#171
171. Curse
Whoa!
Every time I passed between the trees, a sharp wind hit my cheek.
White steam spewed out of his mouth. The trees in the forest were in full bloom, but the weather was incredibly cool even for winter.
“Brother, left!”
Jenna, who was running on top of a tree branch, shouted.
As I turned my gaze to the left, the shadow between the bushes hurriedly moved away.
“I’ll stop you from the front!”
Jenna took a long leap like a flying squirrel and landed on the branch of a tree on the other side.
After that, the figure disappeared. The movement of freely moving up and down the tree was at the level of hitting the monkey’s cheek back and forth.
I shook my head and jumped over the roots sticking out of the soil.
Why are we struggling here?
[Floor 41.]
[Mission Type – Pursuit]
[Goal – Chase and annihilate the defeated soldiers!]
The mission window on the right side of the field of view flashed.
The 41st floor was an extension of the 40th floor. The goal is to pursue and annihilate the remnants that were defeated in the previous battle. This forest was connected to the plains field on the 40th floor.
Originally, I had to take a break.
It’s been like that every time I clear the boss stage.
But this time he did not rest.
I brushed off Amkenna, who was going to give us a vacation, and challenged the 41st floor right away. The first reason was because I was curious about the situation after the 40th floor, and the second reason was because the 4-star promotion was imminent.
Only 1 level up to level 40.
My experience bar is also nearing the end.
If you successfully complete this mission, you will meet the conditions for promotion to 4 stars.
Rather than taking a break in the middle of nowhere, it’s better to finish and fix it.
‘I thought it was a mission to take a break… … .’
Personally, I wanted to know the background of the 40th floor while talking with Freea.
However, we were dropped here and were given the mission to annihilate the defeated troops. Perhaps when she finishes her mission this time, she will be able to meet her alone. The accumulated doubts were then resolved.
‘I can’t go far.’
Everywhere in the forest is dyed red.
Signs of deep bleeding. The wound is not shallow. Even if you don’t rush, the target won’t last long. I followed the trail holding the dagger in my left hand in reverse.
If you look at the difficulty, it’s right that it’s a mission to take a break.
The target was badly injured even before we met.
You just have to chase the half-dead guy and finish it off.
On the right, Jenna runs through the forest at high speed.
Belquist and Kishasha go around the outskirts of the forest and block the exit. In preparation for an unexpected situation, Katio’s search magic was also deployed. There was no way for the subject to escape.
<How do you think you can catch it?>
Freea’s voice rang in her ears.
It seems that the camp over there is using communication magic.
“Of course. You can’t run away.”
<If possible… … Can you capture them alive?>
“why?”
<The person you are chasing is the only surviving officer in the church army. I want to get information through interrogation.>
I will interrogate.
Does not knowing the details mean the same for Freea?
<As you might expect, I came here with the support of the Ashinis to find the final key. However, the religious group appeared. As if he knew.>
“Hmm.”
<I am curious. Why do they call me a witch? Why do you hate me so much and block my way. that’s what i want to know I’m sorry… … Can I ask you a favor, Han?>
“I’ll try. I can’t be sure.”
<Thank you.>
I cut off communication.
alive. It’s not written in the mission.
Well, I decided to try. If you think the number is wrong, you can stop breathing right away.
The bloodstains are dotted.
Dark red color mixed with muddy light. It was visible even from a distance, so there was no need to worry about missing it.
“Quaaaaa!”
[Order Army Soldier Lv.23]
one side of the bush.
The soldier lunged forward with a grotesque scream.
I lightly dodged the spear and thrust the dagger into my neck.
“Cuck!”
It’s like a surprise.
The soldier grabbed his neck and collapsed on his side.
Often like this, the target’s escort will block the way.
They’re the ones who can’t even breathe.
‘… … If you look at it then.’
It was strange.
If you look closely at system messages or objects, the ‘goddess’ is helping us accomplish our mission. When the hero dies, a message pops up saying that he will return to the arms of the goddess, and the shape of the objects are all statues of the goddess.
However, once again, the main enemy in the mission is the Church Army.
I mean those who serve the Goddess.
The back and forth don’t match.
‘… … .’
It was a useless feeling.
All I have to do is fulfill the task given to me.
Strange thoughts only get in the way.
I chased after the target while slaughtering the soldiers blocking my way.
It was around the time we came to the middle of the forest.
“Got it!”
I heard Jenna’s cry from the other side of the tree.
I think I caught a big fish over there. I quickly jumped over the bushes and made my way there.
“Here, brother!”
A clearing in a dense forest.
Jenna was aiming her bow at the target.
[Versace of Silver Flash Lv.47]
On one side of the clearing stood a female knight wearing damaged armor.
The armor, which was supposed to shine silver, has long since lost its brilliance. Blood and dust clung to her long platinum hair. Two arrows were stuck under the left breast.
“I dealt with the mischievous people. Well done.”
Jenna turned to me and smiled.
Soldiers with arrows stuck in their heads were strewn around the female knight.
“…”
The female knight looked at me with emotionless eyes.
I inserted the bloody dagger and opened my mouth.
“Throw away your sword and kneel. If you obey me, I won’t kill you.”
Jenna looked at me with a face asking what she meant.
“Fria wants me to save her and bring her back. They say they’re interrogating you.”
“Can I still clear it?”
“It will work.”
There will be that much flexibility in the mission system.
“I heard you, sister. If you listen carefully, it won’t hurt you.”
