Chapter 17: Vigilance!
"In the ancestral grounds, the Blood Curse Master 'Grew's' domain was forbidden territory, inaccessible to all," Shimo began, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of fascination and fear. "Then, in pursuit of powerful artifacts, Grew left the ancestral lands alone, never to be seen again."
"For over three hundred years, the Blood Curse domain remained untouched. About thirty years ago, during a new expansion and construction project within the ancestral grounds, the elders finally decided to open it."
"Initially, nothing seemed amiss. But then… strange things began to happen. The Bloodear Elves who entered, including a seventh-rank Grand Elder, began to experience a mysterious decline in their blood vitality. They were losing blood at an alarming rate, as if some invisible bloodsucking bat was clinging to them, draining them dry."
"Soon, the first group of twenty Bloodear Elves succumbed to blood exhaustion, their bodies withered into husks. Even the seventh-rank Grand Elder wasn't spared. No healing method, no ancient ritual, could identify the cause or offer a cure. The only temporary solution was blood transfusions, which merely delayed the inevitable."
"In the end, the exploration of the Blood Curse domain ended with the deaths of over two hundred Bloodear Elves."
Shimo shuddered at the tale. Such a mysterious and insidious power was truly terrifying.
"Is that why the Blood Curse domain remains sealed to this day?" she asked.
"Yes," Bloodlong confirmed with a nod. Then, a smile spread across his face. "But who would have thought… that using a key found within that very domain, we would discover Master Grew's hidden sanctuary here, near Howling Gorge?"
His eyes flickered with a blood-red light, his excitement palpable. "Legend has it that Master Grew was defeated by another transcendent master wielding an artifact. Seeking revenge, he began collecting artifacts himself, eventually leaving the ancestral lands. Rumors suggest he amassed quite a collection before vanishing without a trace. This sanctuary could very well be his final resting place."
"If so, it must contain numerous artifacts and powerful equipment."
"Given Master Grew's nature, such an important location would undoubtedly be riddled with traps and deadly defenses. Entering recklessly would be suicidal." He paused, then continued, "Competition within our clan is fierce. Even talented members sometimes fall victim to sabotage. If we could acquire these artifacts and high-rank equipment, our power would increase dramatically, granting us the means to protect ourselves."
"Therefore, we must exercise extreme caution within Master Grew's sanctuary. A thorough and well-planned approach is essential. Charging in blindly would be a death sentence."
Shimo, despite her small stature, nodded solemnly. The Blood Curse Master's terrifying power and strange methods sent chills down her spine. Her black iron alloy dagger, sharpened to a razor edge and imbued with shadow source energy, felt inadequate. It was merely a near-black iron grade weapon. Above it were true black iron grade equipment, followed by enchanted bronze grade with its unique properties, and finally, the incredibly powerful and resilient mithril grade.
A bronze dagger or boots would significantly enhance her abilities. A mithril dagger would be a game-changer. Master Grew's sanctuary presented a golden opportunity to acquire such treasures. After all, the Blood Curse Master was a renowned alchemist.
"Blood Curse Master Grew," Shimo whispered, etching the name in her memory. She turned to Bloodlong. "That small team isn't particularly strong. We can easily eliminate them when they emerge. But what if they… don't?"
Bloodlong gazed into the depths of the jungle, his expression calm and elegant. "Wouldn't that confirm the wisdom of our decision to send them in first?"
Shimo realized his meaning. If they didn't come out, it meant the sanctuary held insurmountable dangers. The team was merely expendable scouts.
"Regardless of the outcome, I will seal and camouflage the entrance again after they're done," Bloodlong stated. "We'll return after the Savage Saint's plan in Sug Relic City is complete and devise a long-term strategy. A sanctuary of this level cannot be fully explored in a short time, even with pawns doing the dirty work."
"Understood," Shimo nodded obediently. Then, her curiosity piqued, she asked, "Is the Savage Saint's plan truly as important as the elders claim?"
Bloodlong looked up at the night sky, stars twinkling brightly, the moon casting a silvery glow. "This plan… is perhaps even more significant than we imagine. The Giant God Church, the Faceflower Cult, the Soul Shepherd Church, and even several rival wilderness tribes are involved. If it succeeds, the Magnolia Congress will pay a heavy price, their northward expansion crippled."
