Part One Hundred and Twelve

By the time I noticed, it was already too late. The Warlord had somehow empowered itself, and was rushing straight for me. I didn’t know if it targeted me specifically, or just rushed for the first person it sensed, but I’d die all the same if I did nothing. But even with Skanda activated, I knew I wouldn’t be able to avoid its attack. Maybe if I’d been ready for it, or still had some mana left, I could make it, but there was no point in worrying about “what ifs”. I had to focus in reducing the damage I was going to take as much as possible.

It’s a single straight punch thrown right at my head. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be something to worry about since I have my helmet on. I’d just tank the blow, and try not to die immediately after. But considering all the mana coming off the Warlord, it’s obvious it has activated a Skill of its own, one that massively boosts its physical abilities.

Which means that this one blow will hurt a whole lot more than it should. There’s also the matter of follow-up attacks, but I just have to hope the others can react to it in time, and that Kalia will still be able to heal me. Thankfully, this seems like one of those moments where an enemy is using up its very life-force to pull this off, so chances are it’ll be nearly dead once this Skill wears off. That should limit the damage I’ll take. I hope.

Since Skanda sped my perception of the world up so much, I could take the time to leisurely think this over in my head, even as I watched the Warlord get closer and closer. It was creeping forward so slowly, yet I knew it would inevitably reach me. And then there was Skanda's time limit, which was nearly up. Despite the fact that only seconds would go past in reality, I had an entire minute to try and reposition myself to mitigate as much damage as I could.

You know, if Skanda ever ranks up again, then I might get more time before the world catches back up to me. If I had two minutes available to me, I might just be able to avoid this kind of attack. Though I guess its hard to tell since the Warlord is just moving that fast. No one else has even moved an inch since Skanda activated, so what does that tell you? Though it’s not like I can see everything.

Skanda was definitely a good Skill, but its limits kept it from being great. I knew I could stagger my use of the banked time in order to extend its effects, but that only went so far. The fact that the Skill hadn’t ranked up since I left the Labyrinth was irritating to say the least. But perhaps that was simply the trade-off for such overpowered power.

Inevitably, time ran out, and the world caught up to me. I watched as the Warlord seemed to speed up like a video being fast-forwarded, up until the moment when its fist was plowing into the front of my helmet. The attack carried as much force as I’d feared it would, and the impact sent me flying backwards. But, my efforts weren’t for naught, as I managed to stay conscious despite the blow.

I managed to reorient myself in midair, and landed on my feet while bringing my swords up to bear. Only, I was given a shock at what I saw.

Someone had somehow managed to interpose themselves in between me and the Warlord while I’d been airborne, and was now blocking the monster's furious attempts to get past them. The two figures were moving fast, maybe as fast as I did when I used Sonic Burst and Beast of the Nightmare. One was throwing countless punches, which the other deftly blocked, not allowing even a single one to get past their shield. The spectacle was so amazing that it took me a minute to figure out who it was fighting the Warlord.

Braddock? How did he, how is he-? What the hell am I watching!? I’ve never seen him move so swiftly before! Has he been holding back? No, I can’t imagine he’d do something like that. Not when it could cost people their lives. So what’s causing this? Did he acquire a new Skill in the Dungeon at some point?

Something odd was definitely happening here. Mana was coming off of Braddock in nearly the same concentration as the Warlord. His movements were extremely deft and fast, blocking the Warlord’s every attempt to attack him. It didn’t matter what angle it tried or how many blows it threw, Braddock blocked everything with his shield.

“You aren’t claiming any more lives today. This ends here.”

“BRRRRAAAAGH!!!”

I don’t know if the Warlord could understand what Braddock said, but I felt like the sentiment was definitely translated. Especially since the Warlord was becoming more and more infuriated with every failed attack. Eventually, it bellowed in pure anger before shoulder checking Braddock, forcing him back two steps.

“BRRRRRRAAAAAGH!!”

The Warlord’s mana swelled again, ice crystals forming in the air around it. Frost began to form on Braddock’s armor, and even the air around me began to chill. I could see my breath coming out in white clouds in front of me. I couldn’t imagine how cold the air around them was becoming.

“Stand back! I’ve got this!”

And yet, Braddock stood against it. Even as the temperature around him had to be falling close to sub-zero territory, he stood firm and held the Warlord in place. It continued thrashing against his shield, impotent rage failing against infallible defense. Eventually, the Warlord’s stamina finally ran out, giving Braddock the opening he’d been waiting for.

His mana swirled and gathered around his shield, giving it a visible glow. And then, with a mighty shout, Braddock slammed his shield into the Warlord hard enough to shatter it. This epic shield bash was accompanied by a shockwave of mana, and the combined impact sent the Warlord flying several feet backwards, where it hit the ground before falling still.

*Shwooom! Fwooosh!*

Almost as if it had been waiting for this opportunity, an arrow covered in black-tinged flames shot out from the forest, setting the Warlord alight. The Boss immediately began screaming and thrashing on the ground, trying to extinguish the flames. But those unnatural flames, made of hate and rage, could not be extinguished by mortal means. And in its current state, the Warlord lacked the mana and finesse it would need to use its magic to put them out. All that awaited it was an agonizing death by immolation.

