Chapter 85: The Human Hunter [2]

I knew that this master was now up here in the undead base with Riel.

Riel's appearance on the 10th floor was a kind of hint thrown to the players.

Of course, because of the constraints of the covenant, that guy can't attack the humans on the lower floors first. But what if he's attacked first? He will mercilessly slaughter the humans.

In other words. If you choose to fight the undead, you will certainly die.

So it seems like you just need to avoid that choice, but 'There's a variable.'

Yes, there's a variable. Depending on how things have progressed, you might not be able to freely choose.

That's why I've checked all the flows so far. And I waited for the right moment.

"Hey, you rookies! How long are you going to stay out of it? Can't you come to your senses right now?"

Gwen, who had been sitting silently for a while, shouted with force. Only then did Kamian and Anette come to their senses. Although they still seemed to be affected by the shock.

"It's unfortunate for you, but today is a very important day. It's the day we must wage a desperate war to reclaim our stolen food source."

Gwen spoke gravely Not just Gwen, but everyone's eyes were filled with determination.

"What do you mean? The food source has been stolen?"

Kamian asked with a face that couldn't understand. If you don't know the situation here, it's naturally hard to understand. Gwen quickly began to explain.

-There is a unique swamp on the 10th floor where blue moss grows naturally. The residents call it the food source. Because it's practically the only fresh food.

-There are coincidentally three swamps.

-Each group has been living based on that food source.

-Therefore, the food source was essentially the main battleground of the power struggle. But until now, the food source had never been stolen. Because they had managed to protect it somehow.

However, a few days ago, a big incident occurred. They lost a battle and the undead took away the food source.

"Wait, do the undead also need a food source? Or is it just to finish off the humans?"

Kamian asked, frowning.

"Both. Even if they're undead, they can't maintain their form without energy. It's not always possible to hunt human and monster groups, so it's essential for them too. And they do want to finish off the human group."

Gwen answered. His words continued.

"Anyway, fortunately, you guys fell down here today. And it seems you can be a force to be used right away. It might be a sign of victory."

Hope.

They seemed to have found clear hope in us. Perhaps more so because we were not just ordinary people, but humans who seemed capable, holding swords and staves.

"Hoo, I understand. I'll do my best to help in any way I can."

Kamian's face was determined as if there was no other way.

"I'll help with all my strength too."

Anette also had a determined expression.

That left me alone. I could feel everyone's eyes on me. I calmly received their gaze.

Then I opened my mouth.

"May I ask just one thing?"

"Just leave him be, and he won't last a day before he's dead, not knowing his place!"

The atmosphere went from cold to freezing. As if fists would start flying at any moment. It was Gwen who calmed the situation.

"Stop!"

Gwen shouted with a voice that resonated powerfully. His voice had the strength to suppress others.

The residents, who had been talking with fierce faces, shut their mouths.

Indeed, it was Gwen, the strongest man and leader among the humans of the underground 10th floor. He gestured to me with his chin.

"Let's hear what you have to say. There must be a reason you spouted such words. Speak."

Gwen seemed to be in a bad mood as well.

But I didn't care. I wasn't intimidated at all. They might think they control the situation, but I had a card that could turn the tables.

"Well, it's simple. The very statement that there is an exit here but one can never leave is a blatant lie."

I spoke without hesitation. However, the reaction was different from before.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Gwen suddenly burst into laughter.

"Chuckle, I wondered what nonsense you were spouting."

"Ha ha, just a suspicious rat as always."

The residents behind also laughed as if they couldn't hold back.

"Why are you laughing and making a fuss?"

I asked, knowing full well the reason. It was a setup for the progression.

"Why laugh? Because the future is all too clear."

"What future do you see?"

"How many like you do you think we've dealt with? 10? 20? Far more, to the point of tedium. So we know very well how it will end. That's why we can only laugh..."

Gwen let out a scornful laugh.

"How will it end?"

I asked Gwen, looking straight at him without changing my expression. But to them, it seemed more like the last bluff of a rookie about to break. They still couldn't stop laughing.

"That's a very bad question."

Gwen stood up as if kicking his seat away. Then he said to one of his subordinates behind him.

"Go bring 'them'."

"Understood, boss."

The subordinate nodded and ran off somewhere. Gwen turned his gaze back to me.

"Follow me. Rookie."

With that, Gwen turned his back and led the way. The other residents followed him. Their actions implied that we had no choice but to follow.

Just as I was about to follow suit, Kamian hurriedly approached me.