novelraw Chapter 16: Challenging the Second Scenario
Chapter 16: Challenging the Second Scenario
Seeing the determination in my eyes, Boris raised an eyebrow before crossing his arms and nodding. “All right. I believe in your ability to go alone, Maxim. Leave Michelle’s safety to me.”
“But…” Michelle hesitated, as if trying to find the right words, but nothing came out.
“Maxim has made his decision,” Boris said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s best if we don’t try to dissuade him and instead put our trust in him.”
“Mm, all right.” She nodded tentatively.
Although Michelle was more than capable in combat and could undoubtedly help me survive, I knew this wasn’t the right time to rely on others. If I wanted to obtain the strongest and rarest class possible, then I needed to prove my worth and rise above the rest on my own.
Nevertheless, there was something I needed to confirm first.
“On that note,” I turned toward Elysia and asked, “can you tell me the details of the second scenario?”
Due to time constraints, we hadn’t been able to gather much information from other divine warriors regarding the second scenario. However, since Elysia oversaw the Rift of Scenarios, it was possible to ask her some general questions.
“With pleasure,” she replied with a graceful nod. “Unfortunately, the specifics can only be revealed once you enter the scenario. What I can tell you is that the second scenario is an exploration-type scenario, requiring you to complete certain objectives to clear it. Without adequate preparation, it is advisable not to challenge it hastily.”
Exploration-type scenarios also meant that challengers wouldn’t be able to get out of the scenario until the main objective was cleared, and this could take days. Depending on the scenario’s difficulty, prolonged stays could become increasingly dangerous. Supplies could run low, and even if one had an abundance of food and drinkable water, the scenario wouldn’t allow complacency—monsters would inevitably be sent to eliminate those who remained idle for too long.
This was why preparations were absolutely necessary. Fortunately, we had already taken care of that before coming here, so I wasn’t worried in the slightest.
“I see,” I said, nodding thoughtfully. “That’s enough information.”
Elysia gave her usual serene smile. “Very well. Then please step forward when you are ready to enter.”
I exhaled lightly before turning to Boris and Michelle. “You two be careful. Complete the scenario properly.”
Michelle still seemed a little uneasy but managed to give a nod. “You too. Don’t do anything reckless.”
“Hah! He’ll be fine,” Boris said with a confident grin. “Rather than that, I have a feeling that he might even surpass this ol’ great me afterward.”
I smirked faintly at his remark but didn’t respond. Instead, I stepped forward, approaching the mural, ready to enter the unknown. Moments later, a dark portal swirled into existence before me, just like the one we had entered to redo the first scenario.
Without hesitation, I stepped into it, and a sensation of weightlessness washed over me before the familiar feeling of solid ground returned beneath my feet; this was slightly different than the first time going into the portal.
In the next moment, I found myself standing in a long, dimly lit corridor. The walls were lined with aged bricks, cracked and covered in patches of moss. The air was thick with dampness, and the pungent stench of sewage and rotten eggs hit my nose immediately, making me wince.
A sewer?
Scenario #2 [Exploring the Post-Apocalyptic City]
Octoferals and Octoferal Zombies have overrun the surface, while all manner of unknown creatures lurk in the city’s hidden depths. Uncover the secrets this city holds by investigating the origin of the horde.
Mission Type: Exploration
Difficulty: F+
Main Objective: Explore the area for 10 km2. (0%)
Reward: 1,000 Soul Coins & One Uncommon-Grade Armament Voucher
Penalty for Failure: Death
Extra Conditions:
1. Kill 20 monsters of any kind. (0/20)
Reward: Two Aleph-Tier General Lootboxes
2. Kill 50 monsters of any kind. (0/50)
Reward: A Random Uncommon-Grade Skill Book
3. Kill 100 monsters of any kind and uncover the secret that the city possesses. (0/100, Incomplete)
Reward: A Random Rare-Grade Skill Book
“Huh, the objective is actually quite simple,” I mused, shaking my head at the thought that it should have been harder. Given the ominous atmosphere, I had expected something more demanding right from the start.
In any case, I had a job to do. While the objective seemed simple at first glance, being inside a sewer severely limited the explorable area, meaning it would take longer to accomplish. On top of that, the near-total darkness made it even riskier—only faint beams of light seeped through crevices and small holes above, barely illuminating the damp corridors. Exploring blindly in such an environment, where unknown enemies could be lurking, was a dangerous gamble.
With this in mind, I recalled the two Uncommon-Grade Armament Vouchers I had obtained from clearing the third extra condition in the first scenario. I had yet to use them, and this seemed like the perfect time.
Without further ado, I went ahead and used one. A translucent menu materialized before me, displaying a neatly categorized list. But unlike the first time using one, there was nothing that really caught my attention on the list here; there were hardly any magic items in the list. Almost everything consisted of standard gear, as if the system was limiting my options based on my current environment.
