Zack stood with his hood pulled low, a dagger gripped in his hand, arms raised awkwardly like some bizarre peace offering. His hybrid priest-assassin aura somehow made the entire situation feel both dangerous and ridiculous.
Haze held her daggers at the ready, her expression unreadable while IrisVale's gaze sharpened, her voice slicing through the thick tension.
IrisVale: "She glanced at her friend… what are your thoughts on this guy?"
Haze blinked in response, tilting her head slightly.
Haze: "…About who? …The one with the dagger, dressed in black, claiming he's a priest?"
IrisVale: "Yes! Doesn't he give you… you know…that same sort of feeling?"
Haze paused for a brief moment, a memory flashing through her mind, the ridiculous marriage proposal her father had tried to impose on her in real life.
Haze: "…You mean… the 'something feels off' vibe?"
Iris nodded, her voice serious yet tinged with humor.
IrisVale: "Exactly. Like… all the alarm bells are going off. But somehow, he's just standing there, smiling or perhaps hooded smirking and acting like everything's fine."
Haze's lips curled, a mix of amusement and skepticism.
Haze: "I'm not sure… erratic, maybe a bit unhinged. Sounds… familiar, honestly."
Zack, unaware of the comparison they were making, shrugged slightly, dagger still in his grip.
Zack: "I'm right here, you know"
IrisVale: "Yeah, that's the issue"
Haze stifled a laugh, glancing back and forth between the two.
She thought to herself, both are Priests… But how could this guy even be in the same class as Iris? Are Priests supposed to be this powerful in the game?
Haze whispered, "So, what's the verdict? Do we recruit him? or run before he chooses to 'heal' us to oblivion?"
IrisVale: "He claims to be a priest. But something about him screams, I've definitely committed a crime in another life"
Zack raised an eyebrow, "Only one?"
For a brief moment, even Haze went silent. Then—
Haze (thinking to herself): "…Mm. Certified lunatic, confirmed."
Zack crouched next to the defeated red players, the fog swirling around him while the loot faintly sparkled in the moist air. One after another, system alerts emerged in front of him.
[Venomfang Ring]
+3 Agility | +30 HP | +30 MP
Effect: 10% chance to boost agility by +10 per attack (2 stacks).
[Wispbinder's Staff]
Passive: Heal efficiency increased by 20%, Wisdom +15.
Skill Scroll: (Priest) — Momentum Shift
Effect: Instantly resets the cooldown of the non-ultimate skill used. Cooldown: 90 sec.
Description: A rare technique that allows one to manipulate rhythm and tempo mid-battle.
Zack's gaze lingered on the scroll. Even at first glance, he could tell it was exceptionally rare. the type of item that could turn the tide of an entire fight if utilized correctly.
Without hesitation, he clicked [Use]
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, more like the stillness after a fiercely fought rhythm. Finally, Zack broke the silence.
Zack: "You two have good synergy. Want to team up for a bit? We could delve deeper into this zone."
Haze looked up, her expression impossible to read behind the shadow of her hood. IrisVale tilted her head, intrigued.
If someone else had suggested it, they might have declined without hesitation, duo'ing had been perfectly effective for them thus far.
However, something about this priest's calm assurance and the fact that he'd appeared out of nowhere to assist them against those PKers — gave them pause.
After a quick glance at one another, IrisVale opened her menu and tapped Invite to Party.
A soft ding rang out as the notification appeared before Zack's eyes.
[You have joined the party]
Zack accepted with a faint grin. Their HUDs updated instantly.
[Zack – Priest, Lv. 3]
Both girls exchanged a quick glance, then pulled up their party menus almost at the same time to see his info.
Haze: "This guy really is… a priest?"
IrisVale: " but….. how come his damage so high?"
Haze's eyes narrowed slightly.
The name "Zack" rang a bell — something she'd read in the system logs earlier.
Then it clicked.
Haze: "…Wait— now that I think about it, you're the one with all those first dungeon clear announcement?"
IrisVale: "Oh, right! The dungeon clear and the boss-firsts! on the Global Announcements earlier!"
Zack scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, feeling a little embarrassed by his unexpected rise to fame.
Zack: "Yeah. That was me"
Both girls exchanged a silent look, part disbelief, part realization. The player who'd already made global announcements before most had even left beginner zones was standing casually in front of them like it was nothing.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then IrisVale muttered, half to herself.
IrisVale: "Do we have to be that crazy to make announcements like that?"
Zack chuckled softly, the sound quiet and dry, almost like he found her question amusing in its honesty.
Still, curiosity got the better of them.
IrisVale: "How come you're so strong even at level 3?
Zack: "Achievement rewards" he said simply. "Some titles grant bonus stats. You can stack them if you're lucky and consistent."
