15. Trying Again (1)

It was finally time to enter the Area once again. There wasn't much time left and I didn't want to think about the penalty. There, I was thinking again in the room.

I thought about the mission and the screen appeared just like last time.

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[Main Quest #1 – Survive]

Category: Main

Difficulty: F

Time left till next Attempt: 3 hours remaining

Failure: Death

Attempts Left: ­­∞

Would you like to attempt this quest: [Y / N?]

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Three hours is surely cutting it close. I was able to train to a certain extent with firearms and I was bringing the Mana Refined Handgun with me for safety. I hesitantly accepted the mission since I didn't know what was supposed to happen this time around.

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Main Quest Initiated

Area Generated

An attempt has been used.

Remaining Attempts Left: ­­∞

Spawning Area Gate to Warp Player

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The Area Gate had spawned in front of me as the Spatia had mentioned. As I stepped closer to the Area gate, I could see that it was a shimmering portal of swirling colors of blue. It was similar to the one that I entered and there were barely any changes.

This time, there was a sense of familiarity and a glimmer of hope that perhaps I had grown stronger since my last adventure.

As I ventured into the Area Gate, the world around me transformed as if reality itself had shifted. I was once again in the room surrounded by white walls all around. The blue orb was there as expected just like the first time.

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Detection of Transcendent has been Completed.

Initiating Program.

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To my dismay, I reached for my Mana Refined Handgun, only to find it imprisoned within an intricate network of glistening, ethereal chains forged from shimmering strands of pure gold. The chains coiled around the weapon with a firm grip.

A surge of frustration and unease coursed through me as I examined the captivating yet confounding spectacle before me. The chains seemed to pulsate with otherworldly energy, their golden links reflecting the dim light of the desolate wasteland. The sight invoked a mixture of awe and trepidation, for it hinted at an enchantment far beyond my understanding.

With trembling hands, I attempted to break the enchantment, but my efforts were in vain. The chains resisted every tug and pull, unyielding in their hold. The intricate patterns that adorned the golden links mesmerized me, appearing almost sentient, as if they possessed a will of their own.

With the realization that my Mana Refined Handgun was temporarily unavailable, I swiftly shifted my focus to the imminent danger at hand. The quest was about to commence, and I had to rely on my instincts and whatever resources were provided to defend myself against the oncoming onslaught.

The monsters had spawned. It was as expected horde of Zombies. There were more Zombies than the last time. Without hesitation, I cast my gaze toward the nearby blue orb, its ethereal glow guiding my attention. To my surprise, it materialized into a sturdy spear, its gleaming surface imbued with a faint aura of protection. Grasping the weapon firmly, I could feel its energy resonating with my own, as if in symbiotic harmony.

The spear forged from the blue orb was a marvel to behold. Its design combined elegance and functionality, and its craftsmanship is a testament to the artistry of weapon-making. The weapon boasted a long, slender shaft, crafted from a polished, iridescent material that seemed to shift in color as light danced upon its surface. The handle was intricately carved, providing a secure and comfortable grip.

At the tip of the spear, a gleaming blade gleamed with a mesmerizing brilliance. It appeared to be crafted from a rare, enchanted metal, honed to a razor-sharp edge. Etchings adorned the blade, depicting ancient symbols of power and protection, their meaning lost to time but radiating an undeniable aura of strength.

As I held the spear in my hands, its weight felt perfectly balanced, allowing for swift and controlled strikes. The faint aura enveloping the weapon acted as a barrier, providing a measure of protection against the unholy forces I was about to face. It was as if the spear itself was attuned to the battles that lay ahead, an extension of my will in this dire confrontation.

With each swing and thrust, the spear responded effortlessly to my commands, its metallic song harmonizing with the clash of steel against decaying flesh. The blade pierced through the zombies' rotting forms with precision, severing limbs and disrupting their advance. The enchantments imbued within the weapon seemed to enhance my physical prowess, empowering me to face the undead horde with renewed determination.

As the battle raged on, the spear became an extension of myself—a symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of darkness. With each victorious strike, the weapon radiated a faint, ethereal glow, as if celebrating our triumph over the abominations that threatened our existence.

Throughout the skirmish, the spear remained steadfast and unwavering, never faltering in its purpose. It was not just a tool of defense, but a symbol of hope and a reminder of the strength that resided within me. With each defeat of a zombie, I could feel the spear's energy surge, empowering me to continue the fight, to press forward in the quest for survival.

The battle against the undead horde was arduous, but with the aid of the enchanted spear, I prevailed. The last of the zombies fell to the ground, their presence vanquished from the wasteland. As I stood amidst the aftermath, the spear clutched tightly in my hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this newfound ally, an embodiment of strength and protection in this treacherous realm.

With the memory of my previous failure fresh in my mind, I remained vigilant, refusing to let my guard down. I knew that even the slightest lapse in focus could have dire consequences in this perilous realm. The spear in my hand, while unfamiliar, offered a glimmer of reassurance. It seemed to infuse me with an enhanced sense of stamina, granting me a newfound endurance that I had lacked in my previous attempt.

Drawing upon my past experiences in Kendo practice, I sought to apply my knowledge of martial arts to my current situation. While the spear differed from the bamboo swords I had wielded in Kendo, the principles of discipline, precision, and agility remained relevant. I focused on maintaining a steady stance, ready to swiftly adapt to the movements of my adversaries.

More Zombies started to appear and it looks like this horde is never going to end. There was no choice but to kill them all to strive forward. As the battles ensued, I allowed muscle memory to guide my actions. My body moved in fluid synchrony with the spear, executing controlled strikes and parries with a grace that surprised even me. Though not a master of this particular weapon, my previous training served as a foundation upon which I could build and adapt.

Each clash and thrust became a harmonious dance, as I utilized the spear's reach to keep the undead at bay, exploiting their sluggishness to my advantage. I combined swift footwork with well-timed strikes, seeking vulnerabilities in their decaying defenses. My Kendo training had honed my reflexes, enabling me to anticipate the zombies' movements and react with calculated precision.

Adrenaline surged through my veins as I engaged in these life-or-death encounters. The familiar rhythm of combat and the exhilaration of being in control urged me to push my limits, to explore the full potential of the spear. I focused on exploiting openings, aiming for vital points to disable the zombies efficiently.

Though not without moments of struggle and near misses, I persisted, determined to overcome any shortcomings in my spear technique. Each skirmish served as a valuable learning experience, allowing me to refine my movements and adapt my strategy accordingly. The spear became an extension of my body, an instrument through which I could channel my resolve and tenacity.

As the last of the zombies fell to the ground, defeated, I took a moment to catch my breath. While I still had much to learn in mastering the intricacies of the spear, I had proven to myself that my Kendo practice had indeed provided a solid foundation. The weapon had become an ally, complimenting my skills and granting me an edge in this battle for survival.

With the specter of my past failure momentarily lifted, I felt a renewed sense of confidence. The quest ahead held unknown challenges but armed with my newfound stamina and the spear as my trusted companion, I was determined to face whatever lay in wait, prepared to conquer the trials that awaited me. With the taste of victory lingering in the air, I knew that I had only scratched the surface of my potential with the spear, and I was eager to uncover its full power in the battles yet to come.