"What are they... doing?"
Despite the blurred vision, disbelief struck me as all the monsters heading toward me suddenly knelt down.
Confusion lingered until I noticed the panel on the side of my view.
[๐๐ป๐๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ had been activated.]
My ability came through this time. Despite wanting to go farther, my body reached its limit, rendering me unable to move even an inch.
Unconsciousness soon claimed me, and I fell to the ground as the boss vanished into nothingness.
"...Ugh..."
...
..
.
"...hmm?"
Struggling to sit up, I plunged my sword into the ground for support.
"...I survived?"
Seemingly left alone by the monsters, I considered leaving before their return.
As I attempted to pull myself together, a sudden ache in my muscles halted my progress. I dropped headfirst to the ground.
While the rest did some good, it only managed to recover half of my fatigue. Understandable, given how hard I pushed my body.
Truthfully, if the Boss Monster didn't completely underestimated me and fought with caution, I wouldn't be here right now.
"I shouldn't waste any more time..." Gripping my sword's handle, I pointed it toward my neck. It was my first time trying this method; I just hoped dying this way wouldn't be too painful.
"Fuck it..."
Attributes wouldn't be reduced, thanks to the system's effect still in play.
Closing my eyes, I pushed the blade toward my neck.
...Damn, it hurts.
***
Hours zipped by.
"Haaaa!"
Splurt-!
Monsters fell beneath the relentless slashes, their blood painting the surroundings, including my face. It was disgusting, yet I pressed on.
I only stopped until, once again, I pushed my body to its limit.
[You have died!]
[Respawning after 3 seconds]
...
..
.
[Welcome back.]
As soon as I got back, I immediately rushed toward the distant monsters.
[๐๐ป๐๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ had been activated.]
Arrows in the air were mere distractions as I carved through goblins. Even with my body that was filled in bruises, I proceeded to clear everything that was on the path.
"Take this....!!"
Swiftly, I kicked the spear that was on the ground, causing it to fly and hit one of the goblin archers.
Splurt-!
Kreeeaโ!
Dodging another monster's slash by a hairbreadth, I clenched my teeth and wielded a goblin's corpse as a shield, charging toward the archer. Throwing the body, it struck the monster, causing it to relinquish its weapon.
Fuuuโ!
My sword soon found its place in the creature's chest, and I pushed through the group, using the other goblin corpse once more as a shield.
"Haaaaaa! Die....!"
Clangโ!
Splurt-!
I continued this brutal method until finally...
=====
๐ก๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ: Saber
๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ: ?
๐๐ผ๐ฏ: [Ruler of Calamity]
๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: [Lolicon, Emotional Damage]
[๐๐ฃ: 2,000/2,000]
[๐ ๐ฃ: 2,500/2,500]
๐๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
- [๐๐ป๐๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ (Level 5)]: A passive ability triggered in response to threats or the targeting of bloodlust.
๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฏ๐๐๐ฒ๐:
- ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต: 22
- ๐ฉ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐: 17
- ๐๐ด๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐: 19
- ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐: 20
- ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ: 103
=====
After relentlessly pushing my body to the brink, I'd almost reclaimed all the lost attributes.
With one last 'Immunity' in my arsenal, I reserved it for the third floorโanticipating the unforeseen challenges that might come my way... Who knows what will happen? I just have to prepare...
Like getting spawn-killed again...
Growl~!
My stomach let out a growl, making me realize it's been a while since I last ate. Touching my wambling stomach, I couldn't help but smile wryly.
"I should take a break and eat. You can't fight on an empty stomach."
My rations were left untouched since every time I died and respawned, all negative statuses were instantly healed โ a complete recovery.
An all-heal!
"Ugh~"
Sitting comfortably on the ground, leaning my back against the wall to stay alert while eating, I retrieved some rations from my Pocket Pouch and opened it.
Since the item could store food and items, maintaining their condition, the rations were still warm.
Taking a substantial bite of the beef jerky, I relished its flavor. Having cooked it myself, I was confident in its taste.
"Hmm~ I wonder how long I've been in this Labyrinth." I opened my mouth for another bite.
With that said, I swallowed my food and said out loud, "Hey, system, how many days have passed outside?"
I hadn't been really keeping track on the time, so I wasn't completely sure what day is it.
[Three days] the system answered.
I see... So, I must've spent about twelve to thirteen days here, I thought, nodding with my eyes closed.
It should be fine if take it easy, no...? I opened a biscuit and ate it wholeheartedly.
"...I wonder what's happening outside."
***
Back at the base.
"Leader, make sure not to let the meat burn while I prepare the table."
"Hmm!"
"Solis! It's your duty to do the laundry today! Hurry up since we're about to eat!"
"Yes, yes..."
"Odium... Well, go wake Reina. She's in the Contractor's room, sleeping."
"Yโyes, ma'am!"
After assigning tasks to everyone, Reaper started setting the table.
Just as she was about to place the glasses, a whiff of something burning caught her nose. When she turned to Occiditis, her jaw dropped.
"Put the fire out immediately!" She rushed to her, removed the hot pan from the fire, and set it aside.
A few moments later, the five of them sat together at the table.
Reina glanced at the burned meat for a moment before exchanging glances with Reaper. Understanding the silent communication, Reaper sighed.
"It got burned..." she said, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.
Occiditis looked between the two before bowing her head slightly in apology. "I apologize..."
Solis casually sipped her tea, and Odium, in contrast, stared at the burnt meat for a moment before impaling it with a fork.
The four, excluding Solis, took a bite of the meat. They chewed for a moment before setting their forks down.
Without uttering a word, their expressions conveyed the same sentiment.
...This is the worse.