>Meridia the Ice Sorcerer defeated!
>You get the Sapphire Gemstone (x3)!
>You get 100.000 Monster Diamond!
>You get Sorcerer's blindfold!
>You get Sea of Ice Key!
As I stood before the Sapphire Gemstones, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement.
This was the key to unlocking the Soul of Ice, but I knew I still needed two more pieces to fully attach it to my Sorcerer's bracelet.
The thought of completing this powerful tool in my quest was thrilling.
My eyes wandered to the next quest and I could almost feel the weight of the prize money in my hand.
But deep down, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
Despite the good reward, I still had no clue how to find the miracle remedies for my mother.
It was a dry feeling, like something was missing.
"Alstair!"
Suddenly, Avyanna's voice broke through my thoughts.
She was making her way towards me, full of excitement and admiration.
"That was amazing! You defeated the Boss Level Monster all on your own! And that fire magic spell...you truly are a great Thunder Magician. No wonder they call you the True Sorcerer!"
Her words were nice, however, I dismissed her praises casually, shrugging them off.
But then I felt it, a strong sense of murderous intent in the air.
It wasn't coming from the Monster, but from the Knights who had their sights set on me.
"Holy shit! You took down that boss monster alone? No wonder Stella and some of the S-rank Knights are keeping an eye on you, a lowly F-rank!" Winstein's voice boomed, his sword flashing as he showed off his skills.
I could feel the sharp edge of his sword pressed against my neck. In that tense moment, Avyanna jumped into action, using her shield to protect me.
"What are you scheming, Winstein? You had us trapped and nearly killed by that deadly sorcerer!" Her anger was palpable and I could see the malicious smirk on Winstein's face.
"It's all about the Monster Diamond, my dear. We Knights can't resist its allure. But of course, someone like you, born into privilege, wouldn't understand its value to us mere survivalists." Winstein's explanation was laced with greed and I could feel my own anger rising.
"I knew this was your plan, Winstein! You won't get away with this! I have proof of your deceit and-"
Avyanna was cut off as she suddenly realized that her camera, which was attached to her armor, was now in Winstein's hand.
The tension in the air was thick as we stood facing our enemies.
The setting sun cast an orange glow over the scene, adding to the intensity.
I could see the determination in Avyanna's eyes as she prepared to defend us.
And I knew, in that moment, that our fight was far from over.
Winstein managed to swiftly swipe the camera without drawing any attention.
"I cannot stand those Knights who rely on this inferior camera during their missions," he muttered. "What were they thinking when they entered the Monster Realm? A place for merriment and revelry?" With a forceful slam, Winstein destroyed Avyanna's device, leaving no trace of his devious plans.
"Do you believe I will falter in the face of such atrocities? As the daughter of Alex, the esteemed head of the Knight Association, I refuse to let this transgression go unpunished. I will exact retribution upon you!" Avyanna declared adamantly.
However, Winstein merely chuckled.
"Your father's significance is irrelevant here. This is the realm of beasts, the jungle of savagery. No one gives a thought to whether your father exists or not. The victor claims all, while the vanquished forfeits everything," Winstein countered with a frigid tone.
"Do you dare mock my family?! How dare you show such disrespect!" Avyanna seethed with anger.
"He wants to get rid of us," I warn Avyanna, feeling the suffocating urge of Winstein and his henchmen's murderous intent.
Avyanna falls speechless, her naivety showing through.
Winstein claps, his henchmen following suit, their mocking laughter echoing.
I realize why Winstein insists on me joining his raid group to invade the hidden dungeon.
I am their scapegoat, their pawn to use and discard.
And they plan to use Avyanna as bait for a battle with the Ice Sorcerer, so they can mine the precious Monster Diamonds without interference.
They think they can easily blame all their evil schemes on me, the disgraced Traitor Knight.
But these scoundrels are more sinister than any monster I have ever faced.
"Thank you for your service, Avyanna. It ends here," Winstein says, his voice cold.
In an instant, he and his henchmen rush towards Avyanna, their swords unsheathed and ready to strike.
Avyanna valiantly withstood the relentless onslaught of quick and furious slashes from Winstein and his minions, using her shield as a defense.
However, her shield soon began to show signs of wear under the unrelenting assault, along with her armor.
Winstein then delivered a crushing blow to Avyanna's stomach, causing her to double over in excruciating pain.
