Chapter20-The [Corrupted]

Watching John's smile, Lily tiptoed and asked eagerly, "Johnny, what's got you so happy? Did you learn a new skill?"

"Sort of, but that's not the main thing. Look at this!" John said as he pulled out [Scale Armor] from his player backpack. "This is armor I crafted myself, and it's reached [epic] quality! It's my first attempt, and I never expected it to go so smoothly!"

"Is it really [epic] quality? Wow, Johnny, that's amazing!"

Lily, bubbling with excitement, leapt into John's arms to share his joy.

John simply spun her around in the air a few times before setting her down and laughing, "An [epic] quality armor, and there aren't many of those around just yet. Lily, do you want to keep it for protection?"

"Um... I think I'll pass, Johnny. I feel pretty good in my Priest's white robe."

Lily pursed her lips politely declining his offer.

Indeed, the defensive performance of [epic] quality armor was indisputably superior to her current white robe.

But the problem was, the Scale Armor was just too ugly!

The gray-black scales overlapped each other, looking like skin ripped straight from a Basilisk's body.

Only the joints were not covered by the scales. Wearing it, one would look exactly like a humanoid Basilisk.

Although Lily didn't usually care much about appearances, this was exceptionally hideous.

"Well, if you don't want it, we could sell it for other items or simply exchange it for silver coins," John suggested.

Defensive capabilities were also not a priority for John.

As an Alchemist, he didn't need to be on the front lines of battle. Most of the time, like Lily, his role was to provide buffs and debuffs.

And besides...

John also felt that the [Scale Armor] was excessively ugly...

"Johnny, have you been working nonstop these past few days just for this armor?"

"Yeah, although I tried some other alchemy too, that's pretty much it."

"Johnny, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. It would be terrible if you harmed your health, and it could be dangerous if you suddenly disconnect like last time."

"You're right, I'll be more careful next time. By the way, Lily, has anyone been looking for me these past couple of days?"

Lily suddenly realized, "Oh, I almost forgot! That's actually why I came. Last night, Helena stopped by. She brought something she wanted you to see."

"What is it? A special item?"

"Um... I'm not sure. It seems to be a [Corrupted] game item. Helena said the item has lost all its attributes and quality, and it can't even be equipped normally. She was wondering if Johnny had any clue about this?"

At these words, John's smile abruptly froze, and a flash of shock crossed his eyes.

"Lily, are you sure you heard right? It's really Corrupted?"

"Yes! The item is still in the shop. I'll go get it for you to see."

"Thanks... I appreciate it."

Hearing John's grave tone, Lily felt a bit puzzled but didn't ask further, obediently turning to leave.

Watching Lily's departing figure, John's brow furrowed, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

"How is this possible? It shouldn't be happening, not this soon, it shouldn't be appearing at this time..."

Amid his swirling thoughts, a segment of painful memories that John had tried to keep buried began to resurface.

In his previous life, John had also encountered many players.

They huddled together for warmth, cheered each other on, and supported one another through many challenges.

By the hundredth day after the advent of the game world, the world underwent a drastic change!

Seven days after the catastrophe, overnight, seven bottomless pits appeared around the globe.

Countless monsters emerged from these pits, accompanied by formidable enemies who called themselves the [Apostles].

These chasms, along with the cracks they spawned, were all referred to as the [Abyss].

One such [Abyss] appeared in John's city. Even though John had the capability to conquer hard level dungeons, he was utterly powerless against the [Apostles].

Their god-like abilities, as described by the [Apostles] themselves, were [Authority] bestowed upon them by the master of the Abyss, making them akin to deities.

The identities of the seven [Apostles] were unknown, as was the reason for their emergence from the Abyss, but one thing was clear to everyone.

The [Apostles] were invincible and utterly impossible to defeat.

John vividly remembered, after a harrowing escape from an [Apostle], returning to the game world only to find all his items marked as [Corrupted]. They could not be traded, worn, or even destroyed.

As Lily handed him the ring, John's pupils shook, and his thoughts became increasingly chaotic.

There was no mistake—it was the same [Corrupted] status as in his past memories!

But why so soon?

Only ten days had passed to date. Neither the [Abyss] nor the [Apostles] should have appeared at this point!

"Could it be because of me? Did my actions somehow cause the [Abyss] to arrive early?"

Countless thoughts surged through John's mind, like a massive stone pressing on his chest, making it nearly impossible for him to breathe.

"Jo, Johnny, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, I'm just probably too tired. I need some rest, Lily. Could you please contact Helena and tell her there's something I need to explain about this item? Ask her to find some time to come to the shop."

"I got it, Johnny. You should go rest as soon as you can."

After watching Lily leave, John turned around, his feet stumbling, nearly causing him to fall.

The joy of having crafted the Scale Armor had vanished, replaced by a heavy cloud of worry that spread like a dark cloud over his heart.

Lying on the spotless bed, John covered his eyes with his arms, trying to calm himself as much as possible.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence, or perhaps in his previous life, [Corrupted] gear had appeared at this point and he was just unaware, or maybe...

Despite the myriad reasons John conjured up to deceive himself, deep down, he couldn't shake the belief that this was indeed a sign.

The [Abyss], the [Apostle], those invincible enemies, seemed about to appear.

Finally, a knock at the door pulled John from his tangled thoughts. He struggled to sit up and looked at Helena and Exiled Immortal as they entered, calmly placing the [Corrupted] item on the desk.

"John, Lily mentioned you know the origin of this thing?"

"Before I answer your question, I have a few of my own. First, who found this item, and where? Second, where is the first person who touched this equipment? I'd like to meet them. Third, besides us, who else knows about this item?"

"Wait, wait a minute, John, you're asking too fast. I need to organize my thoughts."

John's demeanor struck Helena as odd.

In their previous meetings, no matter the circumstances, John's lips seemed forever curved in a faint smile, a composure that piqued Helena's interest in him.

So, Helena had never seen John like this before.

His expression was grave, his tone urgent, and even his gaze flickered evasively.

It was as if... he was fearing something.

"This equipment was found by a member of our squad in the underground city. We thought it was some kind of special item at first, but even after having it appraised by a professional, it still couldn't be worn, so it was passed on to me.

As for when this equipment was discovered... it seems to have been the night we first cleared the Basilisk dungeon."

"Where is the person who found it now?"

"He's at the base. Should I have Exiled Immortal call him over?"

John didn't speak; he just nodded heavily.

"I have a few more details to ask about, so if you wouldn't mind, Exiled Immortal."

"That's no trouble at all, but you seem really off, John. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, I know my own body."