Online Game: Crazy Skeleton-Chapter 1428 - 1309: Killing Without Compensation

"Damn, there’s even this setting?"

"This NPC is too rigid, huh? No reward if you don’t complete the challenge? Who spoiled them?"

Upon hearing Dai Xuan’s explanation, his subordinates were disgruntled and started complaining, expressing their dissatisfaction.

"Shut up! If you don’t even have this awareness, how can you achieve great things!"

Dai Xuan showed a displeased expression, and when the atmosphere calmed down, he then said, "There’s no such thing as a free lunch in the world. How is it possible to get a reward without any effort!"

"Leader is absolutely right, we thought too simply."

"So what do we do next? We can’t just try them one by one, can we?"

The group of people were troubled by the two ponds, feeling quite stumped and unsure of how to proceed.

"Water and fire are incompatible, yet they absurdly exist in the same space; there must be something wrong!"

Dai Xuan crossed the two pools, also because he was wary of the dangers here. Since there was no avoiding it, he had to complete the trial arranged by the system.

"Leader, I suggest starting with the water pool. Although it’s strange, at least the temperature is bearable. Moreover, the water is clear and seems bottomless, so it should be toxin-free which makes it a bit safer."

Each team has its ’strategist’ who loves to show off, especially in such difficult situations. They want to impress the Leader. If they guess right, it would boost their impression, and even if they guessed wrong, there was no loss. They could just respawn and start over.

"What do you think?"

Dai Xuan glanced at everyone and, seeing no objections, he nodded slightly and led the team toward the water pool.

However.

As they approached the pool, an accident occurred.

Dozens of water orbs burst forth from the water, like cannonballs, exploding amidst the crowd, drenching everyone to various degrees and leaving them in a mess.

"Damn it, it got in my mouth, this water... so salty!"

"Not good, we’re poisoned!"

"Where’s the poison? Why hasn’t my health decreased?"

"Half of your magic has been depleted, how could you not notice? You’re too careless!"

The players were thrown into disarray by this sudden event, frantically grabbing potions to replenish their magic, but they were shocked to discover the potions had no effect—which was truly bizarre!

"Everyone, don’t panic. From now on, conserve your magic. Avoid using spells if possible, lest we’re at a disadvantage when we face the BOSS."

Dai Xuan’s solemn gaze pierced through the clear water, still unable to discern anything unusual. The more it stayed hidden, the more uneasy he felt. After a moment of silence, he turned to look at the warrior beside him, "Li Ding, your close combat skills are excellent. You’re durable and well-defended. Go and scout out what dangers might be lurking inside. If you encounter a situation you can’t handle, do not linger in combat, come back immediately!"

"Yes!"

Li Ding, filled with excitement after hearing Dai Xuan’s high praise, immediately responded and strode toward the pool. At this moment, he cared little for danger; serving Leader Dai was his honor. If Dai Xuan held him in high regard, he could easily rise to a significant position within the guild in the future!

Strangely enough.

After initiating one attack, the water pool quieted down. Even as Li Ding reached its edge, there was no reaction at all. It was as still as dead water, without even a hint of life.

"Screw it, I’m going in!"

The determination flashed across Li Ding’s eyes, and with a heavy heart, he used the "Underwater Breathing" potion and jumped directly into the pool.

"Sploosh!"

Water splashed everywhere, almost dragging the distant team into trouble. Startled, Dai Xuan and the others quickly stepped back, finally allowing their tense nerves to relax a bit.

Once submerged, Li Ding displayed his impeccable swimming skills, gliding through the water like a carp and swiftly diving to the bottom of the pool, swimming around freely.

Then, an unexpected scene unfolded.

The clear pool water turned murky, and eventually, it turned completely ink-black, obscuring even the sight of Li Ding.

"My goodness, has Li Ding not bathed in years?"

"That’s shockingly dirty! It’s rare to see such filthiness!"

Watching the pitch-black pool, everyone wore bizarre expressions, wanting to laugh but not daring to, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

But just then, bad news arrived—Li Ding’s character dimmed and vanished from the team. There was no doubt, he had died.

Everyone’s expression changed in an instant, and the team fell into a somber silence. What chilled them to the bone was that they had no idea how Li Ding had died. What kind of danger was lurking below, so threatening that there wasn’t even a chance to escape!

A trap? Or was there a terrifying BOSS hiding?

Dai Xuan’s expression darkened. He saw that Li Ding had used the "Underwater Breathing" potion, so he knew it wasn’t drowning. There must be other dangers here that warranted caution.

Having no choice, Dai Xuan turned his gaze toward a skeleton tied up in the distance, trying to get some clues about the mission from the NPC.

Su Ran, who had been closely watching, unconsciously made a ’Yay’ gesture when she saw Dai Xuan looking her way.

"Senior, are you suggesting... that everything has two sides, and we shouldn’t view problems too one-sidedly?"

Seeing the two bone-fingers Su Ran held up, Dai Xuan contemplated thoughtfully. When he noticed the fire pit nearby, his eyes brightened and a smile spread across his face, "Senior, thank you for the guidance!"

Su Ran was again bewildered; he didn’t even know what his gesture meant, yet Dai Xuan’s perceptiveness was astoundingly high. However, he didn’t show any signs of agitation and casually waved his hand, letting him think what he wanted.

At that moment, Su Ran was a bit curious to know if he posed the universal middle finger, what level of meaning Dai Xuan would infer from it...

It had to be said, playing the role of an NPC felt quite good, naturally involving tricking and deceiving, which felt refreshing.

Thinking this, Su Ran curiously watched Dai Xuan, looking to see what unique insights he had gained from the gesture, and if it could possibly lead him astray.

...

"Split into two teams, five people each, head to both the water pool and the fire pit. If anything unusual is found, come back immediately, don’t lose your lives out there!"

Dai Xuan regained his prior spirits. Seeing both pools appear together, he was convinced there had to be a reason. Addressing both simultaneously would surely solve this level!

Most importantly, this was a mission clue given by the skeleton NPC, how could it be wrong!

However.

Ideals are plump, but reality is harsh. The moment the five-person squad got close to the fire pit, it erupted like an ignited volcano, suddenly spewing a vast expanse of flames that enveloped all five members. The unfortunate souls screamed as they tried to flee, but they couldn’t escape and were burnt alive.

The other five players, witnessing this sudden disaster, lost all courage and fled back for their lives, cold sweat breaking out as they looked at the charred bodies.

Danger!