That's what you guys were expecting.
There was no way that these guys would conveniently be fighting in the city, even if they were famous. Realistically speaking, it's not as if the world had gone into chaos a year after I slept.
It's still the same place, without the same people.
However, that leads us to two points of interest.
How and why?
I want to know how I fell into a deep slumber and why I've only woken up now.
I might have been tired, but I refuse to believe that mere fatigue was able to keep me in a coma; this isn't a mere coincidence. Another enigma is when? I don't know, but perhaps that can be our third question. I'll need some time to figure out the why, though.
I can't find the objective of putting me to sleep whatsoever. I am not even half as strong as a ranker, nor am I as knowledgeable as a regular waker.
What purpose do I serve being a vegetable for a year?
Never mind, we'll only get ourselves nowhere without a single clue.
Although, the fighting idol, Kiara. I heard she appeared near the Swamp Meadows recently, so I should head over there to see if I can get some help from her. She knows more about the current state of dungeons. As ranked number 36, I believe she should be able to help me.
It's going to be a long trip from here, so I should bring as many fan merc- supplies as I can.
YOU CAN'T BLAME ME.
This ranker is unbelievably famous in the streaming and music industry. From singing, gaming, dancing, and even, wait, therapy? Odd, but anyways, she can do it all! Of course, she's beautiful, but the real reason she's famous is her inhumane, no, ingenious battle sense.
I heard stories of her defeating three high-rankers all by herself using a microphone!
It supports her image. Convenient, right? It didn't end well for those guys, though. Kiara was originally their bandmate until the three musketeers decided to bail on her. Why? Who knows. I also heard they were publicly humiliated after the incident; It's as if being beaten wasn't already enough. I don't know what happened, but I pray for their souls.
Moving on, we're here. Swamp Meadows. I was only delaying you guys with chatter, but I've been walking for a whopping 3 hours. I hope you didn't mind the lack of description of actions.
Looking at this place now, it's beyond eerie. There are muddy waters, twisted vines, and a dreadful stench. We're in a straight-up horror film with witches—nothing more, nothing, less.
Unlike last time, I only need to go further into this dungeon instead of jumping down.
I don't want to remember it.
Please, don't remind me. Okay?
As I tread through this horrible place, I'm starting to feel that I'm being observed. Who wouldn't feel the same? I'm alone, after all. The shadows looming around me only confirm my suspicions more so as time passes.
Rustling.
I turn back to see a slight movement in the bushes; however, I don't think it'd be wise to move. The first strike shows itself to the patient, not the naive and reckless.
The bushes continued to rustle, and then it stopped.
It's here! As if the Gods had answered my worrying self, a swift figure jumped out and was heading right for me! It was a lizard man that was not so much taller than me. Compared to what I've seen and heard, it doesn't seem to be a normal one. Its scales seemed dry as if it had been living on the land for a long time. It donned battle-worn leather coating and had a scar on its face. Alongside it was a spear with a skull attached to the back end. Perhaps it was showing its experience to intimidate me, but its methods are effective.
Right now is my first real opponent, one that may or may not be on my level, but it's not out of reach.
It's time to go!
TIME TO RUN! NOT ONCE HAVE I TOLD ANY OF YOU THAT I BROUGHT A WEAPON! WHAT DID YOU GUYS EXPECT?
ALL I RECEIVED FROM BASTIA WAS THIS STICK WITH A BUTTON SHE TOLD ME NOT TO PRESS!
I break for the exit, but this lizard doesn't intend to let me go either! My chances of shaking this beast off aren't likely, so that leaves me no other choice!
I pivot and turn towards the pursuer. I wasn't planning to go unarmed in this fight, so I took out the gifted stick. You'll regret chasing me, fool. Now face the wrath of turn-based games!
Go system! Grant me sight!
[ ARS ]
- HP: 50
- MP: 10
[ LIZARD FOOTSOLDIER ]
- HP: 300
THIS THING WASN'T AN ELITE? GOD DAMMIT. Still, that makes my odds better than it was earlier.
Bastia gave me this for a reason, and I don't intend to waste it. It's time to put it to use, this sword.
I pressed the button, and nothing happened. I was expecting a cliche light to appear, yet it seems I was hoping too much from the wrong franchise once again. However, a weird ticking sound started to emanate from this object.
You have got to be kidding me.