Nightmare Paradise : Starting as a Doctor

Chapter 113: Peace, for Now

Lynn remained motionless for several seconds, focusing on taking deep breaths to regain control of his senses. The effects of [The Chimera's Feast] ritual gradually subsided, allowing him to steady himself.

"Not yet," he whispered, his gaze fixed on the notification for leaving the dungeon. Without hesitation, he made a decisive choice, selecting [No].

A part of him yearned to depart this place and return to the tranquility of Blue Star. He craved rest after the intense battle. However, there's still one last thing to take care of here.

[Player will leave the dungeon in 2 hours. Please prepare in advance.]

His eyes widened with pleased surprise as he read the new notification. The last time he had declined to leave a dungeon, the countdown had been a mere 30 minutes. It seemed the upgrade to his authority rank had provided some additional minor advantages.

Gradually, he rose from the ground, his injuries protesting with every movement, causing him to wince in pain. The intense battle had taken its toll, leaving his physique battered and drained.

Remnants of bruises and partially healed cuts marred his skin, while his arm bones pulsated with an ache that refused to subside. But the most severe damage had already been mended. Although far from a complete recovery, it was sufficient for now.

He was sweeping his stare over the macabre scene surrounding him. The chamber was in complete disarray, bearing the marks of the intense confrontation that had just taken place. Splatters of blood painted the walls and floor. Chunks of stone littered the ground where claws and blades had furiously collided.

His brows suddenly furrowed as Lynn remarked something before him, and instantly alarm bells went off in his mind. The chimera's corpse was nowhere to be found.

"My sublimation material, where did it go?" he exclaimed aloud, his heart pounding as his gaze anxiously scanned the vicinity. The once-massive body and its severed head had inexplicably vanished, leaving no trace behind.

Pausing for a brief moment, he closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath to soothe the turbulent chaos within his thoughts. When he opened them again, they gleamed with sharp focus.

Kneeling, he inspected the spot where the remains had previously lain. The cold stone beneath his knees was slick with the remnants of spilled crimson fluid, leaving more stains on his clothes.

"It's still fresh," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible as he cautiously ran his fingers along the floor, tracing the chilling sensation of a thick, coagulating puddle of blood. The metallic scent filled the air.

He also noticed peculiar scorch marks on the ground. The area was charred, as if exposed to intense heat, probably from Flame Edge. It was still warm to the touch.

His eyes narrowed as his mind churned through the possibilities. Every detail supported the notion that the corpse had vanished mere moments ago, precisely during the brief instant he was trapped in the ritual.

A sudden realization struck Lynn as the pieces clicked into place. He uttered two words that held the key to unraveling this puzzle: "Nightmare Paradise". It was the only other party that could have done this.

In a swift motion, he accessed the [Missions] section of his panel. His eyes darted across the list, focusing on the two assignments that he had yet to claim the rewards.

[Monsters' Lair]
[Hidden Mission: Explore the monsters' lair and uncover its hidden secrets. 100% Explored.]
(Redeem reward)

[The Chimera's Feast]
[Hidden Mission: A duel to the death, where the winner devours the loser, assimilating everything they possess. Defeat Knott to survive the ritual!]
(Redeem reward)