Thud...
Yet another creature crumbled to the ground, its body dissipating into a bunch of leaves and wooden debris.
I gazed at its remains for a few moments before shaking my head.
"No crystal again..."
Turning my head toward the fortress standing in the distance, I pressed my lips into a firm line.
The sun was already beginning to set and I've only managed to get 5 crystals so far.
It seems I've spoken about luck too soon.
Click...
Sheathing my sword with a heavy sigh, I began jogging toward the fortress, intending to reach it before the sun completely set.
Some monsters tried to ambush and fight me but I simply avoided them, using my 'burst' skill to increase my speed and agility.
I didn't have time to waste on unnecessary battles, even though I might get additional Root Crystals.
The Root Graveyard becomes even more treacherous during the night, because creatures that were dormant during the day unbury themselves from beneath the ground and attack the fortress.
They are way stronger and more relentless during the night, making it crucial for me to reach the fortress before darkness engulfs the whole area.
As I neared the fortress, I could already see the dim glow of torches being lit along its walls.
Many other adventurers were also making their way toward the fortress, their figures silhouetted against the dying light of the day.
Luckily, I managed to make my way inside just as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Roar...
As soon as I stepped inside, the sound of loud roars and screeches filled the air.
Out of curiosity, I darted a look through the gate and saw a horde of monstrous creatures swarming towards the fortress, their eyes glowing with malice.
'Damn...'
Those monsters looked nothing like the ones I fought during the day.
They were larger, fiercer, and seemed to possess a greater level of intelligence.
It was a good thing I didn't overestimate myself and decided not to hunt at night.
"..."
Turning around, I quickly made my way to the lobby of the fortress, joining the other adventurers who sought refuge from the encroaching darkness and the onslaught of the night creatures.
"A room for a few nights, please."
I requested from the attendant at the front desk, placing my Root Crystals on the counter as payment.
Luckily, it was enough.
"Here you go!"
The young woman behind the counter smiled.
I was handed a keycard for one of the rooms on the upper floor.
Placing it in my pocket, I headed towards the staircase, ready to finally rest and recharge for the challenging battles that awaited me in the days to come.
Tap... Tap...
My steps echoed through the hallway as I ascended the stairs.
I navigated through the dimly lit corridors until I found my room.
Click...
The room door's lock clicked shut behind me as I entered inside.
I threw my sword onto the table and crumpled to the couch.
My eyes automatically turned towards the window, where the darkness of the night loomed outside.
Although the clouds obscured the moon and stars, a faint glow could still be seen, illuminating the silhouette of the fortress against the night sky.
'Beautiful...'
I thought to myself, before my eyes slowly closed, exhaustion finally taking over.
...
RING... RING...
I woke up to the sound of the alarm.
For a second, I simply stared at the clock on the nearby table, trying to gather my thoughts and remember where I was.
'Oh shit.'
Rubbing my eyes groggily, I stumbled towards the table where my sword lay, the metallic clang echoing in the otherwise silent room.
With drowsiness still clouding my mind, I fumbled with the door handle, barely managing to open it before nearly colliding with another adventurer rushing past in a panic.
"Watch it!"
The man cursed, his voice filled with irritation as he darted past me towards the staircase.
The urgency in his movements dispelled any remnants of sleepiness that lingered within me. With a sudden surge of adrenaline, I snapped fully awake.
'What the hell is happening?'
Gripping my sword tightly, I followed the other adventurer's hurried footsteps, my mind now alert and focused.
As I emerged into the lobby, chaos greeted my eyes.
People were running frantically, their panicked shouts filling the air as they tried to gather their belongings and escape the fortress.
Many were fleeing to the exit while others were going into the opposite direction, toward the outside of the fortress.
"..."
I stood frozen for a moment, trying to comprehend the situation unfolding before me.
From the snippets of screams and voices I could catch, it became clear that the fortress was under attack.
It seems that while I was sleeping, a B Rank monster appeared and was now marching toward the fortress's walls.
'Nothing like that was mentioned in the novel...'
Scratching my chin, I glanced at my sword.
Do I fight or do I flee?
Weighing my options, I sighed.
I wanted to flee, get to safety and avoid the impending danger, however...
If I wanted to survive, I had no choice but to fight.
Yeah, I could try to flee, but the chances of making it out alive were slim.
The air train is the only transportation system available around these parts, but it would likely be chaotic and overrun with panicked adventurers.
There are slim to no chances of escaping the fortress alive if I don't stand my ground and fight.
Clenching my sword tightly, I began making my way toward the walls of the fortress.
There is no way I'm going to engage in a direct fight with a B rank monster, but I can at least try to kill its lackeys.
'I wish I had a bow... I wouldn't need to get up close and risk my life.'
Clicking my tongue, I readied my sword and approached the gate leading outside of the fortress.