Slim and Scott exchanged glances, then shifted their attention to the cat girl, whose mesmerizing grin adorned her face. “I'm the party leader now. You two are my minions,” she declared, nodding approvingly to herself.

“Buddy, I think Zara might have a power complex,” Slim whispered, but Scott paid him little mind. Instead, the eldritch knight fixated on his new title.

Why on earth would I be burdened with such a ludicrous title? Scott pondered, furrowing his brow behind his mask. The idea of serving as a guiding beacon to every lunatic in the tower sent shivers down his spine.

Scott's only salvation lay in the war hammer of the mad god, a weapon capable of consuming his encroaching madness. Yet, he grappled with a crucial decision: should he allow the war hammer to devour his entire madness stat to nullify the title's effects? Pondering in silence, Scott's gaze shifted to Slim and Zara. The cat girl found amusement in petting the forlorn necromancer's skull, exploiting her leadership role with evident glee.

Returning his focus to the system's notification, Scott questioned the motive behind the mask's desire to consume the bracelet. A brief hesitation hung in the air before he resolutely clicked [Yes]. The darkness within the mask surged, unleashing miniature tendrils that swiftly ensnared the bracelet. Without a sound, the enchanted item disintegrated, and the tendrils retracted back into the mask.

Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has successfully devoured Fera’s Bracelet! Mask of the Eldritch Spawn has successfully updated!

Mask of the Eldritch Spawn Description: A mask initially created to mimic the two-faced god but was corroded by an eldritch spawn. It successfully devoured an item capable of recovering mana and has since upgraded to become an item capable of enhancing its owner’s Mana Recovery by 10%. This item can’t be used by any other being except the owner. Rank: ??? Durability: ??? Type: ??? Mana Recovery: +10% boost. Condition: ???

Your Mana Recovery rate has increased! Mana Recovery rate: 12.1 Mana Points per hour!

Finally, a glimmer of good news lifted Scott's spirits. A smile played on his lips as he absentmindedly tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear. The troublesome title bestowed upon him by his madness skill and stat seemed like a distant concern now. Yet, a sudden chill crept into the air, prompting Scott to glance at Slim and Zara. They subtly shivered, a shared discomfort that sparked a realization – the elemental shards still nestled in their pockets.

“Guys, remove the elemental shards. They're useless in this place,” Scott suggested, effortlessly transferring the item to his inventory with a mere thought.

“No wonder. I briefly wondered if Zara's reign of terror was...” Zara seized the necromancer by the neck, playfully thumping his glistening skull while sporting a sinister smile. “How dare you speak to your team leader that way? You've earned yourself a thousand head pats.” She chuckled deviously as Slim wrestled to break free from her grasp.

Scott stood there, shaking his head as he stared at the duo. Let’s see how much their stats improved.

Champion Interface Basic Stats

Name: Slim the Grim. Level: 9 – New! Experience Points: 200/900 – New! Mana Points: 200/200. Mana Recovery: 10 Mana Points per 12 hours -New! Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew. Party Members: Scott. Zara (Party leader). Title: Zara’s official Minion 01.

Physical Stats Endurance: 12 (+2)

Skills Basic Sprinting (Level 0) – New! Skills: Basic Survival (Level 0) – New!

Champion Interface Basic Stats

Name: Zara. Level: 8 – New! Experience Points: 220/800 – New! Mana Points: 60/60. Mana Recovery: 5 Mana Points per 12 hours.

Party Members:

* Slim the Grim (Official Minion 01) – New!

* Scott (Official Minion 02) – unassigned!

Do you wish to designate your party member, Scott, with the title, Zara’s Official Minion 02?

[Yes] [NO]

Title: Leader of The Hound Extermination Crew. Affiliation: The Hound Extermination Crew.

Physical Stats Physical Stats: Endurance: 12 (+2).

Skills Skills: Basic Balls crushing [Level 0] – New!

Scott’s pupils dilated; his attention focused on the title Zara planned on bequeathing him. Maybe Slim was right. Did she always have such tendencies?

Scott fixed his gaze on the skeleton, sprinting in panicked circles to evade the cat girl. The brawler, on the other hand, sported an unhinged smile, relentless in pursuit of the frenzied skeletal figure. At least they’re getting along well. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like chaos caller has started affecting them.

