Chapter 2 - The Demon Lord Byrhemmoth [2]

Val's POV

"What? You will hunt the [Undead Warrior]?"

Erus asked me with wide eyes. I nodded, everyone is busy fighting against [Goblin] in the [D-Rank Dungeon].

"Yes," I answered.

Then, he bombarded me with a lot of swearing.

"You nuts? We can barely defeat some [D-Rank] monsters and you–?!"

I know. Erus will object to my plan sarcastically and curse me like crazy.

After that, the next word was my fault.

"[Undead Warrior] is a [C-Rank] monster! Are you gonna kill us? And besides, there are no [C-Rank] monsters in the [D-Rank Dungeon]!"

Of course there are–though not all [Dungeons] have [Hidden Dungeons]. Yes, there is little chance.

It was only natural that in the real world there were monsters of a higher rank than the [Dungeon] rank. Unlike the video games that we used to play since childhood, the real world is definitely different from MMORPG games.

"Nope, I will go by myself," I answered calmly.

However, he wouldn't be Erus if he wasn't panicking.

"You only got one life, don't throw it around. You are too naive, you will most likely fall into a trap if you go by yourself."

Well … his words were always sharp.

"You know I have [Heaven's Grace]. I will be fine so calm down."

[Heaven's Grace].

One of the [Skills] that could be said to be at [S-Rank]. That name is a gift from heaven which describes a strong defense when used. However, up until now, I couldn't use it–somehow or what the conditions were, even though I had tried many times but still failed.

I tried to calm him down–even though I can't calm myself–, but two [Goblins] suddenly attacked the blonde man. Erus didn't hear me at all.

Erus is an old friend of mine, we grew up together. I met him again when I was dying while fighting [Harpy] in [C-Rank Dungeon]. And of course, he now became like this because of me.

I was a burden to him at that time.

"You're not going to do something weird, are you? Well, even so, you will definitely do something troublesome."

Hah. He had completely underestimated a hunter who had just experienced an awakening. However, I have become accustomed to his sharp words.

"You don't need to help me," I replied, turning around and then leaving Erus who was having a hard time withstanding the [Goblin's] aggressive attacks.

Somehow the [Goblins] chose to attack Erus, rather than me who was standing beside him earlier.

"Oh, hey! You're not going to help me?" Of course, he had a hard time fighting the three monsters who prioritized agility.

I glanced at him. "Why would I?"

"Bro, I'm having a hard time here!" he said.

"Finish your own shit Erus, you have already grown up."

"Hey, bro!"

That way, Erus would not utter his unique sarcasm and focus on defeating the little agile monster.

Come to think of it, how long has it been since the world turned into a game?

It has been about 3 years since the world changed. An earthquake suddenly shook the whole world–so strong, but thankfully a tsunami didn't occur. But, it was all the beginning of a real disaster.

The dark sky covered by bleak clouds filled the whole atmosphere at that time, then it formed a vortex. Right in the center of the city, a portal spewed out monstrous monsters of various sizes.

A video game-like [Dungeon] that we commonly played appears around us and a sky-high [Tower] appears a year after the occurrence of [Dungeon Break].

Currently; I, the man who was arguing with me earlier, and then the members of our group, commonly referred to as [Party] are in a [D-Rank Dungeon]. Of course, this [Dungeon] is the weakest [Dungeon] after [E-Rank Dungeon].

Monster hunters who experienced awakening are called [Hunter] and I am one of them.

[TRING!]

A blue hologram appeared in front of me after a loud enough sound deafened my eardrums.

"I know this would happen."

At this time, it's very difficult to reveal the tasks that are devoted to a hunter like me.

[Constellation of Parade has given you a new Special Quest!

Kill 5 Undead Warrior [0/5]

Time Limit: 01:59:00

Compensation:

+10 Strength

+15 Durability

Warning! Sponsor from Constellation of Parade will be terminated if you fail this mission]

Ah, damn. Whatever the [Special Quest] that I accepted from Constellation of Parade is absolute. If not, I will lose all the [Skills] that he gave me.