"The Magnolia Congress and those Grand Dukes are far too ambitious."
"And if it fails?" Shimo asked.
"Fails?" Bloodlong chuckled softly, then his expression turned serious, his voice low and melodious, as if reciting an ancient ballad. "You must understand, the Savage Saint… he is a hero born of this era."
…
The next day, as dawn broke, Gune exhaled softly within his tent.
"Almost there. Another week, and the fifth Secret Crossing Rune should be condensed," he mused. "My soul has been growing at an incredible rate lately. I wonder if it's because of the Pious Knight Breathing Technique and the Cyberna Source Pool."
The damaged transcendent text of Ring Bombardment, due to its incomplete nature, constantly subjected the practitioner to intense spiritual pain. Conventional training with such a text risked soul corruption or even collapse. The Idle System, however, negated the negative effects, leaving only the benefits. The agonizing pain and risk of collapse were replaced by rapid soul growth and enhancement. The system's unique properties made this otherwise impossible growth a reality for Gune. This was the reason he had condensed four Secret Crossing Runes in just four or five months and was on the verge of condensing a fifth.
He opened the tent flap. The pre-dawn wilderness was eerily silent. Gune scanned his surroundings, his sharp senses taking in every detail.
Ailee sat leaning against a thick, gnarled tree trunk a short distance away, carving something into a piece of red wood with his black iron double-edged dagger. Dexterity was essential for a Shadow Artist, and woodcarving honed his fine motor control and precision.
"Anything?" Gune asked softly as he approached.
"All clear. Chased off a hungry cheetah earlier," Ailee replied.
"Good," Gune nodded.
By the time the first rays of sunlight touched their camp, they were packed and ready to move.
"Howling Gorge isn't far now. Two hours at most," Ailee announced, his voice carrying its usual air of precocious seriousness. "We must be careful on the way. No unnecessary risks."
The others murmured their agreement.
Sunlight illuminated Gune's face, the dawn bright and promising. But as he fingered the small stone Ailee had just handed him, his thoughts turned dark and cold.
Throughout the night, while attempting to condense his fifth rune and remaining alert for any attack, Gune had felt a faint, unsettling sensation of being watched. Now, as they broke camp, that feeling returned, stronger than before. His worst fears began to take shape. They were being followed. They had walked into a trap. This entire expedition was a setup.
Chapter 18: The Serendipity Function
"As long as they remain hidden, there's little we can do," Gune mused. "We'll proceed as planned, staying vigilant for any ambush. Once we've secured the treasure at the key's designated location, I doubt they'll stay hidden any longer."
"It might be dangerous… but I have the system's 'Serendipity' function. As long as there's treasure, I'll find it. And any danger will be revealed to me." He massaged his temples, a sense of calm returning as he followed the group.
…
Two hours later, after navigating a dense thicket of thorns, they emerged into a vast, breathtaking canyon. The canyon floor was a mix of narrow paths, wide open spaces, treacherous climbs, and winding tunnels, all shrouded in a perpetual mist. Strange, unsettling cries echoed through the canyon, giving it its name: Howling Gorge.
Ailee, usually at the rear, now took the lead, holding the ornate briarwood box containing the blood-red key.
"This way. Follow me," he whispered, sensing the key's pull.
The others followed, Gune bringing up the rear. He discreetly opened his system interface.
As he accessed the "Serendipity" page, it filled with text and images.
Serendipity: The Blood Curse Master's Magnum Opus
Serendipity Point 1: Alchemy Storeroom
Serendipity Point 2: Blood Curse Totem
Serendipity Point 3: Fate Coins
Each point, including the overall title, had a link to more detailed information.
"As expected…" Gune narrowed his eyes, a predatory gleam in them. "This is a treasure trove!"
Serendipity, or fortunate coincidence, was a staple of countless stories, regardless of genre. Whether a protagonist was a talentless nobody or a gifted prodigy, serendipitous encounters were often the key to their rise to power.
Gune's Idle System's Serendipity function revealed all such opportunities within a certain radius. While the range wasn't vast, the information it provided was invaluable.
