----
With a flash, Lucian appeared inside the confines of the second floor. At a glance, it seemed similar to the tutorial setting; a lush forest area with ample trees and foliage to compliment the view. However, its clustered layout was a distinct difference when compared to the tutorial's map.
In comparison, the tutorial setting was many times more spacious and allowed for fewer surprises due to the lacking thickness of the grounded bushes. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said about this area.
Most of the bushes were accompanied by rocks with a smooth platform. It was the perfect component to use as a foothold for jumping, something Lucian noticed almost immediately.
'If we don't move soon, the chance of something jumping out at us skyrockets immensely,' Lucian thought to himself.
Although the party seemed somewhat apprehensive, Lucian praised their actions. Each of them promptly readied their equipment. Ahri kept her hand on her sword hilt while Olov removed his shield from his back.
A few seconds later, the notification for this floor's objectives appeared.
「«Second Floor Objective»
Objective Name: TO - KAE&BTC
Information: There may be situations where a Guardian's spontaneous thinking undergoes a challenge. It is up to you to prevail and make the right choices to ensure your remarkable completion under stressful conditions.
Details:
(Main Task)-
-Clear the floor of all enemies. 0/520 -Incomplete-
-Clear the floor within 3 hours. -Incomplete-
-Kill the boss. -Incomplete-
(Side Task)-
-Clear the floor with the remaining time averaging above 25%. [Receive the first tier of reward upgrades.] -Optional-
-Clear the floor with the remaining time averaging above 50%. [Receive the first tier of reward upgrades.] -Optional-
-Clear the floor within a record time of sub-30 minutes. [Receive the highest tier upgrade along with a special prize.] -Optional-
Reward(s)-
- +10% Authority.
- 650 Merge Tokens.
- 8 Enhancement Points
- 1 Destiny Accumulation
*The different tiers reward a different multiplier. Breaking the record causes the rewards to stack together, bolstering the possibilities to new heights.
**The special prize isn't set in stone. Depending on the end timing, the special prize can differ.」
All of sudden, Desmond's eyes narrowed as he looked towards the bushes to Lucian's left. There was only a faint rustle, but he noticed it.
Pheu!
Without a moment's hesitation, Desmond hurtled a projectile, similar to a miniature dagger towards Lucian.
In a state of calm, Lucian's pupils moved slowly, following the trajectory of the projectile as it passed over his face.
Clink!
The sound of the projectile colliding with a solid surface sounded. Then, a broad wolf with deep red fur appeared. Each of its fangs possessed a faint cerulean tinge, as its claws caused the ground to hiss.
「Name: Infernal Dire Wolf
Ranking: D (Mid)
Type: Elemental/Physical
Health: 100%
Strength: D+ Agility: D+
Wisdom: D- Dexterity: D」
Although it was weaker when compared to the Knoll Chieftain, this type of monster was still very strong. After all, two of its attributes were on the brink of evolving!
Furthermore, based on Lucian's observations, this wolf successfully deflected Desmond's attack. Naturally, this meant its claws and fangs weren't just for show.
"Are these the enemies you mentioned?" Lucian questioned. The appearance of the wolf made Lucian deepen his scrutiny of Olov's gear. His shield possessed apparent sighs of sharp marks in addition to mild hints of heat damage.
Though the progress of each floor was refreshed, it wasn't the same for the gear used in each attempt. Since the gear wasn't repaired, it would inevitably end up breaking after a while.
"Yeah…" Olov answered with a grimace.
Although Olov displayed caution, Lucian didn't find this wolf to be very intimidating.
On the contrary, Lucian felt it was the perfect opponent for gaining an understanding of this team's shortcomings. If they intended to clear this floor, he'd have to find a way to maximize their significance.
Unsurprisingly, the wolf wasn't a patient beast. It rushed towards the others, causing Ahri to intercept its sword. Although her skill seemed amateurish, the way she wielded her sword produced sharp slash angles.
Clank!