Both girls blinked, realization dawning. They'd skipped most early challenges to farm safely, not realizing what they'd missed.
Haze: "So… titles give real bonuses. That explains a lot"
IrisVale: "Yeah… that's actually really helpful. Thanks"
Zack gave a faint, easy smile.
Zack: "Sure, don't ignore achievements, some titles can seriously shift your build, even early game."
He wasn't even that experienced himself, but the moment they praised him, the words just started flowing.
Fame was a dangerous thing, it made him sound like a veteran when he definitely wasn't.
IrisVale: "Makes sense. Still… my setup's all support. Buffs, heals, purify, nothing to actually hit with."
Zack shrugged casually.
Zack: "What more could a priest ask for?"
The look he got from both girls said it all.
He wasn't, of course, a pure priest. In truth, he leaned far closer to a mage.
Zack (smirking): "Okay, okay. Let's move. I'll take care of support and some damage dealing, while Haze focuses on tanking and cleanup."
Haze: "...Sure."
Hours passed as they pushed deeper into the marsh, targeting stronger monsters—
Fen Howlers and Marsh Lurkers, level 6–7 monsters with thicker hides and nastier poison debuffs. Their teamwork grew sharper with each fight:
[Fen Howler – Lv. 6]
HP: 980 / 980
Skill: Venom Fang — inflicts Poison (–35 HP/sec for 10 sec).
Haze flitted in and out, taking advantage of openings.
IrisVale provided buffs and healing support.
Zack supported them with Divine Barrier and powerful bursts of magic from his hybrid form.
You have vanquished [Marsh Lurker]
+150 EXP
As the moonlight glimmered over the fog, the trio found themselves in front of an ancient stone gate, partially submerged in the swamp.
Moss encircled its borders and faint blue runes flickered weakly along the arch.
[Dungeon Discovered: Ruins of the Deep Marsh]
(Recommended Level: 3-5 | Party Size: 5)
The notification disappeared, leaving them enveloped in the stillness of the marsh.
Zack frowned as he read the details.
Zack: "It says five players are recommended. We're down two."
He glanced over at the two girls.
Zack: "Do you know anyone else who might want to join us?"
Both of them shook their heads in unison.
Zack let out a sigh and opened his friends list.
[Friends Online: 0]
The menu quickly closed.
He turned back to the girls, his expression shifting to one of determination.
Zack: "Here's the plan. Before others catch up in levels and equipment, we should tackle this first. It could net us a first-clear bonus, extra stats or possibly a rare title. It's worth a try."
Haze's eyes sparkled slightly.
Haze: "And if we fail?"
Zack: "Then we can retreat, gather resources nearby and join a random group to try again later. No risk involved."
IrisVale adjusted her hold on her staff and agreed with a nod. "Sounds reasonable. I'm in."
Haze's smirk reappeared. "Let's make it happen, the first clear is ours"
Zack's lips formed a smile as he gestured towards the rune-engraved gate.
System Prompt: Enter Dungeon: [Ruins of the Deep Marsh]?
Confirm – Yes / No
The trio shared one last glance — filled with excitement, anxiety and the subtle thrill of exploration, before selecting Yes.
Bonus for First Arrivals: +50% EXP | +20% Drop Rate
The trio walked through the luminous archway, momentarily enveloped by light before reappearing in the damp gloom of the dungeon. The walls glinted softly, adorned with moss and rune-veins that pulsed with a faint blue glow.
Zack promptly raised his hand to activate his skill.
Skill: Detect (just 20% short to next lvl)
→ No monsters detected nearby.
Zack: "Clear for the moment. Let's advance."
Their footsteps reverberated over the fractured stone as they delved deeper. Soon, distant growls rumbled ahead, low and menacing.
[Crypt-Venom: – Lv. 6]
HP: 960 / 960
Skills: Poison Slash, Venom Cloud (AoE , DoT)
Haze: "I've got aggro."
She lunged forward, blades glinting green in the dim light, her blows chaining critical hits as she sliced through the creature's side.
IrisVale: "Blessing active, stay close!"
A warm aura surrounded them, her Blessing of Vitalis enhancing Defense and Regen.
Zack: "Barrier's up"
Skill: Divine Barrier (Proficiency: 45% – absorbs 200 damage for 10 sec).
Zack's shining shield flared just as the Crypt Venom unleashed a wave, neutralizing the initial poison blast.
Chain lightning. -580 HP
The absurd damage spikes that occurred whenever Zack cast a spell had now become routine for them.
With this pattern established, they pushed through each chamber.
Haze maintaining aggro, IrisVale providing buffs and healing, while Zack seamlessly switched between support and offense.
