DCRBG 76

Chapter 76

Don’t Lose Your Original Intent (2)

“Check out how they treat the guests.”
“The skeletal horse is kind of cute.”
“Was this supposed to be the quest? Anyone know the original quest?”
“Originally, it was just a quest on the 3rd floor field with undead roaming around. Kill a few undead, then you’d get a named undead boss quest.”
“Epic quest, right?”
“Just Meteo.”
“Yeah, it’s Meteo.”
“Whenever Meteo’s involved, this always happens.”

Among the countless questions from viewers…

Clatter—!

[You have arrived at the Audience Hall.]

Finally, I passed through the fortress’s main avenue and reached an enormous, grand space.

A place where grotesque skeletons were stacked like gatekeepers.

The doors were massive, black, and seemed to stretch endlessly toward the sky.

Creeeak—!

With a grating metallic sound, the doors opened, revealing the interior.

A dark, gloomy audience hall.

In its center sat an empty throne, accompanied by a black sword.

Clatter—!

The skeletal horse stomped its feet, signaling me to dismount.

I tapped its head, lightly landed, and slowly walked forward.

[The Immortal King welcomes you.]

[How long has it been, Abyss Wanderer? Your visit is most welcome.]

“Where is that voice coming from? Is there a hidden speaker somewhere?”

[Here.]

Vrrrrrr—!

With that voice, a powerful magical wave erupted from the sword before the throne.

A magic sword, perhaps?

From my experiences in Avalon, magic swords always caused trouble—consuming the user’s mind or enslaving them.

But judging from how it guided me here, it seemed to want to converse.

“My legs hurt.”

[…Weren’t you just riding the skeletal horse? I specially granted you the honor of riding in front of me.]

“My knees ache from the fortress ride. Can I borrow a chair?”

[Chair?]

“There’s one right here.”

I confidently walked to the throne and sat. At that moment, the previously calm voice became frantic.

[No! If a mortal sits there, all life force will be drained…]

“Does this have a massage function? Feels nice.”

[…No, it doesn’t.]

As I sat, my back felt warm, as if something were incessantly tapping it—a high-end massage chair, basically.

“Usually when entering a dungeon, shouldn’t you be cautious?”
“It’s Meteo, lol.”
“Haha, yeah, Meteo.”
“Meteo did Meteo things, what’s the problem?”
“Guys, isn’t something moving behind the chair? Am I the only one seeing it?”
“…Nope, it’s real.”
“What is that?”

I checked my broadcast screen quietly. Just as viewers said, shadows flickered behind the chair.

Soon after, a red-bordered message appeared before my eyes:

[You have usurped the throne!]
[The Captain of the Royal Guard charges at you! Prepare for battle!]

Suddenly, a fight?

[Those who wear the crown must bear its weight. Let us see if you can shoulder this burden.]

[Side Quest Activated: Proof of Skill]
Grade: Epic – Side
Description: The Immortal King wishes to see your abilities. Don’t worry; he does not intend to kill you.
Completion: Defeat <Captain of the Royal Guard>
This quest has special completion conditions.

Just as I was checking the quest details…

BANG—!

A black-armored Death Knight burst through the massive doors.

It knelt before the sword in a formal salute, then drew a dark blade.

[<Captain of the Royal Guard, Lacazette> draws their sword against you!]

A far more imposing Death Knight than the Twilight Knights I faced before—jet-black armor, shadowy blade.

Visuals alone demanded attention. Named, clearly.

Viewers, avid Abyss players, were losing it in chat:

“Wow.”
“Lacazette!”
“That guy shows up here?”
“He occasionally appears on the 6th-floor field.”
“If he spawns, hunting’s basically over.”
“Strategy? Run when you see him.”
“Run!”

They fussed, as usual. Cute in a way.

[Show respect to the king, mortal. Such a seat is not for vermin like you.]

The named Death Knight spoke, raising its sword toward me.

[By the king’s order, your qualifications will now be tested. If you are honorable, accept this duel.]

A test, then. Possibly a chance to inherit the power of this “king” or unlock a hidden class.

I stood, facing the Death Knight:

“Fair duel, right?”

[Yes.]

I’ve always wondered—why do knights equate sword clashes with honor? Selfish fools.

Swords? I can use one, sure. But not feeling it now.

“Fine, fair duel it is.”

[Draw your sword.]

“I’m an archer now.”

[…What?]

“Giant Slayer.”

[Unique Skill <Skill Archive – Divine Slayer Lebon>]
[Skill: Lebon Archery Technique, Form 3 – Giant Slayer]

I drew my bow and fired instantly. In a blink, a massive harpoon shot toward the Death Knight.

No fusion skills needed. Just bow, click.

“What—”

BANG—!

The Death Knight flew far off, impaled by the harpoon.

[Special condition fulfilled]
[Special condition: Disable <Captain of the Royal Guard, Lacazette>]
[Quest Complete.]

“Cowardly!”
“Uuuuuuu!”
“Seriously, who’s the monster?”

Viewer reactions were hilarious, but the Immortal King seemed impressed.

[…Did you have to ambush to win? You’re a shameless madman. Tsk tsk. Alberto was right.]

“I won, didn’t I?”

[Why argue with a mortal who knows no honor? Sit and listen; I have much to say.]

“Undead have no honor.”

[Mortals who don’t know honor are worse than the dead.]

Immortal King official verdict: Meteo is cowardly.

[I know you ruined Alberto’s ritual. But your skill proves your worth. I will not hold it against you.]

Viewers: “Immortal King’s generosity is unreal!”

[My army conquered countless lands, survived countless death traps, but loyal soldiers could not withstand time. Hence, my army chose immortality.]

I instinctively said:

“Skip.”

[To conquer this abyss, we need a proxy… what?]

“Skip. Skip. Skip.”

“Meteo, Korean confirmed.”
“Skip acknowledged lol”

I wanted the main point:

“Explain later. Get to the point.”

[You impudent mortal…]

“I’m leaving.”

I waved Ariadne’s thread. With it, I could escape immediately.

The “True Immortal Army” quest had only me as the player so far.

[…You should hear me out.]

“Three-line summary.”

[Three-line summary?]

“Summarize what you want to say in three lines.”

[The Immortal Army is trapped here. They need a proxy to escape. You are to become the proxy.]

Ah, a hidden reward for players reaching this far.

[Hidden Piece Found]
[New trait unlocked: Immortal Army]

Grade: Transcendent, Solo
Description: Guides <Immortal Army> led by <Immortal King> in the Abyss. Unlocks Necromancer skills and can summon named undead. Summons a historically conquering army; their power cannot coexist with other forces.
Effect: Unlocks <Necromancy – Immortal Army>
Note: Cannot dual-class. Acquiring this trait deletes all other unique traits.

Just as I expected—Necromancer-related. Not only skill use, but summoning named undead.

Even low-tier skeletons here were well-made. Necromancers are rare, elite players. One-man armies, walking disasters. High potential.