"A Blood Curse Master… that implies at least seventh-rank. And this is his 'Magnum Opus.' Which means he likely died here, leaving his greatest creation behind."
Gune scanned the three serendipity points. "Alchemy Storeroom, Blood Curse Totem, Fate Coins… which one is the Magnum Opus? It must be something extraordinary."
Without further speculation, he clicked on the "Details" link for each point. Moments later, he had a clear picture of the potential rewards, how to obtain them, the dangers to avoid, and the nature of the Blood Curse Master's Magnum Opus. The Serendipity function was a comprehensive treasure-hunting guide, capable of leading him to riches and power beyond imagination.
"My path to transcendence… is finally within reach," he thought, a thrill running through him. He quickly composed himself. While he knew the secrets of this "Blood Curse Cave," it was still fraught with peril. Traps, deadly creatures, and cursed areas awaited them. Even with the system's guidance, he needed to tread carefully. Complacency would be fatal.
Guided by the key, and staying near the edge of Howling Gorge, they progressed without incident. After about fifteen minutes, they reached a dead end in a narrow, winding passage.
"This is it," Ailee whispered.
Howling Gorge was a dangerous place, home to true transcendent creatures. Their small team could handle first or second-rank creatures, but a third or fourth-rank creature would force them to flee, potentially with casualties. Hence Ailee's caution.
He closed his eyes, holding the key, trying to sense its specific guidance. He opened his eyes, a puzzled look on his face.
"It points to this general area, but not a specific location. We'll have to search."
They were about to fan out when Gune spoke up. "Let me try."
All eyes turned to him. Ailee, without hesitation, tossed him the key. Gune possessed the strongest spirit among them, evidenced by the sheer power of his spells.
As Gune held the key, he immediately felt a pull, a sense of direction emanating from within. It was clear and unmistakable. No wonder Ailee was so certain about this location.
While pretending to sense the key's guidance, Gune was actually consulting his Serendipity function. The key itself might be vague, but the system pinpointed the exact location of the entrance, a "Blood Curse Door," within his dynamic field of vision. It was like having X-ray vision, complete with distance markers and even the incantation to open the door.
Even without the key, Gune could open the door using the system-provided incantation.
After a moment, Gune walked past the others, stopping before a nondescript section of the cliff face. He inserted the key into a small, almost invisible recess and turned.
Click…
With a faint mechanical sound, a heavy stone door began to slide open.
Chapter 19: The Void Source Space
"Astonishing spiritual power!" the others thought, impressed.
Gune knew what they were thinking. "The door was right there. You just lacked the right… plugin," he mused internally.
As the door opened, a curtain of flowing, blood-red light met their eyes.
"This is… a Void Source Gate! It leads to a separate space!"
"A Void Source pocket dimension…"
The group gasped, their initial surprise quickly turning to excitement. They even forgot to keep their voices down, despite being in a dangerous location.
A Void Source space was akin to a rabbit hole, a pocket dimension, a small, self-contained world. Only powerful individuals could create and control such spaces. This treasure trove belonged to someone of great power, which made the discovery even more thrilling.
Even the usually stoic Ailee couldn't contain his excitement. But it quickly faded, replaced by a deeper sense of unease. He remembered their role as bait. He glanced at Gune, whose expression remained unreadable. Gune's calmness reassured him somewhat. In past expeditions, it was often Gune's quick thinking and powerful spells that had saved them from danger. As long as Gune remained composed, there was still hope.
Gune returned the key to Ailee, but didn't enter immediately. "This space has been sealed for who knows how long," he said. "Let's air it out first, to avoid any toxic gases. We should also take a moment to prepare. This is the sanctuary of a powerful individual, after all."
The others nodded, acknowledging the wisdom of his words.
While they rested, Gune analyzed the situation. "They still haven't shown themselves. They're waiting, observing. And based on the system's warnings, they intend for us to go in… as cannon fodder. They're confident we'll fall into their trap."
"They're using us as pawns, without any regard for our lives!" A flicker of killing intent flashed in Gune's eyes, but his expression remained impassive.
"Fortunately, they don't know that we're aware of their presence, and that we can navigate this place safely and claim the treasures within. I can turn this around, lure them in, and eliminate them."
