37 Book 3 Chapter 33

Jason's clothes were soaked in sweat as he gasped for breath. Collapsed on the ground next to him were the ones with the worst stamina: Roy, Carly, and Amara. Even with their stats, this was the result after running at full speed for three hours.

Jason couldn't help but curse Kresh in his mind. How was this a short distance? It felt like they crossed the entire floor! Alas, this was a difference in their physiques. Kresh had a much larger stride than humans, so his jogging speed was Jason's sprinting speed, not to mention the stat difference.

Amara cast a spell with the snap of her fingers. A small cloud appeared above their heads, the drizzle cooling their bodies. Jason groaned in satisfaction, "That's nice."

The group drank several bottles of water, and under the relaxing rain, they quickly recovered their stamina. Kresh eyed the cloud with curiosity before stating, "We here."

Jason followed Kresh's finger and found a small mountain in front of them. Unlike the rest of the death filled floor, the mountain was full of life. Foliage and trees covered the slopes, while a lake rested at the base. There were flat areas on the mountain, on which were various buildings. Stunningly, a mana barrier encompassed the entire mountain.

"Huh? Isn't that…?" Roy looked questioningly at Jason, who shrugged.

Jason was as baffled as the rest. Who were the ascenders here? Not only was there a tribe of neutral monsters, they even had access to ascender exclusive functions.

Kresh was filled with pride as he said, "Korata Mountain. Home."

After seeing Kresh enter harmlessly, Roy quickly followed suit, only to collide face-first into the wall. He clasped his nose and exclaimed, "Is this Schrodinger's wall?!"

Kresh scratched his head in confusion. He racked his brains for an answer, and only after searching every nook and cranny did his eyes light up. "I make mistake. Wait here."

Jason watched as Kresh ran further in, calm some minotaurs with bloodthirsty expressions, then sprint up the mountain. Roy gulped as the two unfamiliar minotaurs on the other side eyed them warily. Like Kresh, they boasted incredible health and levels.

Carly hid behind Jason. Her long-lost stutter found its way home as she quivered, "T-they won't k-k-k-ill us, will they?"

"No." Olivia thought for a hard minute, then added. "Maybe."

Carly's face paled as she imagined herself being eaten alive, or roasted over a campfire, or seasoned in a pot, or countless other scenarios.

Several minutes passed before Kresh returned with a companion. This minotaur was even taller than Kresh, and if you were familiar with minotaur anatomy, you'd realize these two had a similar appearance.

(Mutant) Minotaur Chieftain Dunk - Level 250

Health: 425,000/425,000

This was no skill, but purely the difference in stats.

After what felt like hours, Dunk opened his mouth. "Remove curse?"

"I can," Roy answered after a short delay.

"Hmph." Dunk snorted in disbelief. It was a normal reaction. The creatures before him had no runes.

"Dad. It true." Kresh pointed at his chest. "I fight demon. I kill, but poison. Was dying. Roy heal me. I live."

Dunk was full of worry and pride as he listened to his son's short story, but he still didn't let Jason and co inside. This matter was too important. As the chieftain, he couldn't let outsiders in so easily. It was his responsibility to protect the tribe.

"Roy," Olivia called out as she took a knife and made a nasty gash along her arm. She figured this was the best way to convince Dunk.

"Oi!" Roy exclaimed in fright as he cast a spell. The deep gash quickly vanished, showcasing the might of a healing skill.

Dunk's jaw fell at the sight. "Magic?"

"You know of magic?" Roy tilted his head in confusion. Based on Kresh's previous reactions, it seemed like magic was a foreign concept to him. Why did his dad behave differently?

"Magic rare. Not many." Dunk felt conflicted. He slew many demons, so he knew Jason's crew wasn't one of them. But allowing outsiders past the barrier? Dunk clenched his teeth and interacted with the air, much like how an ascender would. He turned. "Come."

Jason felt like he entered another world upon passing the barrier. The air inside was refreshing, and the breeze cool. Finding a place like this on the floor of death was like finding an oasis in the desert. It was a miracle.

Dunk led the group up the mountain. They passed by many minotaurs, all of whom gave curious looks. The children were about as large as an adult human, while the women boasted impressive muscles no worse than their male counterparts. Their buildings, on the other hand, were shabby and poorly built.

The minotaurs following behind stopped when they neared the top of the mountain. Jason noticed Dunk and Kresh grow solemn, and he wondered what awaited them at the peak.

Not long after he thought this, he found a worn-down hut overlooking the tribe. He couldn't sense anything inside. Glancing around, he appreciated the view before jumping in surprise when he met a pair of eyes.

(Mutant) Minotaur Lavos - Level 300

Health: 25,000/500,000

Not far away, on a flat boulder, sat an old minotaur. Shockingly, all four of his limbs were missing, leaving only stubs. A complex rune bound his entire body. More intriguing, however, was the old minotaur's eyes. They were bright and full of life. Not something you'd expect from someone so badly disabled.

Jason, Dubaku, and Shenlong exchanged a glance. This was the second time they couldn't sense someone with their awakened soul. The first was Commander Fox, who was an enigma. Now, the minotaur before them was the second.