Solo Max-Level Newbie - Chapter 406: The Shrine Where the Dead Sleep (4)

Ssssss!

“Kyaaaahhh….”

With a faint scream, black smoke began to waft out.

The parasites that had infested Teslon and Sylvia’s bodies were now completely eradicated.

At last, they were freed from the horrific nightmare that had plagued them.

“Thank you so much, Jinhyuk. If you hadn’t come, we would have been forced to harm our own kin forever under their control.”

Sylvia expressed her heartfelt gratitude, her face reflecting the hardships she’d endured.

Given that she’d traveled far from her home floor and village, it was no surprise that her body and mind were utterly exhausted.

Meanwhile…

“I’ll kill them. I’ll definitely kill them. They’re like plaque stuck between an orc’s tusks.”

Teslon kept spewing curses.

This was why arrogance doesn’t pay. If they’d just behaved, they could have been treated nicely.

Ignoring Teslon’s ranting, Jinhyuk turned to Sylvia to ask for an explanation.

“What happened? Why are you here?”

“Well… Recently, the Demon Realm has been expanding its territory indiscriminately. The demons, who usually only appeared in the middle floors, invaded the lands where neighboring elf tribes live and started taking the village elves as captives.”

“…….”

Jinhyuk’s expression shifted.

‘They’re expanding their territory and hunting elves at this timing?’

The Demon Realm shared borders with Eden on the same floor. Below, it bordered Olympus as well.

For them to take such proactive measures despite being surrounded by enemies suggested they were well-prepared for external threats. The likely adversary was Olympus. It was the only force that could keep Eden and Ragnarok in check while engaging in a power struggle.

Not bad.

This conversation alone made speaking with Sylvia worthwhile.

“But how did you get involved? I placed a barrier around the elf village.”

The barrier was so carefully constructed that it couldn’t be broken unless a high-ranking demon manifested.

“The barrier you set up is still intact. We were captured by demons while outside the village. The High Elves had asked all elf tribes for help.”

“Since the High Elves act as guardians of the elves, they probably couldn’t just stand by and watch their kin suffer. Got it. I understand the situation now.”

Jinhyuk nodded.

“Then, we’ll head our separate ways now. Sylvia, gather anything useful nearby. Take it all.”

“Uh? Ah… Yes, sir!”

Sylvia, startled, nodded with wide eyes.

Teslon immediately questioned Jinhyuk.

“Where are you going?”

“Now that we’ve survived, we’re planning to regroup with the elf warriors. Before it’s too late, we need to wipe out all these parasites and kill the demons that attacked the elves.”

“There are elves here? In this area?”

“Yes, there’s a High Elf tribe fighting against the parasites.”

Interesting. Uninfected elves still remain.

This was unexpected. If an elf army was present on this floor, there were various ways to exploit that.

High Elves, known for their mobility, would be a valuable asset.

“I’ll come with you.”

“What?”

“Crossing a parasite-infested lair with just the two of you is practically suicide. You’ll need a strong protector if you want to stay alive.”

“Wow! If you come with us, Jinhyuk, that’d be amazing!”

“Sylvia! Whose side are you on?”

“I just mean… for our safety….”

“Hey, why is our Ranger Captain so grumpy? Don’t take it out on others. Let’s be realistic here. Besides, I’m not just tagging along—I’ve got a gift for you.”

Jinhyuk tugged on a rope.

Thud.

Something heavy was dragged across the ground.

“This is…?”

“A Magus. Trash that works for demons.”

“You’re giving this to us?”

“Extract information, hold a trial according to elf law, and you’ll be hailed as a hero among the High Elves.”

“Hmm.”

Teslon’s eyes wavered momentarily.

If he brought back an enemy prisoner, his reputation would surely soar.

Despite his dislike of Jinhyuk, it was a lossless offer if he swallowed his pride.

After a brief hesitation, Teslon spoke.

“Fine. But promise me one thing.”

“What kind of promise?”

“Don’t beat up the High Elves or—”

“Hey! What do you take me for?”

“—steal any weapons or treasures.”

“……Ahem.”

“I knew it! You were planning to rob us again, weren’t you?”

“No, I wasn’t planning to steal. I just thought I’d use some abandoned stuff lying around.”

Teslon glared. His frustration was obvious, but Jinhyuk didn’t care.

“Just promise me, with your honor on the line.”

“Okay, you’re quick on the uptake anyway.”

Suddenly…

Ding!

A blue status window appeared in front of him.

[You have an incoming call from an ‘Upper Resident.’]

The sender was one of the Seven Deadly Sins: ‘Sloth.’

He was a subordinate Jinhyuk had spared in exchange for valuable information.

“Hold on.”

