Every step Ryan and Denzel took was a battle of willpower. The blizzard howled like a banshee, battering their bodies as they trudged through the waist-high snow. It felt less like walking and more like swimming through ice.
Somehow—likely through sheer stubbornness—they reached the cave entrance without turning into human popsicles. As they stepped inside, the cold was replaced with a surprising warmth.
"For once, actual rocks," Ryan said, eyes sparkling as he touched the cave walls.
Denzel raised an eyebrow. "Told you this was the one."
Unlike the previous ice-carved tunnels, this cave was formed from solid rock. They unpacked and peeled off their heavy coats, revealing their upgraded dungeon gear.
Denzel's Gear
Black Leather Set (B-rank)
+40 AURA, +50 AGI, +30 ATA, +30 DEF
Passive: Muffles noise and lightens movement
Visual: Black leather, steel-toe boots, and gloves with glowing blue gems.
Ryan's Gear
Storm Warden Set (B-rank)
+50 MP, +50 AURA, +60 ATA
Passive: Boosts spell casting speed and attack potency
Visual: Black and yellow with a glowing white glove on his left hand and electric soles in his boots.
Both stared at the massive luggage they'd been lugging around.
"So… where are we putting these this time?" Ryan asked, already dreading the answer.
"I got this. System Inventory, open."
A black vortex appeared and sucked in all their bags.
Ryan's jaw dropped. "Denzel... so you're telling me we've been dragging those car-sized bags this whole time when you could've just... done that?! My back is ruined, man!"
"Technically, yes. But hey—look at these gains," Denzel flexed.
"One more word and I swear—" Ryan bit his tongue. "I'll get you back for this, mark my words."
They stretched their sore bodies, groaning as joints popped, then headed deeper into the cave, bickering as usual.
A distant sound echoed through the stone corridor.
"You hear that?" Ryan asked.
"Sounds like a waterfall," Denzel replied, tilting his head. "That shouldn't be down here…"
"We've got company," Denzel added, eyes narrowing.
A low growl bounced off the walls. The source? A pack of angry, red-eyed, dog-sized bunnies.
"More of these damn things?" Ryan sighed. "I wanted a boss fight, not Easter gone wrong."
[Monster Identified: Ice Bunny]
Rank: C
Level: 35–38
Habitat: Icy Plains (20th Floor)
Weakness: Magic-based attacks
Abilities: Ice balls, super speed
There were twelve of them, snarling and foaming at the mouth. But Ryan and Denzel didn't flinch.
Ryan lifted his left hand. Sparks crackled. He channeled plasma into the air, shaping sharp lightning rods with precision.
With a sharp motion, he brought his hand down—ZAP! Twelve rods pierced through fur and flesh. The bunnies dropped like thunderstruck dominoes.
"Guess that's dinner sorted," Ryan muttered.
"That wall looks suspicious," Ryan said, pointing at what seemed like a dead end.
"I got it." Denzel's eyes glowed green as wind energy gathered around him.
"Wind Break!"
The wall shattered, revealing a hidden chamber beyond.
What they saw defied logic.
An entire ecosystem—lush, green trees, vines, even a flowing waterfall—thrived within the underground cavern.
"The hell…?" Ryan blinked.
Denzel was equally stunned. [This never existed in my past life...]
"Let's turn back. This screams cursed forest," Ryan said, already taking a step back. "Are you even listening?!"
"Chillax. What's the worst that could happen?" Denzel said with a grin.
Ryan grimaced. Every time Denzel said that, something definitely happened.
The air here was fresh, warm, and humid—so different from the icy hell they'd been stuck in. The two slowly ventured further into the forest, surrounded by tall trees and echoing silence.
No monsters. No birds. Not even bugs.
Just... emptiness.
"Denzel, we've been walking for ages, and there's nothing—Denzel? Denzel?!"
Ryan spun around.
No trace of him.
No sound. No warning. He was gone.
Meanwhile, Denzel found himself alone, standing before a crumbling ruin blanketed in moss and roots. A strange energy pulsed from the stones.
The structure had long been claimed by nature, but its presence was undeniable. Ancient. Eerie. Dangerous.
"What the hell is this place…" he muttered, taking a step forward.
END OF CHAPTER