“Hmm… well, this should help in this situation.”
I scrolled through the options before selecting a pair of boots that resembled rubber rain boots—except they looked far sturdier and more comfortable to wear.
Water-Resistant Rubber Boots
Grade: Uncommon
Type: Boots
A well-crafted pair of rubber boots that’s designed to withstand harsh environments. Durable yet comfortable, they provide an excellent grip on wet and slippery surfaces. Highly resistant to water damage, making them ideal for flooded areas.
Durability: 25/25Grants +2 StaminaNegates water resistance in flooded areas, allowing for unrestricted movement.The rubber boots materialized in my hands, and without hesitation, I swapped them out for my old sneakers, storing the worn-out footwear in the inventory. The boots fit snugly, surprisingly comfortable to wear.
While I was at it, I decided to use the second voucher and selected a steel spear from the list.
Sharp Steel Spear
Grade: Uncommon
Type: Spear
An excellent-quality steel spear designed for both thrusting and sweeping attacks. Its sturdy build ensures reliable performance in prolonged combat.
Durability: 35/35Grants +2 StrengthI had briefly considered upgrading my short sword, but my current weapon was already more than sufficient. Getting a different type of sword—like a longsword—would be impractical in this environment. The confined space of the sewer meant that maneuverability was limited, and swinging a long blade recklessly could be a liability.
Instead, a spear was the better choice. Its extended reach would allow me to hold back approaching enemies without getting too close, making it ideal for fighting in tight corridors.
Gripping the steel spear in my hands, I gave it a few test swings. It was well-balanced, neither too heavy nor too light, and felt solid in my grasp. Satisfied, I adjusted my stance and turned my attention toward the dark tunnel ahead. It was time to move forward.
I took a careful step ahead, feeling my new boots splashing lightly against the damp stone floor. The dim lighting barely illuminated my surroundings, casting long shadows that stretched unnervingly across the walls. Water dripped from above, the distant echoes making it difficult to tell if something was moving in the tunnels—or if it was just my imagination.
First, I need to find a ladder leading up to the surface. That way, I can clear the main objective faster. But at a glance, there was no obvious path where a ladder might be placed. The tunnels twisted unpredictably, some narrowing into tight passageways while others widened into dark, murky pools.
“It’s at times like this that I regret not having a skill related to exploration…” I muttered under my breath. Having something like Detection or Tracking, which was the skill that Michelle got from her class, would have made navigation far easier.
With no clear path forward, I decided to press on through the narrow passage on one of the forks ahead, moving cautiously while keeping my senses sharp for any sign of movement. The scenario required me to explore ten square kilometers, which meant I couldn’t afford to linger in one place for too long—unless I wanted to be stuck here for days. I wouldn’t be able to bear the foul stench of a sewage that hadn't been cleaned for who knew how long.
Suddenly, a faint rustling echoed from somewhere up ahead. I halted, instinctively lowering my stance as my grip tightened around the short sword on my waist.
Something’s there…
[Giant Mutant Cockroach – Lv.4]
A sewer-dwelling insect that has mutated to an unnatural size. While this grotesque creature is not particularly strong, it is highly resilient and difficult to kill. Can emit a foul-smelling secretion when threatened.
“A mere insect?” I muttered, unsheathing my sword.
The cockroach’s long antennae twitched as it quickly scuttled toward me, as if it were trying to escape from something. Its segmented body clinked against the damp stone floor. Despite its grotesque appearance, it wasn’t exactly an intimidating opponent.
Still, I didn’t let my guard down.
The moment I took a step forward, I revealed my presence that had been masked by the cloak, and the cockroach instantly reacted, darting sideways with unnatural speed, making it hard to land a clean strike.
“Tch.” I narrowed my eyes and adjusted my stance. So it’s this fast, huh?
Testing its reaction, I feinted a strike, and as expected, the cockroach skittered away again. Gripping my sword tightly, I lowered my center of gravity and prepared to strike for real. As I swung my blade in a sharp arc, aiming to cleave through its thick exoskeleton, the cockroach reacted instantly by trying to leap away.
No, you don’t!
Having anticipated its movement, I shifted my stance mid-swing, adjusting my trajectory. My sword came down in a brutal overhead slash, slicing through its hardened shell with a sickening crunch. The mutated insect split cleanly in half, with its twitching remains splattering against the damp stone floor.
You have hunted [Giant Mutant Cockroach Lv.4].
You have gained 4 EXP.
I flicked the ichor from my blade before assessing my surroundings. Although it was silent all around, that didn’t mean I was alone. If there was one cockroach, there were bound to be more. Sure enough, the faint sound of chittering echoed from deeper within the sewer. Sounds of multiple footsteps scraped against the stone—something else was coming.
“Chrip! Chrip, chrip!”
Turning around, I saw five pairs of glowing red eyes staring at me from the darkness.