Chapter 43: Floor 2, The Forest of Silence

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Gate Conquest.

A rare phenomenon that has only been seen a couple of times, even on low-ranked gates, due to the extreme difficulty and the long amount of time it usually required.

It only happens when a hunter or a small group of them completely wipe out all the available monsters on each floor, or at least all those that can fight and pose a real threat.

Riven, today, decided to wipe out as many monsters as possible within the Dark Cave Labyrinth and accomplish his first Gate Conquest.

As someone who truly loved animals and even monsters, this was of course something that deep down he did not enjoy. Yet he believed it was necessary for his growth and for the dangerous future that was still to come.

After all, Gate Conquest is not just a simple "term" used by hunters or by humanity. It is something the mysterious System that governs Classes, Skills, Status, and even administrates the Gates themselves officially recognizes as a major feat.

And all those who have managed to accomplish such a feat near the beginning of their careers as Hunters have received an incredible reward at the end.

What’s more, total progression carried over through multiple sessions. Hence, everything he had already done on the first floor still counted toward his overall progress.

As he stepped into the second floor after gathering dozens of S and SS Rank dropped items, a new notification appeared before his eyes.

[You have entered the Second Floor of the Dark Cave Labyrinth: "Forest of Silence"]

[Your total progression has been calculated.]

[Participate in the defeat of the First-Floor Boss]: [1/1]

[Slay over 200 Monsters]: [200/200]

[Congratulations, you have managed to complete the objective for "Gate Conquest" of Floor 1/3.]

[Complete the objectives of Floor 2 and 3 to receive a special reward by achieving your first Gate Conquest.]

[The Reward offered will be based on your own capabilities, talents, and authorities, personalized for your own use.]

[Good luck, Ascendant.]

"And there it is," Riven smiled with quiet confidence while shaking the blood from his sword. "It’s a pity I have to do this... but monsters are, at the end of the day, an enemy of humanity."

Riven was not stupid. Although he loved animals and, by extension, monsters, he knew that they were also alien creatures that threatened humanity’s survival.

Even though he could make some exceptions, such as the Tyrant’s offspring which he had deliberately let go and spared, he was not going to allow his own personal opinions to override what he believed was his duty as someone who had come from the future.

"Huh? That message..." Daniela noticed the notification as the two of them stepped fully onto the second floor. "Riven! Congrats!"

"You didn’t get anything?" Riven asked.

"Oh, me?" Daniela wondered. "No, I didn’t get anything. I guess it doesn’t count me?"

"I suppose the part where I need to slay the monsters myself... it doesn’t include support members," Riven nodded. "Well, whatever the case, we’re here now."

A vast, well-illuminated cave stretched as far as their eyes could see. Glowing crystals of blue and purple color gleamed from the high ceiling and the upper walls. As they walked forward, the air gradually became incredibly humid and slightly warm.

"I’ve never gotten this far before..." Daniela admitted quietly. "I’ve always just wandered around the first floor with my previous party."

"Those bastards that abused you?" Riven asked. "They had no idea of the real value you offer to a party. Forget about them, Daniela."

"Heh, I know," Daniela nodded with a small smile. "I’m happy with you, Riven! For the first time, it feels like I am actually useful... or at least appreciated."

"Your Class, and especially the Talent you possess, go together extremely well," Riven said. He took another step forward and then suddenly stopped.

"I-Is that so?" Daniela felt embarrassed by so much praise, blushing lightly and fidgeting with her hair. "Heheh... Huh? Riven?"

She noticed him standing completely still in silence. His eyes glowed faintly as his Aura expanded outward. He was detecting several approaching lifeforces through his Class Skill "Devourer’s Instinct" and also through the heightened senses granted by his Beast Class.

"We’ve got company."

From the surrounding shadows, two tall figures nearly four meters in height stepped forward in slow, heavy motion. Their footsteps echoed loudly and clearly through the cave. They were not trying to hide themselves at all.

They were large mushroom-type monsters with gigantic purple caps and two tiny black eyes that blinked silently.

They had no arms, only two stumpy legs that they used to walk.

At first glance, beyond their unusual appearance, they seemed completely inoffensive.

"Ah, big mushrooms? They’re kind of cute..." Daniela said. "They don’t look threatening at all...?" She slowly began to approach them.

"What are you doing?!"

"Eh?"

Daniela’s eyes widened as the mushrooms suddenly stopped walking. Their bodies twitched unnaturally. Then their heads opened wide, revealing giant jaws filled with rows of sharp teeth.

Their small eyes transformed into large, furious red eyes.

"GYOOOOHHHHHH!"

A monstrous, guttural scream echoed through the caves, making Daniela’s heart sink in a single heartbeat.

"Aaaahhhh!"

As she panicked, Riven reached her in time. He pulled her safely behind him and swung his Divine Weapon, Fenrir’s Fang, in one smooth motion.

CLAAASH!

He successfully blocked the charging attack, though he was pushed a few centimeters backward. The giant mushroom fell onto its own head and rolled across the ground, suddenly returning to its "inoffensive" appearance.

"W-What is that?!" Daniela screamed.

"I gifted you a Monsterpedia four days ago. I told you to study it, Daniela," Riven sighed. "You didn’t even read it?"

"A-Ah! I... I kind of just watched the pictures..." Daniela fidgeted nervously. "I’m so sorry!"

"Well, you can already see what they are," Riven said as the second mushroom began slowly walking toward them.

[Voracious Myconid – D Rank: Level 25]

"Voracious Myconid are gigantic mushroom monsters that appear inoffensive and even cute on the surface," Riven gave her a brief but clear explanation. "However, the moment they get close enough, their true nature is revealed, and they attempt to swallow their prey whole. You were one step away from getting eaten alive, Daniela. Be careful!"

"I will!" Daniela nodded firmly and gripped her knives. "Let me take down the one you threw off!" She threw one of her daggers at it. The poison coating the blade, however, began to turn the Voracious Myconid into an even larger and more muscular form that overflowed with power.

"HUH?!"

"I told you to read the Monsterpedia!" Riven reprimanded her sharply. "You used a poisonous weapon on a poison-type monster! It will heal it and make it even stronger!"

[Muscular Voracious Myconid – D+ Rank: Level 28 (Powered Up)]

"What?!"

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