Combining his knowledge of their plan with his own abilities, Gune began formulating a counter-strategy.
…
About an hour later, Gune opened his eyes and stood up. The others looked at him expectantly.
"The air should be clear enough. Let's go," he announced.
They rose and prepared to enter.
Gune took the lead, stepping through the shimmering, blood-red curtain.
One step, and the world changed. Outside, it was misty and dim. Inside, it was dark, damp, and filled with the faint smell of decay.
Despite having the system, Gune remained cautious. The system might reveal treasures and paths, but it wouldn't warn him about a stray guardian creature lurking near the entrance.
Once inside, he extended his spiritual senses, confirming the immediate area was clear. If any powerful creatures or constructs were present, they would be met with an instantaneous barrage of spells. Gune could now cast instantaneously. This presented a new challenge: spells per second. How many spells could he unleash in a single second? It depended on source energy manipulation, soul capacity, and, most importantly, mental processing speed.
Most instantaneous casters could manage about five spells per second. Gune, thanks to the constant mental forging of the Ring Bombardment text, could unleash a staggering twelve spells per second in a stationary, all-out assault. In combat, while dodging and weaving, he could maintain six to eight spells per second.
Incantation-based casting and instantaneous casting were two entirely different styles of combat. The former was the norm; the latter, the exception.
With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a Firebolt. A black, arm-length missile, as thick as a finger, appeared beside him, w
reathed in flickering red flames, illuminating the surroundings. He held the spell, ready to unleash it at a moment's notice. While maintaining the charge on a four-syllable spell like Ring Bombardment was difficult, holding a two-syllable Firebolt was manageable.
He scanned the area. They were in a rough-hewn tunnel, clearly artificial, confirming the presence of a previous occupant. Gune gestured for the others to follow.
Paul, Ailee, and the girls stepped through the portal. Their eyes immediately fell on the blazing Firebolt hovering beside Gune.
"He can hold a spell!" Ylair exclaimed, barely suppressing her astonishment. Lanciel and He Luo stared, mesmerized.
Holding a spell was a feat usually achieved by second or third-rank spellcasters with exceptional spiritual power. Gune was still a novice. The potential he possessed was frightening.
Paul and Ailee, though not spellcasters, understood the significance of this display.
They quickly regained their composure, but their eyes kept returning to the floating Firebolt.
After a moment, Gune nodded to Ailee.
Ailee breathed a sigh of relief. Inside the Void Source space, the feeling of being watched had vanished.
"Everyone," Ailee began, drawing their attention. "This expedition is a trap. We've… unfortunately, walked right into it."
"What?" the others exclaimed, shocked and confused.
Chapter 20: The First Serendipity Point
"Is that true?" the others asked, looking at Gune.
Gune nodded gravely. While he could have feigned nonchalance, he decided it was best to impress upon them the gravity of their situation. The potential enemies outside, and the dangers within this Void Source space, were not to be underestimated.
"While we were camped yesterday afternoon…" Ailee began, explaining his deductions, which mirrored Gune's own.
As he spoke, the three girls' faces paled. They were at a disadvantage, trapped within a mysterious pocket dimension, with enemies potentially waiting outside. Their situation was precarious.
"Their plan might seem foolproof, but we still have a chance to turn the tables," Gune said calmly. "And that chance lies within this very place."
"Turn the tables?" Ailee echoed, surprised. His own plan had been to simply wait it out. Their enemies wanted them to explore the dangerous areas, hoping they would either perish within or emerge with treasures, only to be ambushed outside. Since their enemies were unaware that their trap had been discovered, Ailee's plan was to stay put near the entrance, conserving their supplies and waiting for their pursuers to assume they were dead. It was a slow and tedious strategy, but safe.
He hadn't anticipated Gune's aggressive approach. Turning the tables… was that even possible?
Gune elaborated, "They're likely planning to ambush us outside after we're done exploring. But they don't know we're aware of their presence. We can use this to our advantage. We'll explore the cave, find valuable items, maybe even a Transcendent Artifact that will allow us to advance. Then, using the element of surprise, we'll set a trap at the entrance, lure them in, and eliminate them. Of course, if we don't find anything worthwhile, we can always fall back on the waiting game."
