. You can access it later on."

"Must be in the towns," muttered Pamela.

"Use those Duds to attack Vulcan so you won't draw the aggro on you," said Ren. "And only use [Health Potion] to restore your HP. Reserved your MP to cast [Cure] and nothing else. Time you cast with our HP. If our HP is still near full then don't cast [Cure] yet as there might be a chance that a [Burn] status will appear on us again. Wait for another wave of Vulcan's fire before you cast it so you can reserve as much MP as possible. It's a bit tricky but it's a good time to practice your map awareness and casting time.

Rafaela blinked. Her concern was entirely deferent. "You can't draw aggro with items?"

Ren shook his head in reply. That was the beauty of items that deal damage. No matter how significant the damage was, the aggro wouldn't shift on you. The downside was that it wasn't dependent on ATP, so the damage was fixed.

But it was enough to reduce Vulcan's high HP.

"Our strategy is simple." Ren looked at everyone. There was no need for a complicated strategy and risk of making mistakes. The more straightforward their approach was, the better for the others to execute.

"Since we don't have a tank anymore, the little Vulcans will automatically go after the Healers." Ren approached Pamela, who was looking at him with her round, innocent eyes.

Ren placed a hand over Pamela's shoulder and said with a serious voice, "You'll be the bait."

. . .

. . .Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om

"H-huh?" Pamela blanked out. She didn't get what Ren meant. She must have misheard him.

Unfortunately, she didn't when Ren continued.

"You'll move ahead from the others and draw those little minions towards you. While the rest of us attack Vulcan."

"Wait. Wait. Wait." Silvia stepped forward in Pamela's defense. "Why her? Why not Rosie?"

Rosie gasped. "Excuse me?

Silvia ignored her. "Or Rafaela?"

Rafaela frowned and batted her eyelids. "Because I'm clearly the best healer around here."

"What did you say? I beg to disagree," argued Rosie.

Ren ignored the girls' squabbles. "It's because Pamela had the highest HP of all the healers. And her map awareness is better than most. She can last longer as the bait."

"L-last longer?" Pamela didn't know if she should take it as a compliment or not. But regarding that big of a task, she didn't know if she could do it. It was okay if she remained in the backlines, supporting the others. But it was very different if she was on the front lines, facing the enemies head-on.

She was afraid she would faint and start to panic when the dozen of little Vulcans spit fire against her.

"Uhm . . . I'll take the bait."

All eyes went to Evie when she raised her hand.

"Evie can go." Silvia looked at Ren. "She volunteered herself."

Silvia knew that Pamela would have a panic attack if she was suddenly placed on the frontlines with dozens of enemies spitting fire on her.

While Rafaela was too stuck up to herself that she might not notice her surroundings. And Rosie . . . well, Rosie would throw a fit if anything damaged her well salon hair.

Silvia sighed. Why did she try to put a girl-only guild again?

Ren took a deep breath and was about to protest when Evie beat him.

"I'll draw the aggro on me first using a water spell. And my HP is also high. Though I can't say anything about my map awareness . . . but I will try my best." This was actually one of the longest and fastest sentences Evie had said in her entire life.

She wanted to draw the girls' trust one more time, and she was willing to do anything to gain it back.

Even if she had to be the bait once more.

Ren looked at Evie seriously. "Are you sure? You'll be a sitting duck for the little Vulcans to feast upon."

Evie nodded with conviction, and Ren no longer pressed the matter.

"Alright. Suit yourself then. Once we enter the Boss's Room, Evie will take the position near Vulcan and draw the aggro on her. Pamela will position herself near her, but on a different island so she could heal and cast Cure on her if her HP decreases a good amount. If ever Evie died, Pamela . . . you'll take her place. Understand?"

Pamela looked to the side before she meekly nodded her head. She guessed it was better than engage the boss head-on.

"While the rest of you will spread out in the islands where you can aim at Vulcan with the Aqua Dud. Remember, don't stay on the same island to minimize the damage from its AoE attacks. If your HP suffered, only drink [Health Potions]. Always reserve your MP on [Cure]."

Ren then assigned roles to the Healers to avoid what happened in the previous fight that they casted [Cure] on the same person.

"Rosie will focus on healing and curing Nikolai and me.

Rafaela, you focus on the rest. If either one of you dies, then the other will be in charge of making sure of casting Cure to the rest of us. While Pamela will only focus on Evie. Understand?"

The women nodded. The strategy was simple enough for them to follow.

Ren then addressed Silvia. "Since your physical attacks don't work against Vulcan, then I want you to focus on hitting it with the [Aqua Dud]."

Silvia opened her mouth, but Ren was already talking to Nikolai.

"Nikolai, you will engage the Boss and use only [Soul Attack] against it. Drink [Mana Potion] if your MP is low. Got it?"

"Got it!"

Ren swept one final look at the group. Their serious gazes meant that they were ready to claim their firstblood at Vulcan's Cave.

The door creaked open once more, welcoming another challenger.

"Let's go."

It was time to claim their much awaited firstblood!

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 500PS!

Thank you everyone!

—-

Having to imagine Vulcan's Lair was different than the actual image, and the women looked all uneasy again when they saw the sea of lava.

"Don't be afraid. Vulcan is an easy Boss if you stick to the plan." Ren reassured.

Evie's hand was sweating. She was the first to initiate an attack to draw Vulcan's little minions to her.

"Don't be nervous. You can do it."

Evie's nerves calm down a little at hearing Ren's low but deep voice. There was something in his tone that radiated confidence. Looking over at the towering man, Evie felt that everything was going to be okay.

RoOaArR!

Dried magma rocks came together to form a ball of glowing searing lava with red eyes and a wide mouth that spouted hot liquid fire.

. . .

. . .

Pft. Ruru smacked her mouth with her hand in an attempt to stop her giggles. "It looked like packman."

Everyone weirdly looked at Ruru, and their nerves loosened a bit at her funny remark.

Ruru always had a weird sense of humor.

"Alright, get into position." Ren leaped into an island near Vulcan together with Nikolai and Silvia.

At the same time, Evie and Pamela took the other side and engaged the little Vulcans. Evie casted [Water] Spell drawing the aggro on her while Pamela jumped on an island not far from her.

And as they expected, Evie was swarmed with dribbles of fires, but she didn't do anything to shift the aggro from her. She took it all in with a blank face. Good thing that the little Vulcans' fires didn't do serious damage.

A total of –20 was reduced from Evie's HP from all the attacks, and she didn't suffer [Burn] status at the first wave. Ren specifically told her not to kill the Little Vulcans no matter how annoying they were because their real damage was when they exploded.

Her life would last longer if she left them alone. All she need to focus on was attacking Vulcan with her [Water] spell since her INT was the highest after Lucia left the group.

Seeing all enemies from all sides surrounded Evie, the girls all took pity and actually felt guilty that they had suspected her.

Meanwhile, Ren was thinking about a different matter.

Good. Ren thought. Evie might not die even after they killed the Boss if everything went well.

"Stop worrying about her. She'll be fine," said Ren. "Throw those duds at Vulcan now!"

At Ren's signal, numerous potions containing clear aqua flew in the air and hit their levitating target.

–250 Critical Hit!

–270 Critical Hit!

–230 Critical Hit!

–220 Critical Hit!

–250 Critical Hit!

–280 Critical Hit!

[ Vulcan suffered from SLOW ]

Ren cast a multi-attack and dealt a massive blow at Vulcan in a single attack.

–1570 Critical Hit!

[ Vulcan suffered from SLOW ]

Nikolai jumped in front of Vulcan and struck a pose before his palms hit the levitating giant magma.

"Soul Attack! YaArgGh!"

– 220

"Ha!" Nikolai was ecstatic at the number. He didn't think his particular skill could do that amount of damage.

"Mister, did you see the damage?! I'm freaking strong!" Nikolai happily pointed at Vulcan.

"Get away from it! Quick!" Ren shouted.

Nikolai was surprised before he stepped away from Vulcan when the latter opened its mouth wide, and multiple balls of lava shot into the sky, blocking the horizon in a perpetual fire before it rained down below.

"Kyaagh!" the girls screamed before they realized that it wasn't that hot.

Rafaela laughed while sighing. "I can never get used to this," she said while welcoming a ball of fire in her open palms.

"Me too." Rosie checked her curls and breathed a sigh of relief when they weren't burned. Though her HP was losing a minuscule sum.

"Everyone who didn't receive much damage, continue to attack Vulcan while Healers heal and cure those whose HP greatly decreased and suffering from Burn."

"Got it!"

Unlike when they first entered in the cave, and everything was a mess, Golden Phoenix was performing a lot better now – way better.

After venturing for more than a day in Vulcan's Cave, they have gotten to each other's attacks and feel of the battle.

And thanks to Ren's instructions and simple enough strategy, everyone was performing their best. They were no longer wasting MP on wasted heal and cure. They felt like they could really do it!

They could really claim firstblood!

. . . If only their aim could improve in a day as well.

"S-sorry!" Ruru apologized profusely when the dud she threw was wasted when she didn't hit Vulcan.

Ren lamented. That was a thousand gil lost. He even chose the Aqua Dud that dealt AoE damage since he took everyone's aim into consideration. But some still miss their target.

Ren didn't know how that happened when Vulcan wasn't even moving.

"Agh . . ." Rafaela groaned. "Sorry. I have weak arms. The dud fell short."

Ren released a breath. "Those who have missed take a breather and heal the others."

Ren was focused on Vulcan while still minding his surroundings and the others' health.

So far, they have managed to reduce Vulcan's HP to less than half in two minutes, and everyone was near full HP and in good health.

He was even surprised that Evie was doing well at ignoring the little minions while Pamela was making sure to keep her alive.

Pamela unblinkingly stared at Evie, red veins crawling on her pupils when she didn't blink, afraid that Evie might die.

Ren chuckled. She should relax a bit.

"Embrace for another wave! Stand your ground!" Ren shouted at the others when Vulcan opened its mouth again, and fireballs rained down on them.Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om

It was actually more dangerous to evade it and trip into the Lava Pool while doing so. At least the rain of fire only dealt minuscule damage while the Lava Pool dealt continuous damage.

After the wave, everyone made sure that their HP was still near full.

Ren had a [Burn] status flashing on his screen but it quickly disappeared, and he gave his thanks to Rosie while the latter just sent a flying kiss his way.

Augh . . .

Ren quickly did an MP check, and the White Mages still have half their MP left.

In contrast, Evie and Alecia already had zero MP and was now using the [Aqua Dud] he gave them.

The others have near zero [Aqua Dud] too, but Ren wasn't worried. Another round of his multi-attack and Vulcan would enter [Berserk] mode. And what awaited them after that was victory.

"Ren, something is wrong with the Boss!" Silvia said, drawing everyone's eyes at Vulcan.

Compared to before, Vulcan's mouth was opened much wider, and inside its throat was a concentrated ball of fire.

Ren's eyes rounded. Not good! His attention immediately flicked at Evie and Pamela. "Evie, Pamela, get into the Lava Pool!"

Pamela and Evie both looked at Ren in bewilderment. "What?"

At that exact moment, Evie saw a large burst of glowing lava at the corner of her eyes, heading straight in her direction.

Evie didn't have time to think and she dived into the Lava Pool, missing the Lava Beam by a hair.

However, Pamela's reaction was a second late, and she was hit by the [Lava Beam's] edge causing her HP to rapidly drain before stopping at 4.

She was about to drink [Health Potions] when Vulcan suddenly appeared right in front of her and gave her a loud chomp, munching her in one bite.

Pamela burst into white particles with hallowed eyes. She seemed to have passed out from shock.

"P-Pamela!" Silvia didn't know what had happened.

"How the hell did Vulcan move?"

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"How the hell did Vulcan move?"

"Look! The minions are gone!" Alecia pointed at the area where the little Vulcans were flying just a moment ago.

"Could they have died because of the Lava Beam?" Rafaela said with a worried face though the corner of her lips were twitching into a smile. "Is that even possible that it could kill its children?"

Ruru shook her head in dismay. "The horror."

"Never mind that! Cast Cure at Evie now!" Silvia woke the girls from their daze while Ren helped Evie out of the Lava Pool.

"Sorry," Evie muttered under her breath, face downcast before she drank two [Health Potion] to recover her health.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Ren didn't know why she was apologizing, though.

"It's not your fault." They could still win this even with the unexpected turn of events.

"Let's attack it! Its HP is low!" Alecia shouted.

"No! Don't!" Ren's warning was a second late when Alecia already threw her last [Aqua Dud] at Vulcan, but it didn't hit when Vulcan hastily moved to the side. Its AGI was high, so it was nimble despite its gigantic and heavy appearance.

And because Alecia didn't hit Vulcan, its passive [Double Attack] was activated.

Vulcan immediately [Blink] behind Rosie and rammed its heavy self against the woman. Rosie was sent flying from the impact before she crashed against the rocky wall and fell into the Lava Pool.

It goes without saying that Rosie's DEF was low, and with Vulcan's critical attack from behind and the injury from the wall, and the continuous damage from the Lava Pool, she died and burst into particles. But not without cursing Alecia at the top of her lungs – though her voice remained seductive, raspy and slow.

"Alecia, dear, you owe me a whole day salon!"

Alecia cringed, covered her eyes, and shook her head. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

The moment that Vulcan could move, two of their Healers died, and only Rafaela was left.

"Nikolai cast [Taunt]!" Ren said in urgency. Vulcan would surely target Rafaela next, and he needed to save their last remaining healer, or the [Burn] status would end most of them.

"R-right!" Nikolai stuttered. "I-I'll be the man and take all the damage!"

Ren sighed over the ceiling. "Just do it."

Nikolai cast [Taunt, and Vulcan's attention shifted on him.

"Don't move, and keep it locked in combat!" Ren said before he started casting [Multiattack]. He wanted to end this fight as soon as possible while Nikolai still had the Boss's aggro.

At the same time, Vulcan was glowing red like it was about to burst, and Nikolai didn't know what to do. He wanted to move from his spot since his senses were tingling in alarm at the impending danger.

And just as four [Water] spell shoot simultaneously at the levitating giant ball of magma, Vulcan charged at Nikolai in full power, hitting him in a straight line while only two [Water] spells managed to land on Vulcan, decreasing his HP some more but still not enough for it to enter [Berserk] mode.

Nikolai suffered huge damage since he didn't level his DEF. He didn't even get the chance to land on the Lava pool when his body burst into white particles in midair.

"I'm sooorryy!" Nikolai cried before he disappeared on the battlefield.

"Nikolai!" the others bellowed while Ren clicked his tongue in disappointment.

Vulcan still didn't enter [Berserk] mode. The good news was, Ren stole the aggro, and Vulcan was going to went for him next. Rafaela was saved . . . for the meantime.

The disadvantage was that it would be a little difficult for him to time his attack with Vulcan since the big ball was now after him, unlike when the Boss had another target to focus on.

Ren wasn't really the best attacker, and he admitted that he wasn't the best player either. He purely relied on his knowledge of the past. But in terms of fighting, he was still lacking.

Ren leaped to an island far from the ladies. At least if Vulcan used another AoE, the others would be spared. He was confident at his DEF, and it looked like he had to suffer a bit of damage to inflict damage, just like what he did with the Mother of Spiders.

He only prayed that Vulcan wouldn't use [Vulcan Charge] or [Blink] again since the probability of him hitting it would be down to ten percent.

If only they had a tank, then Ren would know where to aim. It was different if he was the target since he didn't know where Vulcan would attack next.

It could be anywhere!

"Everyone, stay where you are. I'll face the Boss myself," announced Ren to others.

The [Aqua Dud] were all used, while the women didn't have any more MP except Rafaela. But the amount she had was only enough to cast [Cure] two times.

"Ren, I'll go there and help you!" Silvia was about to jump boulders to boulders when Ren stopped her.

"Stay where you are."

"But I can help!"

"Unless you can steal the aggro from me, you'll only going to be a hindrance."

Silvia caught her tongue, and she gritted her teeth. As much as she wanted to argue with Ren, he was right. Without the duds, her attacks were useless. Physical damage won't even scratch Vulcan's tough hide.

However, Silvia still wanted to be useful. She couldn't just stand still at the side while an outsider was fighting the Boss for their guild.

"Ren is right, Silvia. We can't do anything now but leave it up to him," Rafaela whispered consolingly. Though what she said only went from Silvia's ear and out to the next.

There's got to be a way to distract Vulcan while Ren finished it off. Silvia bit her nail. Her head was pounding hard, and she was getting dizzy from all the thinking and heat.

"Argh!" Silvia released a frustrated groan as she clutched her hair. Why was Ren's damage so high anyway that it was impossible to OT.

At the far end, Ren and Vulcan stared at each other, gauging who would attack first. Ren began to cast [Multiattack] while secretly hoping that Vulcan's skills were still in cooldown and that he wouldn't use [Blink].

But the Goddess of Luck wasn't in his favor today when Vulcan exactly did just that.

Ren took a turn when he noticed a slight change in the air beside him. But he was still a second late, and Vulcan rammed its giant body against him, disrupting his casting while he flew to the opposite side of the wall.

His back cracked against the dried rocks before he fell onto the ground. Lucky for him, he fell on a small bed of rocks, not in the Lava Pool. He didn't suffer continuous damage and [Burn] status didn't appear on his screen. So Rafaela's two [Cure] was still saved.

Pii immediately attacked Vulcan upon seeing Ren got injured. However, the little creature only managed a –1 from pecking Vulcan's broad head. In contrast, Vulcan didn't even put Pii into its eyes.

"W-we have to help him," Ruru meekly said while covering her eyes. She was still not used to violence. And seeing Ren pounded into a wall caused her heart to accelerate, and she felt like crying.

"What can we do?" Rafaela said bitterly. "Ren is right. We're just going to be a hindrance."

". . ." Seeing that they were powerless against the Boss without Ren, Silvia's confidence took a hit, and this got her thinking about the future of their guild.

The battle was raging on, but it might as well be dead, for Silvia couldn't see or hear anything. She was focused on her own thoughts.

Meanwhile, Ren cursed under his breath as he got to his feet, glaring at Vulcan. Now he had to start casting [Multiattack] from the beginning again.

Vulcan's attack had knockback and a [Stun] effect for two seconds. It could also cancel any casting of spells and skills.

The good news was since his [Multiattack] was canceled mid-cast, it wasn't in cooldown, and he could cast four [Water] spells again. Though from their distance, Ren wasn't confident that all his spells would hit Vulcan. Even more so that it could move. It would surely avoid all his incoming attacks.

This had gotten troublesome. Ren thought. If this kept going, he might have to use the [Paralyzing Dud] that Hubert gave him. Those Duds dealt AoE damage in a wide range, so even if Vulcan moved, he was confident that it would still be affected by the area explosion.

