“This is the core of the first barrier and the first dungeon fragment.”
As we acquired the dungeon fragment, we were ready to leave the first stage.
‘The second stage will be a lot uncomfortable.’ I thought.
With our steps taking us to the barrier, we saw it was already lifted. This was because the dungeon fragment that was supplying it with energy was already in our possession.
“From this moment on, we will encounter different types of monsters, and the environment will change. Stay alert and listen to my every command.”
Different from the first stage, Anya’s voice was a lot more serious this time. It was because she herself knew how dangerous arrogance could be in such an environment.
“Understood, captain,” Ethan spoke first.
“”” Understood, captain.””” And the others followed his words.
“Good.”
As we ventured deeper into the dungeon, the environment began to change.
The air grew thick with an eerie, swirling fog that obscured our vision and made every step feel like a journey into the unknown.
‘Now, this is the second stage, I know.’
Looking at the thick fog covering our vision, I recalled the contents of the second stage. This was where Fred escaped using the fog to his advantage after stealing the dungeon fragments while everyone was fighting with the boss.
However, this thick fog that enveloped us was not only disorienting but also uncomfortable.
‘It has the property of nullifying one’s senses.’
This fog was a fog that made the person inhaling sleepy. It would cling to your skin, leaving a damp, clammy feeling that was both unpleasant and itchy.
‘Indeed, grabbing the anti-sleep pills and purifying potions was a good idea.’ I thought, looking at our ‘healer and priest.’
“Alright, guys,” Anya’s voice cut through the oppressive silence, “we’re in the second stage now. This fog is going to be a challenge, but we can’t afford to let it hinder us. Stay close, and keep your senses sharp.”
Anya turned to me, her expression slightly showing expectation. “Astron, can you see anything through this fog?”
I squinted, trying to pierce through the thick haze. “Not much, Captain. It’s like trying to see through a wall of cotton.”
But, of course, this was a lie. I was able to see a lot better than others with my [Keen Eye], but I needed to make Fred feel safe. Thus, I didn’t reveal much.
She nodded, her brows furrowed. “Then your marksmanship won’t mean much.”
“It won’t mean as it used to, but I can find my own,” I answered, looking at the thick fog. The normal range of sight was five meters, and it was not that ideal to use a bow.
“Astron, haven’t you used daggers as your main weapon before?” At that moment, Ethan chimed in, saying the thing I was expecting him to say.
“Yes. I can also use daggers.”
Hearing this, Anya nodded her head.
“Alright, everyone, listen up. We can’t rely on our sight as much in this fog, so we’ll have to trust our other senses. Astron, keep your ears sharp for any unusual sounds; you will use your dagger and protect Fred. Emily, Hari, be ready to react to anything you hear. Since your weapons are relatively short, you will need to stay on the rear back. Faye and Ethan, you will be the ones behind me. Since our range of movement is limited, we can’t afford to move much and lose the group. You both will provide damage to my back. And, Fred. You will start using buffs from now on. Clear?”
The responses were unanimous, a chorus of “Yes” confirming our understanding of the formation and strategy. As instructed, everyone quickly assumed their positions, and our senses heightened as we braced ourselves for the challenges the foggy second stage would throw at us.
‘This is similar to the game.’
In the game, Anya also did the same formation, but if one thing was different, then that would be rather than me being behind; it would be Emily who was covering Fred.
However, that was it. There was no point in comparing that anymore.
SCREECH
The eerie silence that followed was broken by an unexpected sound – a horrifying, piercing scream that echoed through the fog.
It sent shivers down my spine, and I instinctively gripped my daggers from my spatial ring, readying myself.
‘Sylvans.’
Immediately remembering the contents and the names of the monsters, I readied myself.
“Ready for the confrontation,” Anya’s voice was a steadying presence as she warned us to prepare.
The fog, thick and oppressive, seemed to respond to her warning, swirling and shifting as if it held a sinister intelligence.
SWOOSH SCREECH!
Figures emerged from the dense mist, humanoid forms that moved with unnatural speed and agility.
They descended upon us like phantoms, leaping out from the fog, their intentions clear – they were here to attack.
SWOOSH
Without warning, one of these creatures lunged at me, seemingly materializing out of thin air.
Its clawed hands reached for my throat, and I barely had time to react.
CLANK
I deflected the attack, feeling the power behind it. Certainly, my weak body was showing its lacking from the start.
SWOOSH
However, that didn’t mean anything.
‘No need to cry for what I don’t have.’
Imbuing my dagger with white-colored moon mana, I could feel my body getting lighter. My daggers skills with mana improved, especially thanks to Senior Maya’s guidance.
SWOOSH
With a smooth step, I dashed to the monster with my other dagger, slashing it from its chest.
“KIEK!”
The monster screamed, but I couldn’t afford to waste too much time.
SWOOSH
Dodging the following panicked claw attack, I took my stance.
‘Internal Dagger Stance. Whispering Thorn.’
SLASH STAB SLASH
Using the art I have learned, I attacked with strong precision, targeting the weak points of the monster. In a second, I attacked three times.
THUD
And following that, the monster fell to the ground.
