‘I don’t know if I’ve ever been on the verge of dying before, but now that I think about it, this might actually be a good opportunity to test the maximum limits of my regeneration skill,’ Zealot thought, thrilled at the chance to see just how far his regeneration ability could keep him alive against all odds.
Meanwhile, ‘Tch! I don’t know if we’ll make it out alive or not, but one thing I do know for sure: if I’m going to die, I’ll make sure to take Zealot down with me no matter what! I won’t let anyone or any monster steal my prey—only I get to be the one to end Zealot’s life!’ Sasha thought, her determination burning fiercely.
Zealot, having read Sasha’s mind, could only sigh in disbelief at her relentless hatred and unforgiving nature. Despite this, he was well-prepared for her vengeance and wasn’t concerned about it. Instead, he found it somewhat funny how Sasha’s anger would flare up every time they interacted with each other.
Just as the anticipation reached its peak, a deep, rumbling sound echoed from within the grand palace, followed by a sudden, ominous shift in the atmosphere. The grand gates of the palace began to slowly open, revealing glimpses of what lay beyond. The adventurers’ excitement turned to apprehension as dark, foreboding shadows flitted across the garden. Zealot and Sasha exchanged wary glances, their unease growing. Something was about to begin—something that would test them in ways they had not expected.
[The Hidden Event Quest has started!]
[Event Quest: Raid the Royal Palace and Defeat the Succubus Queen!]
[Time Limit: 24 hours]
As the enormous palace gates creaked open, a wave of chilling air swept through the gathered adventurers. It rustled through the garden, carrying the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. The vibrant colors remained vivid, their hues shimmering under the clear, bright sky. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting intricate patterns across the lush greenery. The scene was breathtakingly serene, yet there was an underlying tension that couldn’t be ignored—the beauty of the garden sharply contrasting with the ominous sense of foreboding from within the palace.
“Finally!” one of the demon adventurers exclaimed, eyes locked on the open gates. “It’s like paradise and danger rolled into one. I can feel the dark power waiting for us inside.”
Another demon adventurer added, her expression steely with determination, “Everyone, stay sharp and don’t let the scenery deceive you. Beauty often hides deadly secrets. The moment we drop our guard, this garden will reveal its true nature.”
A third demon adventurer, gripping his weapon tightly, spoke up, “I’ve encountered illusory places before, but this feels different. Stay on your toes—something tells me we’re stepping into a trap.”
Suddenly, a voice rang out from within the grand palace, deep and resonant. “Welcome, demon adventurers! You have come far, but only the worthy shall enter the Royal Palace of Eternal Bliss!”
The Succubus Queen’s voice, as melodious as it was commanding, seemed to caress the ears of those who listened, a bewitching sound that sent shivers down their spines. “The vast royal garden is merely the Tutorial zone. Prove your strength if you wish to challenge me. Let your desires guide you through the trials ahead—if you dare.”
The adventurers murmured among themselves, excitement and tension building. Some gripped their weapons tighter, while others exchanged confident grins. The air was thick with anticipation as they braced themselves for the trials ahead. The Succubus Queen’s voice, both alluring and commanding, echoed like a challenge. With the grand gates of the palace now fully wide open, a dark, enchanting energy emanated from within, contrasting sharply with the vibrant, serene beauty of the garden.
As the adventurers advanced and stepped into the grand garden, the colossal palace gates slowly closed behind them with a deep, echoing clang. The sound echoed through the lush expanse, a thunderous finale that marked the end of their passage from the outside world. The once-open gateway now stood solid and unyielding, sealing their fate and leaving them with no choice but to move forward into the captivating yet ominous realm of the Succubus Palace.
As the adventurers cautiously made their way deeper into the grand garden, the air buzzed with an underlying tension. Vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the grand fountains gushed with crystal-clear water that sparkled under the sunlight. However, there was something unnatural in the way everything was just a little too perfect, almost as if the beauty around them was watching—waiting for the right moment to strike.
The first hint of danger came in the form of rustling leaves. At first, it was faint, like a whisper in the wind, but soon it grew louder, more pronounced, until even the most confident adventurers tightened their grips on their weapons. Suddenly, vines from the lush vegetation around them shot out with blinding speed, snaring several demon adventurers before they could react.
“Ambush!” someone shouted.
Panicked cries filled the air as adventurers tried to fend off the aggressive flora. The once-serene garden turned hostile, its greenery writhing like serpents. Razor-sharp thorns and snapping roots lashed out from every direction, seeking to ensnare or impale anyone who got too close. The once-beautiful flowers now revealed rows of jagged teeth within their petals, hissing as they lunged at their prey.
“Be careful! This place is alive with dark magic!” another adventurer warned, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the chaotic surroundings with growing concern.
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“Everyone, stay together!” a demon warrior barked, cleaving through several vines with his gigantic axe. “Don’t let the garden plants isolate you!”
Several hours later…
[Adventurers Remaining: 10,000 >> 9,493]
In the first trial alone, approximately 5% of the adventurers have lost their lives—an outcome considered acceptable for the initial challenge. Fortunately, Sasha and Zealot were incredibly lucky this time, as they had the support of the eighteen noble demons. Even better, these noble demons didn’t come alone; they were accompanied by their powerful personal knights.