Ren got depressed at the thought, though. He was reserving those. But it looked like he got no choice. Vulcan wasn't entering Berserk Mode still, and the only solution he had was to deploy those Duds.

Firstblood was within their reach. He could not give that up now, all because he was stingy.

A small yellow bomb appeared in Ren's hand, the size of a tennis ball, while a spark of static enveloped its smooth metal frame.

Ren briefly closed his eyes and gnashed his teeth. He raised his hand to throw the [Paralyzing Dud] when his arm stopped halfway at the sudden number that appeared on Vulcan's Head.

–270 Critical Hit!

[ Vulcan suffered from SLOW ]

—-

A/N

I put this after I publish so the coin price is still fix.

Just wanted to thank you

MiguelWN for gifting a Gachapon!

Because of that 3 BONUS Chapters within this week, plus 1 BONUS Chapter for reaching 200 GT.

I guess there's no weekend for me. No rest for the wicked

Also, thank you to

Serph21

ArcticRooibos

Kamila_4200

for the gift and everyone who supported the book.

We're nearing 100 chapters, and all of this is because of your support.

CHEERS!

Happy Weekend!

All eyes went to the caster who had cast the [Water] spell, and everyone's mouth dropped when the attack came from Evie, who now had half of her MP.

How did her MP suddenly went from zero to half?

"Nikolai gave me one," she told everyone while her focus never strayed from Vulcan. Evie was reserving the [Mana Potion] until the end, and good thing that she did.

Ren was speechless for a moment before he released a relaxed smile. Thank goodness, Nikolai!

"That Kid saves the day, huh?" Rafaela stifled a laugh.

"Honestly . . ." Silvia released a mouthful of breath.

However, their respite was short live when Vulcan released a resounding RoOaArR! The hard layers of dried magma pulsated against its body like it was going to burst. Lava spurted in all its orifices while it rapidly dried into hard layers of rocks, transforming its image into a hard metal ball with only a menacing pair of red eyes.

[Vulcan entered BERSERK MODE!]

[Vulcan gained a NEW Skill!

Vulcan's Rage

â"â" Vulcan rapidly attacks in all manners of direction nonstop, dealing massive physical damage!

â"â" Cost â"100 MP ]

"Everyone into the Lava Pool now!" Ren instructed.

Everyone was confused at first, but upon seeing Ren jump into the blazing liquid of fire, they followed suit just in time that Vulcan shot in all directions like a pinball.

It rapidly zoomed everywhere, leaving only after image of itself that it was impossible to follow it with their eyes, much less predict its movement.

The only consolation the group had was Vulcan was aiming at islands. It was the reason why Ren instructed them to get into the Lava Pool so the ravaging metal ball of fire wouldn't hit them. One hit from it, and it would surely be the end of them.

Though they weren't out of the rock since the Lava Pool dealt continuous damage on their HP plus the annoying [Burn] status.

"T-this . . . how do we even attack it if we can't predict its movement?" Alecia lamented after taking a [Health Potion] to recover.

"I can't even see it clearly with it sprinting all over the place," complained Rafaela, rubbing her strained eyes that attempted to follow Vulcan's movement.

"H-how long would it stop moving?" Ruru was worried since she had already consumed her last [Health Potion]. They must defeat Vulcan as soon as possible, or the Lava Pool will kill them.

". . ." Silvia was silent, eyes on Ren, who was also quiet. What's going on with him? She thought.

Silvia squinted her eyes, but it was useless since she couldn't see Ren's face.

Is he . . . casting?

Silvia shifted her gaze at Vulcan, who was impossible to aim. With that thing running all over the place like a ravaging bull, it would take tremendous luck to hit it with a spell.

Their best course of action was to send someone on a suicide mission. Vulcan was only 50 HP away from dying, and Silvia might be able to finish it using her skill. She would hop onto the island and kill it with one strike.

If only she could get her timing right, everything would be easy.

Silvia unblinkingly stared at Vulcan, trying to know some kind of a pattern she could exploit. But it was like an impossible feat considering she was floating in the Lava Pool while Vulcan was levitating above. She couldn't get a good perspective to acquire a pattern of its attacks.New n𝙤vel chapters are published on

Damn it.

If she didn't do something, then all of them would die from continuous damage and the [Burn] status. At least if she got out there and faced Vulcan, they may still have a chance.

It was now or never.

Silvia made up her mind, and she jumped onto the island and faced Vulcan head-on.

However, she hadn't even taken action and performed any skill when Vulcan rammed itself against her. And it went without saying that Silvia was flung into the air while she burst into particles.

"I'm SoOoOrRy!"

Ren just shook his head and restrained a laugh. Leave it to Silvia for being impatience and not be able to stand at the side for even just fifteen seconds.

Ren wasn't worried at this point. Everything was easy as long as Vulcan had entered [Berserk] mode.

Vulcan was indeed hard to catch when it entered rage, but there was a pattern to its movement as long as you know how to count. He didn't tell Silvia and the others about it, for he avoided questions about how he knew that stuff. Telling them too much information might backfire against him.

Vulcan might be running all over the place, but he was just targeting the islands. At exactly fifteen seconds after it charge, it would stop for a moment at the farthest north of the Map for a second before he resumed rampaging again.

That was what Ren had been aiming for. That sliver of a window of attack. And if Silvia could have just waited for fifteen seconds, she might have lived.

Now!

Ignoring Vulcan and the others, Ren cast [Multiattack] and aimed four [Water] spells at exactly north of the room just in time that Vulcan took a second break on that exact same spot.

â"1400

[ Vulcan suffered from SLOW ]

Vulcan let out a reverberating RoOAaR as it trembled while the layers of dried magma forming its frame burst and Lava shot in multiple directions before it exploded.

"Dive into the Pool!"

At Ren's voice, everyone dived into the Lava Pool before the loud explosion raked the cave. If the group didn't seek refuge under the sea of Lava, then they might have been shredded into pieces and died from the massive explosion.

It was a last attempt of Vulcan at wiping everyone out, and it worked a hundred percent in the past when the players grew complacent after defeating it, all forgetting that it exploded when killed, dealing massive AoE damage enough to wipe them out in a single blow.

Silence descended after the explosion, and everyone's head popped from the Lava Pool, making sure that the coast was clear.

Ren was the first to get out from the blazing inferno and consumed [Health Potion, ignoring his [Burn] Status, while Pii flew over to him and curled around his neck.

"Don't worry. Everything is over. You can come out now." Ren went to Evie and helped her up while the others scurried over to the nearest island.

Rafaela sighed and cast [Cure] on Ren and herself. "I'm glad that was over."

"Why did you cast Cure on you and not on your teammates? What kind of a healer are you?" Alecia complained as she drank multiple [Health Potions] to combat the [Burn] status on her head.

Rafaela flipped her hair. "The selfish one. Of course, I'm going to save myself and the main attacker. You're good as dead anyway without mana.

"By the way, where's Ruru?" asked Rafaela, shifting her head left and right to find their little companion.

Alecia shook her head and snickered. "She died in the Lava pool. Too bad that she didn't live to see this glorious moment."

". . ."

". . ."

Rafaela and Alecia were stunned when they suddenly realized something.

Vulcan was dead!

Firstblood was theirs!

At their realization, the girls screamed and hugged each other in joy while tears coated their thick lashes.

"We got firstblood!"

"We really got firstblood!"

Ren let out a sigh, and a small smile tickled his lips at watching the two girls. While Evie just stood to the side, clutching her hand with a blank face.

And at this exact moment, the [World Announcement] boomed over the ceiling.

Rafaela and Alecia looked at each other before they gaze at Ren and Evie.

"The decision is yours," Ren simply said.

Rafaela and Alecia grinned before they pressed , causing an uproar in the world of COVENANT.

—-

A/N

So the 4 BONUS chapters became 6 overnight from 300 GT and 1000 PS.

Wow!

Thank you everyone!

Its time for grinding madness ðŸ£ðŸ

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BONUS Chapter 1/6

—-

What exploded next was the [World Chat] and all the players who were keeping a close eye on the raid.

â– W O R L D C H A T â–

PestingYawa: Wow! Congratulations to all the girls! They defeated a Boss that not even men could defeat. *chuckle

IKnowItAll: I knew it! I knew that they could defeat it. I saw it in the future!

GirlPower: Yeah! That's girl power to you!Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om

BoysRule: Oh yeah? They have two males with them, FYI.

RichGuyRick: Can someone share the map, strategy, and lineup you used? I'll pay you $10,000 real money for the info.

IcanBuyYou: I'll double it. Could you send me a private message?

RichGuyRick: You again? Stop copying me! I can buy you!

MyHeightisIdeal: How tall is the tallest girl in their group? Not to brag, but anything less than 5'7″ is short.

SmackMewithMoney: Plz. Gib money, oh great lord

IamBeautiful: I am beautiful!

GossipMongrel: Does anybody won't talk about how Black Lion, a group of pro players, was defeated by a bunch of women noobs?

IamNotAMarites!: I'm not too fond of gossip, but . . . I want to know Scar's opinion on the matter? How do you feel right now that a bunch of women defeated you?

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

ImPoor: Plz gib EXP

. . . multiple persons are typing . . .

â– E N D â–

Meanwhile, Robert's group was causing an entirely different uproar near the entrance of the Cave.

"Fu*! Motherf*!" Robert was causing chaos outside the entrance of Vulcan Cave for an entirely different matter. They still hadn't left the area, searching still for Lucia. Unaware that the girl was already miles away and had already regrouped with Silvia and the others in a different village.

Robert kept stomping his feet against the sand while cursing nonstop.

On the other hand, Trixie's face couldn't be painted. Her expression was in denial that Silvia beat her again. What would she tell her friends? She'd be the gossip and favorite topic in their social circle again.

The embarrassment was too much that she couldn't show her face until the rumor died down. That meant no bar hopping and partying for at least a month!

Trixie clutched her hair and screamed at the top of her lungs. "AaArgH!"

The two couples had utterly lost their mind, and their group member took distance from them, afraid they would be associated with two crazy people. Some even logged out to avoid the embarrassment.

"Wait . . ." Robert suddenly muttered under his breath when he remembered something. They still have Vulcan's map. They could sell it online, so they didn't have to come out from this raid empty-handed.

That map was surely a hundred percent by now after they entered Vulcan's room!

Quickly checking the map on his screen, Robert's heart pounded hard against his rib cage, and his vessel almost popped at the number plastered on Vulcan's Map.

99% Complete.

—-

On another part of the map, Scar regrouped in a newbie village near Vulcan's Cave. He wanted to enter the Cave again to make up for his blunder. And this time, they were ready and had enough [Mana Potion] to last them throughout the fight.

He even changed their line-up, bringing some of the core members with him.

However, the notification booming in the Sky announcing Golden Phoenix claiming firstblood made his mind blank out. It was like his world quaked and fell into ruins.

He was the leader of Black Lion. He was the face of the guild. He was a Pro player, and yet . . . a bunch of girls defeated him? A bunch of noobs?

How did that happen?!

Scar couldn't wrap his mind around it. Silvia should have zero chance of defeating the Boss. Not when Robert betrayed them. And yet, they did.

What miracles did they do? How many gods have they prayed to achieve it?!

It was supposed to be impossible for them because even he had a hard time with the Boss.

After expending a good amount of Potions, Mana and men, they finally reduced Vulcan's HP to near zero. They were so close to defeating it when it suddenly entered [Berserk] Mode, and every last one of them got wiped out.

It was impossible to predict that Boss when in that mode, and all their spells and skills couldn't land against it because it was too fast.

How on earth did they manage to defeat it?

Suddenly, the man in the hood appeared in Scar's mind, and he gritted his teeth.

"Scar . . ." Guro carefully approached their leader. Even though Scar still portrayed his amiable appearance, his fists were shaking. "What do we do now?"

Scar closed his eyes tight and took a deep breath, calming himself. If only they could replay their gameplay so they could formulate a strategy, but that feature wasn't available yet.

"I'll contact Evie. Have Invayne draft a contract for her and send it to me quickly." The only way to regain face at this humiliation was to clear the Cave in Nightmare or Sadistic Mode, and for that, he needed Evie to spill every detail of the fight and how Golden Phoenix managed to defeat Vulcan.

Golden Phoenix getting firstblood wouldn't be such a big deal if only he weren't the one leading Black Lion into the same raid.

And now, Silvia's group got more than firstblood. They were recognized as the guild who defeated Black Lion, who defeated Scar, on the same raid and that took a blow to his pride.

Damn it!

Scar gnashed his teeth. He couldn't just let this go knowing that it would be the talk of the town.

He had to regain his prestige and restore the guild's name.

[Scar: Evie, before you leave their group, make sure to ask how they defeated Vulcan and make sure to acquire a single item for the team. The contract is waiting upon your return]

. . .

. . .

A minute passed, but still, Evie hadn't replied.

Scar was beginning to get worried, so he up his offer.

[Scar: A ten thousand bonus upon signing is waiting for you and your monthly salary and allowance is negotiable depending on the information you bring into the guild]

[Evie is typing . . .]

Scar released a breath when Evie was finally online.

[Scar: Remember to try your luck and aim for the staff or spellbook from the loots]

Though the percentage of that happening was near zero, Scar was hoping that Silvia and the others were too happy and hung up at getting firstblood, and their euphoria caused them to give anything to Evie as a reward.

However, Scar's eyes bulged, and he turned into stone when he was caught off guard at Evie's reply.

It wasn't even a message!

It was just four words!

[Evie had blocked you!]

BONUS Chapter 2/6

—-

Back in Vulcan's Cave.

Evie closed the message box and turned all notifications to silent. She had made up her mind to try her Luck in the unknown than return to Scar's group and be their dog.

Evie released a big sigh, and Ren stifled a laugh beside her.

"Have you made a decision?"The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Evie knew what Ren was talking about, and she nodded while saying in a monotone voice that hid her real feelings of excitement. "Yeah . . . I want to be like you. But to do that, I got to have something that will set me apart from the other Blue Mages."

Ren smiled. "Yes. That's exactly right."

Evie looked over at him. "I will go to Illusion Forrest as you said, and hopefully . . . I'll get something unique to my class."

". . ." You will. Ren wanted to say but decided against it. According to his information in the past, Evie came into that Forrest and came out as the Illusion Queen.

Whatever she did in there, he had faith in her that she could do it again in this lifetime.

Ren had little information regarding Illusion Forrest since his guild in the past had only one or two Blue Mages, going into Illusion Forrest wasn't a priority. So that was all the help he could do for her.

"Oh, and another thing," Ren sent something to Evie, and the latter's eyes rounded upon seeing it.

"Black . . . Ribbon?"

"I heard that you need a great deal of Luck to venture into Illusion Forrest. I'm not giving you that, though. I'm lending it to you . . . With interest, of course. Give it back to me when you no longer need it together with the interest." He winked though Evie couldn't see him doing so.

". . ." Evie couldn't say anything for a moment. She wanted to ask how Ren knew so much but decided against it.

"Thank you," she told him instead, and her cold face blossomed into a warm smile.

The two stared at each other. Even if Evie couldn't see Ren's face, she knew that he was looking at her and this put a blush on her cheeks though her face remained impassive.

". . ." Ren blinked before he looked away and cleared his throat while Evie stretched and rubbed her neck at the side.

While the two awkward people didn't know how to continue the conversation, Alecia and Rafaela were busy inspecting their loot.

"Should we open this now, or should we go back first and open it together with the others?" Alecia wanted to open the chests so badly that her fingers itched.

"We'll go back, of course. Do you want Silvia to have a go with our hair?" Rafaela warned.

"Of course NO! That girl's nails are sharper than Trixie's pointy jaw."

Alecia hooped to her feet and jumped her way to the exit. "What are we waiting for? Let's get out from this dump and teleport to them."

Rafaela and Alecia was near the exit when the two turned back and waved their hands at Ren and Evie.

"You two, we'll leave without you!"

"Let's go." Ren took his first step towards the exit when Pii suddenly pulled his cloak over to where Vulcan was a moment ago.

"What's wrong?" Evie asked when Ren stopped.

"You go ahead. I have to look at something first." Ren went after Pii when the little creature stopped at the location where Vulcan was before it exploded.

"What is it?" Ren asked when Pii kept rubbing its snout against the ground.

There was a tiny crack on the dried magma bedding. It must have fractured when Vulcan exploded a while ago.

But before Ren could further inspect the rocky floor, the ground quaked and gave way with him at the center.

Pii!

Ren's heart raced at the sudden turn of events, and he thought that he fell onto the abyss below only to realize that Evie had managed to get hold of his arm in that short amount of time.

"Evie!" Ren didn't know what was worse, seeing Evie try to pull him up or seeing the ground cracked from where she slumped.

"Let go!" Ren shouted when all sorts of crackling sounds erupted around her. But Evie seemed deaf to all the noises and blind to the danger as she still didn't let go of his hand. In fact, she held it tight with both arms.

Idiot!

What good would it do if they both fell below and probably in a pool of lava?

CrRaAcK!

The ground crumbled around Evie, and the two of them fell into the darkness below.

Ren pulled Evie into her chest while he shielded her head with his hand from the rocks and debris that came falling together with them before he flipped his body, back facing downwards in an attempt to protect the girl in his arms.

Ren knew that this was all just a game. That they wouldn't die even if their head were smashed with a boulder or if his body slammed hard on a rock from a hundred feet fall . . . but since this world was so realistic, Ren just unconsciously did all that without even thinking about it.

"Ren! Evie!"

The last thing that Ren and Evie heard was the panicked voice of Rafaela and Alecia before they were swallowed below.

BaAaAmM!

Ren felt his back hit a hard rock, and he unknowingly released a light groan when the tingle radiated from his back and scattered throughout his body.

â" 147

A notification of HP reduction flashed on Ren's screen the moment that he opened his eyes. The amount of damage falling from that height was enormous; if it were another, they would surely die upon contact with the ground.

"Ren . . . are you okay?"

Ren shifted his eyes at Evie, who was sprawling on his chest. Evie might be petite and short compared to Silvia, but her bosoms were like Rosie's. And a messy robe couldn't contain her asset while some of her cleavage slipped past the hem of her robe.

Her appearance was ethereal while her white hair fell on her face, skin flush and lips red, totally giving off that after-shower vibe.

Without thinking, Ren covered his nose and looked to the other side. "Get off me."

"Oh . . . sorry." Evie didn't suspect a thing since she couldn't see how red Ren was.

She immediately pulled herself up and said to Ren, who was picking himself from the ground.

"I have a Health Potion."

"No need. I can take care of myself." Ren drank a [Health Potion] and recovered some HP just in case they unexpectedly encountered something. He then looked over at the crumbled ceiling above them.

"Ren, Evie, are you okay?!" Rafaela asked.

Ren and Evie could see the shadow of Rafaela and Alecia's faces amidst the dim light high above from where they stood.

"Yeah!" Ren replied.

