49 Fear (2)

After clearing the monsters in the vicinity, I decided to escalate things—I was finally entering the second floor.

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𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: Saber

𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸: ?

𝗝𝗼𝗯: [Ruler of Calamity]

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: [Lolicon]

[𝗛𝗣: 2,600/2,600]

[𝗠𝗣: 3,200/3,200]

𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:

- [𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿 (Level 1)]: A passive ability triggered in response to threats or the targeting of bloodlust.

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀:

- 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 26

- 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 22

- 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 23

- 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: 25

- 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 101

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Studying my current status, I nodded, feeling a hint of confidence.

"This should be enough, right?"

After tirelessly grinding monsters, I finally amassed enough attributes to be self-assured.

Initially, I had planned to move to the next floor after defeating the first boss monster. However, that plan crumbled during the battle.

...I had to die and get resurrected four times!

From being chewed alive to being crushed by a boulder twice, to getting torn apart—I had to grind through weak monsters each time to recover my attributes. Every death affected my attributes, turning this ordeal into a gamer's nightmare, second only to losing their saved files!

Ugh, reminiscing about those bad memories again...

After a momentary slump, my spirits lifted when the panel before me changed.

[Do you wish to move on to the next floor?]

[Yes/No]

Click—!

Upon choosing [Yes], my vision plunged into darkness.

...

..

.

"...Where am I now?"

As I opened my eyes, half-expecting to be in another eerie environment, I was met with a surprising scene.

Upon my entrance, the sight that greeted me was nothing short of enchanting. A meticulously arranged flower bed unfolded, a symphony of botanical wonders gracing the landscape. Dwarf hosta, agave, ferns, echeveria, and lycoris harmonized in a kaleidoscope of hues, each petal and leaf conspiring to create a tapestry of resplendent beauty.

"Woah... just where is this place?"

The intricate interplay of colors and shapes bespoke an artisan's touch, an ode to nature's eloquence captured in this delicate choreography. The lycoris, like crimson sentinels, stood sentinel amidst the verdant ensemble, their fiery presence adding a touch of passion to the otherwise tranquil tableau.

"...What's that?" Curious, I proceeded to step in the path while looking around.

As I traversed the meticulously designed path, the fragrance of blossoms filled the air, weaving an olfactory tapestry that complemented the visual feast before me. It wasn't merely a flower bed; it was a botanical masterpiece, a testament to the artistry that could be wrought with nature's palette.

"...?"

...Is that a female? I pondered, fixating on the figure with an expressionless, white face. The person donned a dress that juxtaposed modernity with a hint of medieval flair, adding a layer of perplexity, especially given the absence of any discernible features.

Seated with elegance, the figure gracefully lifted a teacup, sipping before delicately placing it back on the table.

"You're here... That must mean you've already cleared the first 5th floor, didn't you?" spoke the white-faced person. Their voice, soft and exquisite, carried a more feminine cadence.

I guessed wrong; it was a she, not a he. My bad.

Though initially befuddled by her statement, I responded truthfully. "Nope. I haven't reached the fifth floor yet."

"...What?" She halted her tea-drinking, turning her faceless head towards me.

"I haven't reached the 5th floor yet," I reiterated, keenly observing her reaction.

For some reason, I sensed the person before me scrutinize me from top to bottom. She emitted an amused hum before inquiring, "Then why are you here?"

"...I dunno," I turned my head to appreciate the scenic view. "I was suddenly transferred here after deciding to proceed to the next floor of the Labyrinth... Do you perhaps know the way out, my lady?"

I attempted to maintain a polite demeanor. Although I wished to stay a bit longer, the impending Calamity outside demanded my attention.

Soon enough, she responded, "...Fuck. I think the system got bugged." There goes her polite image...

"Bugged...?"

"It's nothing... I hope she immediately fixes it before the others find out." Glancing in her direction, I saw her shake her head lightly before tilting it sideways.

"...What others?" I asked, perplexed.

"It's not time yet. You'll find that out eventually.... After all, you can only attract trouble." She sipped her tea, as if mocking me.

Undeterred, I acted confused with a tint of sarcasm from my voice. "...I don't fully get what you mean."

"It is what it is..." She turned her attention to the scenic landscape. "Anyway, I'm supposed to be personally giving you the Boss Monster that you pick upon defeating the boss on the 5th floor, but... I guess that can wait."

"So... can you just give me the boss pet now?"

"Nope... That can wait." She huffed before taking another sip.

Around that moment, a light emanated from my vision.

"Light...?" I raised my hand, examining my palm, only to see it slowly disappearing.

Observing this, she redirected her focus to me. "You're slowly disappearing."

"...I can see that."

My nonchalant response failed to alter her expression—considering her face was merely white, I should have expected that.

Should I say goodbye...? Nah, considering what she said, I'll be meeting her soon.

Before my entire body could vanish, I heard a faint sound from her direction.

"Good luck."