This S.O.B. System - Chapter 87

Daphne finally found a new one. She had already killed one of most everything in the area and received their Spirit. A dog thing, a giant centipede, even an eerily scary squirrel that helped her climb. All of them now added to her collection she had plenty of options. This monster was some kind of turtle. She cast Identification. 

Kishki Tortoise 

Level 15

Apparently they were on the planet Kishki. Her spirits all shared the moniker. Of course it had been annoying to find them all. Especially those that didn’t want to be found. Most monsters weren’t like the Lions and stayed holed up. But she wanted to catch ‘em all. 

The Tortoise was a good 9 feet tall. The top of the shell was at least. It resembled a snapping turtle to her. Beak like mouth, ugly warts on its head. The feet had long blades at the elbows and talons on the end that flattened on the soil. 

Suddenly it started stomping its clawed feet. Kicking up dust she realized it was bedding down right there. Close to dark she got ready. She looked over to Charlotte who was in simple green robes across the way. The beautiful young blonde nodded her head confirming they were the only ones there. 

Daphne cast her Kishki Lion Spirit Form. A white aura surrounded her. The aura resembled the first lion she had killed. Long drooping ears. Long tail and extended mouth. From inside the aura she felt the mana leak out. Her fingers now ended in long claws. 

With a powerful leap she was within the dust cloud. The tortoise barely had time to react as her hand swiped at its neck. Her white aura claw slowly followed after her hand and sliced a gash in its neck. Red blood gushed out and it screeched at her. 

Before the beast could do anything she was to it’s side. Trying to slash at the front leg. They were tougher as her aura only bounced off. Tsking she jumped back out of view. Charlotte started her psychic attack blanketing the area in fear. 

This was a bad move as the tortoise simply dug down deeper. “Not fear you dumb bitch,” Daphne yelled. “Confidence. Make it think it can take me.”

“It probably could take you, you old bat,” Charlotte yelled back but the feelings in the area changed to confidence. Daphne felt her chest swell ready to finish this. The tortoise stopped digging and growled at her. She was confident so far away but then it’s head shot out of the shell. 

Almost 15 feet the head just kept going. Daphne was shocked as she pictured it from the side. She was about to be eaten by a giant dick. The same way Anita said she would die. The beak of the Tortoise closed in. Before it reached her it’s eyes rolled up in its head and the head dropped. 

She caught herself and looked forward to see Arnold come out of his invisibility. His long blade in hand he had sliced the tortoise’s head off at the extended neck. 

“You asshole!” Daphne yelled coming out of the bushes. “I had it,” she complained. 

“I told you, you weren’t ready,” he said. His voice sounded robotic from the mask. “Levels mean something.”

“I don’t give a shit,” she said. “It’s for my collection.”

“You have enough forms,” he said. “Come on. Meeting time.” He turned around and headed out of the crater. Charlotte came up and shrugged. They followed while Daphne grumbled. She had to give the killing blow to a monster to get their Spirit. 

They had found out pretty quickly the craters on their planets were caused by the Boss level giant Colossi that wandered aimlessly. They were lucky to find some caves after Arnold killed the inhabitants. When they were out of the group of trees they started to run. 

Daphne was now level 12. She had adapted well to the whole ordeal. Some of the participants had realized that the Hard Tutorial was kind of hard. Awakening weak Systems they hung around the caves and did the grunt work. Everyone received the quest to find survivors and after 3 weeks they had gathered about 200 people. They were all spread out over 100s of miles. Arnold assured them there were a good 300 out there somewhere. 

“I need the tortoise to finish my collection!” Daphne yelled as she caught up to him. 

“There’s more than tortoises out there. I found a new group. They mentioned giant birds where they came from,” he said. 

“Really?!” Daphne had been looking for birds. She really wanted to fly. “Help me get one of those and I’ll let you have my ass,” she promised. 