“Buddy, save me from her,” Slim shouted, cowering behind Scott. Zara halted abruptly, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. Yet, her pause proved fleeting as she advanced toward Scott, her flustered expression not escaping the notice of the eldritch knight and necromancer. Coming to a standstill in front of Scott, she, too, reached out to pat his head.

You have earned a new title! Your Party Leader has granted you the title – Zara’s Official Minion 02!

Slim burst into laughter, and Zara quickly joined him. The duo exchanged high fives as they sprinted away. “I told you it would work,” the skeleton said between breaths as he ran.

Scott, however, remained rooted in the same position, shaking his head incredulously as he observed the escaping pair. “I don’t even know who is influencing whom at this point.”

Shifting his focus away from the mischievous duo, Scott pondered the offers of the lesser god. Was this what the imp was trying to convey to us back then? Raising his head, he stared at the shelter looming in the distance. “We've been standing here for a while now, but I haven’t seen anyone. It’s unlikely we’re the only ones here, so where is everyone?”

Scott pondered for a moment, then felt Slim's arm and Zara's both fall on his shoulders. “Minion 02, what should we do about the god's offer?” Slim asked, barely containing his giggles. Zara nodded, pleased her minions were embracing their title.

Scott rolled his eyes. “You guys are enjoying yourselves too much.”

“C'mon, buddy, live a little,” Slim said with a smile. “But really, what do you think? We discussed it while you were doing your brooding thing, but we agree it would be unwise to accept a slave contract like that.”

“I believe this aligns with what the examiner hinted at,” Zara added.

“I feel the same. The only problem lies in the potential repercussions from rejecting their offers. It would be ideal if nothing happened, but those gods might throw a hissy fit and send their minions after...” Zara interjected before Scott could finish his statement. “They could be listening. Let's not give them any ideas.”

“Does that even matter?” Slim said with a dry smile. “Rejecting the offer will make things difficult for us, regardless of whether they're spying on us.”

“How about this? We neither accept nor reject the offers. We simply ignore them. It's not like they've put a timer on the offers,” Scott suggested.

“That's a nice idea,” Zara said, patting Scott on his back. “Keep this up, and you might get promoted to Minion 01.” The cat girl wore a mesmerizing smile while encouraging her minions to follow her lead.

Scott shot Slim a glare. “What are you putting in her head?” he asked mentally.

Stolen novel; please report.

“Me? This was all her idea,” Slim chuckled, exposing a reddish spot on his skull. “She's like a completely different person now that she's the leader. It's unbelievable that we forgot about the competition.” The necromancer sighed.

“Minions, what are you doing? Aren't you coming?” Zara asked with a curious smile.

“Coming,” Slim replied. Then, he turned to Scott. “Let's go, buddy. She's just having fun. Don't get angry, okay?”

“Huh? Why would you think I was angry?” Scott inquired.

Slim scratched the back of his head, avoiding Scott's gaze. “I won't lie. Before spending time with you, I might have thought you were one of those gloomy madmen who'd kill someone just for a funny glance. But something about our first meeting gave me a strange feeling that you're someone worth befriending. Let's go. Who knows what other weird titles she'll give us if we linger.”

Slim and Scott advanced cautiously. As they journeyed towards the settlement, Zara took the lead, and the trio engaged in casual conversation to fill the distance. Swiftly, they covered the ground, buffeted by freezing winds that nipped at their bodies. Coming to a halt before the settlement, they confronted a gelatinous wall, its substance enveloping the entire area and reaching skyward.

“Shall we enter?” Zara asked mentally.

“We don't really have a choice. Let's see what they’re hiding within the barrier,” Scott responded. That Hastur's gaze couldn't penetrate through the barrier only made him more curious.

The trio advanced toward the barrier with cautious steps, ready for a battle if an unforeseen threat emerged. Scott placed his hands on the obstacle, and it felt lukewarm to the touch. However, its surface bubbled slightly, displaying signs of breaking. Scott took another step forward, and his body effortlessly passed through the wall. Zara and Slim quickly followed suit, and the trio stood there, mouths agape, gazing at the cluster of towering structures radiating an array of flashy lights onto the populated asphalt roads. Neither of them could decipher the materials used in its construction, nor did they care. After all, the city didn't pale in comparison to any of the boisterous starter cities.