"We should find a rope or something." Alecia gazed left and right.

"Could they just log out or teleport or something?" Rafaela panicked when she didn't know what to do. Ren and Evie could be stuck down there.

"Huh? We're still in the Boss's room, dimwit. They can't just log out or teleport."

"What do you mean, dimwit? I'm the smartest from all of us."

"See? This is why you're often times called stuck up because you can't see beyond yourself. It's always about you. And for the record, Pamela is the smartest from all of us."

While the two bickered, Ren and Evie looked at their surroundings.

The room they fell into was small, but it was brighter because of the waterfall of lava coming from all sides, flowing onto the ground like a stream until it converged at the center like a lake. At their side was a gleaming [Red Chest, while at the center was an altar, and floating on that altar was a glowing red rock.

"The Heart of Vulcan," Ren muttered in shock.

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"The Heart of Vulcan," Ren muttered in a daze.

So that's where it was.

It was so long ago that his memory about this cave was fogy. He thought that it was one of the rewards of getting firstblood.

Ren checked the map of Vulcan, and the once ninety-nine percent turned to one hundred.

This place was another hidden room!

Good job, Pii!

"The Heart of Vulcan?" Evie asked with confusion in her tone, but Ren no longer replied.

It was a material that when forged on a weapon, would grant that weapon an addition spell [Explosion]. It was sought after because of its rarity and because it could be forged into any kind of weapon, which means that any class could now use [Explosion, an AoE fire spell.

Though they had to equip the weapon in order to gain the spell, not equipping it meant that the spell would be gone in their list of spell as well.

It was also one of the many ores required to craft rare weapons and armors in the future.

"Evie grabbed that red chest at the side," Ren said before wading into the Lava.

"Ren." Evie's voice contained a hint of panic when Ren's HP decreased at a rapid rate and [The Heart of Vulcan] was still meters from him. By the time he reached that item on the altar, he'd be dead.

He had [Health Potions]. Evie reassured herself before she grabbed the [Red Chest] at the side. Her concern for Ren overpowered her excitement at the unusual-looking chest.

By the time Ren acquired [The Heart of Vulcan, his HP was running low though he couldn't stop smiling.Updated from nov𝒆lbIn.(c)om

"Ren, what are you doing? Your HP." Evie tried to remind him, but the latter seemed not to hear anything.

Ren stored [The Heart of Vulcan] in their group inventory before he addressed the two girls who were still fighting above.

"Rafaela. Alecia. You two exit this room and meet us at Igor's Village."

The two immediately stopped bickering and looked down at Ren with a confused face.

"Huh? What about you two?!" they questioned at the same time.

Ren only grinned. "There's no exit from here except death."

". . ."

". . ."

"You got to admit, that kinda sounds cool coming from him," mumbled Alecia while Rafaela nodded in a daze.

Ren rubbed Pii's little head before he sent it back in the [Pet] section.

He then looked at Evie and offered his hand to her. "To escape from this room, we have to die in here."

". . ." Evie just stared at Ren's extended hand. They had fought all this time only to end up dead.

How Ironic.

"We already got firstblood. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Evie merely sighed, thoroughly giving up at guessing what Ren was thinking before she went into the lake of Lava and grabbed his hand.

. . .

. . .

Ren blinked.

Evie blinked.

Feeling the soft little hand on his own, Ren wanted to hit himself in the head as to why he reached for Evie's hand in the first place.

Now he looked like a pervert taking advantage of the situation. He immediately let go of her and took a step back.

Evie thought differently, though. She cursed about her lack of social skills that things always turned awkward between them. If only she knew how to start a conversation.

Before, Evie cursed about the Lava pool's continuous damage. Now, she was complaining about why it was taking so slow to kill her.

An uncomfortable silence fell between the two. It was palpable and difficult to ignore.

"It's like watching a teenage romance show," Alecia whispered at Rafaela and giggled.

"It's clearly a tragic movie where a couple was trapped inside a volcano, burning to their death."

Alecia gave Rafaela the side eye. "Why do you have to ruin the mood?"

"Because I want to." Rafaela batted her eyelids, saying, "Let's go back and rejoin the others."

"You're saying that, but you're still plastered on the ground with eyes glued on them."

"Shut it."

Evie grumbled under her breath at the two women's remark. Someone should tell them that even if their voices were whispers, the cave echoed it tenfold.

Because of what they said, it was difficult for her to look at Ren now without feeling conscious. Though she appeared like she didn't have any emotion because of her paralyzed face, she was no stranger to feelings.

They had just met, and it was impossible for them to like each other. Gratitude was what she felt towards Ren while he . . .

Evie paused and thought for a moment . . . Ren was probably just being kind to her like he was to everyone else.

Evie cleared her throat and asked with a blank face though her cheeks were slightly red. "Now what?"

Ren puffed a laugh. "I honestly didn't think pass this point."

Evie couldn't help but let out little peals of laughter that seemed like twinkling bells in December, dispersing the awkwardness between them a little.

However, their short exchanges of words were cut even shorter when Ren's body illuminated and turned transparent.

He smiled at Evie though she couldn't see his face. "See you on the other side."

". . ." Evie's smile froze, and before she could open her mouth to say something, Ren burst into particles.

Watching the tiny white fragments in the air of what remains of Ren, Evie clutched her hand tight.

And soon, she too burst into white particles before finding herself on a random spot near the save/teleportation crystal at the cave entrance.

The place was still brimming with players, dead and alive. Wisps roam freely all over the place, enjoying the only moment where they could fly while the others huddled together, chatting and planning their strategy.

After Evie regained her physical form, she looked at Ren's name on her friends list.

She just stared at it for a while . . . before the familiar name grazed her tongue again . . . "Ren . . .

"See you . . ." Evie whispered before she left Silvia's group and ventured on her own into the world of COVENANT.

—-

Inside Igor Village, one of the newbie villages in the land of the Dwarves.

Silvia and the others were surprised when Evie suddenly left without a word.

"Why did she leave?"

"Was she still upset that we suspected her?"

"But what about her share?"

"Someone contact her! Quick!"

"She's not on my friend's list."

"Alecia, did you get Evie's contact info?"

"No."

"Someone that has her info tells her to come back."

While the girls were panicking at Evie's sudden disappearance, Ren was quiet at the side.

With back against the wall, arms crossed, he had a gentle smile on his face as he looked over at the horizon from the window.

This wasn't the end of their meeting.

They would definitely see each other again in the future.

—-

A/N

Thank you to

Serph21

hideyMcBigG

SpringBreeze20

Phantom32

Kamila_4200

Death_Sounds

for the gifts!

And for everyone's support!

CHEERS!

BONUS Chapter 3/6

—-

"How did you even kill the Boss?" Silvia asked Ren as soon all of them were present inside one of the rooms in Igor's Inn.

"My spell hit it," answered Ren without a care. He knew Silvia's underlying question, but he chose to go around it.

Silvia rolled her eyes. "I know you hit it with your spell. But how can you hit it if it was moving so fast?"

Ren shrugged. "Lucky hit."

Silvia sighed, ruffling her fringe.

"Is that important?" asked Alecia.

"We got firstblood, so who cares?" Rosie seconded.

"It is important," Silvia insisted. "If we're going to attempt Vulcan Cava again in a harder difficulty, then we will know how to defeat it."

Alecia and the others' lips formed an 'oh.'

All the girls then looked at Ren, ready to dissect him.

Under the pressure of so many dazzling eyes, Ren didn't give to the pressure.

"You'll know when you ladies attempt Vulcan . . . again and again.

"Egh? How cruel."

"Why not tell us?"

"Are you going to sell that information? If so, we'll buy it," Silvia bargained.

"Or perhaps we could negotiate another mode of payment?" Rosie chimed in while pushing her breast up with her hands, making beautiful eyes complete with swaying hips.

Ren stood his ground and pressed his lips tight. It was better if the women all figured it out for themselves. It was a form of training for them.

"As I said, it's just a lucky hit," Ren lied.

When Silvia and the others couldn't press Ren for answers, they thoroughly gave up.

Rather, was Ren even a man in the first place? How come their beauties couldn't sway him? Any man's knees gave way at just the sight of their alluring smile, and it never failed before – until now, that is.

"Are you a woman?" Rosie couldn't help but ask when her pride took a hit.

The others all nodded with questioning gazes.

"It doesn't matter. Stop wasting time and distribute the loot," Ren said in a monotone voice.

Lucia stuck out her tongue. "Stingy."

"And cold." Rosie sighed before she flexed her brows and licked her lips. "But I like 'em cold."

Ren ignored them and opened the gold chests first in the group inventory to direct the girls' attention to the loot.

[ACQUIRED:

Fiery Cape x1

Vulcan's Armor x1

Flame Shield x1

Lava Cake Recipe x1

Lava Cookie Recipe x1

Sizzling Fried Noodle Recipe x1

Health Potion Recipe x1

Douse Poultice Recipe x1

Burning Shards x10

Fire Ores x50 ]

Not bad. Ren thought. It even had so many forgeable materials and potion recipes in a single raid.

But the women had other thoughts.

"What are this . . . junk?" Rosie inquired with a finger over her pouty red lips.

"Except for the equipment, the other items are simply trash." Lucia inspected the Fire Ores and the Burning Shards.

Alecia gazed at Silvia. "Maybe we should sell them?"

Ren was horrified at what he heard. Golden Phoenix seriously needed an advisor right now. Preferably a Beta Tester that would tell them the importance of materials.

But for now, Ren took it upon himself to make sure Golden Phoenix understood the importance of ores.

Ren took a deep breath and explained, "If you're going to put up a guild, then storing this Ores is a must. They're used in forging weapons and upgrading your equipment."

"Is that so?" Silvia had a frown on her face. "But they take too much space." She then gave an elegant half-shrug. "It's much easier to buy equipment."

The others readily nodded their head.

Ren shut his mouth and gave up the second that chance presented itself. It was no used in wasting his breath on the girls' closed ears. He'll have experience teach them a lesson.

"Ren . . ." Ruru nudged Ren's cloak. "Do you want them?"

Pamela, who was still shocked by how she died from Vulcan, finally recovered some color on her cheeks and shone in her eyes. "D-do you want it?"

Egh? Ren suddenly found himself at the center of receiving so many materials.

Did he want it?

Hell yes!

"If you don't need it then . . . I'll happily take it off from your inventory."

"Good to know."

"Those rocks are ugly looking."

"T-they remind me of Vulcan," stuttered Pamela.

Ren merely shook his head while a big grin never left his lips upon receiving the ores.

"Let's open the other chests." Alecia didn't wait for the others and opened the remaining loots.

[Platinum Chest

Flame Rod x1

Spell Book (Flame) x1 ]

[Red Chest

Infernal Scepter]

. . .

. . .

The moment that Ren laid eyes on the Scepter, he knew what he wanted.

"Ahem . . ." Silvia cleared her throat and addressed Ren with crossing hands and a slight grin on her face. "I know that we promised you an equipment, but could you give the Flame Rod to Lucia?"New n𝙤vel chapters are published on

She could have it. Ren only needed one weapon and armor. He wasn't actually going to hug all the loots that applied to him. He wasn't that thick-skinned.

"I'll only want the Infernal Rod and Vulcan's armor. You can keep the rest."

Lucia released a big breath enough to close his eyes in relief. She really wanted that [Flame Rod] and the Flame spell.

Nikolai nodded his head, eyes sparkling at Ren. A real man . . . he thought.

While the women's impression of Ren increased. He was the one who finished Vulcan and completed the Map. Without him, they would never have gotten firstblood.

Heck! They wouldn't even last halfway in Vulcan's cave.

Ren may be a hungry money mongrel, but he was certainly not thick-skinned and a traitor like Robert.

Silvia had many men after her, but none really caught her attention. Not even Ragnar, who looked like a God. It was probably because they all just after her name and, if not, her face.

Or maybe because she didn't need a man in her life, that was why she wasn't interested.

Until a stranger came at the right time and the right place, and this man stole her interest. Literally.

Silvia wanted to know Ren's face and everything about him.

Unknowingly, Silvia reached for Ren's cloak even if she knew that it was futile to remove his hood.

However, Rosie came forward before she could, shooting herself at Ren while Silvia was flung to the side.

Rosie giggled and grabbed Ren's arm, squishing it between her soft breasts. "I'm really smitten. I love it when a man is cold on the outside but so warm on the inside."

Silvia's tongue rolled in her inner cheeks as she glared at Rosie. But thanks to her, she was saved from the embarrassment that she was about to do.

Ren pulled his arm and stepped away. "Anyway, what are you going to do with Vulcan's information?"

"What about it?" Lucia asked, too engrossed with her new weapon. She was rubbing her cheeks against it while she kept purring nonstop like a cat.

"Are you still going to post Vulcan's Map online?" Ren asked. "The others will have access to all the hidden rooms and all those treasures."

Silvia smiled. "Yes. It's fine. As you said, we can get all those treasures again, but the prestige we acquired after we posted the Map is forever."

Ren huffed a laugh. That was right.

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BONUS Chapter 4/6

—-

In his inventory, Ren looked at the [Infernal Scepter] and [Vulcan's Armor].

[Infernal Scepter (Legendary)

Forged from Ifrits limbs and core, this glowing staff of crystalized Lava with the skull of a diablo on its handle provides its user the spell [Inferno, dealing massive AoE fire damage and a 100% success [Burn] if LCK is higher than enemies.

Must equip to gain the spell [Inferno]. Un-equipping will remove the spell from your spell list.

Acquired after defeating Vulcan for the first time.

INT 470

Durability: 10/10

Class: Mages ]

[Vulcan's Armor (Common)

Made from layers of hardened magma, this Armor could resist fire.

An armor that looked like layers of rocks with glowing red Lava flowing like veins on its surface.

DEF 20

Class: Only for real men ]

Ren almost lost his breath. He couldn't believe he got the [Infernal Scepter] this early in the game. He didn't know that the [Red Chest] was another unique chest containing a Legendary Item.

In the past, there was only one [Infernal Scepter] ever to grace in COVENANT, and that was after defeating the most challenging fire dungeon in the game, Inferno's Hell, where the rewards contained in the [Platinum Chest] for getting firstblood was the scepter and the Inferno Spell Book.

Who would have known that there was another one in Vulcan's cave?

If Pii hadn't discovered that fissure, then no one would ever find out.

Ren was sure that in his past life, no one actually did.

Ren was getting dizzy with euphoria. Because of its ominous appearance, none of the girls dared to look at it or its information. In fact, they readily handed the scepter to Ren without any fuss.

If only they knew, then there might be a chance that Silvia and the others would fight him for it.

Though the Durability of the Scepter was a problem. 10/10?

Ren couldn't equip it most of the time. At the same time, Casting [Inferno] would only be possible one time. That devastating fire spell would surely cost around –7 durability points.

He couldn't actually spam that spell, unlike with a Fire Mage.

No problem.

Ren would just bring [Grinding Stones] with him. Lots of them.

Though he planned to keep the scepter as reserved. In a time when the situation calls for it.

While Ren was still stuck up with the [Infernal Scepter, Silvia gave Nikolai the [Fiery Cape] even though the little man insisted that he didn't want anything but the EXP and gil.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

However, pressured by so many ladies, Nikolai gave in.

"Show it to Sumeri and say that you have a blast. Okay?" Silvia winked.

Nikolai nodded and beamed. "Yes."

After which, the group dispersed and logged out one by one.

"Agh . . ." Lucia stretched her arms upwards and yawned. "Time to take a long nice COLD bath!"

Alecia took a deep breath and released it through her mouth in one go. "You say that again. I'm sweating buckets and feeling icky!"

Rafaela giggled. "You're always sweating."

Pamela sighed and mumbled with dead voice and eyes, "I'll probably eat tons of cakes after this so that Vulcan won't visit me in my dreams."

Ruru lightly pulled Ren's cloak. "Say goodbye to Pii for me."

"You'll meet it again soon."

Ruru's eyes went wider before she beamed and nodded.

"See you later, Mister." Nikolai waved his hand. "Let's party again, okay?

Ren only gave a nod before Nikolai disappeared.

"Darling . . ." Rosie purred and hugged Ren on the back, pressing her ample assets against him. "I'm just one call away, okay."

She blew hot hair on Ren's ear, and the latter gasped before he pushed Rosie away. But the woman was quick on her toes and managed to pull at the right moment.

Rosie slightly bent, cleavage jiggled as she did while peals of laughter filled her lips as she sent a resounding flying kiss towards Ren before she logged out from the game.

"Is she always like that?" Ren asked Silvia when it was only the two of them left.

"Only to the man she likes."

Ren doubted that. He didn't believe Rosie would fall for a guy she hardly knew.

Or at least, he liked to think so.

"Ren . . ."

Ren stared at Silvia's face upon hearing her serious tone.

"Thank you so much for all the help," she started and added, "but I can no longer employ you . . ."

". . ."

Huh?!

Ren got to admit that this was the most shocking thing he had heard after he went back in the past.

Did he do something?

What seemed to be the problem now?

At Ren's silence, Silvia immediately said, "At least, not until we get another firstblood on our own."

Silvia was the one who employed Ren in the first place. But employing him all the time wouldn't do well for their guild.

At the end of this campaign, Silvia would make sure to work on their guild's battle tactics and not to employ Ren again until they could get firstblood using their own strength.

That was what she was thinking.

"After our fight with Vulcan, I realized that we have so many things to improve on, and if we keep relying on you, we would just grow complacent and wouldn't fix our mistakes. We wouldn't grow as a team."

Ren knew what Silvia was trying to say. But he still couldn't get over the fact that he was dismissed because he was too capable?

He was so shocked by the reason that Ren forgot his words.

Silvia had mistaken Ren's silence as consent, and she stared at him with a serious face and a pair of crystal-blue, unwavering eyes. "I will make sure to work harder for the guild, so the next time you see us, it will be an entirely different Golden Phoenix."

She gave a playful wink at Ren, beaming her brightest even after she logged out, leaving Ren standing alone at the side.

". . ."

W-wha . . . what just happened?

Did he just lose a customer because he was too competent?

Ren sighed and shook his head.

He logged out from the game and escaped his pod.

He was about to drink a glass of water to cool his head when his phone rang with the name 'Saya' on the screen.

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Dealing with the ladies was actually more tiring than dealing with Vulcan, and Ren didn't want to face another woman right now.

He had enough of them for one day.

He was about to cancel the call and silence his phone when the ringing stopped. There were numerous missed calls and messages from Saya when his screen went back to normal.

Ren looked over at the clock. It was still seven in the evening, but he felt like time had already moved faster.

It was just hours ago that they had their mini-reunion, but it felt like decades to Ren. It was one of the disadvantages of the huge time gap. He was disoriented with the actual time in the real world.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

What could she be calling nonstop?

Curious, Ren checked the message that Saya left.