He chuckled. “You’d let me do it anyway,” he said. She barked a laugh. It had taken her 2 weeks to seduce him. One of her hardest conquests. He was in his 20s. And she thought he was hot as hell. He hadn’t talked much at first, but he warmed up to her. 

“She would,” Charlotte said, gasping for breath. They were close to the rocks so they slowed down. 

“Shut up you psychic,” Daphne said. She pictured Asher fucking Charlotte while his girlfriend called her a dirty whore. 

Charlotte stumbled. “Stop that,” she pleaded. 

Daphne smiled happily. Though they fought, she really did like the blonde. She was one of the few that put up with her shit. “Someone you should meet from the new group,” Arnold said but he wouldn’t explain. 

As they stepped through the high jagged rocks that protected them from the giants they walked passed tents and piles of firewood. People littered the area. Close to dark most were back from their own expeditions.At the center of a group of people he sat there on a log. 

“Dad!” Daphne yelled running up to him. Before she knew it she was crying as he stood and held her. That familiar scent of cigar smoke didn’t waft off him. He was actually there in front of her instead of in a monster’s belly like she imagined. “You were supposed to take the Easy Tutorial,” she said as her tears pressed into his shirt. 

“I forgot,” he said. “Who are you again?” He asked. She drew her head back to look at him. He had a confused look on his face but then burst out laughing. 

“You fucking old bastard,” she grumbled pushing him away. 

“You young bitch,” he said with a smile. She thought he looked good. A little dirty but some wrinkles had disappeared on his face, and she thought some of his hair was back. 

“What happened?” She asked. Others around them dispersed as Daphne took him to her spot around the fire. 

“Well I clicked yes on the hard tutorial. But the System auto assigned my level 1 stats to Intelligence and Wisdom since I was judged unable to. Then my mind just woke up. I remembered everything, even stuff you said about the System. I was with these old bastards and we kind of fought our way here.” He pointed to a few new faces. They were the other old people she left him with. 

“Sorry I’ve been such a pain in the ass the last few years,” he said. 

“I’m used to it,” she said with a wide grin. Happy tears dripped from her eyes. 

“What about you? What have you been up to?” 

She was about to answer but Arnold stepped up. “Sorry to interrupt,” he said. “Again people, I am your Instructor. If you have questions I will do my best to answer them. Thanks to Henry and his group.” Arnold nodded to her dad. “We number 221 out of the 543 left. There are still plenty out there. We have 70 days left, people. I know game is getting scarce around here. But Henry and his people found high mountains to the East. There are giant birds and other new monsters. I’m going to propose we move there.”

There were a few murmurs but Arnold ignored them. “The Colossi are more prominent here. And mountains would be immune to them.”

“There could be bigger monsters there,” one of the whiny women cut in. 

“Yes. Which means more levels,” Arnold said. “The System is trying to challenge us. Once we are ready it will send us after the Colossi. I’m not saying we have to all move. Those that want to stay can. We could make this an outpost. But with more people means more mouths. And trust me, we will want to save our Syscos for after the Tutorial,” some more people asked a few questions but they all agreed to hold the vote the next day. With that they dispersed.

“This Instructor any good?” Her dad asked. 

“Yep,” she said. “He’s my boyfriend.” Her dad rolled his eyes. He never liked her boyfriends. She laughed at his reaction. 

—

Zora wiped yellow blood off of her sword with an old shirt. The giant snake writhed around her in 2 pieces. When it stopped twitching she cut off the meatiest part and made it disappear into her ring. The others finished their own kills and made sections disappear as well. 

She had been lucky to find all 3 of her best friends alive. Galina hefted her own large sword and shot her a thumbs up. Tijana groaned as she got up, having been knocked down she had stabbed the snake in the mouth when it tried to bite her. 

“Are we done for the day?” Jabari asked. Her dark skin glistened with sweat. 

Zora nodded. Sheathing her sword they pushed through the jungle brush. Most everything around them was now lower level. Zora had fought everyday for 3 weeks and now she was level 14. The strongest in their group after the Instructor. Her friends had also jumped in levels and were either level 12 or 13. 

