Chapter24-Chaos, Path of Unique

The sudden appearance of these birds left the battling players with expressions of shock.

[Death Red Bird]

[Level: 20]

[HP: 10k]

[MP: 15k]

[Skills: Sonic Blast, Fire from the Skies, Rapid Strike...]

...

A swarm of [Death Red Birds] soared into view, diving from the sky straight into the heart of the players' formation, aiming directly at the ranged players. 

Panic surged among the players. 

The ranged players' Achilles heel was their high damage output but low defense; if this group of level 20 elite monsters broke through, catastrophic losses were imminent.

For a moment, chaos reigned in the central ranks, as ranged players frantically aimed their skills at the aerial adversaries. 

Thankfully, the number of [Death Red Birds] was limited, with only about a dozen. 

Yet even so, when flames rained down from the sky, pandemonium ensued.

The peripheral warriors were already tied up by the [Death Lizards], leaving the central players to fend off the dozen or so [Death Red Birds]. 

This was a monumental challenge for the ranged players.

As Sebastian, who was in search of the skull mark, witnessed the unfolding chaos, he summoned Breeze without hesitation. 

Bursting from the void, Breeze's pristine form startled the adjacent players. 

They initially mistook it for another monster. 

Only when they realized it was someone's pet did they breathe a sigh of relief.

Breeze's entrance couldn't turn the tide of battle. 

As the level 20 [Death Red Birds] descended upon the battlefield, casualties were immediate. 

Many ranged players lacked defensive skills and had no choice but to continually back off and cast spells, while the monsters attacked with unabated arrogance. 

The only strategy left was to retreat towards the valley's entrance, hoping for the outer warriors to rush to their aid.

"I've found it!"

At that moment, as Sebastian gazed upon the dark stone wall before him, his eyes lit up. 

A crimson skull mark stood out distinctly. 

Placing his right hand upon it, he was immediately met with a sensation of coolness.

Suddenly, a [Death Red Bird] swooped towards him, spewing a horrifying ball of fire.

"ShepherdWind!" SnowAdmirer cried out in alarm upon seeing the unfolding scene, "Watch out!"

The faces of the other members of the North Wind Team drained of color, especially Mia, who impulsively dashed forward, hoping to assist Sebastian. 

Breeze, tasked with guarding him, was poised to intervene, but with a sudden flash of light, was forcibly recalled.

With his right hand placed on the skull symbol, Sebastian gazed calmly into the roaring flames, feeling the oppressive wave of heat that approached.

Boom—

The devastating inferno struck precisely where Sebastian stood, erupting with tremendous force. 

Yet within that blazing fury, a burst of white light was seen.

As the flames dissipated, Sebastian vanished.

Mia's expression was one of shock, her heart trembling. 

She hadn't expected Sebastian, known as ShepherdWind, to be ejected from the dungeon so abruptly. 

The surrounding players were equally stunned. 

They had pinned their hopes on ShepherdWind to showcase his prowess and alleviate the strain on their ranks. 

Yet, his seemingly inexplicable demise felt all too dramatic.

However, there was little time for shock, as the monsters were still present and the battle raged on.

...

While everyone assumed Sebastian had perished, he now found himself on a broad, smooth path.

[Path of Unique]

[Description: This is a secret realm located within a special dimension. Traverse the path before you to earn the right to depart, or remain trapped here forever.]

[Recommended Entry Level: 15]

[Rewards: Every monster you slay will assuredly drop a Unique-grade item. Defeat the ultimate Boss and secure an Epic-grade item.]

[Note: Should you perish on this journey, it will be a true death. Everything you possess will cease to be, and all must start anew from scratch.]

Secret realms differ from dungeons. 

While bountiful opportunities exist within secret realms, death there doesn't result in a drop in levels; instead, it resets everything you have to zero.

Upon seeing this notice, a hint of solemnity appeared on Sebastian's usually calm face.

It seemed he would need to proceed with utmost caution.

However, what piqued Sebastian's interest even more was the rewards offered by the secret realm.

In the game, players currently recognize five tiers of item quality:

Common, Rare, Unique, Epic, and Legendary.

Most players' items presently gravitate around the Rare-grade tier.

That's primarily because the loot from current dungeons typically falls within this grade.

Items of Unique-grade are incredibly scarce.

As for Epic and Legendary grades, one could only dream— unless it's a reward from a major dungeon's Boss; otherwise, it's nearly unattainable.

Yet, previously, Sebastian did manage to secure several items of Epic and even Legendary grade.

And now, with the rewards from this secret realm being so generous, with each monster guaranteed to drop a Unique-grade item, it's no wonder players are so drawn to these secret realms.

Snapping back to the present, Sebastian, wielding his wooden wand, summoned Breeze.

Breeze looked at the path ahead with a hint of bewilderment.

Sebastian took his first step onto the path. 

As he did, a flash of light burst before him, revealing a feline-like monster within his sight.

[Bloodthirsty Raccoon]

[Level: 10]

[HP: 1000]

[MP: 8000]

[Skills: Claw Rend, Rapid Assault...]

...

Upon viewing the monster's data, a hint of surprise crossed Sebastian's face. 

He had initially thought that for a guaranteed Unique-grade drop, the creatures in this secret realm would be formidable. 

Yet, the [Bloodthirsty Raccoon] before him seemed almost on par with the [Jungle Tiger] he had encountered earlier. 

This revelation thrilled him deeply. Ordinary monsters dropping rewards typically exclusive to bosses? It felt like a steal.

Without hesitation, Sebastian directed the eager Breeze to take the initiative, while he himself began to chant his skill. 

In seamless tandem, the man and wolf quickly dispatched the level 10 creature. 

From its remains emerged a glowing orb of reward. 

Picking it up, as expected, it was a Unique-grade item, specifically a scroll.

[Ice Domain]

[Quality: Unique]

[Description: After a three-second channeling, encase a chosen area in ice. All enemies within the domain are afflicted with a freezing effect, reducing their speed by half and inflicting 1000 true damage. The domain lasts for ten minutes.]

[Note: Single-use item.]

Indeed, befitting of a Unique-grade scroll. 

Although it wasn't as terrifying as the previously acquired Scroll of Heavenly Fire, it was undoubtedly powerful. 

Both the speed reduction and the 1000 true damage were potent attributes. 

Had he possessed this scroll during the earlier monster tide encounter in the valley, there would've been no need for the army's intervention; Sebastian could have singlehandedly decimated the horde.

With a satisfied grin, Sebastian stowed the item in his bag and continued onward. 

Soon, another monster materialized. Similar in strength to the previous [Bloodthirsty Raccoon], it posed little challenge. 

Swiftly defeating it, Sebastian was again rewarded with a Unique-grade item. 

Gazing upon the seemingly endless path ahead, it felt as though countless treasures awaited his grasp. 

Without a shred of hesitation, he pressed on.