Mã Pí Lèng Pass in Ha Giang
A road roughly 20 kilometers long with an average elevation of 1,200 - 1,600 meters, it is one of Vietnam's "four great mountain passes." Located on National Highway 4C connecting Đồng Văn and Mèo Vạc, the pass is defined by a sheer, vertical cliff on one side—standing tall like a gigantic fortress wall—and a bottomless abyss on the other, with the winding, azure Nho Quế River below, flowing like a silk ribbon. Its treacherous bends follow one after another, creating a scene of both majestic beauty and daunting challenge. But now, that beauty is shrouded in the gray of ruin and a terrifying silence. Jagged pieces of rock, withered trees, and the damp, rotting smell of decay permeate the air.
The two siblings, Nghĩa and Hoa, were making their way along the mountainside, their heavy footsteps imprinted on the rough, jagged rock. Hand in hand, they carefully navigated slippery slopes, avoiding deep cracks in the road. A light drizzle soaked their clothes, but the two continued on, crossing the old, moss-covered walls of abandoned homestays that were once filled with laughter. Now, only rotted window frames and a chilling silence remained. In the midst of this desolate landscape, they encountered two other players for the first time.
Their names were Nam and Lài.
Nam was a Defense-type warrior. He was tall and burly, with broad shoulders and coiled muscles hidden beneath a layer of makeshift leather armor. His face was stoic, with little expression, and his eyes always looked straight ahead with a resolute focus, as if he were too used to the dangers that lurked. Nam's skin was tanned by the sun and wind, his calloused hands deeply etched with small scars—a testament to a life lived in the mountains. He wore old but sturdy canvas shoes, each step firm and familiar with every rock and slope. His hair was neatly cut short, embodying the demeanor of a son of the mountains—a man of few words but decisive and trustworthy actions.
Lài was a Support-type girl. Her build was small but incredibly flexible and agile. Her eyes were large, round, and luminous, her skin tanned, and her long black hair was tied neatly in a high ponytail. Lài always had a gentle, friendly smile on her lips, especially when she reached out to help Ái Hoa navigate the difficult parts of the path. She wore a simple, thin indigo-colored jacket, but underneath was a traditional brocade outfit with intricate patterns, showcasing the skill and distinctive culture of a highland girl. Lài's voice was clear, with the timbre of a gurgling stream, and her movements on the treacherous terrain were nimble and natural, as if it were her own backyard. She carried a small brocade fabric pouch, which likely contained herbs and other items necessary for supporting her teammates—knowledge only those who grew up in nature would understand and know how to utilize.
Lài spoke first, her voice soft but containing a sense of honesty and experience:
"You can't survive alone," Lài said, as she split their meager portion of rice balls and gave half to Ái Hoa. These rice balls were undoubtedly precious in this post-apocalyptic world.
"We hunt by region. We know the geography and locations because we're locals. Going together might help you live a little longer, but at least you won't die alone. Besides, I can tell by looking at you that you haven't been through much. This place has no room for the naive."
Nghĩa was still a little wary, his eyes sizing up Lài and Nam. In this brutal world, trust was a luxury.
"What's the reason? We don't even know each other," Nghĩa asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Lài gave a mischievous wink, her smile growing even brighter.
"Because I like people who still ask that question. Haha. Besides, more people, more strength. This pass isn't just full of landslides anymore."
Hearing this, Ái Hoa blushed with embarrassment and quickly blurted out:
"Brother, that's rude!"
Nam, who had been silent up to that point, suddenly laughed. His laughter echoed in the silent air, carrying a rare warmth. He looked at Nghĩa, his voice low and firm:
"Lài is right. We need more support, and you need a guide. Don't worry, we won't harm you. Living here, we lack many things, but we don't lack humanity."
After resting, the group began moving toward Lào Cai. While passing through a section of ruins below a cliff…
The Battle – The Ruins and Armored Beast Unknowns
An ancient ruin, half-buried by rock, lay precariously below the mountainside. Gray slabs of rock were piled on top of each other, bearing the marks of time and destruction. The four of them stepped in, their feet treading lightly on the withered grass flattened against the ground. Not a bird chirped, not a breeze blew; the silence was bone-chilling, with only the sounds of their footsteps and ragged breathing. The System's voice rang out…
Ting!
[Warning: Unknown [Mutated Tiger] Level 6 x2]
From the deep, sprawling cliff face, two hideous creatures emerged from a cave in the middle of the cliffs. They then leaped down into the ruins. They had the appearance of giant tigers with fur that shimmered silver like steel armor, interspersed with the distinctive patterns of a normal tiger. Their bodies were long, with bulging muscles. Their claws glittered with a cold, metallic sheen in the dim light, their fangs were as long as a saber-toothed tiger's, and their eyes glowed red like embers, like bloodthirsty beasts.
Nghĩa gripped his weapon tightly, the blade shining with a cold, deadly glint. He said in a firm voice:
"Split up! Nam, hold the middle line, don't let them pass!"
"Hoa, hide—Lài, hide behind Nam and give support. Don't leave his circle!"
Nam let out a mighty roar, his brawny hand raising a large stone shield in front of him. He planted his feet in a stable stance. His breathing was steady, his eyes focused, quickly scanning every movement around him, ready to face any danger.
