Weeks had passed since Jhon had isolated himself, no longer listening to anyone, focused solely on the game and completing the island he had been sent to, all on his own.Marie had buried herself in the game as well, alongside Kaiser, to become stronger.
[Marie's POV]
"What the hell is going on in that idiot Jhon's head? Disappearing for weeks like this… This game has messed with his mind. It's messing with everyone's mind. Mine. And yours too, Kaiser!"
Kaiser: "What? How is this my fault? You're the one who dragged me into this. Honestly, I don't even like this game. Founder Strike is way better."
"Oh, here we go again with your obsession over guns. No way, I'm not letting you sell your soul to that game. Have you seen what the people who play it look like? Anyway, let's go—we need to finish this dungeon."
Kaiser: "Fine, fine. And I'm the one who's supposedly addicted…"
We reached the boss room. It looked like a throne hall, with towering statues of knights and other typical royal figures. A long carpet stretched down the center of the room… and a skeleton sat on the throne.
We had both reached level thirteen. The boss was level fifteen, meaning it could use three formulas, while we could only use two. Not too bad since we were two against one—but we had to be careful.
As soon as we crossed halfway through the room, a system message appeared:
[You have awakened the dungeon boss: Crimson Queen]
Suddenly, the skeleton on the throne rose into the air. Skin began to regrow on her bones. Her complexion was deathly pale… but everything else—hair, lips, nails, eyes—was red. Too red. Well, I get the name now.
The woman landed on the ground and lunged at me. Her fingernails turned into claws and were about to strike—but Kaiser jumped in.
Kaiser: "Iron Bubble!"
A dome of metal formed around me just in time to block the boss's attack.
Kaiser: "Marie! Why are you just staring at her?! You switching teams or what?!"
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
I snapped out of it and charged in.
"Gaia's Scales!" I shouted.
Dozens of sharp stones shot toward the queen but suddenly, red flames burst from her claws, even redder than her, incinerating my attack.
"With all that red dye, I wouldn't be surprised if you had kitten posters in your room too," I said to the boss.
Kaiser: "Marie, what the hell are you even talking about…? Focus. I've got an idea! Rebounding Shield!"
Suddenly, a rubbery ball bounced into the air behind the boss. I understood his plan.
I cast my formula again.
"Gaia's Scales!"
The boss raised her flames again to block the frontal attack but it was too late. My stones weren't aimed at her, but at Kaiser's shield. They bounced off and struck her from behind.
The moment she was stunned, I dashed forward, meeting her gaze, and thrust my blade straight into her heart.
"Ethereal Blade."
"Don't look at me like that. I would've died today anyway." I said. Talking to the boss
A system window popped up:
[Congratulations! You've defeated the boss: Crimson Queen]
[Marie: Lv 13 → Lv 15][Kaiser: Lv 13 → Lv 15]
[By defeating this specific boss, you have obtained a unique formula][Crimson Fury]
Kaiser: "Come on, let's check out this skill. Open the window!"
"Can't you open yours?"
Kaiser: "I'd never miss a chance to stand closer to you."
I blushed and smacked him—not enough to hurt, but satisfying anyway.
"Shut up."
I opened the window:
[Crimson Fury][Grade: Unique][Description: This skill can only be obtained by defeating the boss "Crimson Queen." It has no mastery level. It changes the user's hair and eye color and boosts all physical attributes by two levels.]
"HOLY SHIT THIS IS BROKEN!!" Kaiser and I shouted at the same time.
"Yeah… a little too broken," I muttered.
Something was off. That boss wasn't that hard. Why such an OP reward?Someone's definitely messing with us.I thought it, but didn't say it aloud.
Kaiser: "Don't pout. Anyway, Marie, am I crazy or did you talk to the boss before killing her? Been reading too many light novels lately?"
"Shut up," I said, smacking him again.
Kaiser: "Hey, uh… would you like to go out for dinner tonight? To celebrate the victory?"
he said, blushing.
"Sure, why not? Come over to my place."
Kaiser: "O-Okay! I'll text you when I'm close."
We both logged out.