Their planet was mostly jungle. Snakes, frogs, giant bugs, and most every annoying and venomous creature was there. With them were also the demons or, the Kujala, as they preferred to be called. They all looked like demons to her. 

There had been a few skirmishes with them. Zora had killed almost 10 herself now. Then their Instructor had found the Omiauris and Omnivox skill with a merchant. They only cost 100 Syscos and since everyone received 50 for surviving each day, most everyone had it. 

“Zora,” a disheveled boy said, running up to her. He was one of only a few men in their camp. Barely 16 he had been their runner since Zora saved his life from a giant frog. 

“What’s up Nash?” She asked, never slowing. 

“The Kujala requested another meeting.”

“Again? Those fuckers find more people?” Galina asked. She was extremely ruthless with them. Apparently she had appeared with 2 men on the planet and the demons killed the men and took her. Who knows what would have happened if Zora didn’t step in. 

“Not sure. I was just told to find you,” he said. They were soon running toward their camp. It had taken some getting used to, running everywhere, but since they had so many levels it became easy. 

Their camp was on the top of a hill. Trees all around they had felled many and made stakes in the ground around the perimeter. Most items were cheap with their Syscos. They had plenty of tents and other amenities. 

The Kujala had killed most of the men they found, and kidnapped the women. It had taken a lot of prisoner exchange to get them back, but since they could talk together now it wasn’t impossible. Now they were 226 out of the 431 still left on the planet, that is if it hadn’t dropped since Zora talked to the Instructor last. 

Their Instructor was the old Group Leader from the diner they found themselves in in Denver. Lenette was a sour old woman that ran the camp and mostly taught. Happy with her level of 10, Zora was quickly the strongest. Everyone looked to her. 

“What now?” Zora asked Lenette. 

“That wiry gray fucker group wants to meet,” Lenette grumbled. 

“Zaenet?” Tijana asked. 

“That one. His group has some information to sell,” she said. “He’s all snake, but hasn’t lied yet.” The Kujala had 2 camps. One to the Northwest, one the Northeast. Apparently they were from different tribes on their planet so they didn’t get along. One was run by a big red demon and the other by a skinny gray one. Zora hadn’t really gotten to know them well enough to learn the different species from their planet, so they referred to them by color. Most of the names were hard to pronounce anyway. All Latin sounding and otherworldly. 

“Let’s go,” Zora said. Soon 10 of them were walking. 2 of the 15 males in the camp and the rest women. They were 2 full groups and their best fighters. Brutus, a big warrior, ran the other group. She was his opposite, small and petite, but they got along. 

A few miles away they met at their agreed upon spot. It was a break in the trees. A Hunter had his new monster tiger pet sniff the area, but there appeared to be no issues. Zaenet and his other 9 stepped out of the trees. 

They ranged between coal black, to sickly gray, to dark red. Zora’s Identification didn’t tell Systems yet, but she recognized a Succubus and Incubus in the group. Most ranged from level 9 to 14. A big part of Zora was happy that she was one of the highest level. 

“Zaenet,” Zora said. “What can I help you with?”

“Zora,” he hissed. “I wish to help you. We have found a dungeon portal. I simply wish to sell you the location.”

Zora was intrigued by that. There were some murmurs around them. “What’s the catch?” Zora asked. 

“Nothing major. Only, no one has escaped yet,” he said with a pointy tooth grin. 

They huddled together. “Could be a trap,” Lenette said. 

“Could be. But a dungeon in a Tutorial could be worth it. No one’s found one,” Galina commented. 

There were some more arguments but in the end they agreed. “How much?” Zora asked. 

“500 Syscos,” the gray man said. Zora hissed but nodded. 

“Need a contract? I’m not paying till I see it,” she said. 

“Between friends like us? No,” he hissed again. She shivered but hid it. 

They agreed to all go together. It was almost night by the time they came to the black portal. It was hidden beside a cave. “Know anything about it?” Zora asked. 

