NoveLight ™
Long ago, there existed a kingdom. It was a prosperous realm, yet it suffered from one particular nuisance: a monster with thirteen legs that caused havoc day after day.
One fateful day, a sorcerer named Nianbah defeated the beast. The king was so impressed that he made the sorcerer a hero. All of the kingdom’s people praised Nianbah’s name, until one day, Prince Dalnerion became envious of the sorcerer’s glory.
[You have entered the Dungeon ‘Ancient Minotaur Lair’.]
[Warning: Your party’s average stats are below the recommended level.]
As my eyes opened, I took in the sight before me. The dungeon was a dark, damp cave, littered with primitive totems and scattered animal bones, a fitting lair for beastfolk.
We’d been prepared for the warning message. Our party members’ focus was instead on something else.
“A story dungeon? This one’s going to get a lot of views when we post it.”
“Are we the first ones here?”
“If not, I’ll just make sure they won’t be for long.”
“Ah…”
Story dungeons were one of the greatest treasures of the New Continent. The first clear was notoriously difficult but promised unparalleled rewards compared to regular dungeons. Once cleared, it transformed into a regular dungeon, leaving everyone else with a diluted experience.
For streamers like Sulbbang and Eldrin, this was a golden opportunity. Exclusive content always guaranteed views. Previous story dungeon clears had always garnered high engagement.
As the scout, I took the lead. Our first encounter: three minotaurs.
“Three enemies. Two warriors, one archer. I’ll handle the archer when we engage.”
I quickly informed the group of the enemy’s composition. These minotaurs were not like the usual mobs outside. With their advanced AI, they could execute tactical maneuvers, making them formidable foes.
[You are granted the Blessing of the Wind.]
[All action speed increased by 10%, movement speed by 15%.]
[Caster: Sanse]
As I scaled the wall, Sulbbang’s greatsword clashed with the minotaur’s axe, the metallic clang echoing throughout the cave. Though he started strong, the encounter didn’t end well. The minotaur’s off-tempo strike broke through, disrupting his parry.
His guard gauge held, but there was something concerning: his wrist flinched. Even with his lower sensitivity, he should have felt the strain.
“Damn it! My guard’s going to break on the next hit!”
“I’ve got the shield ready!”
Sure enough, on the next attack, his defense shattered. Sanse quickly cast a shield, while Turkel’s berserker covered him. A fiery explosion flashed, courtesy of Eldrin’s magic.
Despite appearances, this was a seasoned party. We wouldn’t go down easily. I focused on my role, staying unseen, and climbed across the ceiling to approach the archer from behind.
'That’s less of an arrow and more like a spear.'
The archer, seemingly built for the minotaur’s size, aimed a massive arrow. One hit would be a one-way ticket to respawn. Before it could fire, I needed to act.
Eldrin’s flames gave me a window, and I descended as the archer aimed at Sanse. My dagger pierced its neck just as it let loose.
The arrow veered off course, missing us entirely. With both legs, I wrapped around the minotaur’s neck, beginning a wild ride.
Or perhaps a rodeo was a better term.
“Pfft. Not a bad thrill.”
I ensured the minotaur couldn’t call for reinforcements by slashing at its throat. The hide was tough, as resistant as chain mail. Still, I kept at it, digging my dagger into its neck.
When it started thrashing, I tightened my grip. The swaying made my view spin, and my hips were rocked back and forth. As it reached back to grab me, I jumped off, raking its spine with my blade as I descended to the ground.
'If I get grabbed, I’m dead.'
I dodged a powerful kick as I landed, avoiding a close call with its massive foot. The tough hide prevented any fatal damage, but the strike did carve through the thick skin around its back. Retrieving my blade, I withdrew, bracing for its next move.
[The effects of ‘Banned Substance’ are applied.]
[Strength increased by 8.5% for 12 seconds, with a fixed damage of 0.8% max HP per second.]
I had to act before it could retaliate. The enormous fist aimed at my head, and without a survival skill left to dodge, I used my dagger to leap back, exploiting the monster’s massive frame.
Hanging onto its horn, I flipped over its head, sighting the dagger I’d embedded earlier. I aimed, and with a heel strike, drove the dagger deeper.
No creature could survive with a blade lodged in its heart.
“Archer down. I’m coming back to rejoin.”
Eldrin’s fire was still blazing, obscuring the view. Through the black smoke, I spotted the outline of a minotaur and moved to finish it off. I struck, taking down the weakened beast.
At that moment, something blocked my escape: Sulbbang had downed another minotaur warrior, whose body now loomed over me.
My view was completely obstructed, and with my survival skill already used, I was left exposed.
“Oh? Oh no… Waaaah!”
Pinned by the fallen minotaur, I couldn’t move an inch. Warm blood dripped from its bovine head, pressing down like a heavy blanket. My limbs were stuck, unable to shift.
The party members approached, peering down at me.
“What are you doing down there?”
“Pfft…”
“Ahaha, how adorable.”
“Quit laughing and get this thing off me. It’s heavy.”
[Streamer ‘Sulbbang’s Lounge]
[Post by Sulbbang]
Title: New Continent – Gawol Update
(Attached Image: Gawol pinned under a Minotaur)
Arena champion? National assassin candidate? The Sulbbang with 0 wins and 21 losses is no more.
Gawol has been subdued.
[Comments]
The scene shifted to a banquet hall, where the princess stood gracefully, observing the remnants of the feast. Nianbah suppressed a sigh upon seeing her.
Today, the king had declared he would give the princess to Nianbah.
“I apologize. My father is truly merciless, bestowing a cursed woman like me upon you.”
“What do you mean by ‘cursed’?”
“Have you not heard? I am blind. Surely, the gods have taken my sight as punishment for my sins.”
“Do you truly believe that?”
“Yes.”
Nianbah had once feared he might be stepping into forbidden territory. But the moment he met her, those worries melted away.
Kneeling before the princess, he reached out his hand. A maid tapped her arm, and she placed her hand on his.
“I enjoy a warm cup of tea after a meal. It soothes my troubles. What about you, princess?”
“I like flower tea…”
“An excellent choice. And music? I am fond of the sound of strings.”
“So am I.”
“Then I have no reason not to love you.”
Before long, they celebrated their wedding.