***

::Death of Dungeon Boss confirmed. Individual has completed C-Rank Dungeon (Star Sign: Aries).

Dungeon Scenario Final Results:

Remaining Challengers: 337

Lairs Cleared: 1 of 1

Monster Death Percentage: 96.2%.

Determining Individual’s Contribution Level. Please Hold………::

Uh what? Did the System just tell me to “hold"? Like some customer service line? Uh, nope! Not touching this one. I don’t want to think about it.

All that remained of the Warlord was a pile of ash. I’d already secured my sword from where it fell earlier, so there was nothing left for me to do here. The injured were being tended to, and the dead gathered. The end of the Dungeon was in sight.

It’s a bit weird how all the NPCs and monsters just disappeared when the Boss died. I guess that meshes with what I’ve seen elsewhere. At least it means we don’t have anymore fighting to do here. All that’s left is to wrap everything up here, and head out.

“I can’t believe it’s finally over.”

“Yep. It’s been a long, what? Eight days? Damn, feels like we’ve been in here for months. Maybe close to a year.”

“Eh, that’s a little exaggerated. It’s not like we’re going to leave here and find out it’s been months in the real world, right? …right?”

I just smiled at her before looking away. The System didn’t say anything about time acceleration or dilation, so I doubt that would be the case here, but it wouldn’t keep me from teasing Alicia.

“Michael! Hey, answer me!”

***

[Grant’s POV]

After making sure everyone was alright, and that Kalia was busy, Grant headed over to where Braddock still stood. After he’d fought the Warlord, he’d taken a backseat to the cleanup operation currently going on. This was his way of graciously stepping back, especially since Braddock knew what he’d done to himself.

“You idiot. You went and used that blasted Skill on yourself, didn’t you?”

“I had to. There was no other way through.”

“Yeah? What about your dream? Those lofty ideals you spoke of? Where will they be? Did you forget that I know what this will cost you? What it’ll do to you?”

“I haven’t forgotten, nor have I let my ideals go. Not yet. I’m just trying to pass the torch on. That’s all.”

“…Michael? Really? Why?”

“He’s strong, and he isn’t afraid to fight or stand up against oppressive odds, but he’s still unpolished. Rough around the edges, and far more callous than he first appears. If it came to it, I doubt he’d have any problems with killing us. All I want is to ease that side of him a little. And now I have the perfect way to do so.”

“…It’s insane to do this. You can’t predict how someone like that will react in every situation.”

“No, you’re right, I can’t. But I can guess based on what’s right in front of me. There’s at least one, no, two people here I doubt he’d hurt.”

“Kalia… and that girl who's with him. Alicia. Alright, but why?”

“Someone needs to be ready for the storm to come. It can’t be me, I don’t have much time left. I’m not saying it’ll be him either, but I feel like this will start a chain of dominoes that’ll lead to something grand. What it is I can’t say. But there’s something there.”

“Fine, I’ll stay quiet. But you’ll need to handle Kalia. I can’t imagine she’ll take this well.”

“I’ve told you this before Grant, she’s tougher than you think. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s already realized that this would happen. She’s surprisingly perceptive.”

***

[Jansen’s POV]

“Gahahahahahaha! See, what did I tell ya!? This guy right here just killed the strongest monster anyone has ever seen, and he’s barely reacting to it! Blood like ice, and balls of steel this one! Ahahahaha!”

Despite Sampson’s joviality, Jansen didn’t really feel like celebrating. To him, this was just something he’d done to keep moving forward for his revenge. There was no point in celebrating something of this level. He’d wait until his enemies were dead before him to do that.

While Sampson kept going on and on, eventually causing Jansen’s attention to wander. He quickly spotted Michael leaning against a tree on the edge of the clearing, standing and talking with his party. For the briefest moment, the thought of firing an arrow at him crossed his mind, but he quickly discarded it. There would be little point to killing the man, as he’d been just as much a victim of Finnél’s schemes as him. He’d just gotten through them easier.

Besides, there were others here who’d kill him if he did that. He couldn’t let his revenge go just yet.

::Individual’s Contribution has been determined: 5.3%. Generating Reward…….Complete.::

***

::Individual’s Contribution has been determined: 7.6%. Generating Reward…….Complete.::

The System's sudden announcement ended our conversation. Three orbs of light appeared, one for each of us, and each deposited a single item onto the ground in front of us. I quickly scooped up the dodecahedron crystal I’d seen once before. Only, it wasn’t what I’d thought it was.

Item Catalyst

Rank: Special

Description: A rare Catalyst designed for equipment recognized by the World System. Can be used one time to fulfill all Upgrade Requirements on any item.

“…”

My mouth was agape. I couldn’t tell if this was a really good reward, or a really bad one. Sure, upgrading my swords would be a great thing, but was it worthy of being my reward? Let’s see what Alicia and Cameron got.

Alicia had gotten a pair of boots, while Cameron had a pile of armor in front of him. Both items held a significant level of mana, and had the abilities to match.