“We wouldn’t know where to start,” one of the demons admitted. 

“There are Dungeoneer Systems, and if your Identification is high enough you can tell,” she admitted to them. That appeared to be news to them. 

“No, only a few have ventured in. It’s been 2 days since the last, and no response.”

Zora nodded and sent him the 500 Syscos. “If it gets conquered it might disappear,” she warned, but there were no complaints. The demon’s Sysco rewards depended on monsters killed, so the humans often had more than them. As game was becoming scarce they all wanted as many Syscos as possible. While her camp had deals with the demons. The demon tribes still fought whenever they met. 

“Well since I paid, I’m going first,” Zora said. Since she already had plenty of accessories she hadn’t needed to buy much, so Zora had the most Syscos. The other group tried to say something but she cut them off. “Could still be a trap. I’ve been told most dungeons you can exit after entering. We will go in. If we can, we will leave. If not, give us 24 hours.” She didn’t broadcast that she knew Asher. Most had heard she came from the Community Guild. As the leading experts pre-Initialization most took what she said as fact. 

The other team promised to stay and watch at least through the night. Her team of girls looked to one another, but none said they wanted to stay out. Lenette made up their 5th. 

“Let’s do it,” Zora said and with a prayer stepped in. 

—

Joon ran ahead. There was labored breathing behind her as the group of 300 trailed. They weren’t the only ones that had made it so far. Many had split off to do their own thing through the trials. She didn’t blame them, many would die, but a few she recognized from the future. Not everyone could follow. They were still 401. A far cry from the last time. She had heard by this point there were only 100 left. 

The green Users were quickly becoming stronger. There were a few massacres, like the acid pool and the deadly game of red light green light with the gargoyles, but everyone left mostly trusted her. 

At another junction she turned left again. They had been in the maze for 24 hours now. At the center had been a safe zone, but she knew they were being timed. The quicker they got out the more XP they got. 

A trap door opened under her feet. Instantly she cast a portal under her and appeared at the front of the group. They stopped instantly. The trap door was 20 feet across. Too far to jump. She looked to one of her many elite women, Petra. She rolled her eyes and stepped up. From her hands large vines exploded out. 

Because they were always watched by the sponsors Joon had to step back most of the time. They preferred it when the Initiates did the work. The vine bridge was soon complete and they were running across it. After a few more turns she got the notification. 

People breathed in with relief, but none were out of breath. She called a short break and people gladly sat down. They pulled out water and food from storage rings. Though she warned them they would become a lot cheaper soon, she couldn’t blame them for wanting their own. A few random rewards had given people some, and after that they all wanted them. She had made sure to designate one person as their merchant and it didn’t take long for them to level the skill. 

“What’s next?” Camila asked. She was Joon’s right hand in the group. All of her select few were women. 

“No idea,” Joon said. “The next test.”

“How long are we going to do this?” Someone asked. 

“A lot of you have plenty of Syscos,” she said. “You can survive right here. I doubt anyone will find you. Me? I like experience. This 5,000 is a drop in the bucket.” No one said anything. She knew a few were too afraid to be left alone. “When we get to the 10th floor we should arrive on a new planet. The new planet will be a lot harder though. So if you want to hole up I’d do it now before we run into other species.”

“You keep saying other species, but we haven’t seen any yet.”

“Because we are going so much faster,” Joon said with a smile. “Trust me. They’ll show. Especially on the other planet. But if we are lucky we can steal all the good Trial Dungeons,” she promised. Most all of them had a fighting System and were doing well. They were all level 15 since they did the same trials. Joon was now level 24. It was a slow leveling process for her now, but when they got past level 10 she would be able to speed up her process. 

“Alright. Onto the next one,” she said. There were plenty of groans. Another person had tried to kill her a week ago, but she beat him so bad no one bothered to try again. Joon knew they either had fear or respect for her, she didn’t care which. 