[Saya: Ren, when you read this. Call me. I need to talk with you. It's urgent]

Urgent?

I doubt it. Ren thought.

His and Saya's idea of urgent was entirely different.

His urgent involved accidents and death, while hers involved missed derma appointment or a broken nail, a sudden zit, and a bad hair day.

Nevertheless, Ren returned the call just for old times' sake. And he was curious and had nothing to do as of now, so he might as well.

"Ren! What took you so long to answer your phone? I have been calling since hours ago!"

Ren didn't know if it was brought about his feeling in the past, but Saya's tone sounded annoying in his ears. Like it was scrapping his eardrums raw.

"I've been busy. What's up?" Ren said with a dead voice colder than the freezing winds in winter.

Saya caught her tongue. She thought that Ren was just in a bad mood a while ago and that he would return to normal once a few hours passed.

"T-that . . ." Saya already had tons to say, but it all disappeared the moment she heard Ren's cold voice.

"If it's nothing, then I'll hang up."

"Wait!" Saya's heart raced while she felt hot and bothered that Ren was being mean and cold to her. She was not used to it, and she never will be.

"Leonel called Mike a while ago and said that he had found somebody to take up the role of being a classless Mage so we could enter Scar's group."

" . . ." Ren closed his eyes and sighed. Leonel . . .

Ren couldn't exactly fault Leonel since the latter still looked at Saya and Mike as friends and wanted to help them with everything he could. Four years of friendship was hard for Leonel to ignore, but Mike certainly could forget it in a couple of minutes.

"Is that so?" Ren said without a care. "That's good, isn't it? Mike should have hired somebody to take that role in the first place. We get to keep our class. You get to enter Black Lion. Everybody is happy."

". . ." Saya bit her bottom lip when Ren said it like he couldn't care less. He definitely changed. But overnight? Did he hit his head or something?

"If that's all then . . ."

"Ren . . . I'm calling if you and Leonel have changed your mind and would like to enter Black Lion together with us."

Ren deducted from what Saya said that they had managed to enter Scar's group because of Leonel's actions. In the past, it took years before they could enter, probably because Black Lion was still recruiting members nonstop right now.

And that Mike wasn't smart enough to think of hiring others to pose as a classless mage for him so they could enter Scar's group in the past.

This timeline definitely changed from the past, but Ren didn't care. The one thing that would never change was Mike and Saya's true characters.

"No. I don't want to enter a guild right now."

"Is that so . . . Leonel said that he would think about it. He might be going to ask for your opinion. And if you say that you will enter, I'm sure Leonel would also say yes."

Ren was about to open his mouth, but Saya didn't let him speak as she barraged him with words.

"Black Lion is among the crowd's favorite guild, you know. While they are still recruiting, you should join now, or it would be too late for you later. What's more, you get monthly allowance and other benefits if you enter the guild. You can earn in your sleep while still studying and doing other things. This opportunity is just once in a lifetime, Ren."

When she finished, Saya took a deep breath.

". . . Saya, did Mike put you into this?" Ren knew that Saya would never talk to him like this except maybe if she was pressed of options. Mike might have convinced her to speak to him, knowing he had a weak spot for her.

However, that weak spot was long gone, stitched, plastered, and healed.

Saya bit her bottom lip at Ren's harsh voice, and she croaked in a weak tone, "I just . . . I just thought that . . . we can play together in this game and be just like before, you know. Mike is stubborn. You are stubborn. So what am I going do for this friendship not to break apart?"

"And clearly what you decided is that I should give way? Is that it?"

"T-that's . . ."

"Saya, how many times do I have to tell you that a guild operates within rules and guidelines? Do you think that just because you managed a spot through a deal and Mike knew Scar, you'll be welcomed with open arms?

"Even if you don't have to go through the initiation like the others, you will still start at the very bottom and climb your way up to become a core member. And the only way for that to happen is through skills and a good amount of luck. But before that, you'll be nothing but errand players. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"Mike knew Scar, surely . . ."

"Have it your way then," Ren cut in and was about to press end when Saya hurriedly said.

"Wait . . . Actually . . . the reason why I called you is . . ."

". . ." Ren checked his phone when he thought that Saya got disconnected from the long pause.

Ren was about to press end for who knew how many times now when Saya finally spoke on the other line.

"Actually Ren . . . I was hoping that you can convince Mike not to employ that kid . . . Roz. Mike only had fifty thousand allowance a month, and that kid asked for a ten thousand sum. Actually, his asking price is the cheapest among those who applied for the job . . . and Mike is desperate . . . And I . . . I think Mike got scammed and . . . If only you and . . ."

Ren's pupils constricted, it turned into a dot, and he no longer heard what Saya was talking about. He didn't even care to know on who the fuck was Roz.

So the real reason why Saya was calling him was made apparent. She was worried that Mike would no longer have the money to treat and buy her things.

If she convinced Ren to enter Scar's guild as a classless Mage, then Mike would no longer pay any amount saving his money for her.

Whereas if she didn't manage to convince Ren, then she would try to sweet talk the latter into convincing Mike not to spend his money on nothing but fancy dresses, bags, shoes and Michelin restaurants for her.

"Saya . . . ," cut in Ren, "how selfish can you be?"

"Wha–?"

Ren pressed the end button before Saya could reply. He then blocked her call and Mike's.

Those two were perfect for each other. The both of them were selfish and Ren had enough of them.

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BONUS Chapter 5/6

—-

In Sumeri and Nikolai's house.

Sumeri and Nikolai were having dinner at their table while the latter couldn't stop talking about his adventure with Ren and the others.

"This Boss is like a huge pinball of blazing magma, and it was so fast that no one could follow its movement! . . . Except me, of course. You should have seen me, sister! I saved everyone from the Boss and its minions!"

Sumeri chuckled. "Don't talk while your mouth is full. Eat your food first."

Nikolai didn't hear anything as he continued, "I have saved so many of sister Silvia's group that I became a hero, and they even rewarded me with the [Fiery Cape]. And also, this Mister is so cool! He is so awesome and amazing and . . ."

Nikolai couldn't organize his thoughts from the sheer excitement, and he spouted whatever came to mind.

However, Sumeri wasn't listening. Her mind was hung up at Robert's betrayal, and Silvia would surely call her . . . . right about now.

RiiinNgG!

And right on cue, Silvia's name appeared on her phone, and she immediately excused herself and went into the living room.

"Silvia–"

"Sumeri, the hell did you recommend that asshole Robert to us knowing that bastard's character?! Are you trying to sabotage our guild, huh?! Are you jealous because you won't enter COVENANT?"

Sumeri released a sigh, and she let Silvia rant on and on, so the latter could free all her pent-up frustration.

When the coast was clear, Sumeri took a deep breath and said her side. "I'm sorry. Okay?" she cooed.

"I didn't know that Robert would do that. I was pressed with few options at that time, and Robert happened to reach out to me when I posted that you needed a tank. Who would thought that Trixie would get together with him just to get to you?"

"I know. But you didn't tell me about his asshole character. A heads up should have been nice."

"Honestly, I don't know Robert that much except that he's always on Scar's tail."

"Oh yeah, that ex of yours is also in the same raid with us. Can you believe it?" Silvia chuckled. "Have you heard the news how we defeated Black Lion, with him even leading his group?"

"Yes." Sumeri knew about it, which was why she was in a good mood. "It's all over the forums."

"Aha! So you are still checking the game. I know it. You still wanted to play, don't you?"

Sumeri released an audible sigh. "Silvia, even if I want to, I can't. The company is being taken over in a hostile manner that I don't even have time to sleep."

". . ." Silvia was quiet before she said in a solemn voice, "I'm sorry I can't do anything. The best I could do was begged my father not to join in taking over your company."

"It's fine." Sumeri sadly smiled. "It's already a miracle that Mr. Rutherford back down. That father of yours is a doting father but a ruthless businessman."

Their company mainly dealt with hotels, The Richers Hotel. They have numerous hotels across the zones, and Sumeri was supposed to be an heiress of this chain of hotels until Nikolai was right of age.

However, due to the sudden death of their parents, the other shareholders took it as an opportunity to take over, wanting to sell the chain of hotels to the highest bidder.

Sumeri was doing everything she could not to let that happen, even though she was losing the battle. Their company was constructing numerous hotels all over the world and acquired billions of loans in the bank. With her parents' death, those constructions halted while their stock value plummeted.

And now faced with a huge debt, and a down curved stock price, the board wanted an easy way out by selling the hotels to either Mr. Rutherford, Silvia's Father, or Mr. Axis.

Thanks to Silvia, Mr. Rutherford back down while Mr. Axis wasn't interested.

Sumeri could breathe easy knowing that there were no bidders. At least she could still think of a way to convince the board not to sell the hotels while finishing the other hotel constructions.

It was not like the hotel was doing badly. They still generated a good amount of income. It was only those old bones who wanted to make more profit out of it.

If only their stock didn't continue to plummet, and maybe she wouldn't have a hard time now.

Sumeri needed a backer. Maybe a partnership with another hotel? To make all investors at ease and invest again.

First things first, she had got to stop the plummeting of their stocks, and everything would follow from there.

"Hello? Sumeri? Still there?"

"Y-yeah . . . what are we talking about?"

"I said . . . why not just give up and sell the hotels?" Silvia said bluntly. "The sum you would get is more than enough for you and Nikolai to live in comfort for the rest of your life. Plus, you wouldn't be faced with so many problems left and right. Though you have to mind your spending . . . No more Gucci bags for you. But it'll work out.

"And without worrying about anything, you can now enter the game and earn there. Don't worry. I'll pay you a hefty monthly salary if you join our guild. And if ever you find yourself without a home, I have plenty of houses you can chose from," Silvia joked, but Sumeri wasn't laughing.

She knew Silvia meant no harm, but Sumeri couldn't laugh at her joke.

If Sumeri could get away, she would. Who wanted to be stressed out day in and day out that she couldn't even properly eat, thinking all day about the hotels.

More often than not, she also wanted to give up and just set herself free.

However, The Richers Hotel was the only thing left of their parents. It's their legacy, and Sumeri couldn't just let that go without a fight.

Silvia wouldn't know since she was born filthy rich.

The Richers Hotels were just average hotels that catered mostly for the middle class and couldn't contend with the big guns of the Hotel industry.

If the Rutherford's lost a hotel company, it wasn't a big deal. They have other businesses that could make up for that loss.

However, The Richers Hotel was all she had left of her parents.

"I can't give that up, and you know that," said Sumeri with a sad smile on her face.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

"I know. I'm just joking," replied Silvia when she sensed the fluctuation in Sumeri's tone.

"Anyway, I have to meet up with the girls in my penthouse and have a bath party there to celebrate us getting firstblood. Wanna' join us?"

"I'll have to take a rain check. I have enough of Nikolai spouting all about your raid since the moment he went down the stairs from his room. I'm not going there and hear the same thing all over again."

Silvia laughed. "Suit yourself. Bye."

Sumeri ended the call and took a deep breath.

She then took a peek at the falling stocks of their hotel on her phone and covered her mouth with a hand to swallow her cries.

She felt so lost and alone, and she badly missed her parents. She really wanted to give up. She really did.

But she couldn't.

Nikolai's image appeared in Sumeri's head, and she took another deep breath to calm herself.

Wiping off the tears in her eyes, she put a bright smile on her face and went to Nikolai.

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Early in the morning, Sumeri was startled at the knock on her door while what was left of their Maid's informed her that she had a visitor.

Sumeri groaned and looked at the time on her bedside table [6:00 AM].

Exactly six, and someone was already waiting for her downstairs?

"Who is it?" Sumeri grumbled loud enough for the Maid to hear her.

"It's Mr. Scar, my lady."

". . ." Sumeri was still half asleep. The sleepless nights took a toil at her. But at the mention of Scar's name, she shot from the bed and wiped the saliva off her lips.

"Tell him, I'll be there in ten . . . no five minutes!"

Sumeri immediately flipped her blanket and got out of the bed with nothing on but her birthday suit. She washed her face and took a quick mouthwash before she picked a spaghetti strap and shorts.

Sumeri was baffled as to why Scar would come this early into her house, but she had to admit that she was still excited at seeing him even though he had dumped her.

Maybe he wanted to get back?

Sumeri was hopeful, but she kept it to the minimum. Least, she wanted more disappointments.

However, Sumeri couldn't think of any reason as to why Scar would visit her so early in the morning except maybe to talk about their relationship?

Almost a year had passed since their breakup, and this was the first time Scar revisited her house. Even though he dumped her first and got together with Invayne after just a week of their break up and after the burial of her parents . . . she still liked him.

Years that they had been together, both in college and in the game. She was beside him all the way, supporting him throughout his journey to becoming a pro player. She even became one to be with him.

Sumeri really thought that what they had was real. That Scar was the one, and they would get married after college . . . only to be slapped on the face that Scar was only using her.

It was made apparent at how quick he was to cut her off the moment that she became a burden.

At the memory, her feelings for Scar were overpowered by hate.

Sumeri looked first in the mirror before she put her bitch face on.New n𝙤vel chapters are published on

Whatever Scar was here for was surely only for his benefit.

Come to think of it, throughout their relationship, she always followed Scar and whatever he decided was the law. It was always about him and serving him and nothing else. What he needed was a boyfriend-sitter and never a girlfriend.

The more Sumeri thought about it, the angrier and thankful she was that she didn't marry that self-centered guy.

"What do you want?" Sumeri said the moment that Scar appeared in her line of view after she went down the flight of stairs and went to the living area where he was prettily sitting on a couch with two legs raising on the footrest, reading the daily news like it was his home and she was the guess.

Scar was still the same. Breaming with confidence and riches. Only a million-dollar Patek watch ever graced his wrist. He was wearing a black long sleeve V-neck shirt and pants from a branded icon designer. His sleek black hair was always in style, and there was nothing on his handsome face but an amiable smile.

Scar put down the papers in his hands and ushered Sumeri onto the chair opposite him. "Sit."

Sumeri crossed her arms and balled her tongue against her inner cheek. She glared at Scar before she took her seat and scoffed.

"How have you been?" Scar asked before he sipped his coffee.

"Make it quick. I don't have time to waste on you," Sumeri snappily said.

Scar's smile remained on his lips even at Sumeri's blatant hostility towards him.

"I see that you're still salty about what happened between us."

"I can't?" Sumeri sneered. "You dumped me as soon I became a burden to you, and not even a week, you get together with our group manager. I'm not even surprised if you're already in a relationship with her way before we break up."

Scar only huffed a laugh. "Of course not. I'm a one-girl kind of man. But I have to admit that Invayne was more attentive than you, and I got hooked."

Sumeri scoffed. "And much richer, apparently."

Scar only smiled while he gently shook his head. "Think whatever you want."

"What are you doing here anyway?" snapped Sumeri.

Scar took a deep breath and leaned on the couch with crossing hands. "Actually, I want to speak with Nikolai."

Sumeri's pupils turned to dost, and she asked with a threatening voice. "What do you want with Nikolai?"

Scar was silent for a moment before he leaned forward. "I just want to ask him some simple questions regarding Vulcan's Cave."

". . ."

Knowing Scar, Sumeri knew that he was going to ask Nikolai on how to defeat Vulcan, and she laughed. "Scar . . . don't tell me that until now, you still haven't cleared that cave? Have you been trying nonstop all night?"

Sumeri giggled. "Is that why you're here so early in the morning? To ask my little brother how to defeat the Boss?"

Sumeri had to admit that she felt satisfied when Scar's smile froze on his face.

Sumeri continued to laugh. "Scar, you still haven't changed, I see. You always speak about teamwork and being a sport at those numerous interviews but behind all that fart, behind all your amiable appearance, sweet smile, and kind eyes . . . you're just a big sore loser."

". . ." Scar was quiet for a moment before his smile dropped, and he looked at Sumeri seriously. "And I see that you still like to shove every little thing on my face. That's why Invayne is so much better than you. Quieter too."

Sumeri's lips rose in a condescending smirk. "I bet she is. After all, what you like is a puppet that would take care of you and obey your every whim."

Scar stared at Sumeri before he stifled a laugh and changed the topic. "I want you to know that my father's company is interested in buying The Richers."

". . ." Sumeri's smile fell from her face.

"However, I can talk to him and ask him not to do that for all time sakes . . . but all depends on that one little information."

Sumeri couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Are you . . . blackmailing me?"

Scar stood to his feet and shrugged. "Think of it however you want. Like you said . . . I am a sore loser, and I will do everything in my power to redeem our guild. To redeem my name. Your choice."

". . ." Sumeri knew that Scar was being serious. However, she was torn between Nikolai's feelings, Silvia's feelings, and her own feelings.

Scar's family could surely buy their little chain of hotels. It would just be another investment for them.

And if that happened, Sumeri would surely lose her parent's legacy.

"An," Sumeri called their Maid while her nails dug against the palm of her hands. She bit her bottom lip and gnashed her teeth, "Call Nikolai to come here."

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BONUS Chapter 6/6

Thank you all for the gifts and support!

—-

Early in the morning, Ren was startled awake by the nonstop ringing of his phone. He reached for his that gadget on the bedside table and pressed the answer button with half closed eyes.

"Ren. Are you in the game right now?" asked Leonel with his usual hyper voice.

Ren looked at the digital watch on his bedside table and groaned. It was already seven in the morning. The short nap he was supposed to make yesterday night after his talk with Saya had turned into a twelve hours sleep.

It looked like he was physically and emotionally drained after their raid.

It was more because of the women sucking the energy out of him.

"No. Why?" answered Ren.

"Have you spoken with Saya? Did you agree to enter Black Lion?"

Ren rubbed his eyes and groaned. "Yes and No. I don't want to enter a guild, Leo."

". . ." Leonel was quiet on the other line for a short moment before he told Ren, "I think . . . I'm going to try entering it."

Ren's eyes flung open, and he shot into a sitting position, and the blanket slipped to his torso, baring his naked upper chest. "Huh?"

Ren was still probably dreaming. He was hearing things.

Unfortunately, he wasn't since Leonel was still spouting nonsense.

Leonel shrugged. "I mean . . . nothing will disappear if I will enter together with Saya and Mike. I just wanted to try it, and if I don't like it, I'll just leave. Saya and Mike already agreed that I would stay as a Dwarf Defender, and that's all I ever wanted. However, they told me that I still have to try out in Black Lion to get a spot. Whatever that means."

"Leo . . ." Ren massaged his temple. "Did Saya convince you?"

". . . No."

That short pause was all Ren needed that Saya indeed talked to Leonel and managed to convince him to join Scar's guild. She must have used tears as Leo was weak against those.

Ren couldn't exactly blame him. Leonel was still innocent, and Saya did have this uncanny ability to get what she wanted by just shedding a tear and having a pitiful face.

Even Ren was a victim in the past because of her white lotus act.

