---
Gab was hyper-focused, every nerve in his body taut as a bowstring. He didn't blink, barely even breathed, as he guided the group through the darkness. Every step was a gamble with death, but he was doing everything he could to protect them.
So far, they had encountered three monsters. The first was a grotesque creature with massive hands that would snatch anyone who strayed beyond the Light orb. One second out of the light's warmth and snap—gone.
The second was even more terrifying—a 7-Star monster. If someone made even the slightest movement in its presence, they'd vanish without a trace, as though they never existed at all. Just a whisper of motion, and it was over.
The third type lurked near the walls, barely visible in the dark. If you got too close—crack. Your head would be twisted clean off.
So far, three students had died—one to each of these horrors. The group continued forward with tense silence, every shuffle and footstep deliberate. Somehow, Gab had managed to make all the right calls, as though guided by something unseen. Luck? Instinct? Or maybe... something more.
Somehow, through either miracle or madness, Gab led them closer to the dungeon's heart—toward the rumored treasury.
---
Meanwhile, I was ahead of them.
I knew the maze's layout. Since i already did make the drawing of the layout. My steps were faster, more precise. But then—
My heart nearly stopped.
Standing before me was a monster. The monster. The most dangerous one of all.
I didn't move. I didn't even dare to breathe. My heartbeat slowed, my entire body turning to stone. I shut my eyes, knowing even looking at it would shatter the mind. People had gone insane just from seeing its form.
Breathing near it was suicide. The creature released an invisible toxin. Those who inhaled even a wisp would walk out of the light, entranced—and then they'd die. Half the class had perished to this thing already.
Only the heroines and a few side characters had survived, somehow shielded by Gab's system warnings.
Now, it was in front of me.
I felt its presence slithering around me like fog. Its long, inhuman tongue slithered across my neck, cold and wet. I didn't flinch. I didn't even blink.
But then—
My little finger twitched. Just slightly.
Slick—
My finger was sliced off cleanly, like butter under a hot blade.
Still, I didn't move. I focused on the pain—memories of what the Empress had done to me in the past. Tortures far worse than this. I clung to those memories, comparing them to the current pain. That pain became my anchor.
Blood spilled freely, but I endured. I didn't scream. I didn't fall.
Five agonizing minutes passed.
Then finally, it lost interest. It drifted away like smoke.
I waited. One beat. Two. And then finally, I exhaled.
But I was not safe.
I glanced at my torch—and froze. The flame had withered to almost nothing. Panic surged through me, but I reached into my storage bag and pulled out a fresh torch.
It lit—barely.
A tiny flicker.
Too small.
Too dangerous.
I held my breath again. My heart raced. If the flame died, I'd die too. But by some miracle, the fire flared back to life—just enough. The torch hissed in my hand as it melted from the heat, burning my palm.
The pain from my missing finger suddenly surged back, overwhelming me. My knees buckled and I collapsed onto the ground, face pale, breathing ragged.
Immediately, I activated the extreme healing technique. My Qi surged. The bleeding slowed, flesh began to knit, but it was slow—too slow. Each moment of healing drained my Qi like a leaking dam.
Still, I endured.
The monster… it was probably near Gab now. Maybe, with his system, he could survive. If I wanted, I could've gone back, played the hero, tried to save more lives.
But I wasn't here to be a hero.
My job was to delay the Main Character's growth—and get stronger myself.
So I pressed forward, each step a silent vow.
---
Back on Gab's side, the atmosphere was suffocating.
Everyone was on edge—jumpy, paranoid. Monsters lurked everywhere, waiting. They had no idea where safety ended and death began.
And then it happened.
They encountered the same creature I had barely survived.
Gab's eyes widened the moment he saw it. The monster's maw was gaping, face half-hidden in the dark. Ten elongated arms moved like razors through the air, ready to slice anything that breathed.
The students froze. Some screamed. Others lost their minds just looking at it.
Gab gritted his teeth. His system shielded him from its mental influence—barely. The system's voice rang in his mind, giving him a sliver of instruction. He shouted over the chaos, ordering everyone to close their eyes, to breathe shallowly, to stay still.
Most listened.
Those who didn't? Heads rolled. Literally. They were standing in front, or slightly off to the side—easy targets.
The monster didn't linger this time. Within minutes, it faded away, as if bored. But not before leaving a pile of bodies behind.
Half the class was dead.
Some students sobbed. Others stared into space, broken. The slaughter was swift. Brutal.
Irish clutched her arms, trembling. Her gaze swept the group—and then realization struck her.
Marquel was gone.
"Is he… dead?" she whispered.
She had grown close to him these past few weeks. He was distant, mysterious, unreadable—but fascinating. Now he was gone?
Tears welled in her eyes, slowly spilling down her cheeks.
Fiona, beside her, bit her lip until it bled. "Damn it… Damn it all!"
Gab, still standing, turned to face the survivors.
"Get up," he said, voice firm but gentle. "Will need to continue moving"
---
Time passed.
One torch remained in my hand, its flame dancing weakly.
Then—I saw it.
The treasure room.
Bathed in golden light, filled to the brim with artifacts, weapons, and gold coins. I had made it.
But I didn't lower my guard.
My finger had healed, but my instincts screamed danger.
Sure enough, a hulking monster patrolled the perimeter. It had a grotesque body and mouths full of writhing tentacles. Each step it took shook the very ground.
Then—boom.
Behind me, thunderous footsteps.
Louder.
Closer.
Panic surged. My thoughts raced.
Run.
My feet moved before I could think. I bolted down the corridor, heart pounding like a drum.
My lungs burned. My vision blurred. I could feel death closing in, its claws brushing my back.
The treasure behind me. The monster ahead.
[it took some time I'm really sorry I'm just caught off guard the next chapter will be released on a hour and what just happened 19 powerstone it's too much but I'll try my best to publish as many as i can T-T]