Trusty Reading Lamp

Chapter 9 - Ground Rats and Chungmuro

The air around us shifted unnaturally. Unexplained dark fog was blocking are vision as we diligently traversed the Ground rat's home. Jagged rocks threatened to scrape at any bare skin and the same rocks were wet with condensation and who knows what else; It was an uncomfortable environment.

"We will take their treasure after you kill them" Joonghyuk spoke in a low whisper, as bluntly as ever. But I could understand his feelings. After going through this already, it was probably as boring as watching paint dry.

"Wait... I'm fighting by myself again?!" My voice peaked with indignation. Who did this guy think he was? 'I'm not a super soldier bastard... I need a break. Maybe some instant noodles?' They sounded great right now.

All of a sudden, a large, calloused hand came up to my face in a silent sign of silence. Or maybe 'Shut the hell up before I do it for you.' He'd get creases if he kept frowning like that.

I'm not heartless though, so I obliged. He was afraid of waking the 'Dark Keeper,' and although I had a plan, I'd rather not burden the unstable man with any PTSD. I had no way to stop him from regressing after all.

Climbing over a final mound of rocks, a spacious cavern came into view. The air around us had thickened even more to the point it was palpable. The large interior was illuminated by a sickly purple glow that casted ominous shadows along the walls. I couldn't hold back a slight shudder.

'Even if I know what's coming, that's a curse as well as a blessing...' The concept of the 'Dark Keeper' was downright horrifying, and there was always a chance that, if it was woken up from its 'root,' I would be paralyzed by its presence alone.

'I suppose him leaving this to me is a sign of trust, huh?' Considering his fear, he would want to get this over with as quickly as possible, yet he's placing his bets on me?

'If she can't handle this... There was no point in getting my hopes up.'

From the entrance of the cavern, under the glow of the 'Root,' I could make out six more ground rats, all sleeping in sporadic locations.

I quickly recalled my knowledge from both novels. Í remembered that the ground rats had a high sense of self-preservation. If I spooked a single one, they would scramble to awaken the Keeper. So, I needed to be extra careful.

I gestured for the sword attached to Joonghyuk's waist. He stared at me for a moment, as if studying me, before handing it over.

'What is this woman planning? Her swordsmanship is way too sloppy to kill them all.'

In that moment, I heard a new system notification echo in my head.

[A new Sub Scenario has arrived]

Pest Assassination

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Eliminate all of the 'Ground Rats' within the 'Den' without being seen or alerting the 'Ground Rats'

Reward: 200 Coins

Failure: The 'Ground Rats' become aware of your presence, Abandonment of the Sub Scenario

[Some constellations are watching your actions closely]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is yawning at the thought of a stealth mission]

Well, I didn't mind it much since it didn't change my plan. It was just free rewards.

I felt like a cartoon character as I slowly tiptoed around the cave. I made sure to swiftly skewer the rats on my blade through the skull, as to ensure they couldn't screech.