Crazy Blood Demon

[Continuation of 2 main scenario

Tunnel Passages to the Main Room

Difficulty: E

Time limit: None

Reward: 300 coins

Penalty for failure: ????]

Bob's gaze settled on the quest, surprise flashing across his face. It seemed simple enough, but the reward felt underwhelming. He had been expecting something more substantial.

"What's the quest?" Remo asked, his voice curious.

Bob explained the quest to him.

"Pretty boring, huh? But there might be monsters along the way. And we don't know what's waiting for us in the main room," Remo commented.

Bob didn't respond immediately. Without hesitation, he turned in the opposite direction of the boss room, moving deeper into the unknown. The cold air of the tunnel greeted him like an old friend, the chill more comforting than uncomfortable. Bob had always preferred the cold to the heat.

With a thought, he accessed the shop. He could afford two uncommon skill boxes, but he decided to wait and think it through—perhaps he'd use the coins on a new sword, armour, or skill instead.

He selected a common skill box, spending

[2000 coins]

[Inventory slots enabled: 2/5]

[You opened a common skill box.]

[You have obtained the skill: Charge.]

Bob didn't take the time to check the skill's description. With potential danger lurking in the tunnel, he decided it was best to remain focused. He'd look at it later, once he was in a safer position.

His footsteps echoed loudly in the tunnel as he moved forward, the sound unnerving in the otherwise still darkness.

"Bob, wait a minute. I sense a strong aura," Remo suddenly spoke, urgency in his voice.

Bob hesitated, the tension mounting. He looked around, waiting for Remo to give further direction.

"Bang with all your might into the wall on your right!" Remo commanded.

Without question, Bob trusted Remo's guidance, understanding there was no time to doubt.

Bob turned to the wall, focused all his strength on his right arm, and struck with everything he had. The wall cracked under the force of the blow, and then it shattered completely. The debris turned to dust as his power tore through it, revealing a new tunnel, one that was shrouded in darkness.

[45 watchers are surprised at how you discovered this.]

Bob's body trembled from the exertion, and he collapsed to his knees, exhausted. His bloodshot eyes scanned the system message as he tried to steady his breathing.

He leaned against the wall, trying to recover from the brutal toll the skill had taken on him.

"Wow, what was that?" Remo echoed, his voice filled with awe.

Bob chuckled weakly, the pain evident in his laugh. "Heh, I bought a new Common Skill, but I was going to tell you about it later."

"Hmm, doesn't look too useful in a fight. Maybe only as a last-ditch move," Remo commented, his tone slightly amused.

Bob opened the system and checked the description of the new skill. His mana was running low, only 13/3 remaining, but he clicked on [Charge lvl:1].

[Charge]

Rarity: Common

Consumption: 10 mana

Level: 1

Affinity: Neutral Mana

This skill isn't popular among most people because it leaves you unable to fight afterwards, but it gives you an immense burst of strength in one part of your body. The side effects are brutal and painful.

[Next level: 50 XP]

Bob read the description carefully, noticing that the skill's description now included more detailed information, including the required XP for upgrades and the mana affinity.

"Remo, it says the skill is attuned to neutral mana. I didn't think I could use it," Bob said, slightly confused.

"Heh, I guess I forgot to mention it, but neutral mana can be used by anyone with mana. It's usually weaker than other affinities, but this skill doesn't seem weak at all," Remo replied, sounding impressed.

Bob pondered for a moment. He had 2000 XP but didn't want to waste it. The next upgrade required 8000 XP, which felt like a long way off.

He decided to upgrade the skill, seeing its potential and followed Remo's advice.

[Charge lvl: 1 -> level 2]

[Charge lvl: 2 -> level 3]

[Charge lvl: 3 -> level 4]

[Charge lvl: 4 -> level 5]

[Charge lvl: 5 -> level 6]

Bob felt the power surge within him as the skill upgraded. He now had only 500 XP left, but the increased strength was worth the cost.

Still, Bob didn't feel fully ready to enter the dark tunnel ahead.

"I've identified the aura. This is going to be quite a challenge," Remo warned. "It's a Pioneer Beginner aura."

Bob scowled, suspicion clouding his thoughts. "How do I know this isn't a trap? You're not trying to get rid of me, are you?"

A clap echoed in the tunnel, and then Addak appeared, his eerie smile wide and unsettling.

"I didn't know anyone would discover this, but this is a secret mini-boss," Addak said, his voice dripping with malice. "You can't die here. This monster is stronger than you. You're the most popular survivor, so go ahead and try. When the boss delivers the final blow, I'll stop him from killing you."

Addak's long, sharp claws snapped with a chilling sound as he spoke.

[Hidden Mini Boss]

Objective: Get to the mini-boss and kill him.

Difficulty: A

Time limit: None

Reward: ????

Penalty for failure: Nothing

And then, just as suddenly as he had appeared, Addak was gone.

Bob grinned, excitement filling him as he looked at the quest. Finally, some action.

He explained the situation to Remo, who wasn't surprised—he had expected something like this.

Taking a deep breath, Bob entered the tunnel. It was tight, older than the previous one, and filled with cracks. The stone walls seemed darker, and a cold shiver ran down his spine.

The tunnel stretched on until Bob finally saw the end—there was a large, round room, and in the centre of it, a red glow pulsated like a heartbeat.

As he stepped closer, the red glow solidified, revealing a hulking figure—a massive creature with dark, leathery skin and claws like jagged blades. Its eyes glowed a fiery red, set deep within a skull-shaped from shadows. Dark mist swirled around its body, adding to its menacing presence.

[29 watchers watch tensely]

Bob took a steadying breath, then drew his sword from his inventory. He gripped it tightly, ready for the battle ahead.

"All right, big guy," he muttered under his breath, the challenge lighting a fire within him. "Let's see what you've got."