His words reassured the group somewhat.
Ailee, however, remained apprehensive. "Their goal is to make us explore. Going deeper in might be too risky…"
His concern was valid. Without the Serendipity function, Gune would have chosen the safer option of waiting. But with the system, the situation was different.
Gune had already prepared his argument. "Opportunity and danger always go hand in hand," he said, his voice resonating with a philosophical depth. "This might be bait for them, but it's also a chance for us to become stronger, isn't it?"
Philosophical arguments were always persuasive. Ailee, though sensing a flaw in Gune's logic, didn't interrupt, swayed by Gune's confidence.
Paul, the Philosopher Knight, even nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this is an opportunity to seek fortune amidst adversity."
Gune glanced at Paul, thinking, "I was giving them a pep talk, and you're already drinking your own Kool-Aid."
He turned his attention to the depths of the cave. It was pitch black, the Firebolt's light only reaching so far.
"I'll lead the way. Ailee, you take the rear. Stay close, and don't wander off," Gune instructed.
"Understood," the others replied.
Gune's caution was warranted. The Blood Curse Master's sanctuary was riddled with dangers.
With the Firebolt hovering three meters ahead, Gune led the way. He could have projected it further, but that would strain his spirit.
They proceeded cautiously, avoiding two traps in the first hundred meters. Then, they reached a fork in the tunnel.
Both paths looked identical. But Gune knew, thanks to the system, that the left path was a dead end, infested with "Bloodsting Wasps"—invisible, intangible creatures from another dimension, likely summoned or captured by the Blood Curse Master. Contact with these creatures meant a slow, agonizing death by blood exhaustion, the body withering into a husk. Choosing the wrong path meant certain death for the entire group.
"The left path is dangerous. I sense a deadly presence. It's likely a deathtrap," Gune declared, attributing his knowledge to intuition.
His words had the intended effect. The others looked at the left passage with apprehension.
They followed Gune down the right path.
As they progressed, Gune experienced the true power of the Serendipity function. He effortlessly bypassed several deadly traps and misleading forks. Without the system's guidance, reaching the first serendipity point alive would have been a miracle.
…
About half an hour later, Gune closed his system interface. They had arrived in a large chamber.
The Firebolt illuminated the surroundings. Potted plants, withered and overgrown, lined the walls. Among them, Gune spotted his target.
With a triumphant smile, he plucked a finger-thick, chopstick-length purple stalk from a patch of grass-like plants. Before the others could get a clear look, he processed it with practiced efficiency, storing it in a briarwood box and tucking it into his backpack.
"What was that?" the others asked curiously.
"An ingredient for invisibility potions. Fairly valuable," Gune replied casually. He had been collecting herbs along the way whenever possible. The others didn't pay much attention. They knew Gune always sold them potions at a discount.
In reality, the purple stalk was a transcendent treasure, at least two hundred years old. While it could be used for invisibility potions, its true value lay in its ability to create "Incantation Potions," powerful concoctions that enhanced agility.
They turned their attention to the far end of the chamber, where a large, double-doored archway stood, covered in runes. A Transcendent Door, often used to seal powerful artifacts or dangerous areas, impossible to open without specific methods.
To the others, it was just another locked door. To Gune, it was the entrance to the Alchemy Storeroom, the first serendipity point.
Chapter 21: Serendipity's Bounty
Ylair, who dabbled in Rune Array studies, approached the dark, imposing door and began examining the runes.
After a few minutes, he turned back to the group. "It's a Transcendent Door with a runic password lock. We need the correct incantation to open it. My skills are insufficient to bypass it. And forcing it open… is beyond our capabilities."
Disappointment washed over the group. Transcendent Doors and the chambers they guarded were often reinforced with powerful magic, making them insurmountable obstacles for those lacking the necessary power or knowledge. It seemed they would leave empty-handed after all. The Blood Curse Master had hidden his treasures well.
Ailee, unwilling to give up, tried the key in the door, but to no avail.
"Looks like our only option is to wait out the enemies outside," he sighed, defeated.
The others were equally disheartened. Treasure was within reach, yet unattainable.
"Perhaps…" Gune began, drawing their attention. "We could try cracking the password."