"Keep her alive for now. I want her to witness the downfall of Alstair before her own demise," Winstein commanded his henchmen, who immediately redirected their focus towards me.
As I heard Winstein take his first step towards me, my instincts kicked in and I quickly invoked the Gaia's Endowment spell to fortify my defense and reinforce my magical barrier.
But in the blink of an eye, Winstein's blade had already strucked my stomach. Though my magical barrier softened the blow, the searing pain felt like a powerful punch to the gut.
I swiftly retreat, darting away to create more distance, yet to no avail, Winstein and his accomplices are incredibly swift.
Winstein's minions advance from all directions, readying themselves to cut me down.
A diagonal strike lands on my back, followed by two vertical stabs aimed at my abdomen.
Three horizontal slashes come from both sides, aiming for my right and left shoulders.
>Warning! Your Gaia Endowment effect will gone due to over poison damage!
>Warning! Your Magical Barrier will gone due to over poison damage!
"Oh no!" I exclaimed.
I couldn't make up my mind and defend myself, and I knew it would lead to my demise.
I had to retaliate!
But I was too slow.
Winsten's final attack pierced my stomach, causing me to fall to my knees.
My vision blurred and my muscles ached with every passing moment.
>Warning! You're poisoned!
>Health Regeneration stopped
>Your magic power halved due to poison!
"Damn it!"
Winstein was already plotting, strategizing to poison me first and crush my internal recovery.
The Magical Barrier's depreciation rate increased rapidly due to the effectiveness of the potion, forcing me to make quick decisions. He even pushed me further by relentlessly slashing at me.
"I never underestimate my opponents, no matter their rank, Alstair. Your magical power is disruptive, so I must keep it under control. You may be a strong Knight, but no match for my tricks. I can sense that your inner survival instinct is still weak. You may have experience fighting monsters, but not a human ready to kill you,"
Winstein taunted as he continued his merciless attacks.
"Don't hold a grudge against me, Alstair! In the end, the winner takes all and the loser loses everything! Your name will forever be remembered as a traitor, stupidly killed by the Ice Sorcerer!" his words dripped with malice.
I knew that death battles between Knights were sometimes inevitable in the Monster Realm.
But if it ended with me dying and becoming a scapegoat for those bastards, I refused.
I had to survive for my family's sake.
>Significant and constant murderous intention detected!
Excellent!
The System comprehends my intense desire to eliminate them all!
I must retaliate!
Hastily, I examined the System, despite the obscuring effects of the poison on my vision.
But I remain resolute, selecting the Sorcerer's Blindfold from the Inventory system.
>Sorcerer's Blindfold attuned!
>You can do Double Casting attack spell!
As my vision fades to black, I feel a new sense of awareness flood over me.
I can sense the flow of energy from all living things within a one-kilometer radius.
Despite the excruciating pain in my stomach, I force myself to stand and leap backward, putting some distance between me and my pursuers.
The sound of their footsteps and the pulsing energy of their approach sends a shiver down my spine.
Winstein and his henchmen are coming for me, and I know I can't outrun them. But I have a trick up my sleeve.
With a quick incantation, I summon the power of Quicksand, causing the ground beneath my enemies' feet to turn into a treacherous sand trap.
They struggle against the quicksand, but the more they fight, the deeper they sink.
I watch with a sense of satisfaction as they become completely trapped, unable to escape the powerful spell I have cast.
In this critical moment, my magic has saved me once again.
Although the Quicksand spell lacks Magical Damage, it proves highly effective in halting enemy movement.
"What sorcery is this? I'm immobilized!"
"Boss, what's our next move?" Winstein's henchmen suddenly panic, a promising sign for me to unleash my attack.
Using the Double Spell Casting effect, I swiftly conjure a Lightning Spark, unleashing a rapid stream of Lightning Bolts towards Winstein and his henchmen within range.
While the poison effect may not cause significant damage, the Lightning Bolt's paralyzing effects are certainly taking a toll on them.
As I conclude the Lightning Spark spell, I raise my Dragon Scepter towards the sky and call forth the Blade of Fire.
"Wait...! Please! Spare my life...!" begged one of Winstein's Henchmen.
"No! Have mercy!".
I could sense their panic as the heat and threat of the Blade of Fire, imbued in my Dragon Scepter, surrounded them.
