Task…
Luceris immediately checked her interface. Sure enough, at the bottom of the dungeon information screen, a task list had appeared.
[Basic Task]
Objective:Enter the Ruins Desert region, locate an underground passage, destroy at least one Goblin stronghold, and eliminate no fewer than 50 Goblin monsters.
Time Limit: 10 hours
Mission Reward: Goblin Chieftain's Staff
Note: Only players who complete all the tasks will qualify to participate in the final boss battle.
The conditions weren't too harsh. Ten hours was ample time—certainly enough.
But even so, the mere thought of facing goblins sent a chill down Luceris's spine.
These creatures—worse than any troll or corrupted beast—weren't just hideous; they were vicious, brutal, and cruel beyond measure. For novice female adventurers, goblins were nightmares incarnate.
Countless rookies had been scarred by their encounters, haunted ever since by the trauma.
Nearby, Galen Skylar's eyelids twitched. She scowled."My task is… 'escort the piglet home.' Seriously? What kind of ridiculous low-level quest is that? This is humiliating!"
At that, Luceris and Celene Sirra exchanged glances—and couldn't help but chuckle.
Galen sighed, exasperated, and turned to Celene. "Alright then, what about you? What's your task?"
Celene looked bashful. "It's… um… heading into the desert to destroy a Goblin stronghold."
Luceris's eyes lit up. "We have the same mission!"
"Really? Then let's go together!" Celene said, her eyes sparkling with relief.
Galen waved a hand dismissively. "Fine, I'll tag along. I can search for the pig along the way. We've got ten hours—it's plenty. Killing goblins takes priority."
And just like that, the group found their common goal.
They set off from the grassy plains, heading straight for the desolate Ruins Desert.
Other adventurers nearby watched in surprise.
"Should we head into the desert too?" one asked.
"I don't mind," another replied. "But didn't your quest involve catching lizards here?"
"That can wait. If you're not in a rush, I'd rather help with yours first."
Everyone had their own thoughts—but eventually, many followed the same path into the desert.
The moment they crossed into the region, the temperature dropped drastically. The biting wind stung their faces like sharp blades.
"Damn, it's freezing!"
"This has to be what they mean by 'two different worlds!'"
"It's normal—deserts have massive temperature swings between day and night."
"I think my bladder just froze…"
Shivering, the adventurers quickly employed various skills and artifacts to generate warmth.
Meanwhile, outside the dungeon instance…
A large crowd still remained outside, waiting for powerful figures to appear—individuals capable of projecting visions from within the dungeon to those observing.
Though nearly ten thousand had entered, the show outside was just beginning.
Suddenly—
The atmosphere stirred.
One by one, formidable figures arrived, radiating overwhelming power.
Some wielded massive swords, clad in crimson armor that pulsed with heat. Their eyes burned with ruthless intensity.
Others arrived riding monstrous beasts, their presence enough to terrify even seasoned warriors.
A few descended like meteors, wrapped in flames that split the sky.
Each entrance was more theatrical than the last.
The dungeon square no longer felt like a simple staging area—but a grand stage for an epic spectacle.
Despite their restrained manner, their sheer energy spoke volumes.
"I didn't expect this dungeon to draw such elite attention!"
"Martial Saint University, Apocalypse Academy, Veld College, the Demonic War Guild—even the Black Serpent Assault Squad is here!"
"Those people are all seasoned pros. Some are over level 100… maybe even 200!"
"This is insane! These are the top players in the entire region!"
"Look! That's Robert—Vice President of Martial Saint University! And her—Sierre, the famous Demoness of Veld Academy! Over there, it's Juan, the Heavenly Demon from the Demonic War Guild!"
"This feels less like a dungeon raid and more like the opening ceremony of an elite league tournament!"
The crowd stirred with excitement.
These powerhouses were widely known across the professional community. Whether or not they'd met in person, they were all familiar with one another's reputations.
Those with mutual recognition exchanged polite nods. Old acquaintances, however, greeted each other with open jabs and sarcasm.
"Hah! Robert, your bald head is still as blinding as ever. Not even your fourth class change could save your scalp, huh?" a plump old man cackled.
Robertcalmly touched the polished dome of his head, unfazed."I heard you failed your miracle dungeon run and vanished in the Black Dragon Mountains. Honestly, I thought you'd died out there. Guess you're just too stubborn to stay dead."
"Careful, bald donkey. Are you trying to pick a fight?" the old man snapped.
"Afraid of you? Last time was a draw. Let's see how your so-called 'Star-Shattering Overlord' class holds up now!"
"Hmph! As if I'd fear a brute with nothing but fists. Witness the might of the Holy Dragon Envoy—Tianlong Strike!"
"Tornado Obliterates Parking Lot!"
Just as the two were about to clash, a flurry of others rushed in to stop them.
If two warriors at level 200 fought here, the entire dungeon square could be reduced to rubble.
Even their casual strolls required notice to avoid international incidents.
The tension slowly eased as both men pulled back—though their glares still crackled with unresolved rivalry.
Everyone watching let out a collective breath of relief.
Then—
A woman stepped forward.
Clad in a fitted cheongsam, her hourglass figure moved with captivating grace. Her peach-like waist swayed gently as she walked.
Her low-cut attire revealed hints of snowy skin, drawing countless hungry stares and flushed faces.
She was Solenne Virel, an elder of Veld Academy and a level 151 master of spatial arts.
Her role today was to commune with the dungeon's will—and project its internal view for everyone outside to see.
"Principal Robert, Principal Nard," she said sweetly, voice soft as spring rain. "We're all here to learn and observe, not cause a scene. There will be plenty of time to settle old scores after the recruit selection."
Her words carried an inexplicable charm that tugged at even the most iron-willed minds.
The two old rivals, red-faced, looked away sheepishly. Even at their age, her presence was unsettling.
What a dangerous woman…
Smiling mysteriously, Solenne Virel didn't press further. She raised one hand, conjuring a glowing orb that soared into the air.
The orb shimmered and merged with the dungeon's will—creating a massive projection in the sky.
And then—
Scenes from within the dungeon began to unfold for all to see.