Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 62: The Fruits of Labor

RAWRRRRRR!

A Floor Guardian—a jet-black werewolf, its thick mane accentuated with golden patterns—loomed over the party like the physical manifestation of a plague. Its deafening roar summoned a legion of smaller wolves, materializing from the air like wisps of smoke.

True to his word, once Zephyr regained consciousness and the party rested, Daisuke took on a supportive role, allowing the others to concentrate on vanquishing monsters and advancing levels.

Consequently, the Eye of Verity, Impeccable Parry, Magic Chains, and Magic Missile—serving as a decent distraction—saw significant growth in proficiency.

As the party utilized their well-organized formation to cut through monsters like a field of wheat, Daisuke recalled the next segment of Thalia's lecture.

— "Creatures from the deeper levels of the dungeon are unable to ascend to higher floors due to a less concentrated mana density. The mana would leak from their cores, resulting in their gradual weakening and eventual demise. For these monsters, the right mana density is as vital as oxygen.

Similarly, creatures from the upper floors avoid descending to lower levels, fearing not only being preyed upon by mightier monsters but also the risk of contracting mana poisoning due to excessive exposure to highly concentrated mana.

People with weaker immunity face the risk of mana poisoning, if they descend too rapidly to lower dungeon levels. Left untreated, mana poisoning could progress to mana deficiency, ultimately resulting in fatality."

Zephyr—bearing the aggro of the werewolf—paused in one corner of the expansive chamber with a frown. His four legs splayed wide, body crouched low as the monstrous Floor Guardian advanced with eerie determination.

Before the pup could unleash his Divine Armament skill, Daisuke ricocheted off the wall and ceiling like a humanoid spring, his heel striking the beast's face, propelling it into the side of the cavern like an oversized rag doll.

"Take care of the smaller wolves while I keep the guardian busy!" Daisuke's command echoed with authority.

"Got it!" The group responded in unison, their voices resounding through the chamber.

***

Early in the morning, after the usual flurry of adventurers had flooded in and out of the lobby after applying for the newly posted quests, Thalia slouched against the corner, blowing upward at the wisps of hair covering her forehead.

"The morning rush never seemed to tire you out before," remarked one of the female guild clerks with a knowing smile. "Are you perhaps... worried about that boy who keeps shooting you down?" she teased.

Thalia glared, teeth grinding. "I-I wasn't rejected by him, okay!"

"But you admit you have a crush on him," the girl retorted.

"Ah—" Thalia stammered, ensnared. "Shut up! It's none of your business!"

The girl chuckled. "You're like an open book, so cute!"

Fuming, Thalia ignored her, resting her head on crossed arms. It had been nearly a month since Haxks and the others embarked on their field test. She couldn't shake off the worry gnawing at her. She wondered if they were safe and if her teachings had adequately prepared them for the challenges they faced.

"Hi."

The sudden greeting stirred Thalia from her thoughts, but her bright and expectant expression faded upon seeing an unfamiliar face by the counter.

The boy scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Not who you were expecting?"

Thalia managed a brief smile, slipping into her professional demeanor. "No, it's nothing," she said, "how may I assist you today?"