Jinhyuk stepped aside to take the call in a concealed area.

“This better be important. I’m busy.”

“It is… important. Really. I should’ve called earlier, but… it was too much trouble….”

Typical Sloth.

Even with his life on the line, he oozed laziness.

“Skip the introductions. If you called me for something trivial, I’ll activate the Brand of Fiery Loyalty and turn you to ash.”

“You’re on the 27th floor, right? That shrine or whatever it is.”

“Go on.”

“A high-ranking demon’s headed your way. Her name’s Remia. She’s a succubus… Guntaferr’s… um, something. Anyway, she’s nasty.”

Remia Celtic.

Jinhyuk recognized the name.

A loyal subordinate of Guntaferr, she was known for her exceptional skills and efficiency. Among the enemies below Demon King level, she was one of the most troublesome.

“And… ‘Gluttony,’ that ravenous bastard, is there too. Be careful. That’s all… Haa… I wanted to warn you. Is that enough to pay my debt?”

“……!?”

One of the Seven Deadly Sins was here?

Things were escalating faster than expected.

‘I was hoping to wrap this up quickly and head to the upper floors, but this might take longer than I thought.’

The players on the 29th floor were currently preparing for naval battles.

‘They’ll need 1–2 weeks to settle. I’ll use that as the time limit.’

If he returned before the sea dragon Gigantdalos appeared, it would suffice.

As the stakes grew higher, so too would the rewards.

Thump, thump, thump!

Excitement coursed through Jinhyuk’s veins as his heart raced with anticipation.

—

The swamp grew deeper the farther they went, the muck swallowing their calves with each step.

“Are the High Elves really living in a place like this?”

Jinhyuk clicked his tongue. Despite shielding himself with mana, crossing the swamp was no easy task.

For Teslon and Sylvia, it was even worse—Sylvia could barely take another step.

“Almost there. By the way, why are you dragging that skeleton? And who’s the girl next to you? She’s not even human.”

“Ah, our T-Bone?”

Clatter.

T-Bone tilted his head.

“Don’t worry. Even though he’s undead, he’s harmless to elves.”

“Indeed. I prefer calcium-rich milk. Ogre milk, to be exact.”

“See? He doesn’t like elf meat.”

“And this girl next to me, Frey, will just follow orders so don’t worry.”

As they continued through the swamp, they finally reached the edge.

A decrepit fortress stood before them, its wooden exterior on the verge of collapse.

“This doesn’t look like an elf settlement. More like an undead town.”

“Master, even undead would refuse to live here. At the very least, we prefer newly constructed south-facing homes with full amenities.”

Teslon sighed.

Just then, the fortress trembled.

Rumble!

Massive trees sprouted from the decayed walls, their branches forming an impregnable natural fortress. Enchanted barriers and magical defenses layered over the gate were clearly formidable.

“To evade enemy eyes, we’ve made preparations. Only those who know the code can enter.”

“Impressive. You’re smarter than you look, Teslon.”

“Call me by that ridiculous nickname again, and I’ll shoot you in the back.”

At that moment…

“Who goes there?!”

A sharp voice rang out from the trees.

It was the High Elf warriors.

“I am Teslon, leader of the 6th-floor Rangers! I escaped the parasites and returned here!”

“Teslon?”

“Ah! I remember him. He led the 4th Ranger Company.”

“Yes, that’s me! Please let us in… Huh?”

An arrow whizzed past his ear, embedding itself into the ground.

The shaft still trembled.

They were clearly being threatened.

“Why…?”

“No one infected by parasites ever regains their sanity. I don’t know how you’re pretending to be sane, but such tricks won’t work here.”

“This is a misunderstanding! We’ve removed the parasites from our bodies!”

“Really? How? Did that undead next to you help?”

The High Elves glared down with hostility.

It was clear there was a deep misunderstanding.

Such misunderstandings were not easily resolved.

“Talking will take forever. Bring someone higher up to talk to.”

Jinhyuk stepped forward.

“How dare you…!”

“How dare a mere human order High Elves around?”

Their elegant faces twisted in anger.

“Are your rabbit-like ears not working, or has your intelligence regressed from eating grass? Stop testing my patience and open the gate.”

“You insolent brat!”

The High Elves pulled their bows, this time with intent to kill.

“Not happening.”

Clang!

T-Bone and Frey stepped in front of Jinhyuk like lightning.

Clang!

The sharp sound of arrows splitting filled the air.

“You promised to behave!”

Teslon shouted in panic.

Jinhyuk, however, merely smiled.

“Proud types like them don’t listen to words, especially when it’s a human talking.”

There was only one way to settle this.

Jinhyuk drew his bow, Fang.