The first monster charged with terrifying speed, its pitch-black body slicing through the wind like a shadow, pouncing straight at Nam's large stone shield. The impact was earth-shattering, cracking the ground beneath their feet and sending fragments of rock flying. Nam let out a heavy grunt, but the shield held firm, unyielding.
Lài took a step back, her eyes fully focused as she raised both hands, setting up her familiar support circle. A luminous, emerald green aura spread through the area around her, as gentle as morning mist, slowly permeating Nam to help heal his wounds.
[Skill: Healing Circle – Restores 5 HP/second for 10 seconds to allies within range]
The second monster was incredibly cunning. Fast as lightning, it leaped between the jagged cliffs, its red eyes locked on its target. It bypassed Nam's defense and pounced straight toward Ái Hoa's hiding spot. Nghĩa saw it, and his heart stopped. Fury erupted in him, igniting a reckless fire.
"You want to die!" – Nghĩa roared, his voice echoing in the space, like the snarl of a cornered beast.
Without a moment's hesitation, Nghĩa charged like an arrow. The sharp dagger in his hand plunged deep into the Unknown's left eye, piercing straight into the Core buried deep in its head—a fatal weak point. A thick, black fluid splattered everywhere, giving off a vile, fishy stench. The monster let out a mournful shriek, writhing for a moment, its large legs clawing at the air in vain before it hit the ground with a thud, its body twitching a few more times before going completely still.
Meanwhile, Nam was still grappling with the first Unknown. He held his shield tight, blocking each of its thundering blows. Each time the shield slammed onto the rock, thick dust billowed up like a fog, creating a chaotic scene.
"I can hold it! Lài, heal me!" – Nam yelled, his voice hoarse from the effort.
Lài stood behind Nam, raising both hands to activate her healing skill again. Her face went pale from losing energy too quickly, but she still tried to maintain the skill.
She spoke, her voice weak:
"I'm… almost out of Mana!"
The Fateful Moment.
The first monster saw its comrade killed. It unexpectedly feigned a retreat, faking its attack direction to distract Nam. In that one moment of carelessness, it abruptly changed trajectory, leaping over Nam's head with incredible speed—attacking the space behind his shoulder.
Lài saw it. She didn't have time to scream a warning. She only had time to react instinctively, lunging forward.
"NAM! DUCK!"
She used all her strength to push Nam aside—and took the full force of the claw strike to her back. The sharp claws pierced straight through Lài, plunging through her chest. The monster's savage roar mingled with the horrifying sound of tearing flesh.
Lài fell, her body collapsing on the cold, rocky ground.
Nam froze. His eyes were lifeless, staring at Lài, his face white with horror and pain.
Nghĩa, who had just defeated the first monster, let out a mournful cry:
"NO!!!"
He scrambled, lunging forward. His dagger, without hesitation, plunged into the back of the Unknown's neck. The monster shrieked, thrashing wildly in agony.
Nam, his eyes bloodshot, gritted his teeth. Pain and rage erupted in him. He charged, pouring all his remaining strength into slamming his Large Stone Shield into the Unknown's head, finishing the monster with a fatal blow. Its head was crushed, the black, slimy fluid splattering onto Nam's face.
A cold message appeared before their eyes, a cruel confirmation of the harsh truth:
Ting!
[Your team has defeated: Unknown Level 6 – x2]
[Nghĩa leveled up to 6]
[Nam leveled up to 5]
[Lài is Deceased]
A Farewell in the Mountain Mist.
Nam silently picked up Lài. Her body was limp and cold. His arms held her tight, trembling, but his eyes were empty and lifeless. Two lines of tears fell unintentionally, even though he tried to hold back his sobs.
Not a single cry of grief, not a single pathetic scream rang out. Only a terrifying silence enveloped the space…
At the base of an old, large tree, Nam began to dig a hole with his bare hands. Blood was still dripping from his unbandaged wounds. He ignored it and continued to dig. No one stopped him. No one said a word. Everyone bowed their heads, a sorrowful and heavy atmosphere filling the air.
Nam placed Lài's body down in the hole, carefully adjusting the hair tie that had come loose from her hair.
Ái Hoa knelt, silently clasping her hands in prayer amid her quiet sobs. Nghĩa bowed his head, his eyes red. Nam finally spoke, his voice trembling as he tried to hold back his tears:
"She said… if she died, not to let… her death be… meaningless. At least… before… we die… we have to do something… so we… have no regrets."
He said no more. Everyone understood.
The mist covered the pass again. The gray, rocky path remained silent, as if swallowing the pain and loss of those who were still alive…
Character Status: Nam – Defense-type Warrior
* Level: 5
* Occupation: Tank
* Title: Village Gatekeeper
* Overall Rating: Rank A+
Current Stats:
* Attack: 153
* Defense: 163
* Agility: 156
* Spirit: 153
* Mana: 150
* HP: 2000
* Physical Resistance: 10%
* Elemental Resistance: 5%
Skills:
* Brace: Increases Defense and reduces knockback.
* Fortify: Reduces the effects of knockback and knock-up.
Equipment:
* Large Stone Shield (Grade C): +25 Defense, with the "Brace" skill.
* Makeshift Hardened Leather Armor: Light physical resistance.