"The password?" the others echoed, puzzled.
"Runic passwords usually employ the Lanyemi tongue, the language of spellcasting. Given the nature of this place, the password is likely in Lanyemi," Gune explained.
"Even if we knew that, the Lanyemi language is incredibly complex. Trying to guess the password would be virtually impossible," Ylair countered.
"In theory, yes. But with certain… techniques, it might be possible," Gune replied cryptically.
"Techniques?" the others stared at him, intrigued.
Gune walked to the imposing door. He rummaged in his bag, producing a palm-sized mechanical device. Though possessing a spacious four-cubic-meter system inventory, Gune had never revealed his spatial storage abilities to anyone.
He placed the device, which resembled a small metal box, against the runic array on the door and closed his eyes, feigning concentration. Faint magical fluctuations emanated from him, and a soft light pulsed in his hand. His actions appeared mystical and profound.
In reality, the device was a simple climbing claw, useful for scaling walls, nothing more. Gune wasn't concentrating; he was reading the password displayed clearly within his system interface. He simply needed to memorize it and input it into the door.
After about seven or eight minutes, he opened his eyes and quickly pocketed the "climbing claw," as if afraid of it being examined too closely. He had memorized the Lanyemi password in seconds, but prolonged the process for dramatic effect.
The others watched him intently, their anticipation growing.
Gune placed his hand on the runes, channeling his source energy, activating the corresponding Lanyemi characters one by one. After sixteen characters, a low hum resonated from the door.
Click…
The heavy door began to slide open.
The group erupted in cheers, their breathing quickening.
Light spilled into the ancient alchemy storeroom, revealing rows of gleaming weapons and equipment on black briarwood shelves. Armor, boots, robes, helmets—some with the dark sheen of black iron, others with the dull glow of enchanted bronze, and a few radiating the brilliant light of mithril. At least twenty pieces of transcendent equipment lay before them.
Even these wealthy and well-connected youngsters gasped at the sight. They had seen such items before, but these were theirs for the taking.
Gune's heart pounded with excitement. "Serendipity… is truly a cheat code to riches and power," he thought, rubbing his fingers together.
Black iron equipment typically fetched between one and two hundred gold pounds. Enchanted bronze commanded prices of four to six hundred gold pounds, beyond the reach of most non-transcendents. Mithril equipment started at a thousand gold pounds, with powerful pieces reaching three thousand or more.
Black iron, enchanted bronze, mithril, and the even rarer enchanted gold—these were the four tiers of transcendent equipment.
The group, experienced in dividing spoils, followed the principle of "to each according to their contribution." After a brief discussion, Gune received forty percent, Ailee twenty percent, and the remaining four received ten percent each.
Within minutes, the storeroom was stripped bare. Each member had acquired at least a thousand gold pounds worth of equipment. Even for these wealthy youngsters, the haul was exhilarating.
Thanks to his priority pick, Gune chose two pieces of mithril equipment and one enchanted bronze.
One of the mithril items was a short, easily concealed wand, perfect for discreet spellcasting and ambushes. The other was a pair of mithril boots, which, when activated, granted the wearer incredible speed, agility, and the ability to walk on water and scale walls. Unfortunately, Gune couldn't yet utilize these powerful properties.
The enchanted bronze item was a rare "Magic Shield Necklace." By channeling source energy into it, the wearer could generate a protective shield. Used correctly, it could be a lifesaver.
Despite his windfall, Gune didn't equip the items immediately. Enchanted bronze and mithril equipment possessed strong transcendent properties that required attunement and imbuement with source energy before use. Reckless equipping could disrupt one's own source energy flow, or even, in the case of particularly powerful items, be detrimental to one's own transcendent properties. Black iron equipment, with its weaker properties, could be used after a simple attunement.
Chapter 22: The Blood Tentacle
"This Blood Curse Master must have been an alchemist, to have left behind so much valuable equipment," Gune mused, transferring his loot into his system inventory. "But he was more than just an alchemist, judging by his 'Magnum Opus.'"
"Everyone," he called out, clearing his throat.
The others, having stowed their treasures, some already wearing newly acquired black iron equipment, gathered around.
