The Short Life of Ferdicans (Part 1)

A bolt from a crossbow pierced through Medusa's eye, causing her to roar in pain.

"Argh! Arghhh!"

As Medusa writhed in agony, a red number floated above her head.

-1450!

It was clear that Medusa was in her final moments. She covered her eyes and spun around wildly, then a bright light filled the room and she turned into a pile of gravel.

[Ding! Additional mission objective complete]

[Please check and accept your reward.]

[Hero-level monster Medusa has been successfully eliminated! Obtained 300 EXP. Killed monsters above your level. Obtained double EXP!]

[Congratulations on obtaining two divine-tier items!]

[Intermediate Skill Dice x5: Randomly acquire intermediate skills related to the user's class by rolling the dice.]

[Treasure Merchant x5: Use the Treasure Merchant's teapot to summon a small mall. The mall contains supplementary and one-time-use items.] 

After killing Medusa, their experience points increased by over 600, which led them to reach level 9.

In addition to the experience points, they received several bonus items such as defensive gear, EXP boosters, the Blood Coagulation Bag for automatic HP recovery, and the Spirit Concentration Pill, which were rare items.

[1000 Vitality Condensation Pack x4: A powerful item that can help players recover quickly from injuries. Once obtained, it will automatically be equipped into the player's health points system. Whenever the player is injured and can immediately enter a non-combat state, their health points will recover quickly. Additionally, during the recovery phase, the item will help block damage once. The number 1000 represents the maximum amount of HP that can be recovered using this item.]

[1000 Concentration Pills x6: This item is a type of consumable that, after being consumed, will be equipped in the player's magic system. It will automatically restore mana when any skill is used that consumes mana. The maximum amount of mana that can be recovered with one pill is 1000.]

It was clear that these items were designed for recovery, and it was likely they would need them frequently in the future as the frequency of battles increased. Currently, they didn't encounter many battles, but that was bound to change.

The Vitality Condensation Pack and Concentration Pills were like a lifeline in such situations.

After defeating Medusa, they divided the pills and packs equally amongst themselves. They then discovered that the entrance to the amphitheater was actually the exit, leading them to their next destination.

As they walked towards the theater's exit, the duo speculated that something interesting or a checkpoint might be awaiting them.

Upon leaving the theater, they were greeted by a sign with the name "Ferdican" inscribed on it.

[Ding! Welcome to Ferdican!]

It was apparent that the mysterious creature they sought was in this vicinity. The theater, the cobra, and the terrifying Medusa they had encountered earlier all seemed to be welcoming stations leading to their destination.

"We have reached a pivotal location, and we must proceed with caution. Given the creature's concealed nature, we should expect to encounter numerous hazards.

"We must adhere to the rules, as the guardian of the creature cannot be slain. Given that it is responsible for guarding the creature, it must possess significant power.

"Although we took down Medusa and the cobra with ease, the guardian will likely prove a far more formidable adversary. We cannot afford to underestimate this challenge."

With trepidation, they continued their journey along the barren streets of Ferdican.

As they continued walking, Lin Yuwei came up with a simple solution that could break them out of the situation: they could subdue the guardian without killing it. Bai Han was impressed by his partner's growth and quick thinking.

Their excitement was short-lived as a white creature suddenly appeared in front of them. Despite their attempts to see it clearly, the creature was too fast to identify.

"Be careful," Bai Han whispered to Lin Yuwei. "I feel like we're being followed. And it looks like I'm right. Someone's monitoring us. We don't know their intentions, but they're too scared to show themselves. They just watched us fight those monsters without offering any help. It's obvious that they have ulterior motives."

He reached for his Void Staff and put on the equipment he had dropped earlier, preparing to defend himself.

"..."

As they continued walking, they heard faint whispers up ahead.

Although they couldn't make out what was being said, it was clear that there were no monsters or other dangerous creatures in the vicinity. Someone who could speak meant that there was a living person nearby.

Could someone be faster than them?

As they made their way through the tunnel, they realized that there was a large pit up ahead, and they could hear voices coming from below.

"The residents of this place have a very short lifespan. We can't take away their so-called mysterious creatures! As soon as the biological body is taken away, everyone will age rapidly. We can't destroy a race because of our selfishness,"

"But this is just a race in the game. As long as we complete this mission, obtain the mysterious creature, and return to the mythical realm, we can become kings and tyrants. No one can do anything to us. And if someone comes to PK us or if there are even more terrifying creatures attacking us, we won't be afraid of anyone! I don't want to live a life of hiding anymore. Take this broken gun!"

Upon hearing the conversation, Bai Han and Lin Yuwei exchanged a knowing look and quickly descended into the pit. It was clear that the people arguing below too were on a mission to find the mysterious creature and had knowledge of its function.

"Who are you?" The three players in front of them raised their AK47s, ready to shoot.

"We're players too, and we're here for the same purpose. Let's discuss it," Bai Han said as he and Lin Yuwei jumped down.

"F*ck! More competitors! Don't even think about competing with us and seizing that mysterious creature. Our profession is the best in this world, and no one dares to tell us what to do!" two of the players yelled.