Down the hallway they arrived in a large dome. At least 400 feet across and 100 feet up. She gulped as she studied the iron bar doors in front of them. 

This was their first time fighting monsters. “Alright people, weapons out. If you didn’t buy one, do it now. This is gonna be a long 24 hours. Aim for necks and joints. They’ll probably start with weak stuff like goblins, but giants aren’t out of the question. You, hurry up, this test won’t wait for any of us.”

Daphne finally found a new one. She had already killed one of most everything in the area and received their Spirit. A dog thing, a giant centipede, even an eerily scary squirrel that helped her climb. All of them now added to her collection she had plenty of options. This monster was some kind of turtle. She cast Identification. Kishki Tortoise Level 15 Apparently they were on the planet Kishki. Her spirits all shared the moniker. Of course it had been annoying to find them all. Especially those that didn't want to be found. Most monsters weren't like the Lions and stayed holed up. But she wanted to catch em all. The Tortoise was a good 9 feet tall. The top of the shell was at least. It resembled a snapping turtle to her. Beak like mouth, ugly warts on its head. The feet had long blades at the elbows and talons on the end that flattened on the soil. Suddenly it started stomping its clawed feet. Kicking up dust she realized it was bedding down right there. Close to dark she got ready. She looked over to Charlotte who was in simple green robes across the way. The beautiful young blonde nodded her head confirming they were the only ones there. Daphne cast her Kishki Lion Spirit Form. A white aura surrounded her. The aura resembled the first lion she had killed. Long drooping ears. Long tail and extended mouth. From inside the aura she felt the mana leak out. Her fingers now ended in long claws. With a powerful leap she was within the dust cloud. The tortoise barely had time to react as her hand swiped at its neck. Her white aura claw slowly followed after her hand and sliced a gash in its neck. Red blood gushed out and it screeched at her. Before the beast could do anything she was to it's side. Trying to slash at the front leg. They were tougher as her aura only bounced off. Tsking she jumped back out of view. Charlotte started her psychic attack blanketing the area in fear. This was a bad move as the tortoise simply dug down deeper. Not fear you dumb bitch, Daphne yelled. Confidence. Make it think it can take me. It probably could take you, you old bat, Charlotte yelled back but the feelings in the area changed to confidence. Daphne felt her chest swell ready to finish this. The tortoise stopped digging and growled at her. She was confident so far away but then it's head shot out of the shell. Almost 15 feet the head just kept going. Daphne was shocked as she pictured it from the side. She was about to be eaten by a giant dick. The same way Anita said she would die. The beak of the Tortoise closed in. Before it reached her it's eyes rolled up in its head and the head dropped. She caught herself and looked forward to see Arnold come out of his invisibility. His long blade in hand he had sliced the tortoise's head off at the extended neck. You asshole! Daphne yelled coming out of the bushes. I had it, she complained. I told you, you weren't ready, he said. His voice sounded robotic from the mask. Levels mean something. I don't give a shit, she said. It's for my collection. You have enough forms, he said. Come on. Meeting time. He turned around and headed out of the crater. Charlotte came up and shrugged. They followed while Daphne grumbled. She had to give the killing blow to a monster to get their Spirit. They had found out pretty quickly the craters on their planets were caused by the Boss level giant Colossi that wandered aimlessly. They were lucky to find some caves after Arnold killed the inhabitants. When they were out of the group of trees they started to run. Daphne was now level 12. She had adapted well to the whole ordeal. Some of the participants had realized that the Hard Tutorial was kind of hard. Awakening weak Systems they hung around the caves and did the grunt work. Everyone received the quest to find survivors and after 3 weeks they had gathered about 200 people. They were all spread out over 100s of miles. Arnold assured them there were a good 300 out there somewhere. I need the tortoise to finish my collection! Daphne yelled as she caught up to him. There's more than tortoises out there. I found a new group. They mentioned giant birds where they came from, he said. Really?! Daphne had been looking for birds. She really wanted to fly. Help me get one of those and I'll let you have my ass, she