NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 6: The Consequences of Not Checking the Boss Before Entering the Dungeon
Chapter 6: The Consequences of Not Checking the Boss Before Entering the Dungeon
“Finally out! This Ruins is way bigger than I expected!”
After who knows how long, Aierjisi finally emerged from the deepest part of the maze, standing at the entrance. Looking at the sunlight outside the cave, Aierjisi felt a rush of excitement. I wonder what kind of changes happened in the outside world while I was sealed away.
Now that I’m out, I have no use for these Vines anymore. I can sever our connection. But before cutting ties, why not take a peek at how these foolish humans are faring now?
“Oh? With that speed, it looks like they’re running for their lives! Did they tick off some big shot in the maze?”
Noticing the group zipping away in a panic, Aierjisi couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being hunted by something terrifying. Did they anger the wrong creature in the maze?
【Wait, how is there still a human inside? And it looks like they’re fighting something.】
Through the Vines, she caught sight of another human battling it out in one of the Ruins’ areas. Although she couldn’t see the human’s appearance, through the Vines’ senses, she could tell that this human was in a dire situation. She also sensed that they were fighting against a very powerful foe, one capable of reducing the Vines she created to ashes with ease.
【Did they choose to stay behind as bait so the others could escape? That takes some serious guts.】
Watching as the human’s condition deteriorated, Aierjisi understood that it wouldn’t be long before they met their end. However, their death could provide an opportunity for the other 24 to escape safely. It wasn’t a death without value after all.
Should I go see if I can save this person? I have no idea how long I’ve been asleep, and I know nothing about the current world. I need a modern human to be my servant.
Just as Aierjisi was about to abandon the human’s fate and leave, a sudden thought popped into her mind: she should go save that human.
Weird, why am I suddenly having such an idea? It’s just a lowly human after all; humans are weak and incompetent, only good for breeding and multiplying across the continent. There are plenty of humans in this world, so I really don’t have any reason to go and obsess over saving someone who’s on the brink of death.
“Fine, I’ll save them, considering how brave they are. Plus, I can check their memories to see if there’s any useful info to be gathered.”
Despite her intention to leave, Aierjisi found herself unable to resist the thought and turned around. She returned to the Ruins, heading towards the location of that human.
Now let’s rewind time 25 minutes to see what’s happening with Karito’s team.
After brushing past Aierjisi, Karito’s team didn’t encounter any powerful Magical Beasts along the way. They easily dealt with the remaining weak critters and arrived at the entrance of a large door.
“Looks like this should be the Boss of this Ruins.”
With vast exploration experience, Karito glanced at the grand door. He instantly deduced that whatever was inside was definitely the master of the Ruins. Defeating it would mean a treasure trove of riches.
“Alright, let’s get ready. Everyone, please ensure your protection gear is set. We’re about to tackle the final challenge.”
Before entering the Room, Karito reminded everyone to gear up, as the master of the Ruins usually possessed immense power. Their strength was definitely no match for the weaker Magical Beasts lurking in the Ruins.
“Ready when you are, Karito. We’re good to go.”
Yake and the other members also confirmed that they were fully equipped. Once everyone was set, Karito pushed open the massive door and led the team inside.
Initially, as they stepped in, nobody felt anything unusual. After all, the room where the Ruins’ master resided had been treated with special Magic, and the space inside was surprisingly vast.
As everyone entered, a deafening roar echoed through the room. The master of the Ruins unveiled itself amidst flames. It was a gigantic red dragon, its body covered in crimson scales. The dragon lifted its head, piercingly glaring at the uninvited guests.
“A Fire Dragon? This is my first encounter!”
Seeing that the master of this Ruins was a Fire Dragon sent Karito’s heart racing. Dragons were known for their extraordinary combat prowess; it was said that a fully grown young dragon could rival the strength of a small nation. Not to mention this red Fire Dragon—it was probably an ancient beast. Karito realized he had underestimated the situation by not expecting a dragon to be in the Ruins.
“Everyone, retreat! We can’t take on a dragon!”
Karito understood that in such a disparity of strength, their team stood no chance. Rather than fighting and getting themselves killed, it was better to flee. At Karito’s command, the team turned and dashed back towards the doorway they entered from.
Oh? You thought you could leave just like that? Who do you think you are—this is not your home! You’re not just getting to come and go as you please!
The Fire Dragon was not about to let them off the hook. It immediately unleashed a torrent of flames from its mouth, blocking the exit.
“Damn it! Put out those flames quickly! We need to think of a way to hold off that Fire Dragon; we can’t let it keep breathing fire!”
While Karito commanded his teammates to extinguish the flames, he was also concocting a plan to restrain the Fire Dragon and make their escape.
“Karito, let me handle that Fire Dragon! You guys put out the flames and get out of here!”
Yake recognized the urgent situation; someone needed to hold the Fire Dragon back, or else the entire team would be wiped out.
“Can you really take it on alone?”
Karito looked at Yake. He was somewhat familiar with Yake’s strength—he was one of the chosen elites—but taking on a Fire Dragon alone was still a tall order.
“There’s no choice! None of us want to stay here, but someone has to step up. Karito, please take care of my family for me.”
Yake no longer hesitated, drawing his Sword and charging at the Fire Dragon.
“I’ll do it! I, Karito, will make sure to protect your family!”
Seeing Yake’s act of bravery, Karito vowed he would take good care of his family. After the other members extinguished the flames blocking the doorway, Karito bowed in respect to Yake, who was still entangled with the Fire Dragon, and then turned and ran out the large door.