Even if not all of it is gone, but still–

BOOM!!

An explosion suddenly occurs behind me. At this time, I was already quite far away from my [Party]–because, my purpose of coming here is to find the [Undead Warrior] that was hidden inside of this [Dungeon].

"What happened!?" I was beginning to panic.

The explosion came from where Erus was, then the system sounded again in my ears.

[TRING!]

Looks like something would happen in this [Dungeon]. Don't tell me …

The real [Boss] comes up in the middle of the fight!?

Immediately, a hologram appeared in front of me and I read it. My eyes successfully widened when I accepted the fact that there was a change in this [Dungeon].

[Warning!

D-Rank Dungeon will be reformed as an A-Rank Dungeon.]

My body was frozen on the spot as if I had a heart attack. The hologram … did I read it wrong?

"[D-Rank Dungeon] transformed into an [A-Rank Dungeon]?"

That means there was a [System Error].

Shortly after, there was a loud scream, then the sounds of battle from where my [Party] was got even more intense. The atmosphere suddenly became tenser than before.

A storm arrived at the time of calm.

Is it because of the [Special Quest] that this [Dungeon] suddenly transformed?

Impossible. There must be something that is equivalent to an [A-Rank Dungeon].

My vision blurred. Flames were everywhere, then spears flew in an uncertain direction, the monsters grew fiercer, but … not a single monster came close to me.

This is weird.

I walked back in a hurry. Trying to catch up to Erus and my [Party] who was fighting to survive the onslaught of the raging monsters.

Why did all of this happen so suddenly?

I had an incident that really didn't make sense. An unknown emotion suddenly took over my mind.

Will my friends die in vain again?

Then, an unwanted shadow greeted me. Past memories of the deaths of my innocent friends.

No. It wouldn't happen.

[Constellation of Parade feel entertained by your sudden emotion.]

What made him feel entertained?

It was my fault that I had accepted the sponsorship offer from Constellation of Parade. He is a constellation that is on the side of the Sinister Constellations. He was nosy and definitely didn't like peace.

From a distance, little by little, I can see Erus clearly. The man seemed to have a hard time defending against the [Goblins] brutal attacks.

"This is really weird."

Without a second thought, I sprinted to help Erus.

"Erus!" I shouted.

However, Erus did not answer. He was busy with those damn [Goblins]. In fact, the two arms and face that he had taken care of so well not to get hurt ended up getting scratches from the monsters.

I rushed to him, then killed the [Goblin] that was about to attack him from behind.

"Where the hell have you been!?"

Finally, Erus noticed my existence. Erus is having a hard time controlling his breathing which has worsened up lately.

"Sorry, I was in the wrong place," I replied, casually.

"You crazy bastard!"

During the battle, he still emitted his unique words of wisdom.

"I got information that this [Dungeon] ran into a [System Error]," I explained.

At that moment, one [Goblin] intended to attack my head. But quickly–due to having increased [Agility Points]–, I managed to slash through his body before his blade landed on my head.

The green-skinned creature died and luckily, the blood spurt didn't hit me.

"Yeah, I just got that information too," replied Erus.

The atmosphere was getting tense. The [Party] members around me were getting overwhelmed as the surrounding monsters grew fiercer.

"Watch your back!!!"

"Hey, what are you doing! Don't be reckless!"

There were many kinds of sounds and screams that could be heard clearly in my ears. Everyone started to lose their minds when a monster with a bigger body came close.

"What should we do?" I asked.

I stood behind Erus. My back to his body and vice versa. We drew our swords at the [Goblins] who for some reason felt more interested in attacking us than the other hunters.

"I don't know for sure, but clearly–"

Erus' voice stopped as a large shadow appeared in front of us–closing off the source of light that lit up this [Dungeon]. And my attention turned to see what kind of monster was in front of us.

"–We have to finish off this monster first," Erus gulped.

I nodded. The pressure emanating from this monster in front of me really makes this place tense. In fact, the hand that was holding my sword was trembling because of it.

