The Poison Zone
A thick, green mist covered the area.
"We have one minute," Alex thought. "That's all."
Relief barely had time to register before Elene doubled over, coughing violently. Blood spilled from her lips. At the same time, blood began leaking from Jack's eyes and nose.
Alex reacted instantly, pulling two detox potions from his inventory and forcing them into their hands.
Their condition improved immediately—but Elene still looked weak. As a mage, her low constitution made her far more vulnerable.
Without hesitation, Alex lifted her onto his back, using his scythe as support.
"Hurry," he said to Jack. "If you stay in this mist too long, you'll die too."
They ran.
The exit refused to appear. Elene's breathing grew shallow. Alex fed her health potions to keep her alive, but Jack began to slow, his steps faltering.
Then Alex spotted it—the exit, glowing faintly in the distance.
Jack wouldn't make it.
Alex grabbed him as well, hoisting both onto his shoulders. Activating his Ring of Speed, his body surged forward as his speed increased by 30%.
Pain exploded behind his eyes. Blood streamed from Alex's nose as the poison finally began to affect him. He wrapped mana tightly around his body and pushed harder.
And with a final burst of speed, they broke through the poison field.
System Notifications Appeared
[Congratulations on passing the Third Floor]
[You have been detoxified of all poison effects]
[Congratulations on clearing the Third Floor in under one hour]
[You are rewarded with the chance to select one passive skill]
Battle Instinct
Iron Will
Mana Reduction
Adaptive Physique
Multidimensional Language
Alex dismissed the windows and checked on the couple. Their breathing was heavy, but steady. They would survive.
After an hour, both Jack and Elene regained consciousness.
When they saw the reward options, they were stunned. According to the Three Crowns' information, the third floor offered no rewards.
Alex spoke first.
"I'm choosing Multidimensional Language."
He knew it was essential—for understanding other races and uncovering hidden information.
[Passive Skill Acquired: Multidimensional Language]
[Allows the user to speak, read, write, and understand all languages across dimensions and species]
Jack chose Adaptive Physique, increasing his physical strength, while Elene selected Mana Reduction, lowering her spell costs.
They thanked Alex repeatedly, insisting he accept their gratitude.
"Without you," Elene said softly, "we would have died."
"It's no problem, Just don't tell anyone how you got the skill," Alex replied.
They agreed.
Moments later, they were transported to the Fourth Floor.
As the couple moved ahead, smiling and talking excitedly, Alex watched them from behind. The sight stirred a memory—of his old team from his past life.
For the first time in a long while, a genuine smile appeared on his face.
Then he turned and walked on alone.