However, that wasn’t the end. Several other monsters emerged, surrounding us from everywhere around.
SCREEEECH! KIEEEEK!
As the Sylvans closed in from all directions, I knew I had to protect Fred and the rest of the group from behind. Most of the weight was already on the front, leaving me with a relatively easy fight.
‘Anya is really good at leading.’ She was using her skill to taunt the monsters that were aiming to attack the rear. Thanks to that, the number of monsters was relatively lower for me to deal with.
My role in this fight was clear – using my agility and technique to fend off the attackers and keep them away and making sure that the Party would stick together.
SWOOSH
I moved swiftly, utilizing every part of my body, as I engaged the Sylvans.
Their movements might have looked swift and unpredictable, but I had already learned to read their patterns.
‘The game is really different.’
Even though they wanted to give the atmosphere of dread, the game still fell short of reality.
SLASH, DODGE, PARRY.
With those three, I attacked and defended. 𝑶𝗏𝐥xt.𝔠𝑶
However, at that moment, I realized that Emily was about to make a common mistake.
‘Tch…..The fog is already affecting her.’
She was getting away from the party thanks to her senses getting duller. Fred’s debuffs and the effects of the fog probably made it a lot harder to judge where she was.
SWOOSH THUD
Throwing a small rock to her head, I shouted. “Emily, stay close to Fred! Don’t go too far.”
CLANK
“What?”
Realizing where she was, Emily immediately looked around and retreated.
“Thanks.” And with a thank, she continued to fight.
“Tch.”
Though, even amongst the battle, I could hear Fred clicking his tongue.
*********
“Everyone, okay?”
After the first clash with Sylvans, we have clashed with five other groups. The clash was not that hard objectively, but the fact that the members of the party were constantly getting tired was not a good sign.
It was not physically tiring, but rather, it was mentally tiring.
“Captain, have you realized something was amiss?” Ethan asked, looking at the party members. He finally seemed to catch up with the effects of fog. “I feel like the fights are a lot harder than they should be.”
“What do you mean? We are in the second stage. It is normal that the monsters will get stronger.” Faye spoke, looking annoyed. She certainly wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.
Ethan’s observation hung heavy in the air as everyone exchanged worried glances. The realization that something was indeed amiss in this fog-filled stage began to sink in. Faye’s annoyance transformed into concern, and the tension in the party grew.
“No, it is not only monsters. I feel like it is getting harder to move my body,” Ethan continued, his voice carrying unease. “Haven’t you noticed? Sometimes, I forget where I am, and I feel like I am going to get lost in the fog. The sounds are also deceiving me, like something is disturbing my senses.”
‘Ah…..Indeed, Ethan is the same as in the game.’
The reason why Fred wasn’t able to get everything he wanted from this dungeon was because Ethan would get more and more suspicious, and then he would finally realize Fred was the problem after a bunch of flashbacks.
‘That scene was pretty cool.’
Anya, ever the observant leader, began to take stock of her own senses. She inspected her hand and inhaled the fog, her brow furrowing in concentration. “Indeed, now that you are pointing that out, I feel like my sense of smell is also disturbed.”
As Anya raised her hand to halt our progress, we all gathered around, hanging on her words.
“This…” She began.
“It is because of the fog.” I chimed in. At this point, there was no need to waste any more time. “I had been observing for a while now, but whenever I breathe the fog in, I feel like I am getting more and more shaky. I don’t know the exact details, but something must be in the fog.”
Ethan chimed in once more, confirming my ‘suspicions’. “I thought the same. The fog is the only thing that always stays.”
Anya nodded thoughtfully. “This must be Sleeping Mist, then. It makes a lot more sense now.”
Without hesitation, she turned her attention to Fred, who seemed somewhat flustered. “Fred, use purification on everyone here.”
“U-understood,” Fred stammered, his hands trembling slightly as he began to cast his purifying magic.
The fog around us seemed to react, shifting and writhing as if it were alive. Fred’s magic cut through the haze, and a cleansing wave washed over us.
Gradually, we felt the lethargy and disorientation lift. Our senses returned, and our bodies felt more agile.
However, I knew this was nothing but temporary. The reason why the demon followers decided to disguise themselves as healers was that they could temporarily disturb one’s senses, making them feel a lot better.
They were healers, but at the same time, they had the skills to mask their demonic skills under the guise of healing.
THUMP
My fast-beating body was proof of that. This phenomenon occurred whenever demonic energy was near me, and from the looks of it, Fred was using his skill.
PISH!
Injecting the small potion in the syringe to my arm, I confirmed that. The healed wound I made just a second ago was actually still there, even though after Fred used his skill, it momentarily disappeared.
‘He is finally playing his cards.’
Thinking that it was time for Boss Monster to come, I looked at our leader.
“Let’s go.
And with Anya’s words, everyone started walking, and it didn’t take long for us to reach the lair of boss monsters either.
A huge rotten tree, and beneath it, laid the boss monster.
“Get ready for confrontation.”
————————————
You can check my discord if you want. You can see the illustrations of characters there.
The link to the discord server is in the description of the book.