Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Step. Step. Step.

Even as I walked silently through the cave, my mind was whirring furiously.

Lets reevaluate our party once more.

First, theres me, the regressor:

While my combat abilities rank among the top tier, the penalty that regresses me upon a mere injury significantly undermines my actual combat effectiveness.

Second is the enchantress with her unique ability:

Her explosion enchantments are incredibly useful, and in the last moments I remember, she was pulling out a piece of a wolfs heart, about to do something. The true value of her ability also needed to be ascertained.

Third, theres An Kyung-Joon:

He may fool around in the mirror room, but his physical strength seems formidable. The wooden spears he throws are imbued with terrifying force, and against golems, he wielded a spear of unique design.

Lastly, theres Kang Chan:

He can punch with a terrifying power along with a murderous intent.

...Interesting.

Among the four members, three were hiding their true selves.

I concealed the fact that I was a regressor, An Kyung-Joon hid the spirit that fought in his stead, and Kang Chan concealed the true nature of his ability. It wouldnt be strange to title this Players Hiding Their Strength squad.

Objectively speaking, we werent lacking in firepower. Kang Chans ability was conditional but nearly cheat-level in effectiveness, the enchantress was a versatile supporter capable of everything from long-range attacks to defense, and An Kyung-Joon was immensely powerful once he successfully let the spirit handle his body. Though, his intelligence seemed a bit lacking.

Thus, I decided to enact a plan that anyone sane would think of.

That is, to confront the golem head-on.

Now, everyone. Would you care to hear me out for a moment?

Just like in the previous iteration, An Kyung-Joon swiftly dealt with the wolf. We passed through the mirror maze without issue even with our eyes covered, and Kang Chan easily smashed through the trap corridor.

Aargh! Aaargh!

The problem was the fear room as usual, but having already experienced the unending regression even in death, I was somewhat desensitized to it, or perhaps the content of the fear had changed.

It was a nightmare where a deranged version of me was massacring acquaintances. Initially, it was agonizing to the point of tears and snot, but at some point, I managed to snap out of it. Probably because deep down, I believed this is just a trial.

...Have you awakened?

...We cleared it at the same time.

When I stood up, my eyes met with the tearful enchantress. Considering she had woken me up in the previous iteration, this was significant progress.

This metal... has the property of returning the impact when it is subjected to a certain level of shock.

Thus, once again, we found ourselves standing before the room housing the golem.

...Lets get ready. I can feel the energy from up ahead.

...Is it really that powerful?

Beyond what you can imagine. According to my Insight ability, it might be stronger than all of us combined.

The difference this time was that we were fully prepared to face the creature.

After bluffing about having a fictional Insight ability, I repeatedly emphasized the formidable strength of the golem ahead. Initially met with skepticism, the team eventually came to believe my words.

Kang Chan, please cover the rear...

Knowing the truth that Kang Chan was out of his element, he was positioned at the back.

Su-hee, prepare the wolfs heart in advance...

I had the enchantress ready, holding the finely chopped wolfs heart.

And, Kyung Joon, please get ready to fight. Seriously this time.

I encouraged An Kyung-Joon to bring out the spear with the elaborate design we had seen before, instead of his old wooden one.

Youve been injured. Regressing to the moment you first entered the floor 3-5.

Clunk.

The moment my foot touches the sleek stone floor, the sound of metal interlocking somewhere triggers, and precisely five arrows are shot toward my position.

In the previous iteration, I had leaped back to avoid them. This spot is just at the beginning of the trap corridor, with a safe zone behind. Theres no reason not to dodge backward.

Yet, I grit my teeth and twist my body.

Armed with a pair of shields taken from the room where weapons were first provided, I deflect the arrows coming from the sides. Lifting my left leg, I dodge an arrow aimed at my ankle, rotate my body by 90 degrees to avoid another targeting my ribs, and turn my head to escape an arrow aimed at my face.

Adopting a bizarre posture was necessary to block the arrows... but what mattered was the fact that I had dodged them.

...Haah.

I carefully step down, pressing my foot back onto the ground I had just tread.

Having observed the direction of the incoming arrows in the previous iteration, I could dodge them with relative ease. Its a good start, and I could rejoice at this promising beginning but...

...Damn.

Being the one who dodged, I could sense it. If I hadnt known, I wouldnt have been able to dodge. This wasnt something that could be managed with reflexes alone.

The arrows were too fast, their trajectories cunning, and they were nearly silent. Even someone with animalistic senses would struggle to navigate this trap.

Damn, damn...

For someone like me, who regresses upon the slightest injury, this is the worst possible trial. Yet, I take another step forward.

Clunk.

The sound of something locking into place is heard, and simultaneously, six arrows are launched. I managed to deflect two and instinctively dodged another two, but completely missed the remaining pair.

Whoosh!

Luckily, I acted quickly. The arrows hit parts of my body covered by leather armor enchanted with Iron Wall, and since they merely grazed rather than struck directly, the armor held up with just some damage.

Pant, pant, pant...

I mentally retraced the paths of the arrows I had just avoided and took another step, choosing my next position not at random but based on my own set of rules to minimize variables.

...Hmm.

This time, no sound followed. Was it a safe spot? Just as the tension in my mind began to ease slightly...

Thwack!

Ah!

An arrow, delayed in its release, struck my back, and I screamed, collapsing forward.

Youve been injured. Regressing to the moment you first entered the floor 3-5.

***

...Get up, greenhorn.

I didnt respond to Kang Chans words but shakily rose to my feet.

Its easy to understand what Im trying to do.

There are two places where Kang Chans power is needed.

But Kang Chan can only use his power once.

Therefore, one of these challenges must be overcome without Kang Chans power, purely on our own.

So... I will have to get through this damn trap corridor on my own.

I will navigate this arrow-ridden corridor without getting hit, not even once.

...Attempt two.

Even if it means regressing over and over again.

End of Chapter -

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