promised. He chuckled. You'd let me do it anyway, he said. She barked a laugh. It had taken her 2 weeks to seduce him. One of her hardest conquests. He was in his 20s. And she thought he was hot as hell. He hadn't talked much at first, but he warmed up to her. She would, Charlotte said, gasping for breath. They were close to the rocks so they slowed down. Shut up you psychic, Daphne said. She pictured Asher fucking Charlotte while his girlfriend called her a dirty whore. Charlotte stumbled. Stop that, she pleaded. Daphne smiled happily. Though they fought, she really did like the blonde. She was one of the few that put up with her shit. Someone you should meet from the new group, Arnold said but he wouldn't explain. As they stepped through the high jagged rocks that protected them from the giants they walked passed tents and piles of firewood. People littered the area. Close to dark most were back from their own expeditions.At the center of a group of people he sat there on a log. Dad! Daphne yelled running up to him. Before she knew it she was crying as he stood and held her. That familiar scent of cigar smoke didn't waft off him. He was actually there in front of her instead of in a monster's belly like she imagined. You were supposed to take the Easy Tutorial, she said as her tears pressed into his shirt. I forgot, he said. Who are you again? He asked. She drew her head back to look at him. He had a confused look on his face but then burst out laughing. You fucking old bastard, she grumbled pushing him away. You young bitch, he said with a smile. She thought he looked good. A little dirty but some wrinkles had disappeared on his face, and she thought some of his hair was back. What happened? She asked. Others around them dispersed as Daphne took him to her spot around the fire. Well I clicked yes on the hard tutorial. But the System auto assigned my level 1 stats to Intelligence and Wisdom since I was judged unable to. Then my mind just woke up. I remembered everything, even stuff you said about the System. I was with these old bastards and we kind of fought our way here. He pointed to a few new faces. They were the other old people she left him with. Sorry I've been such a pain in the ass the last few years, he said. I'm used to it, she said with a wide grin. Happy tears dripped from her eyes. What about you? What have you been up to? She was about to answer but Arnold stepped up. Sorry to interrupt, he said. Again people, I am your Instructor. If you have questions I will do my best to answer them. Thanks to Henry and his group. Arnold nodded to her dad. We number 221 out of the 543 left. There are still plenty out there. We have 70 days left, people. I know game is getting scarce around here. But Henry and his people found high mountains to the East. There are giant birds and other new monsters. I'm going to propose we move there. There were a few murmurs but Arnold ignored them. The Colossi are more prominent here. And mountains would be immune to them. There could be bigger monsters there, one of the whiny women cut in. Yes. Which means more levels, Arnold said. The System is trying to challenge us. Once we are ready it will send us after the Colossi. I'm not saying we have to all move. Those that want to stay can. We could make this an outpost. But with more people means more mouths. And trust me, we will want to save our Syscos for after the Tutorial, some more people asked a few questions but they all agreed to hold the vote the next day. With that they dispersed. This Instructor any good? Her dad asked. Yep, she said. He's my boyfriend. Her dad rolled his eyes. He never liked her boyfriends. She laughed at his reaction. Zora wiped yellow blood off of her sword with an old shirt. The giant snake writhed around her in 2 pieces. When it stopped twitching she cut off the meatiest part and made it disappear into her ring. The others finished their own kills and made sections disappear as well. She had been lucky to find all 3 of her best friends alive. Galina hefted her own large sword and shot her a thumbs up. Tijana groaned as she got up, having been knocked down she had stabbed the snake in the mouth when it tried to bite her. Are we done for the day? Jabari asked. Her dark skin glistened with sweat. Zora nodded. Sheathing her sword they pushed through the jungle brush. Most everything around them was now lower level. Zora had fought everyday for 3 weeks and now she was level 14. The strongest in their group after the Instructor. Her friends had also jumped in levels and were either level 12 or 13. Their planet was mostly jungle. Snakes, frogs, giant bugs, and most every annoying and venomous creature was there. With them were also the demons or, the Kujala, as they