Before me stood the Advent Dungeon, set at the Supreme difficulty level. A surge of emotions, a mix of joy, excitement, and tension, raced through me, quickening my heartbeat.
The Celestial Scrolls.
These scrolls were the crucial components needed to promote a hero to a seven-star level. I had already gathered all the other necessary materials, leaving only the Celestial Scrolls. Obtaining them from the Special Advent Dungeon was an incredibly rare occurrence, with only a handful of seven-star heroes in the entire world. It was an opportunity that could even challenge the most skilled and top-ranked player.
With eager anticipation, I opened the [Hero Box] and recruited new heroes to join my party. Among them were heroes who, while not essential, possessed useful abilities. However, managing them in the waiting room proved to be a bit challenging.
Their main role was to act as the vanguard, leading the charge.
In Pick Me Up, when heroes fell in battle, they were permanently lost, a hardcore system that allowed no room for mistakes. Some criticized the game for its unforgiving mechanics, but for me and other dedicated Pick Me Up fans, it was part of the exhilaration.
We formed a team for the Advent Dungeon, unsure of what challenges lay ahead.
The boss could be any level, with different forms and abilities.
The frontliners had to study the boss's movements and confront it bravely.
The screen flashed a red warning, indicating the arrival of powerful foes.
The field was dark, a unique dimensional space in the game's world. It was a map covered in darkness, a rare sight even after clearing countless dungeons.
We dove straight into the boss battle, skipping any preliminary stages.
But as soon as we entered, a message popped up on the screen, showing changes in the heroes' conditions.
Diora () is terrified! All stats decrease by 30%.
Nicholas () is terrified! All stats decrease by 30%.
Gent () is terrified! All stats decrease by 30%.
Acelta () is terrified! All stats decrease by 30%.
Melki () is terrified! All stats decrease by 30%.
I couldn't help but wonder, What's going on with these guys?
The boss hadn't even shown up yet.
Diora (), the head of the 38th Party, proposes a withdrawal. Will you agree?
[Yes / No (Selection)]
I immediately chose No.
Diora () is thrown into a state of panic! All stats decrease by 50%
Nicholas ()
Gent ()
What's happening?
Even though it was just a casual suggestion, it was strange for heroes with five or six stars to panic. Panic was a common occurrence for new heroes in their first battles.
This could only mean one thing.
The boss has an ability related to fear.
I quickly thought about items and skills that could increase fear resistance.
Maybe I should form a backup vanguard party for this fight.
With an energetic sound effect, the boss finally made an appearance.
The boss's name appeared at the top of the screen.
What's that?
What kind of name is that? Is it a bug?
To make things even more strange, the boss was completely covered in mosaic, with only a faint outline visible. I couldn't make out any details.
Diora () is filled with despair! All stats decrease by 80%
Nicholas ()
Gent ()
I chuckled in disappointment.
And his level? 999? Clearly a system glitch.
I always thought I'd encounter a bug in Pick Me Up sooner or later. Besides a few pranks, there hadn't been any reported bugs since its launch two years ago.
I snapped a picture with the camera button, waiting for the vanguard's final moments. I wanted to help somehow, but once the battle started, there was no going back.
And the battle had already commenced.
I used some potions, bought with gems, to counter the status effects, but the feeling of despair lingered.
Diora held her ground, shield raised with a determined yet anxious look, despite her stats being reduced by 80%. Nicholas and Gent, the damage dealers, positioned themselves in the center, while Acelta and Melki, the support heroes, stood at the back.
Their formation was flawless.
Then, in the dark and violet-tinted darkness, the boss began to move.
It was a massacre.
Diora was defeated swiftly, unable to put up a fight. Despite her skills, there was no sign of her valiant struggle against the boss. The mosaic covering the boss obscured its abilities, and it closed in on Diora, leaving her lifeless on the ground. She has now passed away, but her strong spirit will always be remembered.
Nicholas ()
Gent ()
The screen displayed the words You Lose, and in a matter of seconds, the entire party, including the powerful heroes, was wiped out. It was a devastating loss, especially considering the time and effort put into cultivating those heroes. The expenses involved were significant, and the frustration was compounded by a bug that ruined everything. Despite the urge to contact customer support, there was no hope of recovering the lost hero. The unresponsive screen only added to the sense of helplessness and disappointment.
Just a moment, though. Why isn't it transitioning?
The screen won't switch to the waiting room.
The boss keeps staring at the center of the screen, and the You Lose message won't go away.
What in the world is this bug?
I forcefully pressed the power button on the right side of my phone.
This bug goes beyond a simple customer support complaint. It requires a strongly worded phone call.
I patiently waited for the phone to shut down, hoping for a clean restart.
This is crazy.
It wouldn't turn off.
The phone refuses to shut down. The You Lose message stubbornly remains visible. And then the boss inside the screen seems to be peering through the mosaic, its blurred mouth whispering something.
I've found you.
Then, my consciousness faded away.
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