“……Whoops.”
A fishy smile appeared on the lips of the female knight.
“Do you think you will listen to the traitor?”
“A traitor?”
Jenna blinked.
The female knight laughed and murmured.
“I will never forgive you. I will never, never forgive you. Never, never…”
“What are you talking about?”
“I don’t know either.”
“Then, without knowing… die!!!”
The female knight drew her sword and charged.
ping! Jenna drew her bow. The arrowhead pierced the right side of the female knight’s chest. Still, the boy didn’t stop. With my feet on the ground, I pulled out my sword and cut it down at the same time.
Pouch.
Dark red blood drew an arc line.
Tuduk. The body of the female knight, split up and down, fell to the floor.
“Wow, I’m scared. Did you just see that unnie’s expression? It gave me goosebumps.”
Jenna stroked her forearm.
I looked down at the heresa. She was mortified with her eyes wide open.
Naturally, the capture was a failure. When I gave the news to Freea, he expressed his disappointment but thanked me.
“He’s dead.”
After some time, Belquist, who joined the scene, uttered these words.
Belquist covered the woman’s body with soil sprinkled with his feet.
“Is this the end of the party?”
“Yes. It’s over. Mission clear will appear soon.”
The body was slowly becoming transparent.
I wiped off the blood from the blade and put it in the sheath.
“Get a good night’s sleep. Maybe the 4-star promotion will start tomorrow. A lot will change.”
After completing this mission, me, Jenna, and Belquist.
In this way, all three will reach level 40. The reason why I did not go to the 39th or 38th floor and challenged the new mission on the 41st floor was to level up at the same time.
“You mean the imprint is unlocked. How do you get it?”
“Basically, it’s an exploration dungeon, but there are many other ways. I’ll tell you step by step.”
“I’m sorry about Kishasha, but I don’t want to transform into an animal.”
That guy is a special case.
Usually, imprinting is often an extension of a skill.
Should I say that similar types of skills are grouped together? With some extra stats and bonuses attached.
Afterwards, Kishasha and Katio also came to the clearing.
“…”
Katio closed the female knight’s eyes with a bitter expression.
[Stage cleared!]
[‘Han (★★★)’, level up!]
[Reward – 10,000G]
[MVP – ‘Jenna (★★★)’]
[Among the Master’s heroes, there is a hero waiting for promotion. If you have gathered the ingredients, combine the Upgrade Stones to retrieve the forgotten pieces of memory!]
[Upgradable Heroes – ‘Han (★★★)’, ‘Jenna (★★★)’, ‘Belquist (★★★)’]
[Tips/4 stars are very important ratings that determine a hero’s future! A hero needs attention from a master. Please take care of it!]
When the light subsided, we were back in the space-time gap.
when late in the evening. Except for the guys who were working hard on training, it was time for everyone to spread out in the dorm and sleep. I ordered the members to disband.
‘Be a traitor.’
Looking back now, there are a couple of suspicious things about Pick Me Up.
Ten fingers are not enough if you point out each one individually. Well, it was absurd that I was summoned here.
[Start item synthesis!]
[Optional Materials – Fire Attribute Stone, Water Attribute Stone, Wind Attribute Stone, Intermediate Upgrade Stone, Intermediate Soul Stone]
[Complete Item – Advanced Upgrade Stone]
[Success chance – 54%]
[Synthesis Method – Automatic]
Amkenna was in the middle of preparing for promotion.
Mix a pure attribute stone that appears with a low probability in daily dungeons, a soul stone made by grinding a 2-star or higher hero, and an intermediate upgrade stone. It was a combination ceremony for 4-star upgrade seats.
[Kudang-dang-dang-dang!]
[Fairy Power!]
[Fail!]
[Synthesis failed!]
[The material disappears.]
[Fail!]
[Synthesis failed!]
[Material disappears… … .]
Failures continued, but there were many materials piled up.
I can make at least one upgrade seat. I moved to the fourth floor of the mansion. The other members went up as soon as they got back, so I’m probably the last one.
“Mission, thank you for your hard work.”
Upon entering the hall of the mansion, a familiar figure greeted me.
It was Nerissa, acting Submaster. She bowed her head to me once.
“What’s wrong? It’s late and I’m not sleeping.”
“I have something to say about the 4-star promotion ceremony.”
It stabs straight through.
I said with a smile.
“Don’t worry. I’ll tell you what I saw.”
“Thank you if you do. There is something I really want to check.”
“This is suspicious. I know.”
There is a significant information gap between 3 and 4 stars.
Perhaps, the scene I will see tomorrow will be markedly different compared to the unidentified images I have seen so far. Heroes who have been promoted to 4 stars have a slightly different attitude.
It was certain that there would be changes in both content and form.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
To be honest, whatever this world is hiding has nothing to do with me.
My goal is to climb the tower to the end and return to Earth. After all, I am not a resident here. No matter what happens, as long as I do my job properly, there will be no problem.
still… … It would be nice to know if you can.
Who knows if it will help in any way.
‘It must be a bit busy.’
When you find out why you were summoned and the truth about Taoni, you will be a bit confused.
It’s not just Jenna and Belquist. Soon, Edith, Rain, Main, and other heroes will all be promoted to 4 stars. Their perception of being summoned and fighting in an unknown place and for an unknown reason changes.
‘Do not forgive?’
Suddenly, I remembered the eyes of the female knight who was glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.
What can a dead man do?
I smiled bitterly and entered the room.