"We've made a good haul, but our adventure isn't over yet," Gune announced, pointing to a side passage.
Unlike the natural, rock-strewn tunnels they had traversed so far, this was a smooth, artificially carved passageway, clearly used frequently by the previous occupant. The Firebolt illuminated its dark depths.
"Let's go," Gune said, taking the lead.
The others followed without hesitation.
This area, frequently used by the Blood Curse Master, seemed devoid of traps. They advanced about fifty meters without incident, reaching a cellar-like chamber that resembled a living space. Despite the passage of time, remnants of the previous occupant's life remained: a stone table, stools, wall sconces, a chandelier, decorative pots, decaying paintings in frames, and dusty glassware.
Gune's eyes scanned the room, guided by the system's precise location markers. He had located the "Fate Coins," the Blood Curse Master's Magnum Opus, hidden behind another Transcendent Door that only he could open.
He was willing to share the Alchemy Storeroom and the Blood Curse Totem, but the Fate Coins were his and his alone.
His gaze then fell upon the Transcendent Door leading to the Blood Curse Totem. The system's information hinted at danger within, the nature of which remained unclear. If it was considered dangerous by the system, it could be lethal for the others.
The others, having finished their own cursory search, rejoined Gune.
"Two Transcendent Doors," Ailee announced. "And three other passages. We don't know yet if any of them lead outside."
"I doubt it," someone muttered.
"For now, the priority is these two doors," Ailee continued.
The mention of Transcendent Doors sparked their interest. They had already reaped the rewards of one such door. These two, though smaller, were located in what appeared to be a living area, suggesting they might contain even more valuable items.
All eyes turned to Gune.
"I have a bad feeling about this place," Gune said, his voice low and ominous. "Be careful when I open the door. Just because it was safe before doesn't mean it's safe now."
"Right," the others nodded, their expressions turning serious.
Gune approached the door leading to the Blood Curse Totem, his "climbing claw" in hand. He placed the device against the door and began chanting softly, feigning a complex unlocking ritual. Magical fluctuations rippled around him, and a milky white light pulsed in his hands.
After thirteen or fourteen minutes, he pocketed the climbing claw.
The others tensed, ready for anything.
"Be on your guard. I'm opening it," Gune warned.
"Got it," they replied in unison.
Gune activated the twelve Lanyemi characters of the password.
A low grinding sound echoed through the chamber.
Gune quickly stepped back.
As the door cracked open, a wave of thick, cloying, nauseatingly sweet blood-scent washed over them.
Swish!
A writhing, blood-red tentacle shot out from the gap, lashing towards Gune's chest with blinding speed.
Gune, anticipating an attack, leaped back, unleashing three Firebolts instantaneously. Casting the same spell repeatedly was faster than switching between different spells. And Firebolt was the best option against a fast, direct attack like this. Arc Lightning and Ring Bombardment would be too slow.
The power of instantaneous casting was on full display.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three blazing missiles streaked towards the tentacle, intercepting it mid-flight.
Fwoom…
Red flames erupted as the spells struck the tentacle, clearly piercing its flesh. Yet, the tentacle, though injured, continued its trajectory, slamming into Gune's chest.
Thud!
Gune flew backwards like a rag doll.
The other spellcasters, having prepared their spells, unleashed them the moment the tentacle struck Gune. Pre-charged spells could be released instantly.
Three spells slammed into the already injured tentacle, detonating in a shower of sparks and gore.
Oooow!
A strange, pained roar echoed from the doorway as the tentacle retreated.
Gune, having tumbled several meters, scrambled to his feet. He clutched his chest, his hand coming away covered in thick, crimson blood. His black coat was torn, revealing the dark metal of his black iron chainmail underneath. The blood wasn't his; it belonged to the tentacle.
"Thank goodness I was prepared," Gune thought, wincing. "The Firebolts weakened the impact, and the chainmail saved me from serious injury."
He coughed, blood trickling down his chin. "But I'm still hurt. Never underestimate the system's 'danger' warnings. They're there for a reason."
The others rushed to his side, their faces pale at the sight of the blood. If Gune were incapacitated, they would be no match for the mysterious tentacle.
"Are you alright? We can retreat if you need to," Ailee said, his brow furrowed with concern.