After our conversation, Izu whisked me away to a private room, where she allowed me to order anything from her restaurant. Despite the luxurious food and drinks, I was more preoccupied with the implications of my recent discoveries. That, and the fact that I had housekeeping to do.
My death achievement had finished calculating my rewards, granting me an Item Box. Though it was disappointing, it did make sense since I only died once, using Final Gambit on Lazarus.
[Generating Item based on performance...]
[You have obtained 'Full Skill Restore Potion'.]
I scowled, but stowed the green potion away regardless. If it weren't for my Title being able to restore my Skill usages, then it would've been a more important item. Maybe I'd be able to sell it or have it handy in the future. As for the main quest...
I had cleared the So Many Paths quest, which immediately gave way to a 'first clear dungeon' followed by 'clearing a boss floor' quest, both of which were immediately completed once I was given them. It seemed skipping steps still registered as finishing the tasks, so I was rewarded with 5 Status Heal Gems and 3 Max Shield Potions.
The Shield Potions were definitely the most valuable of the rewards I received so far, which granted me an extra barrier equal to my maximum Health. The Status Heals weren't as great, considering my Realmwalker could just negate the effects, but I kept them anyway. It never hurt to be too prepared.
Now, I stared at the new quest that I had been given.
[Quest: Midway Survival!]
[Description: Clear the 50th floor. (Alert: Player has skipped prerequisite quests due to abnormal growth.)]
[Reward: [Locked]]
"What the hell is this," I murmured, reading over the new quest's description again. It was clear that the system had noticed my unusual progress and was trying to steer me back on track. Or perhaps it was just messing with me. Izu did mention that she had some irregularities as well, Nephilim included.
[Now what?] Sephera's message flashed before my eyes.
I had to give it some thought. Izu wanted me to rest for today, so that meant I couldn't jump straight into dungeon resonances by taxi. Aurora had texted me that the Enigma party Celine and I were assigned to was coming by the GPA later tonight. Other than that, I really didn't have anything else planned.
"It feels weird not to be fighting in a tower floor or dungeon, but maybe I could... take the day off?"
I opened my Inventory and took out the Orc King Hullado core I had gotten when Celine and I went through the Enigma testing earlier.
"...Or I could just run another dungeon resonance."
[You game-addicted psycho...]
I chuckled at Sephera's message. "I know, I know," I murmured to myself, placing the core back in my Inventory. "But I can't help it. I want to be as strong as possible, as quick as possible."
[Do you know nothing else besides grinding and fighting?] Sephera’s sarcasm didn’t deter me. I was going to grow stronger anyway, and I didn't have anything else to do. I checked my phone. Damn, Tommy wanted some alone time and Celine was busy training with Gigi and Ophelia. Tessa was off doing who knows what, leaving me with very little options for socializing.
I sighed, pulling out my card to pay for the meal, but the waiter who took care of me informed me that Izu had allowed me to dine for free. I thanked him and left the bistro, feeling slightly lost on what to do next. I had a couple of hours to kill, so I decided to go to the PC cafe. Not that I would find any games to excite me anymore, but it just seemed like a good place to waste time.
----------------------------------------
After spending a large majority of my time looking for games to play rather than actually playing, I exited the cafe, flying over to the GPA building in a matter of seconds.
I gave the conversation I had with Izu some thought, wondering what could be the reason both the demon and angel pinnacles would have to meet with Nephilim. Of course, that led me to wonder just what exactly Bathalt was planning for him to approach someone besides me. I figured I would learn more once we reached floor 50, so there was no point in thinking too hard about it. Still, it didn’t make it any less stressful. I didn’t like not knowing things.
I headed inside and went to the assigned simulation room to meet the party Celine and I were assigned to. As I entered, I saw Gigi, Aurora, Seth, and Ophelia off to the side with Celine. On the other side were three Players I didn't recognize, probably my new party members.