These knights were so arrogant when I was on the field, but now they were groveling for mercy as the tables had turned. How ironic.
"Just like your boss said, this is not just the Monster Realm, but also the treacherous Jungle," I taunted, before swiftly striking the nearest henchman with a horizontal attack.
The Blade of Fire devoured the knight without hesitation.
The sound of roaring flames mingled with the cries of agony, filling the air.
>Kill the Knights (3/10)
"There are still seven individuals left," I limp forward, my gaze fixed on the trio to my left.
"Please...I implore you...spare my life...forgive me!"
Despite their increasing cries, I swiftly strike the three men in a diagonal motion with the blazing Blade of Fire.
Their pleas for mercy instantly transform into agonized screams as the searing flames engulf them.
>Kill the Knights (6/10)
Four men remaining trapped in the Quicksand, their faces contorted with malice.
I could feel their presence on my right, their eyes burning into me.
And on my left, the infamous Winstein himself, his cold gaze fixed on me.
But then, a sudden rush of adrenaline flooded my senses.
Something was coming.
The four men lunged at me, their knives glinting in the dim light.
Without hesitation, I dodged and weaved, my hands gripping the Blade of Fire. Their knives clashed against mine, but I was quick and agile, managing to deflect three of the blades.
However, Winstein's knife found its mark, slicing into my left shoulder.
The pain was searing, but I refused to let it stop me from fulfilling my Quest.
I swiftly moved forward, my steps purposeful as I slashed at the three men on the left.
The sound of sizzling flesh filled the air as my blade met their skin, instantly burning them.
>Kill the Knights (9/10)
I observe that Winstein remains as the only one left.
Despite being paralyzed and restrained by the sand, he appears to be trying to move.
His progress is slow and hindered by the quicksand draining his foot.
I halt his movement by pointing The Blade of Fire towards his head.
Defeating him and fulfilling the System's Quest is a simple task for me.
However, before I do so, there is something I need to clarify.
"Have you not thought to plead for mercy, Winstein?" I initiate the conversation.
"I must admit, Alstair, you have pushed me to my limits. But I refuse to give up! If only I could break free from this wretched quicksand, I would rip your neck in an instant!" Winstein responds with anger, his voice trembling and uncertain.
"Interesting. Then, prove it to me," I declare, removing the Sorcerer's Blindfold.
>Sorcerer's Blindfod removed!
>You no longer can use Double Casting Spelling!
My eyes widened as the world came back into focus, and I quickly ended the Quicksand Spell.
The swirling sand that had entrapped Winstein vanished, leaving behind a stony ground. With a sudden realization, Winstein shot up from his previous position, no longer hindered by the quicksand.
I couldn't help but smirk, knowing that my spell had caught him off guard. "Come," I challenged him with a confident tone. "Let's see just how strong you really are."
I could see the anger boil over in Winstein's face, his cheeks turning a bright red. He immediately refocused and stood up, determined to face my challenge.
Winstein struggled to take a step, his body unbalanced and uncoordinated.
The paralysis had taken its toll, but he pushed through the pain, forcing himself to jump towards me.
His determination was palpable, despite the physical limitations holding him back.
But Winstein's not realizing I'm on my prime and faster than him.
A seconds before his sword reached me, my Blade of Fire already slashed him, devour him with the roaring fire.
Winstein screaming in pain, but he insist to yell his hate to me.
"Curse you, Alstair! The Shadow Hunter will not forget this treachery! Your life will be-"
His cursed word disappear, changed into the sound of roaring flame.
I never though such mischievous person had a nerve to keep cursing on me. even in the brink of his death
As the new notification from the System come, I now can have a breath of relief for a moment.
>Killed 10/10 Knight!
>You get 50.000 Monster Diamond!
>You no longer posioned!
>The Magic Damage return to normal rate!
I fulfilled the Special Quest, but my feeling seems hollow.
Probably because it's my first time defeat human.
I'm not questioning how cruel I am to do such things.
I'm questioning how evil human can be, which I found crueler than Monster.
Human and Monster seems no difference in my eyes now.
If they are threatening my family, whether it's human or monster, they will be defeated by my hand.
Amidst my thought, I see ten Knights that getting burned entirely starting to fading out.
There wll be no trace or blood track for anyone to reveal this bloody battle in public.
But there's one witness that watch this entire mess, which is Avyanna.