preferred to be called. They all looked like demons to her. There had been a few skirmishes with them. Zora had killed almost 10 herself now. Then their Instructor had found the Omiauris and Omnivox skill with a merchant. They only cost 100 Syscos and since everyone received 50 for surviving each day, most everyone had it. Zora, a disheveled boy said, running up to her. He was one of only a few men in their camp. Barely 16 he had been their runner since Zora saved his life from a giant frog. What's up Nash? She asked, never slowing. The Kujala requested another meeting. Again? Those fuckers find more people? Galina asked. She was extremely ruthless with them. Apparently she had appeared with 2 men on the planet and the demons killed the men and took her. Who knows what would have happened if Zora didn't step in. Not sure. I was just told to find you, he said. They were soon running toward their camp. It had taken some getting used to, running everywhere, but since they had so many levels it became easy. Their camp was on the top of a hill. Trees all around they had felled many and made stakes in the ground around the perimeter. Most items were cheap with their Syscos. They had plenty of tents and other amenities. The Kujala had killed most of the men they found, and kidnapped the women. It had taken a lot of prisoner exchange to get them back, but since they could talk together now it wasn't impossible. Now they were 226 out of the 431 still left on the planet, that is if it hadn't dropped since Zora talked to the Instructor last. Their Instructor was the old Group Leader from the diner they found themselves in in Denver. Lenette was a sour old woman that ran the camp and mostly taught. Happy with her level of 10, Zora was quickly the strongest. Everyone looked to her. What now? Zora asked Lenette. That wiry gray fucker group wants to meet, Lenette grumbled. Zaenet? Tijana asked. That one. His group has some information to sell, she said. He's all snake, but hasn't lied yet. The Kujala had 2 camps. One to the Northwest, one the Northeast. Apparently they were from different tribes on their planet so they didn't get along. One was run by a big red demon and the other by a skinny gray one. Zora hadn't really gotten to know them well enough to learn the different species from their planet, so they referred to them by color. Most of the names were hard to pronounce anyway. All Latin sounding and otherworldly. Let's go, Zora said. Soon 10 of them were walking. 2 of the 15 males in the camp and the rest women. They were 2 full groups and their best fighters. Brutus, a big warrior, ran the other group. She was his opposite, small and petite, but they got along. A few miles away they met at their agreed upon spot. It was a break in the trees. A Hunter had his new monster tiger pet sniff the area, but there appeared to be no issues. Zaenet and his other 9 stepped out of the trees. They ranged between coal black, to sickly gray, to dark red. Zora's Identification didn't tell Systems yet, but she recognized a Succubus and Incubus in the group. Most ranged from level 9 to 14. A big part of Zora was happy that she was one of the highest level. Zaenet, Zora said. What can I help you with? Zora, he hissed. I wish to help you. We have found a dungeon portal. I simply wish to sell you the location. Zora was intrigued by that. There were some murmurs around them. What's the catch? Zora asked. Nothing major. Only, no one has escaped yet, he said with a pointy tooth grin. They huddled together. Could be a trap, Lenette said. Could be. But a dungeon in a Tutorial could be worth it. No one's found one, Galina commented. There were some more arguments but in the end they agreed. How much? Zora asked. 500 Syscos, the gray man said. Zora hissed but nodded. Need a contract? I'm not paying till I see it, she said. Between friends like us? No, he hissed again. She shivered but hid it. They agreed to all go together. It was almost night by the time they came to the black portal. It was hidden beside a cave. Know anything about it? Zora asked. We wouldn't know where to start, one of the demons admitted. There are Dungeoneer Systems, and if your Identification is high enough you can tell, she admitted to them. That appeared to be news to them. No, only a few have ventured in. It's been 2 days since the last, and no response. Zora nodded and sent him the 500 Syscos. If it gets conquered it might disappear, she warned, but there were no complaints. The demon's Sysco rewards depended on monsters killed, so the humans often had more than them. As game was becoming scarce they all wanted as many Syscos as possible. While her camp had deals with the demons. The demon tribes still fought whenever they met. Well