When enemies clustered too closely, his spells illuminated the darkness:
Skill: Chain Lightning (Lv. 1 Proficiency: 40%)
Skill: Ice Lance (Lv. 1 Proficiency: 55%)
Zack paused for a moment before deciding to check his inventory. Several luminous icons flickered in his loot tab; most acquired from the red players he'd defeated earlier.
Zack: "Alright… loot check. Anyone interested in these?"
He waved his wrist, projecting the item windows before them.
[Venomfang Ring]
+3 Agility | +30 HP | +30 MP
Effect: 10% chance to boost agility by +10 per attack (2 stacks). Effect: 10% chance on attack to gain +10 Agility for 10s (stacks twice).
[Wispbinder's Staff]
Rarity: Uncommon
+15 Wisdom
Passive: Enhances all healing effects by 20%.
[Venomous Dagger – Lv. 4]
Attack Power: 60–70
Special Effect: Applies Poison to the target. Inflicts 30% of the user's Attack Power per second for 10 seconds, stackable up to 5 times (increases by 5% per stack, maximum stack: 50% Attack Power, duration extends to 20 seconds).
Duration increases to 20s at full stacks.
Zack: "I'm offering this—gold" Before Zack had the chance to deliver his sales pitch.
Haze: "Deal."
Without hesitation, she accepted the trade. The system chimed:
[Transaction Complete — +25 Gold]
Then the notification flashed— +25 Gold Received.
He froze for a moment. That was significantly more than he had anticipated. He hadn't really considered profit, maybe a few coins or a future favor.
But twenty-five?
He blinked, muttering quietly under his breath, "...Did I just get overpaid?"
Haze simply smirked, crossing her arms. "Think of it as interest for leading us through."
Certified whales - Gold barely held value for them; it was merely another resource, he mused.
Zack exhaled softly, shaking his head again, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
He wasn't about to argue with that kind of generosity. At least she's funding my next upgrade, he thought, closing the trade window with a quiet grin.
Haze handed over the Wispbinder's Staff without a second thought.
IrisVale's eyes widened as the stats updated on her screen, her mana bar stretched noticeably longer and her healing efficiency spiked.
"Whoa… this is so much better" she breathed, practically glowing.
Zack turned just in time to see her beaming at him, that unmistakable loot-hungry priest look that practically said so, what else you got, mister generous?
He sighed faintly, expression unreadable. "No" he muttered, turning toward the next corridor.
Inside though, he couldn't help the faint sting of regret. If I had a few more drops like that. I'd already be swimming in whale money.
[Mini-Boss: Ruin's Warden – Lv. 6]
HP: 4,200
Skills: Swamp Slam (AoE), Toxic Roar (Poison + Defense Down)
The Warden's massive figure emerged from the muck, chains scraping against the ground.
Haze: "I'm pulling!"
Her daggers shimmered as she grabbed the enemy's attention.
The battle was tumultuous, but with Iris's steady healing and Zack's alternating Barrier–Ice Lance–Heal sequence, they took down the Warden in just a few minutes.
Mini-Boss Vanquished! +320 EXP
The trio ventured further into the dungeon's inundated recesses, torches flickering on the moist stone walls.
After fending off waves of Fen Howlers, Marsh Lurkers, Marsh Creepers, Sludge Imps, Mire Serpents, Wraiths and Toxic Myconids, they finally arrived at a spacious, circular chamber.
By the time they cleared the area, Zack had reached level 4, devoting all his points to intelligence.
[Character Status – Zack | Priest | Level 4]
HP: 390 / 390
MP: 460 / 460
Magic Attack Power: 205-212 | INT: 70
The group advanced deeper into the dungeon.
The constricted corridors opened up into a vast chamber, its roof swallowed by darkness. Bioluminescent moss clung to the rough stone walls, casting an unhealthy green glow that shimmered over stagnant puddles.
The atmosphere was oppressive— damp, metallic and heavy with the scent of rot. Water dripped persistently from the rocky ceiling, each drop resonating like a ticking metronome.
The ground beneath their feet was yielding, sinking slightly with each step and the subtle movements under the murky waters hinted they were not alone.
Suddenly, a low tremor reverberated through the chamber.
From the dark pool in the center, bubbles began to rise and burst audibly. The water churned wildly and something enormous began to move beneath the surface.
A flash of amber light pierced the surface; then two brilliant eyes opened wide.
Sludge and moss fell away as the huge, toad-like creature rose from the pool, each movement creating crashing waves against the stone.
[Boss: Mirelord Gorgath – Lv. 8]
HP: 10,000 | Element: Poison / Earth
With a deep croak that shook their bones, the Mirelord slammed its forelimbs into the ground, spraying corrosive slime in every direction.
The battle had already begun.