Virus King [Translation]

At this point, Novak no longer viewed even nightmare dungeons, such as the one at Red Star Mental Hospital, as particularly challenging—unless their level was exceedingly high. That said, he couldn't deny the significant benefits these dungeons provided.

The gold coins he currently possessed were largely the result of walkthrough videos for these Secret Realms. Although, with the progression of the apocalypse, more strategy videos were gradually emerging. Countless evolutionaries had grown accustomed to this practice, and for dungeons within their local area, most wouldn't hesitate to spend a copper coin to access the guides.

However, there were only ten Nightmare dungeons across all of Kepler, aside from the Cooling Incinerator he had previously cleared and the Red Star Mental Hospital.

Meanwhile, in the Vinland Country, a team of over 40 people was attempting to clear the Nightmare dungeon. Fortunately, this Secret Realm had no limit on the number of participants allowed, or passing it would have been nearly impossible.

At this stage, it was clear that nightmare-level dungeons still captivated the attention of countless individuals.

Upon receiving Meimei's private chat, Novak immediately checked with the group.

As expected:

[I'm Really Not a Sword Fairy]: @Meimei, Meimei, what did White Emperor say!? Does he have time!?

[White Emperor]: What dungeon is it? Tell me first. If it takes too long, I won't go. I've got another job transfer task.

[I'm Really Not a Sword Fairy]: It'll be quick!

With that, he sent over a screenshot. Novak paused for a moment as he looked at it:

[Secret Realm Dungeon: Somi-masen Mountain Road (Exclusive Nightmare-Level Dungeon)]

[The road to Somi is treacherous, and it's as hard to ascend as reaching the heavens! An ancient immortal mountain has re-emerged. Though the mountain no longer bears the traces of immortals, many miraculous items remain, awaiting discovery by future successors. However, those who are not chosen by the mountain cannot enter. This long and perilous road serves as the greatest test for its inheritors!]

[Entry Requirements]: Limited to evolutionary 'Clare Celaena (ID: 098)' and up to four team members. The team must all be level 10 or below!

---

Somi-masen Mountain Road!? 

This dungeon's name was unlike anything Novak had encountered before. Moreover, it was truly an exclusive dungeon—a secret realm belonging solely to 'I'm Really Not a Sword Fairy.' 

No wonder she was so anxious. Could it be that in his previous life, she failed to find other evolutionaries to help and rushed in alone, only to die in the process? Otherwise, how else could her abilities have gone unnoticed?

Somi's approval? Could this be another hidden mystery of Kepler? Just hearing the name suggested it was anything but ordinary.

With this thought, Novak sent a message:

[White Emperor]: Let's form a team! Me, Meimei, Clare—who else is joining? Or are we still rolling?

[Crow]: @I'm Really Not a Sword Fairy, make an offer!

[King of Thunder]: I'm in, I'm in!

[Overlord]: Is it finally time to start rolling?!

[…]

Upon hearing the news, especially that it was a nightmare-level dungeon led by Novak himself, everyone suddenly felt wide awake. But soon, a piece of information shattered their excitement.

[Truth Teller]: Well, Clare has already made an agreement with me. This time, I'll be going with her.

[Dahen]: Damn, you cunning monk!

[Overlord]: Big Sister, whatever the monk paid, I'll double it!

[I'm Really Not a Sword Fairy]: It's not about the money. This time, it's an exclusive Secret Realm, and his abilities match perfectly with it. So… next time! Next time for sure!

Since the team was already set, Meimei didn't waste any time and quickly drew a dream totem for the group. Novak was already familiar with the process, and after informing Yuzuru and Kaguya, he slowly fell into a deep sleep, guided by the dream totem.

The dream world felt indistinguishable from reality.

However, the villa they were previously in had completely transformed, now replaced by a small hut nestled deep within an expansive mountain range. At that moment, a series of illusory lights and shadows began to appear.

It was just a dream, after all.

Two more figures emerged from the dreamscape. One was a man in his twenties, a figure of some fame during the apocalypse in Novak's previous life.

If he remember correctly, his name is Miroku Maitreya.

He had dark, medium-length hair tied back in a small ponytail, with a few loose bangs framing his face. His attire resembled that of a monk—a black inner robe layered with purple and black robes, and a long sash draped over one shoulder, adding an air of mystique. He didn't quite have the carefree look of a hermit, yet there was something monk-like about his presence.

The other figure was a tall, slender woman with a graceful, athletic build. Her short, light blonde hair framed her face sharply, and she wore similar attire, though hers was modified for battle. On her back, she carried a sheathed longsword.

A sword!

Novak admired such protagonist-like weapons but knew they didn't quite suit his fighting style.

"White Emperor, I finally get to see you!" Clare exclaimed, nearly rushing over. Novak glanced at her, feeling speechless. Why were all these high-tier talent evolutionaries acting like excited fanboys/girls? It was a bit embarrassing.

"Alright, let's focus on the dungeon," Novak said, steering the conversation back on track.

"Ah, yes! This is actually a special mission I stumbled upon. When the apocalypse hit, I figured the city was too dangerous, so I moved to the nearby forest to avoid zombies and practice my sword skills. That's when I discovered a massive mountain I had never seen before! When I approached it, the Cosmic Will informed me that I met the conditions, which triggered the Secret Realm quest for Somi-masen Mountain Road!"

"That simple?" 

Novak raised an eyebrow, eyeing Clare skeptically. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Can you show me your talent?"

Perhaps out of trust or simply her easygoing nature, Clare didn't hesitate. She immediately shared his talent with the group.

[Sword Immortal (S)]: When using sword equipment, you can harness sword energy! The power of the sword energy is determined by your own spiritual strength, and the success rate of creating new sword techniques increases. Each time you create a sword technique, all of your attributes increase! The value of the increase corresponds to the level of the swordsmanship.

This talent…