As Claud and Snow chatted, Vid joined them, his bulky frame towering over the pair. After some quick greetings, the trio set off toward the dungeon. Vid trusted Claud, while Snow felt optimistic about taking on a dungeon so early in the game.
The journey was quiet, with the path already explored by other players. Occasionally, they passed groups heading in the opposite direction, but nothing disturbed their progress.
At the dungeon entrance, they found a busy scene. Guilds gathered, preparing to explore deeper levels, while smaller teams celebrated clearing the Normal mode. Players shouted to recruit others for parties, while some sold equipment and items needed for raids.
Ignoring the crowd, the trio walked closer to the entrance. Claud’s gaze locked onto the selection menu as he reviewed the different difficulty options. Without hesitation, he chose Nightmarish mode. The confirmation beep barely sounded before they were pulled into the dungeon in a flash of light.
As the darkness settled around them, Snow and Vid’s faces turned pale, their eyes widening as they realized what Claud had chosen. Snow’s shock quickly morphed into frustration. She stomped her foot, her voice rising in protest.
“Claud! Are you serious right now?” she huffed, crossing her arms. “We’re supposed to be leveling up, not signing up for a death sentence!” Her words echoed through the chamber as she glared at Claud, practically throwing a tantrum in her frustration. Vid shifted uneasily, glancing around as if something might jump out at any moment.
Outside the dungeon, players waiting to enter were stunned into silence at the trio’s audacious choice. Whispers rippled through the crowd as they watched Claud, Snow, and Vid vanish.
“Did they really just pick Nightmarish?” one player exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief. Others exchanged worried glances, some shaking their heads, while a few muttered about the absurdity of attempting such a challenge with only three players.
“Are they insane?” another added, laughing nervously. “No one’s even cleared Hard yet, even with the maximum of ten players! And they’re trying Nightmare mode with just three?”
Inside the dungeon, the atmosphere was oppressive, a thick darkness wrapping around Claud, Snow, and Vid like a shroud. Snow’s earlier confidence had vanished, replaced by a growing anxiety twisting in her stomach.
“Claud, this isn’t just a joke anymore!” Snow said, her voice unsteady. “What were you thinking?”
Vid glanced around, his bulky frame tense. “We should’ve at least brought a healer or a full party. This is insane,” he muttered, the weight of their situation dawning on him.
Claud smiled confidently. “I came across a secret to clearing the Nightmarish level,” he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. “There’s a way to beat this dungeon, something I learned after… well, after my last attempt.” He hesitated, glancing at Snow and Vid, deciding to keep his knowledge of the gaming forums from his past life a secret.
“What secret?” Snow pressed, her fear momentarily overshadowed by curiosity.
“I can’t explain everything now, but I remember the layout of this place from my previous run. We need to find the hidden chambers. They’re the key to defeating the boss. If we can unlock them, we might gain a powerful ally or find equipment that’ll level the playing field.”
Before they could discuss further, a low growl echoed through the cavern. Snow froze, her heart racing. “What was that?” she gasped.
Vid’s eyes darted around, muscles coiling like a spring. “I don’t know, but we need to stay alert.”
YOU ARE READING
LEONE ONLINE
Fantasi**** In the year 2090, Leone Online, a VR MMORPG created by the secretive company Leone Rebound, lets players dive into a thrilling world where legends are made, treasures are won, and only the strongest survive. Claud, our main character, has been...
