For the first time since arriving in Tesyrion, Dale felt right. The moment he lunged to strike the creature, his body felt light. The sense of rejection he got from the world, the difficulty in breathing, the feeling of moving through water, and the darkness that permeated the atmosphere and hindered his vision. While he focused his mind on destroying his opponent, his target became clear and his sword felt different. It didn’t feel like a wooden stick anymore. It almost seemed looked hazy, as if trying to decide its shape. Before Dale could focus on it, he reached his target.

The sword plunged into the creature’s chest, red shards flew through the air as the gem was pierced seemingly with no effort. The vine-like appendages contracted before whithering in front of the group. With an unexpectedly comforting sound, the crimson pieces fell to the ground. After a few seconds of silence, the group fell to the ground and a status screen popped up in Dale’s field of view.

STATUS LEVEL UP TRACE OF INSANITY [LV. 1] -> TRACE OF INSANITY [LV. 2] ADAPTABILITY [LV. 3] -> ADAPTABILITY [LV. 4] AGILITY [LV. 2] -> AGILITY [LV. 3] VOID ENERGY [LV. 1] -> VOID ENERGY [LV. 2]

— Fuck, I thought we were dead. — Said Nina

— Me too, my barrier broke so easily. Can we really do this?

— Sorry, I should have predicted the creatures wouldn’t be precisely the same. And with how this floor affected us, it was reckless to jump straight in.

— Don’t beat yourself up. It’s not like we had a lot of choices.

After spending a few minutes regaining their strength, they decided it was time to continue their search. Before they continued, Dale picked up the core shards on the ground and divided them into roughly equal piles.

— Since it didn’t wither with the rest of its body, these might be useful somehow. Monster drops usually are.

Agreeing, each grabbed their share and proceeded down the corridor in the direction the monster came.

— By the way, The way you attacked the monster was pretty impressive. Was it a skill?

— Not really. I guess I’m starting to get used to the new strength I have.

After walking for a while, the group soon realized that the pressure that hindered their abilities when they arrived at the current floor was gone.

— Is it because we leveled up? — Inquired Kyle.

— Probably. This introduction mission seems to be designed to increase in difficulty as we move closer to the objective. The lower we go, the harder it gets, and the stronger we become when we succeed. It makes me a bit apprehensive about the world outside if this controlled environment is already like this.

— Well — Dale stopped walking — It looks like it’s about to get harder again. — He said, pointing at the walls a bit further down the corridor. Covering the walls like cracks spreading through the building were several familiar vine-like appendages.

— I’m guessing that if we follow these to their source, we’ll find Hazel and Oliver. But I also think that whatever is at the other end probably won’t like the visit.

— Is it possible for us to walk through without touching the tentacles? — Kyle asked.

— It doesn’t look like it is. But those don’t look alive either. — Dale searched his pockets and found a few coins. He threw one at the tentacles on the walls looking for a reaction, but none moved. — It looks safe…ish.

Kyle and Nina stared at Dale.

— What? It’s not like we have any other choice. I don’t want to go around opening random doors looking for another path, do you?

Both quickly shook their heads.

— Let’s go then.

The group continued their way through the tentacle-covered corridor in search of their captured companions.

***

Somewhere beyond the veil of darkness, three figures watched the group as they moved through the run-down school building.

— The ones you brought this time are somewhat competent, aren’t they, Amkorathotep. — Said an old gentleman with short gray hair, wearing a black overcoat and glasses.

— I always bring competent people, Mr. Thoth. It’s you who keeps amping the difficulty of the introduction mission and killing them off before they can show their true potential. I’ve been pretty depressed lately since you’ve managed to kill off most of my candidates before they even stepped outside the building.

— I’ve already told you to stop calling me that. And you might not realize it yet, but as the Harbinger of Lies you play an important role in this world, so not just anyone can become a candidate.

— Abzhorrathoth is a weird name though. And I’ve already told you to call me Amy.

— You!!!

— Calm down, you two. — The third individual present stepped in between the others — Mr. Abzhorrathoth, you know Amy was the last one to be born. She’s basically a child, so forgive her rudeness, will you?

Abzhorrathoth closed his eyes and repositioned his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. — You protect her too much, Korathkthu, that’s why she became spoiled like this.

Behind Korathkthu, Amy looked at Abzhorrathoth and showed her tongue.

— I’ve seen enough! Let’s hope these candidates can survive their last trial. Or else you might continue to be the failure you are, Amkorathotep. — Putting on a hat, Abzhorrathoth disappeared into thin air.

— Cranky old geezer — Said Amy with disdain — You’re only a failure if you believe you are. He’ll know soon enough. I’ll make sure the almighty Harbinger of Chaos believes it, keke.

— You shouldn’t say things like this, Amy. You’ll get in trouble if you upset the elders.

— Let them try. This time I have a really good feeling about the ones I chose, Kora. — Amy’s eyes shone with a glint of excitement. — Specially those three. If everything goes right, it shouldn’t be too long before we see some real change start happening around here.

— You think they have a chance?

— We’ll just have to watch. It looks like they’ve arrived at their destination.