since I paid, I'm going first, Zora said. Since she already had plenty of accessories she hadn't needed to buy much, so Zora had the most Syscos. The other group tried to say something but she cut them off. Could still be a trap. I've been told most dungeons you can exit after entering. We will go in. If we can, we will leave. If not, give us 24 hours. She didn't broadcast that she knew Asher. Most had heard she came from the Community Guild. As the leading experts pre-Initialization most took what she said as fact. The other team promised to stay and watch at least through the night. Her team of girls looked to one another, but none said they wanted to stay out. Lenette made up their 5th. Let's do it, Zora said and with a prayer stepped in. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE TRIAL OF HONOR Current Challengers: 7/10 Time Limit: N/A Exit Restricted until completion Trial Rewards: ????? ????? ????? Joon ran ahead. There was labored breathing behind her as the group of 300 trailed. They weren't the only ones that had made it so far. Many had split off to do their own thing through the trials. She didn't blame them, many would die, but a few she recognized from the future. Not everyone could follow. They were still 401. A far cry from the last time. She had heard by this point there were only 100 left. The green Users were quickly becoming stronger. There were a few massacres, like the acid pool and the deadly game of red light green light with the gargoyles, but everyone left mostly trusted her. At another junction she turned left again. They had been in the maze for 24 hours now. At the center had been a safe zone, but she knew they were being timed. The quicker they got out the more XP they got. A trap door opened under her feet. Instantly she cast a portal under her and appeared at the front of the group. They stopped instantly. The trap door was 20 feet across. Too far to jump. She looked to one of her many elite women, Petra. She rolled her eyes and stepped up. From her hands large vines exploded out. Because they were always watched by the sponsors Joon had to step back most of the time. They preferred it when the Initiates did the work. The vine bridge was soon complete and they were running across it. After a few more turns she got the notification. Congratulations for Passing the Test of Mazes Rewards 5,000 Experience Max Heal Potion 30 Syscos People breathed in with relief, but none were out of breath. She called a short break and people gladly sat down. They pulled out water and food from storage rings. Though she warned them they would become a lot cheaper soon, she couldn't blame them for wanting their own. A few random rewards had given people some, and after that they all wanted them. She had made sure to designate one person as their merchant and it didn't take long for them to level the skill. What's next? Camila asked. She was Joon's right hand in the group. All of her select few were women. No idea, Joon said. The next test. How long are we going to do this? Someone asked. A lot of you have plenty of Syscos, she said. You can survive right here. I doubt anyone will find you. Me? I like experience. This 5,000 is a drop in the bucket. No one said anything. She knew a few were too afraid to be left alone. When we get to the 10th floor we should arrive on a new planet. The new planet will be a lot harder though. So if you want to hole up I'd do it now before we run into other species. You keep saying other species, but we haven't seen any yet. Because we are going so much faster, Joon said with a smile. Trust me. They'll show. Especially on the other planet. But if we are lucky we can steal all the good Trial Dungeons, she promised. Most all of them had a fighting System and were doing well. They were all level 15 since they did the same trials. Joon was now level 24. It was a slow leveling process for her now, but when they got past level 10 she would be able to speed up her process. Alright. Onto the next one, she said. There were plenty of groans. Another person had tried to kill her a week ago, but she beat him so bad no one bothered to try again. Joon knew they either had fear or respect for her, she didn't care which. Down the hallway they arrived in a large dome. At least 400 feet across and 100 feet up. She gulped as she studied the iron bar doors in front of them. Test of Grit Defeat Monsters Time Limit: 24 Hours Rewards: ???? ???? This was their first time fighting monsters. Alright people, weapons out. If you didn't buy one, do it now. This is gonna be a long 24 hours. Aim for necks and joints. They'll probably start with weak stuff like goblins, but giants aren't out of the question. You, hurry up, this test won't wait for any of us.