The first was a tall, muscular man with a buzzcut, dressed in a sleek black outfit that was definitely not from a beginner's pack. His eyes were a piercing shade of blue, and he was holding a glowing sword that was almost as long as he was tall. The second was a young girl, no older than twelve, with pink hair and a giant hammer that looked like it could crush a car. The third was a mysterious figure in a hooded cloak, the hood hiding their face, but the faint glow of their eyes told me not to underestimate them.
"Hey, Lu," my sister called out as I approached. "Right on time."
I nodded back to Aurora in greeting before turning my attention to the three newcomers. They studied me with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "So, these are the new party members?" I asked the others, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
"Indeed," Ophelia confirmed. "Allow me to introduce you."
The man with the buzzcut stepped forward, his grip on the sword tightening slightly. "I'm Castor. Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said in a deep, firm voice. His eyes remained sharp and assessing, as if sizing me up as a potential threat or ally.
[Name: Castor Prince | Level: 3511]
[Title: Aura Swordsman (S)]
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Glancing at his stats, I saw that his Health and Strength were pretty high in comparison to the rest of the others. I figured he was a frontline, bulky tank-styled Player. Not bad.
The young girl with pink hair stepped up next, her giant hammer resting on her shoulder. She looked like she was made of sugar and spice, but I knew better than to underestimate her. "I'm Gretchen," she said, her voice higher pitched than I expected. She offered a friendly smile, and her eyes, though young, had a sharpness to them.
[Name: Gretchen Lyme | Level: 3489]
[Title: Pastry Master (S)]
Her stats were centered on more Health and Magic. Perhaps she was a defensive mage on the frontlines as well? Didn't really explain the giant hammer, though. And what the hell kind of Title was 'Pastry Master'?
The hooded figure remained silent, which was unnerving. I was about to ask if they were okay when the hood was drawn back, revealing a boy with piercing blue eyes and silver hair. He was about my age, with a lean frame that suggested speed and agility.
"I am Eliwood," he said, his voice calm and measured.
[Name: Eliwood Strun | Level: 3499]
[Title: Night Whisper (S)]
Eliwood had incredible Speed and Magic, most likely putting him in a backline position. Maybe support alongside ranged offense, or perhaps an assassin-like class. His eyes held a hint of curiosity as he studied the rest of us, and I couldn't help but feel like he was assessing whether or not Celine and I were a good fit.
Since Celine didn't respond, I assumed she had already introduced herself to them.
"I'm Luquier," I introduced myself, my voice echoing slightly in the vast room. "Nice to meet you all."
Gretchen's smile grew wider, and she playfully poked Castor's arm with her hammer. "See? I told you he'd be cool."
"So you've said. But still, what you see on the news isn't everything," Castor replied to Gretchen, his eyes still on me. "His stats don't seem to match what the news says."
I Unshrouded my stats to them. All three of the newcomers' eyes widened in shock as they saw my real numbers.
"Holy... shit," Gretchen breathed out, her eyes wide with astonishment as she took in my stats. "I always knew you were strong seeing you being talked about on the forums, but damn! You're stronger than Chronia and Seth?"
Gretchen's comment seemed to have struck a nerve with Ophelia, but Seth was more amused than anything.
"Hey, that kinda hurts. My Behemoth form could give Luquier a run for his money since I've been leveling that up," Seth grinned, flexing his muscles for dramatic effect.
"Maybe," I replied, trying to lighten the mood. "But I'm not exactly a slouch either."
"Yeah? Wanna spar at full power again?" Seth turned his grin towards me. I was about to agree, since I wanted to both test my full strength against him and see just how strong he had become when Ophelia stepped in between and cleared her throat.
"As much as I'd love to see that show of strength," she began, a hint of annoyance in her voice, "we do have training to prepare for. Celine and Luquier are meeting their party for the first time, so I'd like to think they would want to get acquainted with them. At least, as far as teamworking on the tower floors and dungeon breaks go."
Seth looked sheepish, while Castor seemed skeptical. "Yeah, sorry for this, but Chronia, this man has the stats to basically be a one-man army. You guys aren't in parties either, so what's the point of setting this guy up with us? The Saint, I get, but him?"