Has my confidence level decreased?

"Damn," I cursed.

The massive monstrous body, with two horns on his head. His teeth were so sharp, his face was that of a skull. His eyes … were completely absent.

It was clearly a monster equivalent to an [S-Rank Dungeon].

"This is not an [A-Rank Dungeon], just this monster alone is almost on par with an [S-Rank Dungeon]," said Erus.

Once again, I nodded in agreement with Erus' words.

"It said that this is an [A-Rank Dungeon], but the monsters that appear are mostly [C-Rank]. This is obviously a [System Error]," I replied.

Erus was furious. He changed his stance and was now beside me. His gaze landed on the monster in front of him, he looked at the monster with hatred.

"Are they trying to kill all of us?"

"Of course, they–"

[TRING!]

The sound of the system surprised me again. The hologram appeared in front of me with a fluctuating notification.

[Constellation of Parade has changed your Special Quest.]

"What the hell …." Really, I can't stop thinking about the arbitrary actions of the Constellation of Parade.

A bright light leading to a few words caught my attention. [Special Quest] has been changed along with a swarm of monsters to kill.

[The Constellation of Parade Special Quest has been changed.

Survive the Demon Lord Byrhemmoth attacks

Deadline: 02:59:00

Rewards:

+Aura Sword (Item)

Warning! Sponsor from Constellation of Parade will be terminated if you fail this mission]

The Demon King Byrhemmoth, huh?

I guess I've heard that name somewhere.

There was the voice of Erus who was still standing on alert. He glanced out of the corner of his eye. He have a curious look on his face, but I unintentionally ignored his question.

A sad smile graced my face. "They can just change the content of a [Special Quest] out of their free will?"

Then, a question mark appeared above Erus' head. Actually, I didn't mean to ask him what I was thinking.

"What are you saying?"

It was clear that he wouldn't understand my question.

"Oh, nothing. I just–"

THUMP!!!

There was a clear thud, a loud noise that made me unable to think clearly. Being knocked back by the monster's attack, several trees were crushed by my body.

"Argh!"

A large tree managed to restrain my body which was blown away by the sudden attack of the Demon Lord Byrhemmoth.

There were about 4 trees that were destroyed, 3 trees fell, and 6 of them still stand tall but there are holes in the tree trunks.

I mistakenly ignored the monster that should be at [S-Rank]. Meanwhile, my spine would be shattered into pieces if I didn't raise my [Defense Status].

"Damn it ...." I grumble, and at the same time, I curse.

Fresh blood flowed from the top of my head. I think my head is bleeding from hitting those trees multiple times just now?

Really … Among the people nearby, why should I take the first hit?

Even now, that huge monster is standing still after attacking me so brusquely.

He seemed to have fun playing with me.

"Val!"

A familiar female voice caught my attention. Occasionally coughing and bleeding, I turned to see her.

Ah, my back hurts so much.

"Clarissa?"

Clarissa had the ability to heal someone, but she couldn't heal herself. I'm sure she is anxious because she saw my dying condition.

"What really happened? Why is an [S-Rank] monster spawned in this dungeon? Aren't we in a [D-Rank Dungeon]?"

She bombarded me with questions. No matter what happened, she still issued a flood of questions.

"Now, it's not a [D-Rank Dungeon] anymore, Clari–akh!"

My back hurts so much that it's so annoying. My spine may have been broken and several of my organs were also affected.

Seeing me groaning in pain, Clarissa panicked. Quickly, she took my hand away and placed her hand on my stomach.

"You're so unlucky! Why did you keep getting the first hit? Are you actually an idiot?"

Really, her mouth is just as spicy as Erus.

"[Revitalize]!"

Well, but she still heals me with her [Revitalize]. The Constellation of Healing certainly felt proud of Clarissa–even though her mouth could use some filtering skills.

"Perhaps, those monsters were so interested in me, that's why–"

"Just shut up!"

Immediately, I locked my lip tight when I received her rebuke.

