Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 236: The Monster Wave

Daisuke retrieved Aurelius's short sword from the blood-slick floor then turned and rushed back to the huddle of trembling children. He knelt before them and softened his expression.

The kids looked up at him with wide eyes, their cheeks stained with dirt and tears. From the looks of it, none of them were older than ten.

A small girl with chestnut curls stepped forward timidly. "Mistress... thank you for saving us..."

The others echoed in fragile voices, "Thank you, mistress..."

Daisuke blinked, surprised. He was still in his female disguise and it would seem they had intuitively latched onto him for protection.

Mistress, huh? His chest tightened as his thoughts turned to April, Mia, and the others. "You don't need to call me that," he said gently. "I'm just someone who didn't want to see you all get hurt down here."

They looked at him with awe anyway, as if he were some heroic spirit made flesh.

One of the boys, tall for his age, stood slightly in front of the others as if trying to shield them. Daisuke scanned their stats quickly—each of them barely more than civilians, all level 1. All except him. He was level 2, which likely hinted of his latent abilities.

Daisuke held the short sword out to him, hilt-first. "Take it."

The boy's eyes widened. "M-Me?"

"You're the oldest and the strongest. If anything comes at us from behind, I want you to protect the others."

The boy hesitated, eyes darting between the blade and Daisuke's calm face. "B-But I've never—I mean... I don't know how to fight."

"You won't need to," he reassured firmly. "This is just in case."

There was a long pause.

Then the boy stepped forward and took the blade with both hands. His grip was unsteady, but his jaw clenched with resolve. He nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Good." Daisuke gave him a faint, approving smile even though a part of him felt guilty for burdening the child with such a heavy and scary burden.

But he knew what weakness meant in this part of the world and was certain the boy would thank him one day for helping him achieve even a modicum of strength and bravery.

Daisuke stood up and scanned the area. "Stay close. We're going to move fast and I don't want anyone falling behind. Got it?"

The kids nodded, one after another.

"Let's go."

***

Thalia drew a large rock on the blackboard and shaded in a section at the front. "Each dungeon possesses a barrier at its entrance that keeps both the monsters and mana trapped inside. But, by giving the mana direction and purpose, the Boss Monster is able to deteriorate the barrier over time. When the barrier shatters, we call the phenomenon a Dungeon Break."

The ringing in Reneal's ears hadn't faded. It was a constant hum that muffled the chaos around them. Dust and screams filled the field where moments ago, only the occasional disgruntled murmur and the smacking of lips from those who feasted could be heard.

Neville drew his saber with a sharp metallic hiss, eyes scanning the horizon where smoke and shadows were beginning to churn. The air crackled ominously with gathering energy.

"Stand back, Your Highness," the man said firmly, stepping forward.

The prince staggered slightly but drew his own blade, his jaw tight with determination. "I can fight, too. I'm not useless, nor am I afraid."