I had to fight the urge to scowl. I glanced at Celine, who remained expressionless. "Look, Castor," I began, keeping my voice calm, "I know it might seem like I'm overkill for a party, but trust me, I'm not just here to show off. If these guys paired me with you guys, there's a reason."
Castor grunted, folding his arms across his chest. "Alright, I'll hold my judgment for now."
I inwardly sighed, relieved to not have to engage in interpersonal conflicts again. "So, what's the plan for this training?" I asked, looking at Ophelia.
Ophelia sniffed, slightly in a better mood now that we were back on track. "Well, I do have to agree with the Aura Swordsman. There isn't a good reason for Luquier to be put on the team, but I hope that you will learn how to work as one. As for Celine... well, she may be slightly above the qualifications for the party as well, but it would give her experience nonetheless."
Gretchen looked at Celine with curiosity, her scarlet eyes sparkling. "You're even cooler up close! I watched a lot of your Player record replays!"
In another rare moment, Celine's usual reserved and expressionless demeanor slightly cracked as she averted her eyes, her cheeks heating up. Gretchen's bubbly and youthful excitement seemed to be infectious. "T-thank you," she murmured.
"Moving on," Ophelia commanded attention again, "The five of you will be clearing another dungeon resonance, though it will be more difficult than before," she gave a sideways glance at me. "For this, Technomancer and Behemoth have offered to watch your performance for review after completion."
Gigi and Seth stepped up as their Titles were called out. Seth had a red monster core in his hands, which soon disappeared in a flash of green.
"So, the dungeon resonance you five will be clearing was originally level 25," Seth casually began, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "And the main theme of the original dungeon centered around teamwork. That's as much as I'm going to tell you guys, but for the most part, us three will watch how you perform. If things get too hard for you to handle, we'll step in, but I doubt that'll happen with Luquier here," he said with a smirk, throwing a friendly arm around my shoulders.
"Good luck, you five," Ophelia nodded towards the rest of us. "I hope to hear good things from you."
She turned towards the simulation room exit. Aurora came up to me with an awkward smile.
"You got this, little bro. Just try not to be so flashy, okay? It's a team-based performance assessment, not a solo one," Aurora whispered into my ear, giving me a playful nudge as she followed Ophelia out of the room. I still wasn't sure how I felt about my sister, but I knew it wasn't the same hurt and anger as before. I think it was now a mixture of confusion and unfamiliarity.
"Okay, then! Do you guys need a moment to prepare?" Seth asked, releasing me from his grasp. Gigi gave me a sympathetic smile. Thank god she was coming too.
The others shook their heads. Castor stretched out his arms, cracking his knuckles, while Gretchen took a deep breath, focusing. Eliwood, on the other hand, remained as calm as ever, his eyes never leaving me. It was a strange feeling, having other Players look to me for reassurance, but I realized that I was by far the strongest being in the room. Even Celine glanced at me.
"I think we're ready if you are, Immortal," Celine said with a resolved look in her eyes.
"Yeah, that's fine by me," I replied, feeling the same elation I always got when heading into the unknown. "Open that dungeon up, Seth."
****
[Updating…]
[Items]
+ [Full Skill Restore Potion]
+ [Status Heal Gem (5x)]
+ [Max Shield Potion (3x)]
[Name: Castor Prince | Level: 3511]
[Title: Aura Swordsman (S)]
[Health: 5,000,000 | Strength: 2,000,005]
[Speed: 1,775,285 | Magic: 1,775,280]
[Risk: 3000 | Stat Points: 2600]
[Experience: 86%]
[Name: Gretchen Lyme | Level: 3489]
[Title: Pastry Master (S)]
[Health: 4,039,100 | Strength: 1,350,480]
[Speed: 1,350,480 | Magic: 2,000,000]
[Risk: 2500 | Stat Points: 44,000]
[Experience: 39%]
[Name: Eliwood Strun | Level: 3499]
[Title: Night Whisper (S)]
[Health: 3,264,100 | Strength: 2,000,005]
[Speed: 4,000,005 | Magic: 3,000,000]
[Risk: 3500 | Stat Points: 870]
[Experience: 44%]