Clarissa is so rude, in stark contrast to her graceful appearance. Her eye-catching green hair is tied in a ponytail, her face is white with a slight touch of red on her cheeks. The colour of his brown irises also attracts attention.

In the end, while waiting for Clarissa to heal me, I dropped my gaze to my [Party] that is simultaneously attacking the Demon Lord.

I adjusted my position a bit until I received another tantrum from Clarissa. Her focus disappeared, she hit me in the stomach, making me wince.

There's nothing for me to do other than waiting for Clarissa to finish and watching the [Party] fight with the Demon Lord from afar. I turned my gaze to the sky.

[The Constellation of Parade demands you to complete the Special Quest.]

The appearance of a distinct hologram just like an incoming message notification on a cell phone, the Constellation of Parade seemed to be forcing me to make a move.

"[Special Quest]."

just as I envisaged, [TRING!] the system sounded very clear to my ears. Then, a hologram appeared.

"You got a [Special Quest]?"

After a long time of silence, Clarissa finally spoke. Apparently, the healing process was almost complete–I didn't even feel the pain all over my back anymore.

"Yes."

"Is that from the Constellation of Parade?"

Of course. He is the only Constellation that wanted to be my sponsor.

I nodded but chose to stay silent. However, a rough sigh escaped her mouth.

"Why did you accept it? I told you to turn it down, didn't I? In fact, Erus also said the same thing at that time."

That's right. Everyone beside me has asked me to cancel the contract with the Constellation of Parade.

"Val, that Constellation is on the Sinister Constellation side. Either way, he will definitely make you miserable. Perhaps, this is also one of his doings."

Clarissa has finished healing me. She pulled her hands and placed them on her knees. Her eyes were so worried about me.

However, I'm not someone who deserves to be pitied.

I straightened up. Clarissa's [Revitalize] is really good for my body. Now, I am better and even easier to move than before.

"Why didn't you heal me from the start?" I asked.

"I give you an inch and you ask for a mile"

I just chuckled while the [Party] were struggling to defend their lives against the Demon Lord's brutal attacks.

"Sorry to bother you. I will try not to bother you like before in the future" I said.

However, Clarissa's response was very different from what I had imagined.

"Why do you talk like you are going to die today?"

Clarissa chuckled. She got up and is now standing in front of me. She smiled like she was hiding something.

"I'm sure you must be doing what makes us proud. The grudge of our friends … I'll make sure you carry it out yourself."

Myself she said.

I just looked down. Staring at my calloused hands from constantly wielding a sword that doesn't match my style.

"They died at the hands of monsters while doing a [Quest] and protecting this country from [Dungeon Break]."

"Yes. And I understand why you accept the sponsorship from the Constellation of Parade," she said.

No more fear. I remember how tragically my friends died. I clenched my fists so tightly that bluish veins popped out.

"I'll kill him," I said firmly.

Clarissa is probably smiling at this point.

"Of course. You are the Val who never forgives the person who took the lives of his friends."

Yes. I never let my enemies live in peace when people's deaths were so painful.

I lifted my head to look at Clarissa. Her body was blocking my vision to the [Party] fight with the Demon Lord Byrhemmoth.

"That's why we have to–"

"I'll leave everything to you, Val."

Crack.

However, the unexpected was able to stop my heartbeat in a split second.

As if time had stopped, I saw fresh blood spurting out and hitting my face. The blood came from the woman in front of me. And right into her chest, a root penetrated into her body and took her still-beating heart.

"CLARISSA!!!"

I shouted seeing Clarissa who still had her eyes wide open. Her gaze was vacant, and her mouth was bleeding non-stop.

"Cla–Clarissa!"

The smell of blood took my breath away.

"Hey! Clarissa–!"

The roots that penetrated into her heart swayed. My body froze on the spot, the erratic heartbeat creates hesitation in my attack.

Again, a surprise is my weakness.

[TRING!]

The sound of the system boomed again in my ears, the appearance of a hologram managed to ignite my emotions.

[The Constellation Parade awaits your action.]

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