3D Movements Boots

Rank: B

Equipment Skills: Sky Walker, Wall Walker, Water Walker,

Description: A pair of boots Enchanted with three movement Skills, as well as increased traction. Proper use of the boots can allow for a wide-range of movement across any terrain.

***

Destruction-Resistant Metal Armor

Rank: B

Effects: Slight increases to Strength, Stamina, and Endurance, Extreme Resistance to Destruction-type Skills and Destruction Magic,

Description: A full set of metal armor with a series of enchantments layered onto it. Provides protection against the Arts of Destruction, such as the Skill Shatter, as well as Destruction Spells.

Yeeeeah, theirs were much better than what I got. The armor aside, Alicia’s boots were amazing enough that I wanted to steal them. Not that I’d ever do that to one of the few people I currently trusted enough to watch my back. Plus there was the fact that the boots would suit Alicia more than me.

Actually, won’t those make her a little overpowered? Mobility has been her biggest issue up to now. I’m not saying those boots will solve it right away, but having them makes her much more dangerous than she was.

As for when I would use this catalyst, I had no idea yet. I’d wait and see what happened next, and how long I thought it would take to upgrade my swords the natural way.

Guess I’ll just wait and see what happens next. We’re almost free of this blasted hellhole.

***

The System hadn’t told us how to leave the Dungeon, nor were there any clues in the clearing where the Boss died, so someone suggested going back to the fort to see if there was a portal there now. If there wasn’t, well then we’d need to deal with that when it happened.

As for the dead, we settled on taking any personal belongings back, along with snips of hair for any families they may have. The general consensus was that it would be too difficult to remove the bodies from the clearing, since most had been hacked apart by the monsters.

I know they took the bodies from the morgue before they retreated, but I wonder what they did with them after that? I’d guess that those who knew the deceased personally would probably see to their remains as best they could. But what about groups that completely wiped? No one will ever tell their families what happened to them, though I’d think some could figure it out with time.

This whole thing is just a giant clusterfuck. So many lives ended prematurely. I don’t know why they came here, or what they left behind, but it doesn’t change the nature of their deaths. And it makes me pissed.

“Michael, you okay? You’re looking more and more pissed.”

“Mn, just thinking that I never want to be part if such a large operation again. There’s too much death associated with something of this scale. I think working in a smaller group appeals to me more. Though we still need to think about recruiting. Haaah, there’s just too much crap to do.”

Alicia took my grumbling in stride, and we kept moving in silence. Though, I could almost hear what her gaze was saying to me. I knew what she wanted to say with it, but I still didn’t like it. I’ll just need to see what comes next. For all we know, there’s a horde of teeth and claws waiting on the outside of the Dungeon.

Entering the fort was eerie, as no one was around. Every single NPC had just up and vanished, like their purpose was complete, so they were disposed of. Actually, that was probably what had happened. There was probably a limit to how much the System could do at one time, though that might’ve just been wishful thinking on my part. An omniscient, omnipotent System was a scary thought.

“Hey, didn’t we leave like, thirty-something people behind? Where’d they go?”

“Could they have been attacked while we were gone? Or did the Dungeon do something with them?”

“Calm down! It’s possible that they just left Dungeon ahead of us. Don’t let irrational fear control you.”

Grant's shout quickly snuffed out the growing fear and paranoia. The unknown was a terrifying enemy, if for nothing than the simple fact that we wouldn’t know what we were facing. Still, it wouldn’t take much to spook those who were already growing worried.

“Psst, Michael? Does Braddock look weird to you?”

“Huh? What do you mean, “weird”?”

“He’s hanging back more than usual, and he seems languid, like he’s lacking his usual energy. Um, yeah, it’s just a feeling I have. There might not be much to it.”

“Hm, well, he was using that technique to move so fast. Maybe he burnt through too much mana and is now suffering for it? Or maybe he’s more beat up than he’s letting on.”

Though that brings up the question why he hasn’t asked Kalia to help him. Hm…..ah whatever. It’s his business, not mine. So as long as it doesn’t get back around to me, I won’t interfere with whatever he’s doing.

“So you’re just going to let it go?”

“Yep. Alicia, may I remind you we have our own problems to deal with.”

I pointed at Cameron while I said that, which she thankfully understood right away. I would only try to meddle with others if it affected me, and if my own house was clean. I was about eighty percent certain that Cameron would be leaving us sometime soon, which meant we’d really need to recruit a few people. Something I was not looking forward to.

Regardless of the numerous problems facing us, we still needed a way out of the Dungeon. And since the fort was the most likely location, we decided to split up and look around. Which in hindsight was a pretty silly decision, as the Dungeon was unlikely to ever hide the exit enough to warrant a thorough search. And so it was to everyone’s chagrin that we discovered the exit not even a minute after splitting up, right in the first place you’d expect. Right smack-dab in front of the central headquarters.

Yep. That figures.

***

And so, the survivors dragged themselves free of the Dungeon they’d been trapped in for the last week. Most were simply happy to be alive, while others were anticipating what would come next. But each and every one of them had one thing in common.

None of them could ever anticipate the horrors to come. The Dungeon had merely been a glimpse of the threat World Decay represented, and of the untold hordes of teeth and claws that awaited them.