The high ghouls hissed, their bodies impervious to light. My Holy Slash faltered, my shield cracked. I thought quickly. Recall the low ghouls… they fell when I stole their souls.
I stepped forward, calm and deliberate. Activating Lucky Looter, I reached into the essence of a middle ghoul. Its soul tore free, and the creature collapsed. One by one, I repeated the process. The floor cleared.
The sixteenth floor riddle came: "Who can summon spirits and beasts temporarily? Who can cast immunity to negative effects?"
I answered, "Caller and Tiptop." The door opened.
The seventeenth floor was filled with high ghouls. My Level 4 Lucky Looter was the only way to defeat them. I used it carefully, knowing it could not be used in the boss chamber.
The eighteenth floor riddle: "Who sees structural compounds and weaknesses? Who controls the space of earth?"
I answered, "Scholar and Porter." The door opened.
A voice echoed: "You have thirty minutes to rest. The next challenge is the Swapers Study. Fail, and you will face the boss alone. Prepare."
After resting, I entered the nineteenth floor. The boss awaited: the Grim Reaper of Wisdom. His scythe gleamed, his eyes burned with knowledge.
The riddles began.
- "Which basic formula creates mathematics?"
I answered, "E = MC²."
- "What is the structure of CH₃-CO-CH₃?"
"Acetone," I said firmly.
- "Who discovered the laws of motion, named in the SI unit of force?"
"Newton. He also revealed gravity."
- "Are you a hero?"
"Yes. I am the chosen one to defeat the Demon King."
- "Which is the strongest class of skill in this world?"
"Catastrophe."
The Grim Reaper froze. "Who are you? How do you know this? How much knowledge do you possess?"
I called to Narrate. "What should I do?" Silence answered. I realized silence was approval.
So I spoke of the Swapers Study, of catastrophic achievements, of wisdom beyond his reach.
The Grim Reaper lowered his scythe. "I thought my questions were impossible. Yet you answered them all. You have wisdom greater than mine. I will follow you. In exchange, grant me a copy of your knowledge."
I nodded. "It is a good deal. Who would refuse?"
The Grim Reaper used his Wisdom Seeker, peering into my memories. He saw the truth: I was not of this world. He glimpsed the goddess who had chosen me. Satisfied, he bowed.
The treasure room opened—not the ordinary chamber, but a hidden vault, shimmering with legendary light.
I stepped inside. Weapons and artifacts gleamed:
- Infinite Storage Ring
- Killer's Wrath Dagger
- Alchemist's Finest Staff
- Recovery Chest Plate
- Enchanter's Great Gloves
- Real Holy Sword
- Painkiller Bracelet
I stored the D coins and equipment carefully. My heart raced. If I were not a hero, I would be rich beyond measure. But duty binds me. I must face the Demon King.
Then, a hologram flickered into existence. A trace of human form appeared, glowing faintly.
"I am a Hero," the figure said, "but not of this world. I come from another realm."
I stared, stunned. Another hero? Another world?
The labyrinth's silence deepened, as if holding its breath.
Thus, Dransart uncovers the hidden treasure and meets the echo of another world's hero. Catastrophe grows stronger, but mysteries multiply. What does it mean to be a hero across worlds?