Behind me, Avyanna went speechless.
Her staring at Winstein and his henchmen getting burned made her shaking in fear.
She quickly gasped when realize I currently look at her.
I understand that she's afraid on me.
I took a recovery potion from the System's Inventory, then give it to Avyanna.
She seems surprised as her severe injury on her body recovered significantly after fully sipped my recovery potion.
"I have one rule for the Monster Realm: what happens here, stays here. My family is my top priority and I will do whatever it takes to protect them. If any information threatens their well-being, I will take necessary action. Do you comprehend?" I stated firmly.
"Yes, Alstair," Avyanna responded fearfully, quickly nodding.
It seemed she would not be as loud and disruptive as Stella.
As we made our way back to Earth, we both agreed to inform the Knight Association that Winstein and his accomplices were eliminated in combat by monsters, classified as Killed in Action (KIA).
***
On this peaceful Saturday, Arlene and I decide to spend the day in my mother's hospital room.
We sit quietly, watching the news on TV.
The recent death of Winstein and his henchmen during their mission has caught the attention of the public.
As I watch, I can sense the public's interest in the story.
Suddenly, Arlene speaks up, her voice full of concern. "I don't understand why they always blame you, brother. You took the same risks as everyone else on that mission. It's not fair."
I try to reassure her, patting her on the back. "Don't worry about it. It's a waste of your time and energy."
I quickly change the channel, hoping to shift her attention away from the negative news.
As we sit in silence, I can't help but feel a sense of frustration.
The public's negative assumptions about me, fueled by Stella's character assassination, have made me the scapegoat for Winstein and his henchmen's deaths.
Some people may believe I am innocent, but the media always seems to prefer the negative narrative.
My mind drifts back to the past, to the moment I completed the quest in the hidden dungeon.
The memory is bittersweet, as it was also the moment when Meridia, the Ice Sorcerer, revealed that I must continue to bear the curse in the Sea of Ice Dungeon.
I have the key to that dungeon now, but I am still uncertain about facing it alone. As I contemplate my next move, I can't help but feel a sense of longing to save my unconscious mother lying in the hospital bed.
The journey ahead is long and unknown, but I know I must persevere.
My thoughts are interrupted by a notification from the System.
>Your Monster Diamond had exceeded threshold!
>You had activated System's Magician Gear Shop!
Oh, it's a unique notification.
I hurriedly open the Window's System, checking the new menu with titled Magician Gear Shop.
> The Eye of Dullahan Ring
* Increasing 75% poison immunity strength, requires 150.000 Monster Diamond
> The Accelerator Ring
* Shorten casting spell time to 50%, requires 150.000 Monster Diamond
It never crossed my mind that these items would be exorbitantly priced.
Given my limited resources and medical expenses for my mother, I can only afford to purchase one item.
Considering the potential consequences, I have opted for The Eye of Dullahan Ring, which will fortify my defense against poison attacks.
This decision was influenced by my previous encounters with poisoning, surprisingly inflicted by Knights rather than Monsters, which posed a grave threat to my life.
I plan to acquire the Accelerator Ring at a later time, once I obtain another Monster Diamond.
>150.000 Monster Diamond spent!
>Eyes of Dullahan Ring successfully attached!
>Poison immunity strength increased 75%!
The Dullahan ring glimmered on my finger, pulsing with newfound power.
I took a deep breath, trying to release the tension in my body after yet another dangerous mission.
The Accelerator Ring had proven to be a valuable asset, enhancing my abilities as a magician.
However, I still needed to gather more Monster Diamonds to fully harness its potential.
Perhaps venturing into the treacherous Sea of Ice Dungeon would yield some of these rare gems.
As I stretched my tired muscles, my thoughts turned to the Miracle Remedy for my ailing mother.
I needed to find more information about it, and the dungeon could be a promising source.
But my sister's sudden coughing fit snapped me back to reality.
Her face was flushed and she was drenched in sweat.
"What's wrong? Are you sick?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice.
She waved me off dismissively.
"It's just a simple cough. No need to worry, brother."
But I couldn't ignore the obvious signs of illness.
I quickly placed my hand on her forehead, confirming my suspicions.
She was burning up.
"You're sick. We need to see a doctor," I stated, pulling her towards the nearest medical facility.
"But, brother-"
"No arguments. You need to rest and get better. Now."
***