“Is this an illusion?” Slim muttered in a daze. The magnificent metropolis, brimming with life, had replaced the impoverished settlement. What's more, tens of thousands of people bustled about the busy streets.

Zara suddenly frowned as she observed the crowd, all clad in identical plain white tunics and baggy jute pants that covered their black boots. “Why are they all wearing the same thing?” she questioned.

“Never mind their clothes; focus on the tattoos on their necks,” Scott suggested, his brow furrowed as he struggled to see through the passing throng.

Zara and Slim redirected their attention to the passersby, noticing tattoos adorning their necks. Some displayed animals and inanimate objects, while others bore matching abstract designs. The trio stood in contemplative silence, tallying the various types, the count not surpassing thirty.

“Guys, we can't turn back,” Zara declared, her back against the invisible dome enveloping the city.

Scott and Slim pivoted, their expressions growing somber. The fact that none of the surrounding individuals spared them even a passing glance filled them with unease.

“Are we invisible to them?” Scott voiced the disquieting thought that hung heavy in the air.

“Wait, let me try talking to one of them,” Slim suggested, scanning the surrounding streets. He halted when he spotted two men engaged in conversation in a corner, with Scott and Zara trailing behind him.

Approaching the duo, the skeleton wore an amiable smile. “Hey, nice to meet you. We're new...”

The two men glanced at the trio and promptly walked away. Slim's expression soured. “That's rude,” he commented, glaring at the retreating figures.

“At least we know they can see us. They're just ignoring us. We only need to figure out why,” Scott remarked.

Warning! The lesser gods have imposed a time limit on their offers! Should you choose to accept an offer, you will become a citizen of Nirvashim! If you reject the offers, you will have 1 hour to reach the base of the Judgment Mountain! Defaulters will be branded with the mark of insolence and will be purged by the citizens of Nirvashim! Time remaining until the brand of insolence descends: 59:59.00.

Scott and his companions fixed their gazes on the blinking system window, and the same eerie moment unfolded for the carefree citizens. In unison, they all received a series of messages, prompting them to halt in their tracks, their soulless eyes now locked onto the newcomers.

“Buddies, I don’t know about you guys, but I think we need to get out of here,” Slim suggested, scanning the frozen bystanders. The city layout funneled them toward the mountain path, with towering buildings lining either side of the broad main street.

Without hesitation, the trio sprinted toward the pulsating mountain, the citizens parting to allow their passage. An array of enticing aromas wafted through the air as they passed various shops specializing in pastries and other delicacies. Following that, they encountered opulent buildings boasting transparent interiors that showcased magnificent rooms and bathrooms adorned with an assortment of magically enchanted items.

“I see nothing. I see nothing,” Slim chanted, keeping his head down as he ran. He saw a captivating bathroom featuring artistic white and gold tiling, and a massive golden tub surrounded by flickering candles.

The trio continued their sprint for another twenty minutes. As in their previous encounters, the citizens silently parted, creating a clear pathway for them. The towering mountain loomed ahead, shrouded in a misty rain that seemed to descend exclusively upon the mountain path. Captivated by the unusual weather, the group paused for a moment before redirecting their focus to the sparse assembly of people at the mountain's base. Less than thirty in number, this ragtag group appeared worn and impoverished in stark contrast to the robust inhabitants of Nirvashim.

You are about to cross the barrier to the second test stage! Warning! You will not be able to reenter Nirvashim once you cross the border!

Without hesitation, the trio crossed the barrier, and the once majestic city vanished, replaced by the desolate remnants of an abandoned settlement. Yet, their attention remained fixed on the novel system notification.

You have rejected the lesser gods offer! 30 lesser gods have banned your party from their shelters! 10 lesser gods have asked their helpers not to render any help to your party! 2 lesser gods have ordered their helpers to hunt your party members! 1 lesser god vow to take revenge! You have reached the base of the Judgement Mountain! Combat, Murder, Torture, and any Infringement of any kind would be severely punished with death!

Scott clicked on the system's notifications about the vindictive gods, but they revealed no further information. “Forget it. We'll deal with those lunatics in due time. Our focus should be on this place,” Scott communicated through the party channel.