"And besides," Leone added, "I'm curious at what a guild is, and I wanted to try if I like it or not. Another thing, I want to ensure that the four of us can still play in the future. I will convince Mike when I am there to party with you."

He snickered.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Mike and Ren had a rift in their friendship because of what happened with Scar, and Leonel was playing mediator.

Ren just shook his head. If Leonel were just curious and wanted to try a guild, then he wouldn't stop him.

But good luck with trying to fix his relationship with Mike and Saya because that wasn't going to happen.

"If you really want to try a guild, then I'm fine with that. You can do whatever you want. Just remember not to sign anything, okay? That legal binding of paper might trap you in years of something you don't want to do."

Leonel laughed. "Of course, I won't. I want to know why Saya and Mike were so adamant about joining Scar's guild. What's in a guild anyway?"

It's because Mike always wanted to become a pro player but lacked the skills and patience to become one. Ren thought. Mike believed by riding in the fame of Black Lion, he would instantly become one. And that he wanted so badly to become like Scar.

While Saya . . . Saya was just there to make sure that Mike didn't look at other girls. Mike was too good of a fish for her to lose.

"Leo, I heard from Saya that you refer someone to Mike to take up a classless mage so the two could take a spot in Black Lion."

"Ah yeah. Remember that kid at the restaurant?" Leonel began telling Ren what happened after Leonel met Roz at the convenience store.

"I see . . ." Ren wasn't interested much in the story. "So the kid got a contract at Black Lion?"

"Sadly no. I heard from Saya that Roz would only get a contract in Black Lion if he managed to get a rare class. While Mike and Saya did secure a spot in Black Lion, but Saya said that they are only on probation until Roz could get that rare class. So everything is dependent on Roz right now. "

Leonel scratched his head. "I don't know how that works. But it sounded complicated."

Ren was quiet. Leave it to Scar to make use of Mike. Without paying a single thing and reaping all the benefits in one go.

As Scar said in the restaurant yesterday, Black Lion already had enough Swordsman and White Mages. But even so, Scar could surely squeeze in one more, especially since he knew Mike.

And this baffled Ren until now. Scar must know that Mike wanted to enter at all costs, and Scar used it to his advantage, and he succeeded.

Mike was so blinded by his ambition that he could no longer see that he was being used by the person he looked up the most.

No longer my problem. Ren thought. If Mike wanted to be a loyal dog of Scar, then so be it.

"I've also asked Isolde if she wanted to try out for the guild." Leonel happily said, cutting Ren's thoughts. "But she said that she already belonged in a guild that will be put up by her family."

"That's a given." Ren wasn't surprised about it. He could still have Leonel and Isolde help him do mercenary jobs even if they belonged in a guild. Most of the guild contracts didn't restrict players from doing side jobs and another quest out from the guild anyway.

With hundreds of members in a guild, most players were just idling at their headquarters if not doing their daily grind. So doing a quest, adventuring in dungeons, and doing side jobs outside of the guild were allowed.

"Heh. We'll be enemies if I ever like Scar's guild."

". . ." Ren didn't comment.

"I'm going online after breakfast and hoping that there is a spot in the café. Mike and Saya wanted to meet in Black Lion's temporary headquarters. What about you?"

Ren thought for a second. He had enough of exploring caves and dungeons at the moment. "I think I'll level my Life skills."

"Life skills? What's that?"

Ren shook his head. "Check it out later when you log in. It's in your player status."

"Okay. See you later. Have to make breakfast first. Ciao!"

Ren and Leonel ended the call.

Ren then scrolled to the forums for any latest news while he was away from COVENANT.

And the headlines for the day were still Golden Phoenix's victory over Black Lion, while the latter's name was still nowhere to be found on the Stone of Fame even after numerous tries in Vulcan's Cave.

Golden Phoenix was all the players talked about, especially after they had shared a hundred percent completion of Vulcan's Map Online.

Many players have let their desires known to enter the all-girls guild, men and women alike.

Ren smirked. Silvia and the others were probably busy with the amount of players showing interest in their guild.

Ren tossed his phone on the bed before he got up, stretched, and put some clothes on before he took a light exercise around the park nearby.

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After taking a bath and eating eggs and toasts for breakfast, Ren called his parents to check on them since he didn't get the chance to call them last night.

After which, Ren went into the Pod and logged in. The moment he did, a notification popped on his screen, saying that an update was evident after seven days that would last until the end of the month.

Ren recalled that it was kind of early, but he wasn't a hundred percent sure. In this update, Ren was surprised as he scrolled down the list of updates. He expected about the guild, the time changed, and PvP, but he sure didn't expect that the real money conversion would be introduced this early as well.

Ren didn't know what happened for that to be introduced early. He looked into the news related to the hasty update, and the only thing he deducted was the shares.

The Rutherford, Gambino, Axis, and the other old rich families were showing so much interest in the game that it was rumored that they already bought shares of COVENANT even before its IPO hit the Stock market.

Ren didn't know if Golden Phoenix getting firstblood was the reason or Isolde's successful first-time raid.

Anyway, that wasn't a problem, Ren mused. In fact, it was perfect! It would hasten his plans.

The only disadvantage was, within these seven days, he had to accumulate so many gil in that short amount of time because he knew that after the update, there would be a huge decrease in gil to make up with the real money conversion.

And before the update, the developer would introduce a Festival of Gil in the form of a giant walking merchant market where the players could enjoy the festivities, auctions, and, best of all, rare items to buy.

However, hidden behind that festive walls, jolly merchants, and allure of rare items were the developer's twisted heart of depleting the players' gil before the in-game conversion would take place.

As soon as Ren was teleported to Igor's Village in the land of the Dwarves, Ren message Leonel.

[Ren: Leo, don't ever spend your gil. Okay?]

Within just seconds, Leonel's message dinged on Ren's notification.

[Leonel: Why?]

[Ren: Did you see the announcement when you logged in? They're going to introduce real money conversion after that update. So save as much gil as you can]

[Leonel: Whoa! Really?! That's great! Alright then]

Ren didn't know if Leonel trusting his words so much and not asking questions was good or bad. But it worked in his favor.

. . .

. . .

Ren closed the message box and was about to plan his next move when he heard the chime of a private message.

[Leonel: Ren, the three of us are going to Snowflake Village. We're going to attempt Icy Cave!]

Just from Leonel's message, Ren felt his excitement from miles away.

[Ren: Is that so? Good luck then]

[Leonel: That's it? Aren't you jealous that the three of us are together and you're left behind?]

Ren shook his head and huffed a laugh.

[Ren: I don't. I have other things to take care of, and even if I tell you not to enter that cave, you'll do it anyway]

[Leonel: Ehehehe. I just want to try it. I have nothing to lose]

[Ren: Except for a huge amount of EXP]

[Leonel: You're so negative. I heard that we're going with fifty members with some core members and even two vice commanders!]

[Ren: That's still few. But who am I to stop you. Good luck and have fun]

Ren paused for a moment before he replied again.

[Ren: Be careful with your step]

[Leonel: Huh? What does that mean?]

Ren didn't say more and closed the chat box.

He didn't know if Black Lion was overflowing with confidence or they were just desperate to redeem their names after Scar's blunder that they would attempt a medium hard difficulty Cave.

Leonel would surely suffer a huge EXP loss, but Ren didn't plan to change his mind since Leonel seemed adamant about going. And who knew, they might even be successful against all odds.

Though he highly doubt it.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Leonel won't grow if Ren influences all his decisions. So he would let Leonel make mistakes and learn from them.

. . . Hopefully.

Ren skimmed his jawline and recalled the best place to collect a huge amount of gil while leveling his [Foraging] Life Skill at the same time. As an [Alchemist] to be, he would be mostly dealing with materials. So he needed to MAX that specific life skills fast.

However, since he couldn't use those materials yet, he would sell them. He needed expensive materials, and the only thing he could think of were precious stones. They would sell a hefty price in the land of the Elves since they needed those stones to craft things.

However, for that to happen, Ren also needed a pickaxe so he could mine and forage those stones. And the only place he could think of getting all his requirements was in one place.

Kartacol, the Mining City.

Ren made the decision to go there. Since he was the only one going, he put on his cloak and had Pii coiled around his neck.

Ren was planning to stay in Kartacol until the update since nothing was more important to him than money at this point in time. Everybody could race and get firstblood for all he cared. Hoarding gil was all he could think at this point.

Ren went inside Igor Village in the land of the Dwarves. It was the nearest place to Kartacol. However, it didn't mean that it was just an hour's walk. To reach the place, Ren had to spend 1000 gil at a wondering Caravan to take him there. It was far south in the sand dunes, and it would take a day in the Caravan.

There were numerous Caravans available in COVENANT, and it was only one form of transportation in the game. And, of course, each one of them has its own quest.

Ren went into the little square to know what Caravan was coming and going and asked Omar, the little Hobgoblin. "When's the next Caravan going to come?"

Omar looked over at Ren and said with a nasal tone, "There's Smiling Caravan that's about to come here around noon. Or if you prefer a luxurious Caravan like Precious Jewels, come back here for a week. Or if you're okay with a rackety Caravan like Smelly Butthorse, come back here tomorrow."

Ren looked to the side and thought for a moment, but the only thing he recalled was the Starry Night Caravan. That Caravan made a huge impression on him since the quest that accompanied it was so hard, but the rewards were so great.

However, Starry Night Caravan was hard to come by and appeared at random throughout COVENANT. There was no specific requirement to trigger it, so it was a close to zero percent chance of riding that Caravan.

Smiling Caravan? Ren didn't know why but he had a bad feeling about that Caravan. The fancier the name, the harder the quest accompanying it.

But Ren didn't have a choice since he was pressed with time at the sudden announcement that the game was going to update in a matter of days.

Ren gave thanks to Omar before he decided to wait for the Smiling Caravan.

Looking at his surroundings, Ren saw many players go to and fro, doing quests nonstop, while some marched in a group, apparently going into some raid.

Not long after, Smiling Caravan appeared, and Ren didn't waste time and approached three travelers riding . . . a Hog.

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 400 GT!

Thank you everyone!

—-

A hog was a giant pig the size of a man with usually dark hide, lazy eyes, two large protruding tusks, and a no-care attitude that only wanted to eat any food that came close to its snout be it grass or scraps of banana peels. On their backs were rows of thin foams of chair and silks of bags and other items buckled on the Hog's shoulders and near its legs.

Though a hog was big in size, they were nimble when they walked, even more so when they ran. They were not to be miss with when angered, but they were quick to calm down with a portion of food swayed in their eyes.

Leading the Caravan was a beast with the face of a pig with a frame of a human. He had a protruding tusk, squinty eyes, and a friendly smile. He was garbed in fine silk, pants, and a small hat over his ears, but his fine dress couldn't hide his bulging stomach.New n𝙤vel chapters are published on

"Hello, my name is Hoggy, and I'm at your service. *snort." Hoggy removed his hat and bowed slightly. He had a deep nasal and jolly tone.

"These are my two bodyguards. My ever so gallant Kobold friend, Harris, and my sweet, sweet Hobgoblin, Salud."

"Caravan? What's that?" a player asked.

"I heard that it's a transportation service."

"Where do they go?"

Hoggy smiled. "Any place in the Sand Dunes! Here are the places where we stop and resupply. Have a look if the place matches your fancy!"

Ren didn't have time to waste, and he pressed forward from the other curious players.

"Do you want to travel to these places?" Hoggy asked Ren and the list of places displayed on his screen.

Ren immediately pressed Kartacol and paid the price. Due to the distance, he had to pay 1000 gil.

"Thank you, stranger." Hoggy beamed. "We'll leave after thirty minutes and get to your destination tomorrow morning. Is that fine?"

Ren only nodded.

"Is he an NPC?"

"Is this some kind of an event?"

"Let's go and join the ride!"

"It's rather expensive."

The others said, and Ren paid them no mind. He waited to the side while rubbing little Pii on his shoulder.

"How much to the Pink Salty Dessert?"

Ren heard a player ask, and that got his attention.

Looking over at the Caravan, five players were asking Hoggy and based on their youthful faces, they seemed to be in their mid-teens and seemed to be a group of friends based on their closeness.

There were two girls in the group, a pretty face with innocent green eyes, golden curls of hair, and porcelain white skin. While the other was dark-skinned, with beads of dark violate hair tied in a ponytail. The rest of the group were boys.

The reason why Ren got curious was that the group was going to Pink Salty Dessert. Nothing was there but barren sands of pinkish sea. There were even sand fish there, Dessert Piranhas and flamingoes, and all sorts of birds.

It was a tourist spot except that it's actually the home of a [World Boss].

However, this early in the game, no one should know that, except maybe another information leaked by a Beta Tester or a lucky player who spotted a beast because sometimes [World Boss] would show itself in its territory at random where you were totally caught off guard more than once and by the time that you managed to put a team to defeat it, it had long gone disappeared.

Ren's vein twisted, and he massaged his head. Just the sheer thought of the amount of work and brainstorming he did in the past to put all clues and information of the [World Bosses] was a nightmare.

Facing a [World Boss] this early was suicide, and Ren wouldn't stop that group if ever they did attempt to go in there with that intention in mind.

It was none of his business.

After thirty minutes, Ren finally hopped into one of the Hogs while other players also went to the ride just for the fun of it. The group of five also occupied another Hog before they set sail south of the Dessert.

"This is so exciting!"

"It's like traveling but on a back of a Giant Pig!"

"Did you hear what that pig leader said? It looked like we have to camp at night!"

All sorts of buzzing sounds traveled in Ren's ear while Pii took a nap around his neck.

With nothing to do but actually sightseeing the empty landscape, Ren opted to check his messages. He put it on silent mode a while ago since Leonel kept pestering him.

Ren read Leonel's message and couldn't help but shake his head at the last message he sent.

[Leonel: Ren! One of the Vice commanders said I should give him the Black Carapace Shield we got in Gargantuan Cave and promise me a spot in Black Lion.

But I didn't, and I think he got angry and put me on the substitute even though my GS is higher than the rest.

It wasn't a problem since I knew I would pass this tryout once I showed him my skills!

The problem was that the Vice commander said that all loots we gained in the cave would belong to Black Lion, and only core members and regular members were given equipment. In contrast, the applicants don't get any.

I think this initiation is just a façade so they could have free laborers.

And then I heard that even regular members only get scraps! It's the core members that are given priority!

What a load of bull!]

Ren didn't reply to Leonel's long rant. He knew how a guild operates and it looked like Leonel wasn't liking it.

Ren then proceeded to read the other messages.

Rosie left him one too, and he deleted it as soon as he read it. She wrote only a few words, but Ren discarded them from his mind.

[Rosie: The High Castle, Room 47, my place. Mwah]

Ren couldn't fathom what that girl was thinking, sending him something like that. She didn't even know what he looked like.

Ren only shook his head before reading Nikolai's message next.

[Nikolai: Mister . . . Scar went by our house this morning asking how we defeat Vulcan . . .

I think he was threatening my sister, so I had no choice but to spill the beans that it was you who defeated it, and I didn't even know what happened since I died.

I'm sorry, mister, I was forced to give him your game number.

I think that Scar will call you]

Ren wasn't angry at Nikolai, and he wasn't worried that Scar would find out about his identity since no one knew his face. The game couldn't be a hack, and even if he wanted him investigated, he had to hire people to search for him in the game world first.

Ren smirked. Good luck with that.

[Ren: It's fine. Don't worry about it. I can take care of myself]

No one knew in Golden Phoenix how to defeat Vulcan and Ren was confident that Scar could catch up on how to beat that Boss within multiple tries.

However, Scar didn't have that option since all eyes were on him, and every time he couldn't clear Vulcan's Cave was a headline in the E-sport news.

Scar was desperate at every try, and Ren knew that the latter would call him in-game soon.

And Ren was counting on it.

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Leonel looked over at Snowflake Village while enjoying his foggy breath in front of his eyes. The village was quiet while basked in perpetual snow, and snowflakes rained down from the starry sky.

There were fewer NPCs and houses in the village, and only Black Lion crowded the place.

Snowflake Village was farthest north in the land of the Dwarves. After riding a thick hide Krovoid for hours, they reached Snowflake Village from the nearest newbie village.

Krovoid were giant buffalo whose eyes were hidden with their thick furs. Its body was clad with another layer of cloth and blankets to keep it warmer during their travels in the snowy part of the map.

There was a large tent over its back, enough to carry a hundred players in one ride.

Leonel felt excited at the number of players gathered in a single spot. The place was chaotic, with players walking everywhere.

"Is Ren not going to come?" Saya asked Leonel as she blew hot air on her hands. How amazing it was that she actually felt cold, even in a fantasy gaming world.

Leonel looked to the side and sighed. "Ren is busy at the moment."

"Forget about him," snapped Mike and sneered, "That guy didn't know this is the future. Wait and see if Black Lion rose to the top and no longer accepts players. That guy will come to us begging to let him in. Now that the in-game currency is bound to happen."

Mike then looked at the Black Shield Leonel was holding. "I can't believe that you really managed to get firstblood a dungeon. How the hell did you even do it?"The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Leonel shrugged. "It's an easy dungeon, and Ren and I are strong."

Mike just huffed a laugh. He didn't believe what Leonel said. He bet that they partied with someone skilled. "How much for the Shield, Leo? I'll buy it from you."

Mike was a swordsman, and he could wield a shield in one hand. As of now, his equipment were crappy compared to the other regular members and this got him frustrated.

Though he didn't expect it and was a little jealous that Ren and Leonel got firstblood in a dungeon, he reassured himself that they just got lucky and it was just a newbie cave. Nothing to be smug about.

In this Icy Cave, Mike's name would be on the Stone of Fame and in the Leaderboards for sure, after they cleared it. This was Black Lion they were talking about.

Gargantuan Cave couldn't be compared to something like a mid-level difficulty dungeon like Icy Cave.

Leonel pressed his lips and flung his attention to the side. "As I said before, it's not for sale. I died getting this shield."

Mike was about to open his mouth again when Leonel shifted his attention to the incoming dark-skinned boy.

"Roz!" Leonel waved his hand and approached Roz, who managed to spot them amidst the crowds.

"Glad you can make it." Leonel grinned.

Roz was wearing a scarf that he bought at the nearby market for only ten gil. It kept the cold away, and he could somehow hide half his face with it.

"The chat said to meet here."

"Glad you didn't run away with my money," said Mike.

Roz didn't take offense and told Mike with a blank voice, "A contract is a contract. Don't worry. I'll try my best to get a rare class so you two can no longer be on probation."

Mike nodded with a slight sneer. "Good. Our future rides on you. Remember that."

Mike didn't know Roz and vice versa. And the only thing that connected them was Leonel. However, Mike didn't have any intention of befriending the kid. Roz was just an employee and nothing else.

Likewise, Roz was only in the game because of work and he had no reason to be friendly with the others.

