The voice's words caused everyone to look around, questioning themselves in confusion. It was unprecedented for a player to defeat a boss alone, and the disbelief was evident on everyone's faces.
While some groups were left without answers and looked around bewildered, two groups stood out. Ivan's group stared at him and his team in disbelief, their thoughts racing as they wondered if it was possible for them to have taken down the boss on their own.
In another part of the crowd, a team of four players received the same astonished looks as Ivan's group. Uncertain whispers filled the air until someone finally spoke up.
"During the time we received the notification, this team had already left our group," a player from the first dungeon-clearing group pointed out, indicating the team that had been initially accused.
Scarlet chimed in, her words referencing Ivan's team. "This team had also left at the same time," she stated, directing everyone's attention from the previously accused team to Ivan's team.
"Yes, we did leave the group for a while because we had information about a hidden room with loot. However, there were hardly any mobs there, let alone a boss. If there had been a boss, do you really think we would have survived?" a player from the accused team defended, causing the crowd to shift their gaze towards Ivan's team, awaiting an explanation from them as well.
Ivan let out an exasperated sigh before addressing the crowd. "Just as he mentioned, encountering a boss with anything less than forty people would be certain death. I appreciate the confidence in our abilities, but it's simply not possible for my team to have taken down a boss alone. Let's consider it a glitch and focus on clearing this floor," Ivan explained.
Leon, still skeptical, interjected, "Such a glitch has never been documented before. I find it hard to believe any of your stories."
Ivan responded, raising an eyebrow. "Then what do you suggest? That one of our teams was capable of killing a boss on our own? If that were the case, wouldn't it be unwise to continue questioning such players?"
"We didn't do it; it's just not possible. Let's not get distracted by pointless speculation," Ivan's words resonated with everyone present.
They realized he was right. What was the purpose of interrogating them? If there were individuals who could defeat a boss single-handedly at the tutorial stage, provoking them would be a foolish approach.
Whether they had killed a boss or not, it was beyond their control and held no significance.
As the commotion died down, the voice continued with a new announcement.
"Based on the achievements of this group of new players, you have proven to be quite formidable. To ensure your growth is not hindered, a poll will be conducted." With these words, a screen popped up before each player, presenting them with a question.
[Would you like the tutorial difficulty to be raised? Rewards will be multiplied by twenty as well.]
[Y/N]
Ivan glanced at the question and couldn't help but find it foolish. He clicked on "No."
When he had created the secret places in the tutorial, he had assumed that only skilled players who wanted an extra challenge would discover them. Ivan had provided an option to increase the tutorial difficulty, thinking these players would desire even more difficulty and rewards.
However, nobody had ever found the secret orc boss, and Ivan had also realized that no amount of skill or experience could compensate for the abysmal stats a player would have at the beginning. Thus, increasing the difficulty would be a senseless idea.
"The votes have been cast. Thank you all. You may proceed with the tutorial!" the voice announced, causing the large door of the boss room to open with a loud groan.
"Alright, everyone, gather and assume your positions!" Leon's voice resonated with authority, cutting through the tension in the air.
He surveyed the group, carefully considering their strengths and roles. "You don't have to disclose your specific class, but those of you with support abilities, stay behind. Attack types, take the vanguard. Defense-oriented players, form the shield in the middle," Leon commanded, his voice filled with determination.
The echoing sound of footsteps filled the chamber as each player swiftly maneuvered into their designated spots. A sense of unity and purpose enveloped the group as they adhered to Leon's instructions, arranging themselves like a well-oiled machine.
Meanwhile, Scarlet's gaze fell upon Ivan, who had positioned himself towards the rear of the formation. She couldn't hide her perplexity. "What on earth are you doing back there?" she asked, a mix of concern and curiosity in her voice.
Remaining calm, Ivan replied with conviction, "I'm a support type." He had no intentions of putting himself in the line of fire. The frontlines were perilous, and he had devised a calculated plan to strike when the timing was right, reaping maximum rewards while minimizing risks.
Scarlet let out a long, contemplative sigh, momentarily pausing before taking action. With a determined expression, she turned on her heels and confidently made her way to the very front, standing shoulder to shoulder with Leon. The two players, now assuming the roles of de facto leaders among their peers, exchanged a meaningful glance, their unspoken understanding fueling their resolve.
As the collective anticipation reached its zenith, Scarlet and Leon synchronized their movements, giving the word to proceed. With synchronized steps and unwavering determination, the group entered the imposing boss room. The colossal door groaned shut behind them, as if sealing their fates within the epic battle that lay ahead.
As the boss battle commenced, a message popped up, amplifying the tension.
[Vorgath, the Iron Tyrant, is present].
[Boss battle has begun]
The words on the screen echoed in Ivan's mind, leaving him stunned. Vorgath's name did not belong to a tutorial boss. Dread washed over him, and he desperately hoped that his memory failed him. He silently pleaded to be wrong, praying that the other players hadn't been foolish enough to vote for an increase in tutorial difficulty.
They couldn't have, Right?
Ivan's hand trembled slightly, betraying his anxious state. The distinct sound of Vorgath's iron armor creaking and grinding grew louder as the imposing figure drew closer.
Ivan's thoughts raced, trying to comprehend why the boss's level had not been indicated in the notification. His heart pounded in his chest, its rhythm accelerating with each passing moment. With bated breath, he scanned for any sign of Vorgath's level above the head of the iron-clad warlord, his anxiety reaching its peak.
As Ivan's gaze fell upon the boss's level hovering above its giant menacing figure, his heart sank like a stone, and a wave of nausea washed over him.
[Vorgath, the Iron Tyrant (Level 35??)]
A sickening realization took hold of Ivan, causing his knees to buckle beneath him. In a fit of desperation and fury, he let out a piercing scream that echoed through the chamber.
"You stupid fucks! You've killed us all!"
All eyes turned towards Ivan, their expressions a mix of fear, shock, and disbelief. But amidst the chaos, Leon stepped forward with unwavering resolve, his voice cutting through the turmoil.
"Don't lose heart, everyone! We can face this. Stick to the formation!" Leon's grip tightened around his sword, his eyes ablaze with determination. The other attacking-class players rallied behind him, ignorant of the true magnitude of the imminent danger.
With a thunderous swing of his colossal sword, Vorgath unleashed a devastating blow, shattering any illusions of safety or hope. A cascade of notifications filled their screens, destroying their resolve and plunging them into a harsh reality.
[Player 9773f6 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
[Player 782pl5 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
[Player 175rw0 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
[Player 816vx7 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
[Player 563iy6 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
[Player 087rt6 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
[Player 766te1 has died from Vorgath's wrath]
.....
The notifications continued to pour in, each one a haunting testament to the deadly consequences of Vorgath's single swing. Half of their group had been mercilessly eliminated, leaving them stunned and abruptly awakened to the ruthless nature of the battle that loomed before them.
It had painfully become clear, they would all die here.