Every time she attacked the wolf, it stopped her from inflicting damage. It appeared the wolf's claws were on par with a Tier 2 weapon, which came as a surprise.
'No wonder everyone felt my previous future was so bleak. Tier 2 weapons seem to be the minimum from this point on. Then, perhaps it's not their point management that is poor,' Lucian surmised.
Meanwhile, his gaze switched to Aeran, who similarly wielded a sword. While Ahri kept its front occupied, Aeran circled around the wolf with his dark brown hair swaying in the wind.
Shnk!
Withdrawing his sword from his sheath produced a subtle screeching noise as he cut through the hind limb of the wolf. While its claws were strong, it appeared its body was comparatively weaker.
Nonetheless, Lucian realized it took too long for them to gain the upper hand needed to overwhelm the beast. Finally, after a few slashes, the beast was defeated with Desmond, Ahri, and Aeran receiving notification.
Aeran and Ahri's portion was noticeably larger because of their considerable contributions.
'Mm, that took approximately 45 seconds. If there are at least 400 off such monsters, and this is the average time needed to eliminate one, then we're looking at a clear time of over 5 hours! No wonder they can't even reach the boss room,' Lucian thought after evaluating their battle.
"Do you guys not rely upon your abilities to overpower the monsters?" Lucian questioned after noticing the lack of ability usage.
"We do, but it's best to conserve Mana," Ahri responded.
In most cases, this belief might ring true, but Lucian felt it was wrong in this instance, "I think you should be willing to expend as much of your Mana as possible, but also manage the amount used on each foe."
"Then our expenses will skyrocket. The tokens used on failed attempts aren't recompensed and we don't have endless reserves. Not to mention...this will be our 10th run. How many tokens do you think we have left?" Ahri sent with a pained frown.
Lucian nodded slowly as he came to realize their situation, 'So it stems from a lack of funds. Then, how do we remedy this?'
Eventually, a thought clicked in Lucian's mind.
"What if, instead of stressing over clearing this floor, we use this run as a sort of simulation?" Lucian suggested.
Ahri's eyebrow rose with intrigued as the suggestion sounded somewhat interesting. "Simulation? How so?"
"Well, instead of this being our last run, how about we use it as a simulation to experiment with the quickest way to eliminate the wolves? At the same time, I suggest we canvas the map as our lead objective with the elimination being our secondary."
Aeran rubbed his chin in thought before giving this plan the benefit of doubt, "Team Leader, I think this will work. We've never reached beyond the halfway point. But, if our goal isn't to kill them, it should be possible to scout up to the boss area. After all, this map is fairly large."
Gradually, everyone agreed with this sound plan.
Ultimately, Ahri was brought on board with the insistence of the others.
'Sensible teammates. Perhaps it will really be possible,' Lucian inwardly thought, before allowing Desmond to take the lead. However, although Desmond acted as the lead scout, Lucian's Hypervigilance was always active.
Just a simple inspection of the trees gave Lucian an indication of whether the area was vacant or occupied. Whenever Desmond called out the presence of a beast, Lucian was already looking in that direction.
Compared to Desmond, it would seem Lucian's perception was stronger. Although Desmond's ability was linked to his eyes, it was better to say Lucian was linked to his mind's eyes, a sort of sixth sense which condensed all senses into one super sense.
When it came to wolves targeting their rear, Lucian manned that station. Rather than using attacks to kill, Lucian used palm thrusts to launch the wolves away from them. Since the goal wasn't to kill them, Lucian only kept them at bay to allow the team enough room to map the route properly.
30 minutes later, the team arrived at the area they never managed to exit from.
"Beyond here is uncharted grounds. I advise you to stay wary. If you account for the number of wolves met, most of them should reside in this area," Desmond warned while also raising his hand in the form of a fist.
It was a hand sign for the party to halt. Apparently, Desmond originated from a family with military training. All of his actions were disciplined and made with intent. With this movement, Lucian stealthily withdrew his bow, ready to take aim.