"Alright. No need to be all serious," Leonel went between Mike and Roz and tapped the kid over his shoulder.

"Don't be nervous. Big brother here will help you."

Roz just looked Leonel dead in the eyes, and Leonel suddenly had a dÃjà vu.

Why is this kid felt so much like Ren? Leonel mused to himself.

"Alright, everyone! Huddle up!"

At the sound of a strong domineering voice, every eye looked over at the one who spoke.

It was a bulky man with military-cut hair garbed in layers of metal.

"My name is Gerald, a swordsman, and this is Ed, a Hunter. We are in charge of this raid."

Mike's eyes shone in excitement. "Those two are vice commanders, and they're pro players like Brother Scar."

Saya just gave a timid smile.

Roz was listening attentively.

Leonel wasn't interested in the speech.

"Players who have above 40 GS come forward."

"GS?" Roz murmured, lost at the slang. This was his first raid, and he wasn't familiar with all the game mechanics and jargon.

"It means Gear Score. The total numbers of your equipment," explained Leonel, chest proud, feeling like he was smart at knowing all that. Though he just picked it up from Ren.

"Mine didn't reach 40," said Roz after he counted the numbers of his equipment.

"Obviously." Mike was the same since he and Saya just started yesterday night, the same with Roz. Though they had already grinded and finished some quests, their equipment still didn't reach 30 GS.

Leonel jabbed a thumb over his chest. "Ehehehe. Mine is already over 40."

"All thanks to that shield, I bet," said Mike with a tinge of bitterness and envy.

"Don't worry. If we clear this cave, then all of us will get equipment," Leonel chimed in.

As soon as Leonel spoke those words, Gerald continued, "Regarding the division of loots, all items belonged to Black Lion. Core members have priority over the loot while the manager and vice commanders will hand items over to regular members depending on their performance."

"What about the new members?" a player asked.

"New members?" Ed questioned. Then he flicked his shoulder-length red hair to the side. "Ah . . . you mean the probation members? Based on your performance, you can become a regular member. However, until then, no loots for you." He chuckled.

The probation members included Leonel and the others. All of them expected it except for Leonel, whose eyes were about to burst in surprise.

"What do they mean that we don't get any equipment? Then does that mean we're free laborers? Until when?" Leonel couldn't help but exclaimed, and at that exact moment, everyone went quiet, and his voice pierced the stillness.

Leonel immediately clamped his mouth shut and shrunk from where he stood when all eyes went in his direction.

"Idiot," Mike muttered to the side and took a step away from Leonel, and Saya did the same.

However, the vice commanders ignored Leonel and pressed on. They divided the members of Black Lion according to GS, rank and proceeded to instruct the others on what to do.

When Leonel entered the group who's GS were above 40, Gerald noticed his shield, and his eyes shone with greed.

"Hey, you."

Leonel looked left and right until he pointed at himself.

"Yes, you. Come here."

Leonel trotted to Gerald's side while Mike's gaze turned sharp.

Mike didn't know what Gerald wanted with Leonel, but he didn't like that Leonel got Gerald's attention. Was it because of his shield?

It was precisely because of Leonel's shield that Gerald took Leonel away from the prying ears of the others.

"Are you among the player who got firstblood in Gargantuan Cave?" Gerald asked though his eyes remained on the [Black Carapace Shield].

Black Lion already raid that cave in [Hard Difficulty] and succeeded. However, the [Nightmare] and [Sadistic] modes were entirely different.

However, there was no [Black Carapace Shield] among the drops, and Gerald felt lucky that he ran among those players who acquired the item.

It was a good shield at this time in the game, and Gerald wanted to have it at all costs.

"Yes," Leonel's smile stretched to the limits. Was he popular now? "My name is Leonel, and I'm a Dwarf Defender."

"Yes. I can see that." Gerald wasn't interested in Leonel and only the shield he had in his hands. "How much are you planning to sell that shield?"

Leonel smiled, froze, and he said, unsure. "Uhm . . . its not for sale."

It was only then that Gerald looked Leonel in the eyes. "Then do you want to enter Black Lion? I will give you a spot in the guild. No need for you to undergo the initiation. Regular members would receive a thousand dollar monthly allowance, and if ever your performance excels more than the others, then you'll become a core member, and the monthly payment for that is around ten to a hundred per month."

Leonel's mouth dropped, and he did math calculations in his head.

However, Leonel wasn't interested in money at this point, and even though the money would greatly help him, he was a simple guy with simple thoughts. At this point in time, he wanted the shield, and he didn't want to depart from it.

"Sorry but . . . I want to keep this shield. I will enter the guild with my skills."

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Gerald blinked. When he noticed Leonel wouldn't part with the shield, he huffed a condescending laugh. "Good luck with that."

Gerald then returned to the group like nothing had happened, smiling and making small talk with the others while he pulled someone to the side and secretly whispered something in his ears while their eyes were glued on Leonel.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

When Leonel returned to the group, a core member blocked his way and said, "Sorry, the main attacking unit is full, so you have to go to the supporting unit."

At the side, Gerald was secretly peeking at Leonel. He planned to give Leonel a hard time, so he would have no option but to give him the shield.

Gerald saw Leonel together with Mike a while ago, and he got wind that Mike really wanted to enter Black Lion so much so that he paid a guy just to become a classless mage so that he could enter. Under special probation, of course.

A special probation meant that no matter how Mike and Saya performed on the raid, they would still remain on probation until Roz got a rare class. In short, they were like a guest in Black Lion. They couldn't get anything from Black Lion, but in turn, they could stay in the guild no matter if their performance was lacking.

Couldn't blame him. Gerald thought. Who wouldn't want to enter Black Lion?

And Gerald was convinced that Leonel was the same.

However, contrary to his expectations Leonel just happily went over to Mike and the others with a wide grin on his face. Like nothing negative could affect him. And for some reason, this tick Gerald and his desire to make Leonel bend his knees sore even more.

Even though they were amiable and kind on the outside, inside, all of them didn't want to lose. And right now, Gerald would have that shield â" one way or another.

A firstblood drop like that was one of a kind, and having that shield would significantly put him above from the others. Not to mention that it would make his life easier in the game at this point in time.

At the side, Mike asked Leonel what happened, and Leonel answered straight away without a care.

"That Gerald wanted to take my shield and said that he would give me a spot in Black Lion."

Mike's eyes bulged, and his jealousy surged. "What did you say?" Could Leonel have a regular position before he could? Leonel? Why him? Just because of a shield? Was the shield that valuable?

Leonel scratched his head. "I said I don't want to part with it."

Mike closed his eyes in relief. Good thing that Leonel was an idiot. He then patted Leonel on the shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll become regular members soon enough."

Leonel only shrugged before a core member went to their group and said, eyes plastered on Leonel's face.

"Sorry, but our main and supporting units are full. Vice Commander Gerald said that your group will have to stay here and wait for another raid."

"Huh?" Mike frowned. "What do you mean full?"

"Vice Commander Gerald said that there were unexpected players who joined in the last minute, and since their GS were high, they were given priority."

"But . . ." Saya butt in, "We specifically received an invitation to this raid."

The core member just shook his head. "I'm sorry. But if you have any complaints, go talk to the Vice commander. I'm just relaying the message."

When the core member left, Mike, Saya, and Roz looked at Leonel in the eyes.

"What did you do?"

Leonel tilted his head. "Huh?"

"It's obvious that Vice Commander Gerald is making it hard for you," sneered Mike. He was happy that Gerald wasn't favoring Leonel, but now Gerald was also making it hard for him because he was together with the man.

Leonel scratched his cheek. "I think it's because I didn't give him my shield."

Mike wanted to open his mouth but shut it tight again when he thought of something. He didn't wish to Leonel to have a spot in the guild before he did, so talking to Leonel to give that shield to Gerald was out of the question. But he also didn't want to be in the eerie of Gerald.

"I'll talk to him," Mike said instead and went to Gerald.

Saya smiled at Leonel with assurance. "Don't worry, Leo. I'm sure Mike would fix things."

Leonel bit his bottom lip, and his smile disappeared. Just because of a shield? And he thought that a guild was fun, but it seemed that it was just a mini-government where the power lies in the hands of those in position while the regular people could do nothing but obey with gritted teeth.

And now, Mike, Saya, and Roz were implicated because of him.

Leonel sighed. It suddenly felt suffocating.

Leonel made a decision to give up the shield so the others wouldn't have a hard time anymore. It was just a piece of equipment. He could find one again. Besides, his friends were more important.

However, when Mike came back, his face was light, like everything was resolved.

"What happened? Did they agree to let us in?" Saya immediately inquired.

Mike nodded.

Saya beamed. "That's a relief. It's just so few of us, so they can surely squeeze a little more."

Roz didn't give any word since he was an outsider in the circle of friends. All he had to do was find a rare class and serve Black Lion after that. That was the deal–his contract.

Leonel was also ecstatic that everything was okay now. He didn't have to part with his shield anymore. Way to go, Mike!

However, after Mike and Saya finished talking, the former couldn't look Leonel in the eyes and said, "Leo, I'm sorry. I couldn't convince Gerald to let you in with the raid."

". . ."

"You're invited to Black Lion's group chat, right?" Mike continued at everyone's silence, "You can ask there for any available raid. Or you can directly message Invayne and ask her if there's another dungeon exploration near here."

"Eh . . ." Saya was confused before she gazed over at Leonel and Mike. "Does that mean . . . Leonel couldn't come with us?"

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"There are others too," Mike immediately said, "There really is an influx of players who wanted to join, and the Vice Commanders couldn't accommodate them all."

"But . . . Isn't Icy Cave's minimum group requirement is fifty? Can they just let in one more?" Saya implored.

"The group is already seventy players strong. Any more and the others feared that the EXP and gil would lessen."

". . ." Saya was about to open her mouth when Leonel butt in.

"It's fine." He smiled so as not to worry Saya. "I'll just look around the place and grind in the area. Don't worry about me. You go and have fun in there."

"I'll go with you," Roz immediately chimed in, and all eyes went to him.

"I'd rather go around and inquire anything about a rare class." Roz wasn't comfortable around Mike and Saya. He felt like an outcast when he was with Mike, while he felt like Saya didn't like him one bit.

Mike and Saya didn't say anymore, especially since the group was already entering the Cave.

"Whish as luck." Mike was so excited that he couldn't see anything but the group ahead. He even left Saya behind while the latter didn't know what to do.

And when Mike was already some meters ahead, Saya could do nothing but look apologetically at Leonel before she said her goodbyes.

"Leo, I'll message you after the raid, and we'll go grind and do some quest together, alright?"

Leonel just grinned and waved at her goodbye. "No worries." He hid his sadness behind his bright smile. He really thought that the three of them could finally play together.

But it seemed fate had other intentions.

When Leonel and Roz were the only ones left, and Black Lion set out to Icy Cave, Roz looked over at Leonel and asked.

"What now?"

Leonel couldn't speak for a moment. He didn't expect that this was going to happen, so he didn't know what to do next.

He looked at the other players who were left behind and asked if they wanted to party, but the others said that they would go to the other raids. They were desperate to enter Black Lion, unlike Leonel and Roz, who was just there because of Saya and Mike.

"Should we go and grind or go to other raids too?" Roz asked with a bored tone. It was his usual tone of voice, and often times than not, the others mistook him for lethargic and boring.

Leonel thought for a moment before his face lightened, and he hammered his fist against his palm.

"I know."

Leonel then messaged Ren.

[Leonel: Ren, is there something worthwhile doing around Snowflake Village?]

Leonel didn't want to tell Ren that he was kicked out from Black Lion because he might take it wrongly. Mike and Ren had not reconciled yet, and anything that would cause a slight splinter might thoroughly crack their friendship apart.

[Ren: Why]

[Leonel: Just wondering]

It took a while for Ren to reply, and Leonel was sweating buckets. Could Ren really be a psychic, and even without him talking anything, Ren already knew what happened?

Ren could sometimes have that ability.

And like Leonel's greatest fear came to life, Ren replied.

[Ren: What happened to the raid?]

. . . Ugh . . .

Leonel's face palmed himself. Why did he have to dig his own grave? He knew that Ren might ask that question, but he still went ahead and went to the latter for help, hoping for the best.

[Leonel: . . . Nothing. Everything is fine in the raid]

[Ren: And I assumed that you message me what to do in Snowflake Village because of this nothing when you're supposed to be in the raid?]

Leonel gulped.

[Leonel: Well . . . you know . . . after the raid]

[Ren: I assumed the raid had just started, and Icy Cave should be a half day of work before you reach the boss. It's too early to ask that question, don't you think?]

". . . ugh . . ." Leonel grumbled under his breath. Why does Ren have to be so perceptive and know it all while he has to be impulsive and idiotic for not thinking things thru?

[Leonel: Fine! I was not part of the raid because they were already full. So I'm stuck here in Snowflake Village, thinking about what to do]

[Ren: I'm?]

Ugh! At this point, Leonel grabbed his hair and groaned while Roz flinched at the side when Leonel suddenly groaned loudly.

[Leonel: Saya and Mike are still in the raid. But don't worry, once the raid is finished, we'll grind and do some quests together]

It took a while before Ren replied with only two words.

[Ren: I see . . .]

Leonel almost wanted to cry. Why did he suddenly have a bad feeling?

[Ren: North of Snowflake Village, there should be a large frozen lake, and past there is a small mountain covered in snow.

You'll find a hidden Boss around that part.

Go there with five players when the blood moon rises to its brightest, and make sure that you have [Raw Meat] with you.

Raw Meat is available if you killed a Four Horned Ice Deer in the same area, but you need a [Foe Grass] to attract it. The [Foe Grass] is available at the little girl who sells matches on the side of the street.

Ask Isolde and Ragnar to party with you]

Leonel's face brightened. As expected of Ren. Though he got dizzy from all the things he needed to do.

No matter. He would just follow the message Ren sent.

But Leonel's heart was still racing at the thought that Ren might misunderstand Mike and Saya again.

[Leonel: Thank you! But don't misunderstand, okay? Mike and Saya did their best to let me enter the raid. It just so happened that the vice commander is making it hard for me because he wants my shield]

[Ren: Even so, they should not have left you alone. They wouldn't lose anything if they didn't go. They were plenty of raids in Black Lion that you three could have gone]

Leonel didn't comment because it was true. Even though he hid it behind a bright smile, he was still somewhat hurt that Mike and Saya still chose to leave him behind.

Leonel sighed and changed the topic.

[Leonel: A hidden Boss! This is going to be my first Hidden Boss! Aren't you going to come?]

[Ren: I have other matters to attend to]

Leonel didn't pester Ren anymore before he hurriedly asked Isolde and Ragnar to come with him.

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As he read Leonel's message, Ren couldn't help the rise of his anger. A guild never changed. They said that teamwork and helping each other was the core of their guild, but behind all that was greed that could never be seated.

Rare equipment and standing were all the guild cared about, second to themselves.

And even though he expected that Mike and Saya would only think of themselves, Ren was still angered that they left Leonel on his own when they were the ones who invited him to party in the first place.

Ren somehow guessed what had happened from what little Leonel told him. He had to admit that he felt relieved that Leonel didn't go along with the raid and risk of being wiped out. And he would ensure that Mike and Saya would regret leaving Leonel behind.

[Ren: If you finish with whatever you're doing there, you can join me in Kartacol. It's south in the Land of the Dwarves. Go to Igor Village and just ride a Caravan there to come here]

[Leonel: Sure2x! I'll ask Mike and Saya too! Is that alright?]

Ren grumbled, but he knew that Mike would never agree since he had a grudge against him, and he was stubborn as hell, the same as him. And Leonel was stuck between the crossfire. He was the mediator. The bandage that tried to keep the dead friendship alive.

Ren sighed.

[Ren: Suit yourself]

He then closed the chat box before he thought of something.

[Ren: Evie, an in-game conversion is bound to happen. Be sure to save as much gil as you can]

Ren then closed the message screen and directed his attention at the sky. He wondered if she had already ventured into Illusion Forest.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

A slight smile tickled Ren's lips. Knowing her, Evie would surely become the Illusion Queen. He was confident that she could do it.

It was going to be dark soon, and the landscape was still blanketed by nothing but desert, shadowed by twinkling stars peeking at the dark grey horizon.

"We will take a short break around here," announced Hoggy when they reached a small oasis.

The Hog stopped, and the crew set up tents for the players.

Even though Ren and the others weren't sleepy or tired, they still got off the Hog and went to the crew, who were about to set a bonfire.

"Come, everyone. Let's eat! We have fresh boar skewed and roasted to perfection. Only fifty gil each!" Hoggy exclaimed though the food was just put on the grill.

Ren saw the other players huddled around the fire and those group of five that were planning to go to Salty Pink Dessert. He was the only loner in the group with a pet on his neck, and some players readily noticed him because of it.

Five logs surrounded the fire, and Ren sat on an empty one. He was the only one who was silent while the others were chatting merely.

At the side, Ren noticed a group of three men sitting not far away whose eyes were looking at the two pretty girls in the group of five that were going to Salty Pink Dessert. They were grinning and whispering with each other.

And like making a bet with one another, one of those men approached the girl with golden hair and said, "Hello, Miss beautiful. My name is Edgar. Do you want to sit with us real men rather than with a bunch of kids? We will show you a great time."

Ren sighed and slightly shook his head. Even this early in the game, there were such scenes already happening.

"Buzz off," the girl with dark skin growled while the three boys in their group all stood and protected the girl with golden hair like a princess.

Ren wasn't interested in the squabbles since the Caravan would take care of that until one of the three men said in a condescending voice.

"Don't you know who I am, kid?" he told them with a loud snarl. His spiky hair was as domineering as his face. "I'm Edgar, a core member of Sleeping Dragon! The best guild in the game."

At the mention of Sleeping Dragon, it felt like Ren's entire world blackened, and his head was ringing with the name, veins pounding hard against his skin.

Ren didn't know if this Edgar was telling the truth or not since he couldn't recognize his face. Edgar must have been an early member, or he was simply lying, but Ren wouldn't just let it go.

Anyone who was on the side of that guild would suffer in his hands.

"So what? Go away before we call the cops," the girl with dark skin said.

Edgar looked over at his friends before they all bent over with laughter. "You hear that?! Cops, she said! These kids think that this is still the real world."

The girl with dark skin looked embarrassed, while the three boys really wanted to wrestle Edgar to the ground even if the man was bigger than them.

"Hey. Stop that. They're just kids," another player said, and the other players also shot to their feet, glaring at the three men in Sleeping Dragon.

However, Edgar didn't flinch even though all the players were against him. Everyone didn't know where he got the courage to be a hooligan in front of them until a man with black hair and crescent eyes went to Edgar and grinned at everyone.

"My name is Cal Lu. And you probably heard of my father Cang Lu, right?"

