Vol. 2 Chapter 13: Digging and Getting Trapped

Chapter 13: Digging and Getting Trapped

The colossal black-furred monster had four enormous goat hooves and a torso covered in black, tentacle-like appendages. Each tentacle bore clusters of greenish eyes that whipped around, clearing the obstructing trees effortlessly.

The moment Hu Wenxu saw the creature, he turned and bolted, cursing under his breath, "This game is trying to kill us! How is a monster of this level here? Run, kid! This thing is a high-level species—touch it, and you're dead!"

Despite the urgency, Hu Wenxu still shouted a warning to Lu Li. Xu Haoran and Gao Xiaowen also immediately reacted, turning to flee. However, the monster moved with incredible speed, swinging a tentacle that smashed the trees aside. A stray branch struck Gao Xiaowen, sending her flying. She hit the ground hard, her left arm breaking instantly.

Struggling to stand, Gao Xiaowen was paralyzed with fear as the monstrous creature loomed over her. Its massive goat hooves stepped around her, and beneath its body, a gigantic eye blinked, oozing viscous fluid that dripped next to her head. The beast moved past her, leaving her trembling on the ground, clutching her broken arm in terror.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Xu Haoran ran even faster. Lu Li had already taken off as soon as Hu Wenxu gave the warning, utilizing his enhanced leg muscles to sprint away. He even had time to glance back. Up ahead, Hu Wenxu had slowed, and they both noticed that the creature's trajectory was directly towards the beach, not specifically targeting them. They quickly hid, watching the situation unfold.

"Something's off; this isn't that kind of monster. It looks similar but must be a knockoff," Hu Wenxu analyzed, visibly relieved. "I've seen data on these creatures before. If this were a genuine one, we'd be confused and dead already."

Xu Haoran, observing from behind a tree, quickly realized the same. He redirected his path, hiding behind a tree to watch.

The beast barreled through the forest, heading straight for the beach. The three players regrouped, looking at the path the monster had plowed through the forest. Xu Haoran, still shaken, remarked, "Good thing its target wasn't us. We couldn't handle that strength and speed."

"Agreed. Even if it's not genuine, its size and appearance are nearly identical. We're no match for it," Hu Wenxu concurred, his eyes gleaming as he asked, "Did your reconnaissance skill pick up anything on the monster?"

"No, the level difference is too great. I couldn't get any data. We should check on Gao Xiaowen. She's been down for a while," Xu Haoran replied, glancing at the unconscious woman.

"Alright, she might be a liability, but we should see if she's still alive," Hu Wenxu said disinterestedly. Lu Li, meanwhile, eyed the creature's retreating form with interest.

Earlier, Hu Wenxu had warned about the immense danger in the sea. The creature heading for the beach and the bones piled up on the shore hinted at the profound dangers here. If the so-called witch was responsible, it confirmed her formidable power. No wonder the game hinted they couldn't defeat her, only complete her tasks to earn transformation.

"Come on, Gao Xiaowen's okay. Just probably scared or mentally disturbed. She should recover with some rest. Even if she's not a mind mage, implanted systems have good mental pollution resistance," Xu Haoran said, checking her eyes and finding her pupils dilated and murky. He concluded she was in shock.

"Let's bring her along. She's still a combatant; we shouldn't discard her. Newbie, you handle her," Xu Haoran commanded, standing up. Seasoned players like them had seen enough death in game scenarios to be pragmatic about survival and teamwork.

"Alright, happy to help," Lu Li responded, lifting Gao Xiaowen in a princess carry. But as he did, he felt something strange. Her left arm's bones were gone, replaced by something writhing inside. This wasn't just mental contamination—Xu Haoran's diagnosis was wrong.

Just as Lu Li pondered his next move, Gao Xiaowen half-opened her eyes, shook her head slightly, and pressed her sharp nails against Lu Li's back before feigning unconsciousness again.

This is interesting, Lu Li thought, noting Hu Wenxu's amused expression and the jeweled object buried nearby. Hu Wenxu had noticed Gao Xiaowen's deception but chose silence.

Watching Xu Haoran leading the way, Lu Li debated whether to smirk. Among them, Xu Haoran, despite his reconnaissance skill, seemed the least informed. This game was fascinating; everyone was digging traps and avoiding being trapped.

Excluding Lu Li, the most informed seemed to be the mad scientist Hu Wenxu, with his superior physical abilities and multiple skills. Next was Gao Xiaowen, who had set her trap, into which Xu Haoran had fallen. Xu Haoran, hoping to trigger a side quest, might end up the most betrayed.

Lu Li, though appearing the weakest, knew much more than the others, having concealed most of his abilities. This gave him a significant edge, but nothing was certain. The game was dangerous, and survival was never guaranteed. 

(End of the chapter)