‘Phew! I thought my luck had run out, but to think that among the 10,000 demon adventurers, we actually have 18 noble demons joining us. This could be the break we needed. With their support, it seems we might have a genuine chance of clearing this raid after all,’ Sasha mused, feeling a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, Zealot wasn’t so hopeful. Based on his knowledge from reading the novel, he knew that clearing an Event Dungeon was never easy, even with the backing of the noble demons. While their chances of success had increased somewhat, victory remained far from guaranteed, as the tide of battle could still shift at any moment.
With the first trial ended, the grand entrance door began to creak open with a drawn-out groan, its movement slow and deliberate. The door's labored motion revealed the opulent interior of the grand palace, a majestic space illuminated by bright, golden sunlight streaming through towering windows. The adventurers stood poised at the threshold, their anticipation mounting as they gazed upon the new domain that awaited them. As the enormous door finally swung wide, it marked the beginning of their second trial, promising new challenges and deeper mysteries within the palace's grand halls.
Several more hours passed…
By now, night has descended upon the grand palace, casting a veil of darkness across the raid area. The demon adventurers have made notable progress, having cleared approximately 65% of their objectives. Yet, a daunting 35% still lies ahead, challenging their resolve and testing their determination as they press onward.
[Adventurers Remaining: 9,493 >> 6531]
Despite the considerable challenges presented by the raid, it was clear that the noble demons had made a tremendous impact. Their presence and support appeared to be pivotal in the struggle, as without their crucial involvement, the situation would have been far worse. The number of adventurers, already dwindling under the raid’s intensity, would likely have decreased even more drastically if not for the intervention of these noble demons.
"Keep pushing! We're almost there!" one of the noble demons bellowed, his voice booming with unwavering confidence. He could already envision their victory, convinced that their efforts would soon lead them to clear this Event Raid. The determination in his tone was undeniable, as if the outcome was no longer a matter of chance but a certainty waiting to unfold.
A total of sixteen hours passed…
[Adventurers Remaining: 6531 >> 3885]
[Your group has slain the Succubus Commander!]
[Your group has slain the Succubus General!]
[Your group has slain the Succubus Soldier!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
[Leveled Up!]
…
…
[Level: 106 >> 109]
[Skeleton's Progression: 63% >> 88%]
By now, the demon adventurers had made remarkable progress in their arduous journey, having successfully cleared 91% of the Event Raid. The finish line was finally in sight; only 9% remained. All that stood between them and victory now was the final challenge: defeating the Succubus Queen.
Standing just outside the colossal throne door, the adventurers paused to catch their breath. The weight of their journey hung heavy, but they took this opportunity to rest and carefully inspect their supplies. With eight hours remaining before time ran out, they could afford to slow their pace and ensure they were fully prepared for the final challenge ahead.
Thirty minutes later…
After resting sufficiently, it was time to begin. They pushed against the colossal 125-foot throne door, which creaked open with a resonant groan. As the door swung wide open, they stepped into the magnificent throne room. At the far end of the vast grand chamber, the Succubus Queen awaited them, flanked by her ten formidable sexy Succubus Knightesses.
Seeing that, the noble demons exchanged knowing smiles, fully aware that success in clearing this Event Raid was merely a matter of time. Their confidence stemmed not just from their strength but also from their experience.
Meanwhile, to the majority of demon adventurers, tackling this Event Raid was akin to walking through the depths of hell—a punishing ordeal that few could survive. The dangers were immense, the Succubus monsters relentless, and the stakes unbearably high. On the other hand, from the noble demons' perspective, this raid was a far cry from such extremes. It wasn’t an insurmountable challenge but rather a test of their mettle that landed somewhere in the middle—not too difficult to conquer, yet not trivial enough to be taken lightly. For them, it was simply another trial on the long road to greater power.
However, the noble demons were on the verge of a humbling surprise. Suddenly, without any warning, a colossal blue portal suddenly materialized in midair, directly in front of the Succubus Queen. Its sudden appearance left both the demon adventurers and the Succubus Queen, along with her Royal Knightesses, utterly astonished. The portal’s emergence was so unexpected and overwhelming that it momentarily halted all activity, drawing everyone’s attention to the mysterious rift.
RUMBLE!
The throne room quaked violently as the enormous blue lightning portal surged into existence. The very air seemed to vibrate with an electric energy that unsettled everyone present. Just as the tremors subsided, a startling development unfolded: monstrous figures began to pour out of the portal. To everyone's astonishment, it was Lich King Drelak and his formidable thirteen boss monster generals. This time, however, the generals had returned to their original monstrous forms, abandoning their previous humanoid appearances.
The sight of Lich King Drelak and his colossal generals sent waves of panic through the demon adventurers. Their previously composed demeanor shattered as fear took hold. Their once-confident expressions now trembled visibly, their bravado replaced by sheer terror. Even Zealot and Sasha were overcome with fear; they had not anticipated that Master Drelak and his boss monster generals would appear here.
“W-What in the world is going on?!” one of the noble demons shouted, her voice trembling with fear.
“Just what the hell is happening?! Is this part of the Event Quest too?!” another noble demon demanded, his expression a mix of confusion and terror.
“You have got to be kidding me! This can’t be part of the Event Raid!” a third noble demon exclaimed, panic evident in his voice as he struggled to make sense of the unfolding chaos. “Dammit! What on earth is going on?!”