Ren's brain suddenly took a turn. There were indeed rich families backing every guild, and one of them was supporting Sleeping Dragon, which was the Lu's.

Ren only had a glimpse of Cal Lu in the past, and this early in time, he almost didn't recognize him since the man was still in his early twenties. What's more, the shadows from the dancing fire hid some of his features, so Ren didn't recognize him upon a brief glance.

The others looked at each other before they whispered.

"Cang Lu?"

"That's one of the real estate tycoons in Zone B."

"He is bluffing."

"No, he is not. No wonder that man is so familiar. I saw him on the news sometimes."

"So it's true?"

"Look at his player name on top of his head."

"It's just Cal. There are thousand with the same name as him."

"Unless he had the same face with the Cal on TV that I saw."

At the mention of Cal Lu, every player suddenly clamped their mouth tight and took their sit while their eyes pretended to look at their friends and chat with each other.

The three men's smiles widened. It was no secret that whoever messed with the Lu would face bankruptcy the next day.

No one wanted to be implicated, so everyone kept one eye closed when the three men all pestered the teenagers.

"Come on. What's your name?" Edgar said at the girl with golden hair. Based on its persistence, it seemed that he had no intentions of backing off.

The three boys all pushed Edgar away when the latter was about to grab the girl's arm when she still ignored the man.

And after that, a riot ensued.

Edgar summoned his weapon and raised it against the three boys. Since Edgar was a big man, one swung from his sword, and the three teenagers were flung to the side.

"AaArRgGh!"

The others shot from their sit and were about to help the boys when Cal raised his finger.

"Anyone who help those brats, I will remember your faces and names."

The others stopped and looked at each other before looking away with gritted teeth.

Edgar cracked his knuckles and looked down at the boys. "You boys be good and stay dead on the ground. You're lucky that I'm in a good mood today, or else you brat–Ughk!"

Edgar hadn't finished his sentence when four rows of water balls shot in his direction. Edgar was sent flying from the force, and his back smacked against the ground when he fell.

His whole body drenched, Edgar coughed the water from his mouth, and another slipped from his nose.

"The fuck?!" Edgar growled and shook the water from his hair and face.

Every eye went to a player with a hood and a pet flying on his shoulder

Ren was now on his feet with the long staff in his hand.

"While I'm still in a good mood, you three better scram the fuck off." If PvP were already introduced, Ren wouldn't have second thoughts at challenging the three of them all at once and kill them over and over.

"Who are you?!" Cal snarled at Ren, prying at his face from his hood. "Don't you know who––Ugh!"

Cal didn't get to finish his sentence when other rounds of water balls hit him straight on his face. And his fate was the same as Edgar's, back hugging the ground while water dripped from his orifices.

Ren didn't care if it was the Lu or a core member of the Sleeping Dragon –– all of them would pay. He would crash that guild to the ground and all its members.

"You Fucker!" the remaining of the three dashed at Ren with a staff in his hand and he was about to swung it hard on Ren's head. Based on his equipment, he was a Mage in the group. A Dark mage.

And Ren didn't have to waste any spell on the guy. With his AGI, he quickly went to the side and slipped his toes. The man tripped and fell, face first on the dirt.

The guy immediately shot to his feet, face full of dirt and grass peeking at his nostrils. He growled at Ren before he attempted to wrestle the latter.

Ren merely stepped to the side and pushed the guy towards Edgar and Cal, who were now on their feet and was about to fight Ren with their fists when their friend toppled them away.

Rain of curses filled the area, and after getting their bearing back, they were about to storm Ren again when Hoggy and his two bodyguards went between them.

"My dear clients. Please take note that there is no fighting in this Caravan. This is your first warning."

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When Hoggy went between them, Ren regained his clarity and somehow held himself back. He then stored his weapon in his inventory and stood to the side. He knew better than to challenge the Caravan's authority at this point in time.

Hoggy gave a short nod in Ren's way before facing the trio, who didn't intend to back down.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

"My dear clients. Put your weapons away. This is your last warning," Hoggy said again. Its squinty eyes slightly opened, glinting in threat.

However, the trio didn't listen and even went into a fighting stance.

"Stand away, fugly!" shouted Edgar, spit flying from his mouth.

"You *. I'll make your family pay for this!" hissed Cal, face twisting in anger. "I will search for you in all corners of the world!"

Ren just smirked behind his hood.

Good luck with that.

Ren's ID number was safer than the money in New Era's Bank, and Cal didn't know his face. Without either one of that, Cal would have a hard time investigating him. And even if he did manage, it would take years of investigation, and by that time, Ren would already accumulate enough wealth to rival the Lu's and protect himself.

Harris and Salud stepped forward when the three were about to attack again. With their tiny frame, a giant ax appeared in Salud's little hands while a massive broad Sword appeared in Harris.

With a single swing, Harris cleaved Edgar into two before he burst into particles without knowing how he died.

Cal and his other friend took a step back with shaking, horror-filled eyes, face white and skin glistening in sweat.

"Y-you!" Cal pointed his shaking finger at the two bodyguards before he shouted in false bravado. "D-don't you dare do anything to me! Don't you know who I am?! I am Cal Lu––!"

Cal hadn't finished his sentence when he and his friend were flung to the sky by Salud's giant ax before they twinkled and burst into particles leaving only their cries echoing through the night.

. . .

. . .

Everyone's mouth dropped, and they blinked rapidly before all of them scampered away from Hoggy's two bodyguards.

Ren took a deep breath and calmed himself. Just the mention of Sleeping Dragon made his blood boil. The only thing that could rattle him right now was that name. He needed to take control of his emotions, or it would be the end of him.

Ren released a large breath before he took his seat.

Hoggy released a hearty laugh in an attempt to disperse the tense situation. "Ohohoho. Don't worry, my dear clients. As long as everyone behaves, you're all safe in this Caravan."

The others looked at each other before they awkwardly let out a smile.

"Come. Come. Let's eat. Let's not spoil the food because of some unruly players." Hoggy urged the others to buy his kebab, and everyone hurriedly spent their gil, afraid they would be flung to the air with massive weapons in the hands of a little Kobold and Hobgoblin.

Ren also bought two, and he gave one to little Pii. While eating, the five teenagers slowly crept on him until they sat on one log.

. . .

. . .

"What is it?" Ren sighed and asked, disrupting the boys' and girls' hush tones. They were arguing on who to speak to first.

"Uhm . . . Thank you, sir," a boy said with beads of green hair. "My name is Josh, and this is Ray, Zack, Kylie, and Lilly. Thank you for standing for us against those bullies when others didn't."

Ren nodded and introduced, "Ren. And no need to give thanks. I have a thing against their guild."

Ren made it clear that he had no intention of saving them in the first place since the Caravan would interfere even when he didn't do anything. So they didn't have to think that they owed him, especially when not. It just so happened that those three mentioned that they belonged to Sleeping Dragon.

"Who's that?" Lily asked immediately, and her friends were shocked when she suddenly spoke. Her Golden hair framed her pretty face, and her big green eyes were sparkling like jewels.

It was the first time that Lily spoke ever since they rode the Hogs. She wasn't talkative but wasn't shy either. She just didn't like to talk; usually, Kylie, her best friend, spoke for her.

Upon hearing her sweet voice, all the boys' hard faces melted, and their eyes turned dreamy. It was apparent that the three boys had a thing for Lily, especially Zack, who couldn't keep his eyes off her.

"Pii, my pet," Ren said simply.

"Pii . . ." Lily muttered, and her face brightened into a big smile, and Ren and the others had to squeeze their eyes because it was blinding.

Ren slightly shook his head. Lily's dimple smile would cause a lot of trouble for her, just like Evie and Silvia.

"How much are you willing to sell it?" she told Ren with an innocent face and tone. Her fluffy cat ears wiggled at the side of her head.

"Lily," Kylie reprimanded before she looked over at Ren apologetically. "Sorry. She's a little . . . dense."

Ren didn't mind. Pii was just too cute to pass off. He couldn't blame her. He looked at Lily and her friends. He took a guess that their age was about sixteen or seventeen. Still in high school. Still a little too innocent and mischievous.

"It's not for sale," said Ren.

"Everything is for sale." Zack immediately countered. His tone was overbearing as his face when he said, "Name your price. I can pay you right now. And you can send the pet as a gift to Lily."

Zack was also a young master, from the looks of it. But Ren didn't know from which family, and he wasn't interested to know.

"Not for sale," Ren only repeated again and took another bite from his kebab.

At that point, Zack frowned. He could see that Lily really wanted the Pet on Ren's shoulder. Lily couldn't take her eyes off it. Lily loved adorable things, which was also why she chose to be a beast with an Animist subclass.

If Zack could get that pet from Ren, he was sure that would put him ahead in Lily's eyes. Josh and Ray were also vying for Lily's attention, but he was confident they weren't a threat to him. He was the best-looking and had the most wealth from the three of them.

This was his chance to get close to Lily . . . If only Josh and Ray didn't take wind of his plans and insisted on coming along, he and Lily would have gotten a lot closer by now.

"I'm sure ten thousand is enough, right?" Zack insisted.

"Zack," Josh reproached with a soft tone when he sensed that the atmosphere might turn worst if Zack persisted.

Ren had saved them from those thugs, and Josh didn't want their benefactor to think worst of them. They just wanted to thank Ren, but it seemed things would take a wrong turn. And as much as he liked Lily, he wasn't blinded by his feeling to the point that he couldn't see what was right and wrong.

However, Josh knew that Zack might persist even more if he was contradicted. The more they say no to Zack, the more he would persevere.

So Josh changed the topic to Lily. The one thing he knew that would work against Zack.

"Lily, I saw a small beast over there. Want to take a look at it?" Josh said while Lily's face glowed and a flower bloomed over her head in delight.

The group then immediately went exploring the oasis after they gave thanks to Ren once more.

"Sorry about that," Ray said, still sitting on the log while his other friends were taking Lily near a strange flower were fireflies glowed on its petals.

Ren didn't reply.

Ray was the quietest out of the three boys and had a serious face. He was a looker too and stuck to the leaner frame with dark violate fringe swept to the side.

"What are you going to do in Pink Salty Dessert?" Ren asked after a minute of silence. After deducting that Ray wouldn't leave his side, he tried to make small talk with the boy. And he was curious, so he might as well.

Ray shrugged and answered, "Nothing really. Just sightseeing and grinding. Lily heard Kylie talked about it, so she was curious about the Pink Salty Dessert and pink flamingos, so . . . we're going there to tour around the place."

"I see . . ." Ren believed Ray since the kid didn't have any reason to lie, and it was evident that all of them were just here because they wanted to please the girl, Lily.

"Aren't you going to come with them?" Ren nod in the others direction when the darkness was about to swallow them away.

Ray just stretched his hands and yawned. "I'd rather eat and sleep. I have no chance anyway. Out of the three of us, I'm the poorest. In fact, I have to log out later since I don't have a pod. I'm just renting at a café, and the influx of players only left me an hour or so."

Ren didn't reply. Even though they said that everything was fair in love and all things were equal in God's eyes, the thing was, women would still choose a man with money, and not everyone was equal in the eyes of people and society. You have to die first before you taste that equality.

"Be careful on Pink Salty Dessert," Ren told Ray instead, even though there was zero chance that they would encounter the [World Boss] this early in time.

Ray thought that Ren was pertaining to other bullies. And those players who wanted to mess with them because of their youthful appearance.

"We'll do. Those three are idiots." Ray sneered with a slight laugh. "They didn't know that Zack's father is also a wealthy businessman in Zone B."

He then shook his head with a biter smile. "Money is everything, huh?"

". . ."

"We'll be fine," Ray assured when he noticed that Ren was silent. "Those guys just caught us off guard, tis' all."

It wasn't those guys you should worry about in Pink Salty Dessert. Ren thought but didn't say anymore.

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When the twin moons glowed high above the sky, shining bigger in the dessert like they almost touched the ground, everyone went to their Tent while Harris and Salud guarded the place.

After taking a short walk around the area and seeing nothing but trees and flowers, some tiny little beasts, and weak dessert monsters, Ren decided to take a nap to advance the time.

However, when he was about to fling the curtain of his Tent, he heard voices –– whispers from two girls.

"Are you sure that it's here?"

"I don't know . . . I thought that it's sleeping in here."

"Where can it be? I saw him without it when he explored the area."

Ren sighed when he knew whose voices that was, and he also had a clue at what they were talking about.

"What are you two doing in my tent?" Ren asked the moment he entered his camp.

Under the light of the dim [Fairy Dust Lamp, Lily and Kylie were caught snooping around Ren's shelter. The two girls flinched and let out a yelp from shock.

"Uhm . . ." Kylie didn't know what to say. Her mind was a mess when they were suddenly caught snooping inside Ren's Tent. She knew that this was a bad idea, but she just couldn't let Lily go alone by herself. She feared that something might happen to her with that beautiful face of hers.

Lily wanted to take Pii for herself and Kylie knew that once Lily made up her mind, it was close to zero to stop her, so she went ahead with the girl's whims.

Due to her angelic appearance, Lily was spoiled by everyone around her, including her family. Just one sparkle of her green eyes or one tickle of her dimple smile, and anyone would bend their knees to her every demand.

It was the reason why Lily often times didn't care about others. She was dense and insensitive because she knew that everyone would forgive her and give her what she wanted at the end of the day.

It felt like a minute that no one wanted to say anything while Kylie was shrinking from where she stood at the embarrassment swallowing her whole. She felt like her head was expanding because her hair was standing on edge from being caught.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

"T-this . . . don't take this the wrong way!" Kylie was about to explain when Lily beat her to it.

"Pii. Where is it?"

Kylie almost shed tears. "H-hoi . . . Lily." Why did she have to say that? Now it was obvious that they were here to steal the little creature.

"Are you going to steal Pii from me?" Ren wasn't angry. He was amused that the two didn't know that wasn't possible in the game. They were still thinking that this was the real world.

"N-NO!" Kylie immediately interjected with a guilt-stricken face, raising her hands frantically in the air. She would not be labeled a thief . . . even though that was what they came here to do.

However, Lily didn't care about what others thought since everyone mostly thought of her actions as cute, and they would give her anything that she asked if she said so, no matter what it was.

"I will take care of Pii." Lily wanted to take Pii as her pet since she didn't have the ability to acquire one yet. She thought that Ren would give it to her if she asked like what others readily did at just the sight of her beseeching eyes.

Ren looked at Lily and sensed that something was wrong with the girl's character. "I can't give Pii to you. And even if I can, I won't. Now get lost before I call the two guards."

At the mention of Harris and Salud, Kylie's face went white while Lily's expression remained the same, innocent with the lack of awareness.

"Why?" Lily asked and tilted her head. "I will take good care of it. Pretty please?"

"No," Ren said with a stern voice. "I'll count to three, and if you don't scram, I'll call those two."

Lily didn't give up, and her eyes shook while her face pleaded. "Please?"

"One."

"How about I treat you to lunch?"

"Two."

Lily looked at Ren and thought for a moment. She was lost because Ren wasn't giving in to her demand no matter how she pleaded. It always worked before. And now that it didn't, she suddenly didn't know what to do.

A creeping feeling made Lily's fine hair tingle, and she didn't like that feeling –– a feeling of panic. Panic that her charms weren't working anymore.

She even used her ace of threating him to lunch.

Pressed with a hard man to please, Lily decided to use her trump card.

I guess I have to use that. Lily was determined to get Pii one way or another. That little creature and her fate were connected the moment their eyes met.

"I'll give you my pictures in bathing suit if you give Pii to me," Lily proclaimed without care, and Kylie almost went out of her skin from shock.

Lily was becoming desperate, while Kylie sensed that Ren was running out of patience.

"Three."

"Wait!" Kylie urgently pulled Lily by the hand when Ren was about to go out of the Tent. "We'll leave! We'll leave right away!"

"But . . ." Lily didn't finish her protest when Kylie dragged her out from Ren's Tent. Lily could do nothing from Kylie's strength but pout as she pulled her away.

Ren took a deep breath when the two left and sighed into the ceiling. There was always trouble whenever he went in COVENANT. The same was true even in his past life.

It was expected since everyone could suddenly do all sorts of stuff that weren't possible before.

What's more, there were no police in this world that would stop crimes and other nasty things from happening. So this gives a lot of players the confident to become violent. You could only defend yourself using your own strength.

It was also one of the reasons why players tend to enter guilds because they felt safer in numbers.

It was like a gang. If one member was harmed then the others would declare war and fights between guilds would broke out.

Knowing there was a guild baking your name would make the others have second thoughts of harming you.

Ren massaged the back of his head before he laid on the layers of blanket on the ground. But before he did, he made sure to close the zipper of his Tent from the inside so no one could enter his camp.

The last thing he wanted was to be labeled as a child molester or a pervert.

It was also to make sure that he could sleep soundly without worrying about any form of attack.

[Tents] were available in towns, and it was a handy item during exploration, especially during raids that took days to finish. A [Tent] last four hours, and within that time frame, your HP and MP regenerate at a rapid pace.

The [Tent] was already part of the expenses they paid in Smiling Caravan, costing 500 gil in towns. It was a minuscule some, but buying those for hundreds of players during a raid was enough to empty a guild's coffers.

Before Ren closed his eyes, he checked his inbox.

Leonel left him questions about the Hidden Boss that he answered himself after a few minutes.

Ren shook his head before he opened Evie's message, which contained only two words.

[Evie: We'll do]

". . ." Would it hurt her to say a few more words? Ren grumbled under his breath before he closed his message box and proceeded to take a short nap.

After a few hours, Ren was startled awake by the shouts outside coming from Hoggy's frantic voice.

"Its' gone! It's gone!"

"Its' gone! It's gone!"

Everyone was startled awake by the loud shouts coming from Hoggy, and they all went out of their tents in a hurry.

"What is it?" a player asked.

"Where's the fire?" another questioned, yawning as she did so.

While another rubbed his eyes and rapidly blinked them before he wore his glasses. "What's all the commotion about?"

Judging from the time, it was just two in the morning, and it was freezing in the desert.

"My Hogs food are gone!" Hoggy said, still screaming while clutching down his two little ears in despair.

Ren rubbed his neck and groaned. Now he remembered . . . the Smiling Caravan's quest.

It had something to do about the Hogs' food and . . . blank.

It was an entire ball of nothingness in his brain.

Ren couldn't remember every little quest in the past. Even for him, that would be too much. What he remembered were the important ones.

However, there was this information in Ren's head that he couldn't grasp. It felt like there was this light shrouded in fog, and it was getting father away no matter how hard he tried to chase and grab it.

"What do you mean the Hogs' foods are gone?"

Hoggy's face twisted in anguish before he stomped his feet in anger. "It's those Tieflings! Those brigands! Those thieves! They're the ones who took my precious Hogs' food! Without those [Kangkong Balls, my Hogs would not obey my commands, and we are stuck in here if we don't get it back!"

