Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 186: A Narrow Escape, Dumbledore's Curiosity, and the Failing Dog Tag

Rishi displays a serious face, as if he is seriously contemplating what to do, but then says exactly what Alex expected him to say.

"Yes, we already got quite a few priceless basilisk parts, and you got at least something out of the kitchen, right? I'd say we stop while we're ahead," Rishi says, agreeing with Alex.

Heh, don't make it sound so logical. You just don't want your face all bloodied up, huh? But yeah, forcing this and taking such a huge risk at the very start of the mission is a dumb idea. Why take that risk?

After making sure they haven't missed anything, Alex and Rishi head out through another exit at the back of the chamber. They slowly make their way through the dark pipes. Rishi uses a flashlight he brought along to light the way, while Alex activates En every few minutes, scanning for the best path forward.

At one point, the pipe turns into a near-vertical incline, and Rishi frowns in worry.

"I hate to say this, Alex, but I don't think I can continue," Rishi admits.

"Just grab onto me!" Alex suggests. Without arguing, Rishi climbs onto Alex's back, gripping his shoulders as Alex grabs hold of Rishi's legs to keep him steady.

Alex powers up his jumps with Nen, using his aura to stabilize himself and prevent slipping backward. After a few jumps, he stabs Mustrano deep into the pipe, creating a hole to steady himself before continuing.

Activating En again, Alex exhales in relief as he notices that the pipe levels out a little further ahead.

"Just a few more jumps!" Alex grunts, pushing forward with determination.

Using up the last of his aura, Alex finally makes it up the incline. They continue walking through the pipe, both visibly tired, until they spot a faint light ahead.

"An exit, finally," Alex mutters.
"This was riskier than I thought... Without you, I'd have been screwed," Rishi says, a hint of worry on his face.

Both exhausted, Alex unable to use more Nen abilities, and Rishi drained—they manage to open the exit, a heavy-looking latch, opening some sort of metal door and jump down, unable to see clearly where they'll land.

As they hit the ground, surprised screams echo around them. Alex looks up and spots a group of students in red and blue robes—and, in front of them, a very surprised Professor McGonagall staring at the two of them.

"Hello there!" Alex says with a slightly twisted smile, still catching his breath, while Rishi barely manages to stick the landing.

McGonagall steps forward, looking at them both. "Students, read on a little bit... I have to talk to these two 'guests' who look like they've been crawling through our pipes. I'm also sure that's just dirt I see on their clothes, and not blood or organs. Would you kindly follow me to my office? I have a few questions for you," she says calmly, but with a pointed edge to her voice.

Well, this can't get any worse, can it?