LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Old Friend
The forest beyond had become home to wandering Redleaf Orcs—tough, aggressive enemies that provided decent experience and loot. Despite the tension gripping the players after the global announcement, Ethan remained focused.
If I'm going to survive this, I need to keep getting stronger. No shortcuts, no wasted time.
He activated [Abyssal Pulse], a faint black aura surrounding him. It wasn't just a symbol of his power; it was a constant reminder of the burden he carried. Every step closer to mastering his Abyssal Harbinger class was a step toward freedom.
As Ethan stalked through the dense foliage, his heightened senses caught the sound of battle nearby. Clashing weapons and guttural roars echoed through the trees. Curious, he made his way toward the commotion.
Emerging into a clearing, Ethan saw a lone player fighting a group of three Redleaf Orcs. The player wielded a heavy broadsword, his movements precise and deliberate. He parried a vicious axe swing, countering with a devastating slash that sent one of the orcs staggering.
Ethan's eyes widened. "Is that… Brandon?"
The player turned, his face instantly recognizable despite the digital avatar. "Ethan?!"
Brandon finished off the last orc with a clean blow and walked over, a grin spreading across his face. "I didn't think I'd see you here, man. This is insane!"
Ethan nodded, still processing. "I had no idea you played The New World. Of all the people to run into…"
Brandon chuckled, sheathing his sword. "Small world, huh? Well, smaller now that we're all stuck in this nightmare. I heard about your Abyss Dungeon clear. The entire server's buzzing about it. That's some crazy stuff, dude."
"Yeah, it's been… a lot," Ethan admitted. "But we don't have time to waste. We need to get stronger, figure out what's going on, and push through this game. Dying isn't an option."
Brandon's expression darkened. "No kidding. Did you hear the announcement? This isn't just a game anymore. It's survival."
Ethan crossed his arms, thinking. "We can't do this alone. The game's getting more dangerous, and the mechanics are too complex for solo play. We need to party up, take calculated risks, and figure out how to break this system."
Brandon smirked. "You always were the strategist. Fine by me. I've got some decent skills, and I'm not afraid to gamble a bit if it means getting out of here alive."
Ethan opened his party interface and sent an invite. A notification popped up:
[Player Brandon has joined your party!]
[New Party Formed: The Vanguard]
The duo moved efficiently, carving through the Redleaf Orcs in coordinated strikes.
"Keep their attention on you," Ethan instructed as Brandon charged into the fray. "I'll finish them off."
Brandon nodded, slamming his broadsword into an orc's shield with a loud crash. The creature roared, distracted, as Ethan activated [Abyssal Rupture]. Black tendrils erupted from the ground, piercing the orc and dealing massive damage.
[Damage Dealt: 820 HP]
[Redleaf Orc Defeated. You've gained 200 EXP.]
"Nice hit!" Brandon called out, ducking under another orc's wild swing.
Ethan smirked, launching a devastating punch enhanced by [Abyssal Gauntlets] into another orc's chest.
[Critical Hit! Damage Dealt: 1,050 HP]
[Redleaf Orc Defeated. You've gained 200 EXP.]
"These things are tougher than they look," Brandon said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"They're good practice," Ethan replied. "But we'll need to find stronger enemies soon if we want to push the limits."
As they took a break to rest and assess their loot, Brandon leaned against a tree. "It's weird seeing you here, man. We haven't talked in months, and now we're fighting for our lives together."
Ethan shrugged. "Life's funny like that. But I'm glad it's you. I can't trust most people in this game, but I know you'll have my back."
"Same here," Brandon said with a nod. "So, what's the plan? You always have one."
Ethan smirked. "For now, we farm, level up, and gather information. But eventually, we're going to push deeper into this game's systems. There has to be a way out, and I'll find it."
As they continued farming, they encountered a Redleaf Orc Captain—a mini-boss with significantly higher stats.
"Think we can handle it?" Brandon asked, gripping his sword tightly.
"We can't afford not to," Ethan replied. "But stay sharp. This thing hits hard."
The fight was intense. The orc captain's massive axe swung in devastating arcs, forcing Brandon to play defensively. Ethan exploited openings with precise, high-damage attacks.
[Abyssal Rupture Activated: 1,200 Damage Dealt]
[Critical Strike! Damage Dealt: 1,450 HP]
The captain roared, falling to its knees. Brandon delivered the finishing blow, and the system notification appeared:
[Redleaf Orc Captain Defeated. You've gained 1,500 EXP.]
[Loot Acquired: Captain's Crest (Rare Item).]
---
As the two looted the mini-boss, Ethan handed the Captain's Crest to Brandon.
"You earned this one," Ethan said.
Brandon looked at him, surprised. "You sure? You did most of the damage."
Ethan nodded. "We're in this together. Stronger gear for you means we both survive longer."
Brandon smiled. "Thanks, man. I'm glad it's you out here with me."
As the sun set over the forest, Ethan and Brandon returned to Red Leaf Village, their inventory brimming with loot.
But their respite was short-lived. A sense of unease lingered in the air as players whispered about new dangers on the horizon. The game was evolving, and with it, the challenges they would face.
"Tomorrow, we push further," Ethan said. "We need to be ready for whatever comes next."
Brandon nodded. "I'm with you. Let's break this game wide open."