Agh . . . when Hoggy finished talking, Ren suddenly recalled and grasped that elusive light that almost slipped from his hands.

Now he remembered.

The Smiling Caravan's Quest was just a simple defeat and retrieved kind of quest.

. . . I think. Ren mused to himself.

"Huh? What do you mean stuck?!"

"What's going on?"

"Couldn't we just log out?"

"Wait . . . I think this is a quest!"

"How did he lose it in the first place when his two bodyguards were like Bosses?"

Hoggy's small ears picked up even the tiniest sounds from the players, and he explained, "Unfortunately, there's a powerful Shaman among those Tieflings. He put Harris and Salud to sleep before they stole all my [KangKong Balls]!"

"Shaman?"

"Like a witch?"

"What are Tieflings anyway?"

Hoggy's nose wrinkled like he smelled something rotten. "Those boogers! They're evil spawns of the devil! They looked human, but their infernal heritage left a clear imprint on their appearance."

Hoggy's squinty eyes opened slightly, piercing the hearts of many and the seriousness in his voice jolted everyone who heard. "They have large horns on their head. Some are curly like a ram, others have straight and tall like a gazelle's, and some spiral upward like an antelopes' horns.

They have thick tails like a lizard, four to five feet long, which lash or coil around their legs when they get upset or nervous. Their canine teeth are pointy, and their eyes are solid colors, most in black or red with no visible sclera or pupil."

While Ren listened to Hoggy's description, his mind drifted to the Tieflings. They were another race that would be accessible later. Their race was small minorities found primarily in human cities or towns, often in the roughest quarters of those areas, where they grew up to be swindlers, thieves, or crime lords.

Due to their appearance and devious characters, they were often cast out and scorned. Some even built their cities somewhere far, and the most popular were the Old Arch and the Casa Belldevil.

Tieflings were troublesome only if they were many of them. They could see in the dark and were immune to fire; most had magical resistance. So Ren would have a hard time against them if he had INT like the rest.

However, since his INT was high, he didn't have any problem against those Tieflings.

And based on his knowledge, the Caravan's Quest's difficulty adjusted to the player who had the lowest ATP who were on that Caravan, so Ren was confident that the Tieflings they were about to face were low level.

"Please bring back as many [KangKong Balls] as possible." Hoggy then snatched something inside his bag and showed it to everyone.

"This is a [KangKong Ball," he told the players while holding a clump of wet grass wrapped together to form a ball.

"These are my Hog's favorite food," he said, and the players' faces couldn't be painted. There was nothing appetizing about that ball of grass. They didn't even know why the Tieflings even stole it in the first place.

"I need at least a hundred to reach our destination," Hoggy added, "Those Tieflings haven't run far. They still might be around. You can form groups to better your chances of defeating them if you like. They are troublesome if encountered alone, especially if you're a Mage. They have resistance to magical attacks."

After Hoggy said that, a notification popped on every player's screen, asking each one of them to retrieve as many as [KangKong Balls] as they could.

"We will depart as soon as I get one hundred of my [KangKong Balls] back. Of course, rewards are waiting for you if you ever accept the quest! And whoever brings back the most [KangKong Balls] will get special rewards from me!"

At the mention of rewards, all the players' faces brightened until they were jolted awake by Hoggy's next words.

"However, be warned. If you encounter that Shaman Tiefling, run away and don't engage!"

"I told you it's a quest."

"Lucky. I never thought that we would get one."

"But . . . where do we start?"

The desert was vast, and it was still somewhat dark. There were dead trees scattered around as well as ruined stones or structures. It was rather scary if you ventured alone.

"I'll be waiting here," Hoggy told the players, "This Oasis is your mark so that you won't get lost in the vast desert."

He then snatched an Ox Horn inside his bag and blew it upwards. The sound was enough to knock everyone's soul out from their body at the first blow.

"I'll blow this Horn like so after I receive a hundred of my [KangKong Balls, and exactly thirty minutes after that, we'll leave with or without you. M'kay? *snort."

The players shook their heads while some twirled their ears with their finger, hoping to get rid of the ringing sounds inside their heads.

Afterward, they immediately set out, contending on who would get the most [KangKong balls]. And among these groups was Lily's group.

Josh and Zach were silently competing with one another. At the same time, Ray was worried about the upcoming notification that would pop on his screen anytime soon, saying that he had to log out because his time at the café was over.

Kylie was worried about Lily, who kept eying Ren nonstop. She held Lily's hand tight because it seemed that the latter would zoom towards Ren at any chance she got and demand for Pii once more.

Ren was the only one who wasn't glad at the turn of events. He was in a hurry to get to Kartacol and mine lots of precious stones to exchange for gil before the game's schedule update. Time was money at this point. He didn't have any second to waste here.

But what could he do if Smiling Caravan wouldn't move without those [KanKong Balls]? Walking was out of the question and certainly going back to Igor Village and wait for hours or possibly days for another Caravan wasn't ideal either. He would waste more time by doing either one.

The fastest and most efficient solution was to eliminate those Tieflings and collect those [KangKong Balls] ASAP.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

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BONUS Chapter for reaching 1000 PS!

Thank you everyone!

—-

Ren was about to summon Pii and let it sniff out those Tieflings for him when Lily and the others blocked his path.

"Uhm . . . Ren . . . ," started Josh, and based on his tone and the uneasiness on his face, it seemed that he wasn't comfortable with what he was about to say next.

Ren was only two years or so ahead of Josh and the others.

And even though Josh and his friends couldn't see Ren's face amidst the hood, Ren's lean built, demeanor and voice, told of a man near his twenties. So Josh and the others didn't feel the need to address Ren like he was older.

In fact, Josh and his friends' really felt like Ren wasn't older than them.

"Actually . . . Do you want to enter our group? Hoggy said that it's best if you aren't alone when facing a Tiefling. And we couldn't help but notice that you're on your own."

Zach rolled his eyes at the side and cut in, "Just get on with it."

Zach then pushed Josh to the side, faced Ren, and said in a lukewarm tone, "What he means is, you can join our group, but you have to give Pii to Lily. We will also help you acquire these Balls . . . whatever, and all the loots and rewards will be yours."

Like what happened yesterday, Ren wasn't angry at their blatant words. He was rather amused and couldn't help but shake his head. He guessed that Lily still wasn't going to give up on Pii as long as she saw him. Another reason to kill those Tieflings ASAP and get the hell out from here.

Ren knew that Zach and the others might press the matter if he gave them any attention. The best way to deal with the group was to ignore them.

Ren exactly did that and turned the other way.

Zach was speechless when Ren didn't even say anything to him. The man just straight out disregarded him, and this had never happened before.

Maybe Ren didn't know who he was?

"Hey you, stop right there! Don't you know who I am?" Zach hollered, but Ren just continued ahead like he didn't hear anything.

"I don't care if you own the world. I still won't give Pii to anyone," said Ren with a voice colder than the freezing dessert night.

And upon hearing his voice, Josh and the others shivered.

"You boys worry about yourself. You might die out here," Ren warned before he left them.

Zach was about to say something again when Ray pulled him back.

"That's enough. The guy already said no."

"Maybe he is too strong that he didn't need a group?" Josh joked to Lily when he noticed that the girl's head was low and her cheeks were puffing. Indicating that Lily was upset, and Josh's heart swelled at the sight. He couldn't help but think negatively about Ren. All thoughts of Ren helping them yesterday night were gone in his head.

However, that only lasted five seconds, and Josh immediately regained his head. Lily's charms were indeed scary. It made even him, a boy who was always level-headed, forget who he was.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

Zach sneered and slapped Ray's hand off his shoulder. "Bah! What do you mean strong? He is a mage. Remember those water balls he released that night? Hoggy said that Mages will have a hard time fighting the Tieflings 'cause they have magical resistance or whatever.

"Lily was kind enough to let him in the group and even give him all the rewards, but he is so smug. Let's see if he could last alone in this dessert. You'll see. He'd be the first to die. We won't be seeing that guy after Hoggy blow his horns."

When Lily heard that she might not see Ren anymore, she panicked. That mean that she also wouldn't be able to see Pii too! And her chance of acquiring that pet was close to zero if that happened.

While Josh and the others were distracted, Lily took that chance to slip from their eyes and hurriedly followed Ren before the others notice that she was gone.

Meanwhile, Ren was already meters ahead from the Oasis before he summoned Pii.

"Alright, little Pii. Take me to those Tieflings."

Like Pii understood, it twirled over Ren's head before it flew forward.

Ren silently followed Pii without a word, and not even five minutes of walking, Pii found a dead tree not far from two giant rocks. Hiding behind those rocks were two Tiefling Thieves.

Without a second thought, Ren engaged the two Tieflings and rained Water balls at the unsuspecting enemies.

With the Tieflings' low ATP and not to mention that Ren hit them from behind, which granted a critical attack, the two Tieflings died on the spot. Their magical resistance was useless against Ren's high INT.

Ren only received [KangKong Balls x3] and some gil and messily items from the two. It wasn't much, and Ren didn't have a choice but to hunt more Tieflings in the area.

However, as he did, Ren noticed that the Tieflings he encountered grew more in numbers as he went towards a ruined structure. Some were in a group of three or four until there were five of them, ranging from the class of thieves, hunters, swordsmen, and barbarians, and some even have a pet basilisk with them.

Good thing that Ren's LCK was high, and the Basilisk was still low level, so he wasn't turned into a stone by its skill for the Tieflings to feast upon after.

If it was the others, Ren was sure that they would have died.

Even though the Tieflings' ATP was low, Ren couldn't kill all of them in a single hit, so some managed to attack him and land a blow though their attacks only scrape so little on his HP bar.

Moreover, there were also desert beasts roaming around the area. Some were low-level, while some were harder to face at this early point in the game.

Ren didn't engage them. No need to waste his time and mana on the beasts. He was here only for the Tieflings.

The problem was, Ren noticed that the supposed to be easy quest had turned into hard or even nightmarish for regular players as he approached the ruins.

"Is something there?" Ren asked Pii, but the little creature continued flying towards the ruins like it saw nothing but that place.

"Pii, you're not leading me to my doom, are you?" Ren teased the little creature, and Pii just let out a soft cry while its focus was still on the ruins.

After walking for an hour around the desert in search of Tieflings, Ren still hadn't heard the blow of the Ox horn.

Looking back, Ren ensured that the Oasis was still within his line of sight before he stopped in the ruins.

There was nothing noteworthy about the ruins. Like the previous ones, the grandeur it had once was lost in time, and it succumbed to decay and relics. Scattered stone walls all around while dessert sand covered most of the cobbled grounds.

It must be a temple long ago based on the statue of a goddess that was the only thing that remained intact from all the rubbles. However, cracks like tiny veins were scattered across its figure.

Pii stopped on the statue, specifically on the statue's head.

Ren was about to check if there was something in the statue's blank eyes when he heard noises, rattles from stones, and the soft crunch of boots on the desert sand.

When he looked at the area, about Ten Tieflings were already surrounding him. Their piercing cold stare felt like it penetrated deep into his heart.

Ren sighed and looked at Pii with dead eyes.

He did say to lead him where the Tieflings were, but ten of them all at once wasn't what he was hoping for.

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Surrounded by ten Tieflings, Ren only looked at Pii, who wasn't even aware of the predicament he was in. It was joyfully chirping at Ren to check the statue out like Tieflings were invisible in its eyes.

Maybe Pii also sensed that Ren could defeat the Tieflings easily so it wasn't worried.

"I will look at it after I take care of this," Ren muttered under his breath.

There was no option not to engage. It was an ambush, so Ren didn't have any choice but to fight.

Ren didn't waste time on using [Probe] since he knew that the low-level Tieflings didn't have any useful skills or spells. It was a waste of time to use [Probe] on the ten Tieflings.

At this point, they were nothing but a raggedy bunch of thieves, and Ren could defeat them though he would suffer some HP reduction from their attacks since it was one against ten.

The Quest was obviously for a group of players like what Hoggy suggested they did. But soloing it with Ren's ATP wasn't a problem.

Ren cast [Multiattack] while simultaneously avoiding the Tieflings' weapons, striking him with the intent to kill. Some he avoided while most he couldn't.

The Tieflings were fast, and most of their class were thieves, so they were nimble on their feet, boosted by their race.

However, their damage was minuscule and faced with Ren's DEF, they only did -5 on his HP with each attack.

Ren was still careful, though, since Thieves could easily deal critical damage if he showed them his back.-.

Ren stepped away as the enemies lunged in his direction, and with a quick flicked of his staff, four water balls shot towards the remaining Tieflings.The sourc𝗲 of this content nov(𝒆l)bi((n))

While Ren's spells were on cooldown, he was busy avoiding the rows of attacks his way. At the same time, he blocked the Tieflings daggers with his staff and dealt damage of his own with a thwack of his rod.

A sharp pop resounded as Ren casted another water balls. The shot wrenched against his foes with a savage crack that sent them sprawling downwards.

While Ren was busy with his fight, hidden behind the ruined block of walls was Lily, who managed to follow him without alerting him or her friends.

Lily really thought that Ren was a goner faced with ten Tieflings alone. She didn't expect that what Josh joked about was true. That Ren was indeed strong, and he didn't need a group to kill the Tieflings.

He was a killing machine on his own right.

Lily even momentarily forgot about Pii as she watched Ren fight â"â" no, more like massacring his enemies while he only suffered minor damages.

His ATP must be high. Lily thought before she shifted her attention to Pii, who was still flying on the statue's head. It seemed like it wouldn't go away. Not until Ren would take a look at that particular spot.

Lily carefully crawled towards the statue, being careful not to attract Ren's attention. Eyes on her prize, Lily nimbly hid from walls to walls until she was but a meter from the statue.

Looking over at the statue, Lily noticed that it was tall. She only reached its waist, and Pii was flying over its head.

"Pii . . . come here . . ." Lily whispered and made whistling sounds to attract Pii. Her two hands extended over, feet raising, standing on her toes, and reaching Little Pii as she could with no success.

In comparison, the little creature ignored Lily and only made chirping sounds, still calling Ren to take a look at what it found.

After ten minutes, Ren defeated all the Tieflings in the area and acquired [KangKong Balls x20]. He drank a [Health Potion] to keep his HP bar to the maximum before he proceeded to look at Pii. He was surprised to find Lily, who was already climbing the statue's pedestal in order to reach Pii.

Ren sighed into the horizon and went over to the girl.

"What are you doing?" Ren asked with a monotone voice mixed with slight irritation.

Lily was shocked, and she slipped and almost fell to the ground if not for Ren's timely save of her. Carrying her princess style wasn't exactly what she had in mind, and it was the first time that she was held that way by a man, no less, and her heart raced â" but on a different matter entirely.

Saved by a man whose face shrouded in darkness by his hood wasn't exactly romantic. It was horrifying.

That was only when Lily thought that right now, she was alone with a stranger that she didn't know. If she was with her friends, then she had nothing to worry about when facing Ren.

But alone . . . Lily froze at the creeping fear. She was aware that she was beautiful, and it wasn't the first time that her beauty caused her problems. It was just that she couldn't think straight if there was something she really wanted. All her focus was getting it without thinking of the consequences.

In comparison, Ren felt Lily turned to stone in his arms, and when he saw the fear crossing her eyes, he immediately let her go, and the girl hugged the ground, butt first.

"Ow . . ." Lily groaned before she looked over at Ren with a pout. "Why did you do that?"

"Go back." Ren ignored her and went to the statue, while Pii tweeted cheerfully when he saw him approached it.

At the sight of Ren snubbing her, Lily's fear evaporated, replaced by a surging irritation that she didn't understand and her desire to own Pii surged once more.

"I won't go back until you give Pii to me."

Ren didn't want to deal with the spoiled, demanding girl right now. He checked the statue's blank eyes. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that there was a space around the statue's pupils, and he pushed it with his finger.

Second later, Ren and Lily felt a palpable rumble vibrating through the floor, followed by the clatter of falling pebbles and sands.

The both of them stared at the center stone floors that revealed a stair leading down to an underground place, while a stream of dust and sands hissed into the ground below.

Ren tilted his head to the side and rummaged through his memory about the place but couldn't get anything. It must be the Tieflings' lair based on the sheer numbers of them found in this place.

And Ren remembered what Hoggy said, not to engage the Shaman Tiefling. That Shaman must be inside the lair. Ren thought.

He then rubbed Pii's head. "Good work Pii. I think you found the Tieflings' hidden lair."

Pii!

Pii joyfully curled in Ren's neck, and they both looked at the stairs leading down.

"Tieflings lair?" Lily questioned, but Ren didn't mind her.

He treated her as air while he was busy making decisions in his head. He didn't know what to expect at this point. He was thinking of returning to this place when he had researched the area and the Boss and was better prepared.

However, he couldn't also get the fact out from his head that there might be more Tieflings underground compared to if he roamed in the desert aimlessly.

Ren quickly made the decision to explore the lair and kill as much Tiefling as he could before things could get ugly. He was not an idiot to actually face the Shaman alone after what the Shaman did to Harris and Salud.

Ren knew that he was no match with the Shaman, if ever, but it wouldn't stop him from killing the Tieflings in their lair.

Ren knew that the final boss was always found at the end of the lair, so his plan was to eradicate the Tieflings in the path leading to it. He might also take a peek at the Boss if he could, but he wouldn't engage.

Yosh.

When Ren was about to climb down the set of stairs, he was pulled back by a force coming from the hem of his cloak.

"Stop ignoring me!" This was the first time that Lily had raised her voice, surprising even her. She was usually quiet and calm, but she had enough of Ren treating her like she was invisible.

"You're still here?" Ren only said before he pulled his cloak and went down the flight of stairs. He didn't care about the girl. She could come if she'd like, but don't expect him to help her if she was in trouble.

It wasn't an issue, too, if the girl said anything about the place to her friends. Ren was even hoping that the others would try the lair first to test the waters before he would even attempt it.

Nothing was scarier than the unknown, after all.

"Wait." By this time, Lily stomped her foot against the ground before she looked over the sky when Ren continued down without even sparing her a glance. It was still somewhat dark, and the Oasis only left a shadow from where she stood.

She shifted her eyes between the Oasis and Ren before deciding to go after the man. She was more scared of going back alone than staying with a stranger she knew wasn't interested in her.

Ren might be bold and cold, but it was better than facing the Tieflings alone. Those weird humans with big horns were like devils in her dreams.

However, she didn't know that she had made a terrible decision until later.

Meanwhile, back in the Oasis, instead of racing to fight the Tieflings and get back the most [KangKong Balls, Josh and the others were running all over the place, searching for Lily, who suddenly disappeared.

They knew that she went after Ren, which put the teenagers in a bad mood. Their protected princess was snatched right under their noses just because of a pet!

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