Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Manual of the Instance

The King-level dungeon was fundamentally different from the previous three tiers. In those lower-level dungeons, only the monsters' health was continuously strengthened, with no other changes. However, in the King-level dungeon, not only did the monsters' health increase by 50%, but their numbers also rose dramatically, making it extremely dangerous; a moment’s carelessness could wipe out the entire team.

Stepping onto the ochre stone path, the group quickly entered the rocky forest. Not far ahead stood a massive stone pillar—the place where the dungeon quest was to be accepted. Around the pillar wandered sixteen or seventeen stone golems, fully three times the number found in the normal difficulty.

Upon seeing the horde of monsters, the Dragon Soar team members—most of whom had only ever completed the normal dungeons, fighting no more than five or six monsters at a time—immediately changed color. The tank classes especially looked as if their faces had been smeared with soot.

“So many stone golems, how are we supposed to handle this?”

“Exactly, we can’t possibly withstand them. Are we going to be wiped out by the very first wave?”

“If word gets out, people will laugh us to death.”

The team whispered nervously. Dragon Soar Star Slayer’s expression was also grim; he quietly nudged Ye Chen and asked in a low voice, “What’s your plan? My guys honestly can’t tank this many monsters.”

“Relax. Since I made this boast, I won’t let you get wiped out in the first wave.” Ye Chen paid no mind to the sixteen or seventeen monsters ahead, his demeanor unchanged. This situation was already within his expectations; the first key point in the strategy was right here.

“You’re just blowing hot air. The tank stats are what they are—even if you exhaust them, they won’t last against so many monsters. As far as I know, to get past the first wave in the King-level dungeon, the main tank’s health can’t be below two thousand, and their defense can’t be less than two hundred eighty. That Mad Bull of yours is nowhere near that. With a tank of his level, he’s barely qualified for easy dungeons, and normal difficulty is questionable. You want to use such a tank for King-level? Keep dreaming.” Left Hand Myth sneered, his tone full of gloating.

Though his words targeted Ye Chen, he offended the tanks as well, especially Dragon Soar Mad Bull, the main tank. Mad Bull cursed Left Hand Myth inwardly, feeling as if his reputation as the number one tank in the third squad was being smeared. He sneered, “You talk as if you’re so amazing. You can’t even get into a squad, and you’re here running your mouth? Always showing off your gear effects, shining like a big lightbulb wherever you go—idiot.”

Left Hand Myth hadn’t expected Mad Bull to fire back so suddenly. His face flushed red. “Who are you calling an idiot?”

“I’m calling you an idiot.” Mad Bull pointed at Left Hand Myth’s nose.

“You dare insult me? Damn you, I’ll—” Left Hand Myth rolled up his sleeves, ready to start a shouting match.

“Enough, both of you. Especially you, Left Hand Myth. Are my words just wind in your ears? Watch your mouth.” Thief Never Leaves Empty couldn’t stand it any longer. Left Hand Myth had ignored his warnings time and again, making him lose face, and now was about to start a fight in the dungeon—an embarrassment. He regretted agreeing to let Left Hand Myth join the team.

Left Hand Myth swallowed his words, but his gaze toward Ye Chen grew even more resentful.

Ye Chen, however, had no time for them. His eyes swept quickly back and forth across the stone forest ahead. Suddenly, his gaze fixed on something—a large stone wedged in a stone tree, about half a person in size. Most players would see it as just part of the scenery, but Ye Chen knew it was a key point for breaking the stalemate.

“Brother Empty, come here for a moment,” Ye Chen called Thief Never Leaves Empty to his side, pointing quietly at the stone in the tree and whispering instructions.

“A dungeon secret? I knew I wasn’t wrong about you. But will your method really work? Have you tried it?” Thief Never Leaves Empty’s eyes brightened after hearing Ye Chen’s words.

“It’ll work. Just do as I say. You won’t go wrong.” Ye Chen nodded.

Thief Never Leaves Empty, a bit excited, hopped onto a stone half a meter high, pulled out a small crossbow, and aimed at the stone lodged in the tree.

“What are they doing? Shooting at a rock?” Mad Bull and the others were puzzled. Left Hand Myth was confused as well. Only Star Slayer, who had some experience, was a bit astonished. “Brother Ye Chen truly is a master. I’ve heard rumors about dungeon scenery having hidden tricks, but no one in our fourth zone has discovered the secrets of the Rocky Forest dungeon yet.”

“Dungeon secret? Star Slayer, what do you mean? Tell us—we’ve never heard of this.” Mad Bull sidled up to Star Slayer, curiosity written all over his face. The other Dragon Soar members perked up their ears, even Left Hand Myth.

“That’s because you’re still too green. Let me teach you something today.” Star Slayer said with a trace of pride, smiling. “Many objects in dungeons aren’t just for show—they have real functions. If players discover their hidden uses, running dungeons becomes much easier. You all know that in the old zones, many average teams can clear high-difficulty dungeons, mostly because of these hidden features. The old dungeons have been thoroughly picked apart by players, and nearly all secrets have been dug up. Just check the guides and you’ll know. But we’re in a new zone, and the dungeons are different; hardly anyone knows these tricks. Even if a few do, they won’t share them—they keep them to themselves. You’re lucky to witness this today.”

“Wow! So, Star Slayer, does this mean we can use these dungeon secrets in future runs?” a female Dragon Soar Holy Priest asked excitedly.

Star Slayer gave a bitter laugh. “It’s not that simple. For example, with the stone Thief and Ye Chen are about to push, where you push from, which part of the stone you apply force to—these tricks change depending on the surrounding scenery. There are at least several variations. Usually, only after a dungeon has been open for a few months do detailed guides appear, and that’s after countless attempts.”

“So you’re saying Thief might have to try many times?”

“That’s right, entirely possible. But discovering a dungeon secret is worth any number of attempts,” Star Slayer nodded.

“Look, Thief’s starting!” Mad Bull exclaimed. Thief Never Leaves Empty, following Ye Chen’s directions, fired his crossbow.

Swish, swish, swish.

Being one of the top rogues in Fiery Mountain City, Thief Never Leaves Empty acted without a trace of hesitation, releasing three arrows in quick succession, each striking a different spot on the stone.

Creak, creak, bang!

The giant stone swayed twice, then crashed loudly to the ground. The noise immediately drew the attention of seven or eight stone golems, who moved toward the spot where the stone had fallen.

“Star Slayer, didn’t you say it would take several tries?” The female priest stared blankly at the seven or eight monsters leaving the group, turning to Star Slayer in confusion.

“Damn, how was I supposed to know Ye Chen was so monstrous, pinpointing the right spot in one go?” Star Slayer’s jaw dropped, at a loss for words.

“Melee classes, move forward and prepare to intercept!” Seeing the plan succeed, Ye Chen pumped his fist and, not bothering with Thief Never Leaves Empty’s goofy grin, waved his hand and hurled a black fireball into the monster group. The remaining seven or eight monsters howled and charged at Ye Chen.

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