Slim and Zara nodded in silent agreement, redirecting their attention to the people gathered around the mountain path.

“These folks seem like they've barely survived a war,” Slim observed.

Although the area was populated only by human champions, they all sported worn, mismatched armor, with bloodied bandages covering various sections of their bodies.

“Looks like those guys have something to share,” Zara noted, her gaze fixed on a five-man group approaching from the west.

Scott focused on the group, unable to discern any stats of the men or the other champions once again. I hate to judge a book by its cover, but these guys look nothing like people powerful enough to evade detection. Something here is severely limiting Hastur’s Gaze.

The man leading the group clicked his tongue, coming to a stop a few feet away. “Howdy, name’s Randy. You folks sure don’t look like people who took part in a trial.”

Except for a few dusty patches, the trio's clothes were unblemished. Then there was Slim, dressed like an undead member of a high-end cabaret.

The man narrowed his gaze, his brown eyes shifting between Scott and Slim. “So, which one of you is the leader here?”

“I am,” Zara asserted, her arms folded across her chest.

The man and his companions laughed. “Sure you are, sweetheart. Well, whoever's in charge, we got a deal for ya. Interested?”

“These guys look shady as hell,” Slim mentioned in the shared channel.

“Let's hear what they have to say,” Scott suggested.

“I agree, though it feels like a waste of time. We should at least listen,” Zara said, before refocusing on the man. “Go on. We're listening.”

The man smiled, revealing brown-stained teeth. “We've been here for the last three months and have exclusive information about the second trial. In exchange, we want two weeks' worth of food and water—nothing more, nothing less.”

“Why in...” Zara began, but paused as Scott's hand landed on her shoulder. She turned to the masked man, his voice filling her ears. “Let me handle this.”

Zara nodded silently, taking a step back. Scott advanced, deftly opening his inventory. Two freshly baked loaves of bread, a bowl of water, and a bottle of gruff wine emerged. With a small puncture in the wine's lid, its aromatic fragrance wafted through the surroundings. Scott arranged the bread atop the gruff wine, all the while cradling the water bowl. Onlookers rose from their seats, fixating on the enticing display and smacking their lips.

Across the area, Scott's voice resounded, carrying the weight of his proposition. “I'll give these provisions to the first person willing to share all they know about the trial.”

A woman took a hesitant step forward, but her progress halted abruptly as she locked eyes with Randy's bloodshot gaze. Scott's voice resonated once more. “Anyone?” The champions remained frozen in their designated areas, cowering. “No one?” Scott questioned once again, met only by the deafening silence. “What a shame,” he lamented, shaking his head. Tilting his hand to the side, water slowly trickled onto the parched earth.

Randy's voice thundered, “Stop that! How can you squander something so valuable?” Despite Randy's roar, Scott nonchalantly emptied the bowl in one swift motion. Then, he casually reached for the first piece of bread. “Does anyone want this?” Scott inquired, his eyes scanning the group. Several people involuntarily swallowed, inching forward. “No takers? What a shame.” The bread burst into flames in an instant, leaving the stunned champions to watch as it transformed into charred toast. Undeterred, Scott reached for the second piece. He began to speak, but Randy interjected, “Please wait. We'll talk. Don't burn it.”

“Oh? Finally, there's someone willing to talk,” Scott chuckled, placing the bread back on the jar. “All right, go on. Tell us everything you've seen in the last three months. If I'm satisfied with your words, I might throw in a bread or two as a tip.”

Slim and Zara exchanged glances. “We should let him handle all negotiations from now on,” Slim suggested with a whisper.

Zara nodded emphatically. She had initially been willing to trade a week's worth of food, but Scott had managed to reduce two weeks' worth of provisions to just a single loaf of bread and a jar of wine.

Another system message materialized before the champions, accompanied by low growls emanating from the misty mountain path.

The second trial will begin in one hour! You can choose to participate in the trial or wait until the next turn! There will be no penalties for waiting! Participants have twenty minutes to indicate their interest in the trial! Are you interested in participating in the second trial? Yes! No! Should no participant step forward, the next trial will commence next month!

“Randy, my friend. It seems you have ten minutes to convince us why we should give you our food,” Scott said.