They are incredibly fast, and I can't help but wonder if they are fleeing from something more powerful. Are there even higher-level monsters lurking here?

As I ponder my situation, I consider asking the mysterious voice in my mind for guidance.

"Is it crucial?" I inquire.

"It depends on your condition," the voice responds.

I'm desperate for advice. "What should I do?"

The voice insists, "That's for you to decide."

I make up my mind. "I should head in the direction of higher levels."

The voice offers a critical piece of information. "You have 15 minutes left for your condition to revert back."

It's settled. A new mission activates:

**Mission: Escape**

- **Reward:** None

- **Penalty:** Death

I can't help but protest, "What? No reward?"

The voice calmly retorts, "You're fortunate to be alive."

I take a deep breath, "Fine, I'm out of here. But first, I need to deal with that creature's stomach."

The creature's stomach is a complex organ, housing its heart, liver, and kidney. It appears ordinary on the outside, but it can expand and contract according to its will. Without specially crafted arrows, killing it seems impossible. Surviving inside it is even more unimaginable, as any foreign object that enters its mouth is met with corrosive acids capable of dissolving steel.

I spend five intense minutes slashing at its stomach, searching for an opportunity.

"That's it," the voice warns me, "Don't dawdle; run now."

I seize the chance and dash away.

As I contemplate my survival odds, I consider my options. "If I stick to the old path, I'll likely encounter former companions or more snakes, leading to my demise. I must break from the past. Turning toward the level 3 region offers a slim chance of survival. Staying here leaves me vulnerable to approaching monsters."

I decide to use an unconventional method to mask my scent, though it carries some risk. I scour the lake for excrement, hesitating to use it as a crude disguise. I continue searching until I find a hidden cache, shrouded in the scent of fish.

The cache contains a pool of viscous, transparent liquid. It's odorless but shines eerily.

"I think this is what I need," I say to myself, splashing it on. "Hopefully, it doesn't have any side effects."

Suddenly, a shriek pierces the air. I glance around, and my heart sinks as I see fifty dark monsters approaching. They circle, sniffing the air, and a red one takes off, leading forty-five others toward the direction of the armed men.

Five of the creatures head directly for the cave. I'm in a tight spot.

"Why is this happening?" I mutter.

"They've already noticed you," the voice calmly replies. "And five of them are more than a match for you."

Amidst fear and helplessness, I ponder my options. "You're saying I'm weak?"

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The voice doesn't mince words, "Yes."

I can't argue with that. I rack my brain for a solution, but my prospects seem bleak. I can only find some wood and splinters in the cave.

"The creatures are waiting outside for me," I realize, "which means I have time to prepare."

Exhausted from my journey, the tension of my close encounter with death, and the adrenaline-fueled battle, I'm restless. I'm overcome by fatigue and the silence of the cave.

I decide to rest and lie down, but the tranquillity is shattered by the monsters' screeches.

"Wake up, it's already morning," the voice urges.

I reminisce about the comfort of my own bed, yearning for the days of peace. The morning sun rejuvenates me.

With renewed energy, I organize my thoughts and confront the one pressing question: "Are you a devil?"

The voice replies, "No, but you'll learn what I am in due time."

I recall the strange cube from earlier. "Were you the cube that hit me?"

The voice answers, "No, you have a cube in your mind."

"Will it harm me?" I ask.

The voice is cryptic, "I won't tell you. Everything has a price, and you're already in debt."

I set my mind on escape. The creatures appear to fear fire, and it might be my only chance. The question remains: will lighting a fire harm me too?

Despite the risks, I decide that survival is worth it. With my trusty sword and some collected materials, I begin crafting a makeshift fire-making tool.

The process isn't easy. There are moments of frustration as I struggle to create a spark.

Finally, after multiple attempts, I succeed in igniting a fire with a flint. Armed with a fire rod, I venture outside, but the approaching monsters force me to take refuge in the cave.

With determination, I ignite the oil, and the fire burns brightly for a moment, scorching the creatures. I take a deep breath of relief as they flee in agony.

My clothes protect me from the worst of the burns, but I suffer injuries and claw marks. Yet, I've survived.

I confront the burnt remains of the

creatures and hear a notification:

['beep' Life Energy: 5 units]

"I got it right," I realize.

Flesh means food, and food means energy. My gaze lingers on the charred flesh as I yearn for a hearty meal.

"Don't eat it; you'll regret it," the voice cautions.

But I'm undeterred. I need sustenance. I consume the creature's flesh and drink its blood, paying no heed to the voice's warning.

"Whatever may come in the future, well, that's in the future," I reflect.

After a short rest and regaining my strength, I resume my journey. Without any equipment or clear direction, I struggle to navigate the terrain. I deduce that the gateway lies in the northwest, and that avoiding the creatures means heading west.

The path forces me to traverse the slime territory once again. This time, it's eerily different. Slimes are nowhere in sight, and the calls of crows fill the air. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I press on.

Progressing at my own pace, I maintain vigilance and conserve energy. The dehydration from drinking blood pushes me to search for water. I hear the sound of rushing water, though it's faint.

Suddenly, the ground trembles rhythmically in the opposite direction. I sense something amiss and sprint toward the source of water.

Exhausted and uncertain, I rest against a tree trunk. But my instincts jolt me awake.

"Did I hear something?" I wonder.

In an instant, a blue dot hurtles toward me. Reacting swiftly, I deflect its attack, narrowly avoiding death.

Despite suffering a bloody wound, I manage to thwart the creature's second attack. It's a fierce battle, and I use all my strength to subdue the creature. With a final effort, I end its life.

['beep' Life Energy: 1 unit]

I can't help but grumble, "I can't even catch a break."

My face is scarred, but my arms remain functional. "It's fine; I can deal with this."

Bandaging my wounds with torn clothes, I persist in my journey.

Hungry and wounded, I resort to eating the creature's flesh. I regret it instantly and vomit, but I collect myself and move forward.

Unwavering, I continue my relentless march. My back aches, my arms throb with pain, but I press on, driven by the hope of survival and a mysterious voice that spurs me forward.

The sound of rushing water guides me, filling me with newfound determination.

Arriving at the riverbank, I relish a brief rest, savoring the cool water.

And then, serendipity strikes. I spot a bright wooden box. Opening it reveals a pale white revolver and a blood-colored bullet.

It's no ordinary find.

Feeling confident in my raft-building skills, I set to work, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Two days later, I entrust myself to the raft. It takes me a distance before the river's intensity increases. Helpless, I watch the raft disintegrate, and I'm forced to swim with a heavy heart.

The water grows denser, and I clutch at something moving alongside the river. It's a tree root, my lifeline.

Ten minutes later, I summon every ounce of strength to pull myself from the water, but my battle is far from over.

Unable to walk due to severe wounds, I crawl onward. The river rages, but I must persevere.

['beep' Mission completed

Reward: None

Penalty: None]

Exhausted and battered, all I long for is the comfort of a warm bed. I hope the journey ahead will be kinder to me.