[it's just in. We’re unfortunate to announce that the Arch Blade party, one of the Gold-rank parties of the Guild has been confirmed wiped out inside the dungeon. It seems the tragic incident happened after the party get back on their expedition to the 41st floor after their victory at the 40’th floor boss.
According to the survivors, they were supposed to survey the area of the 41st before going back. But suddenly, on their lowest guard, they were ambushed on the 39th floor by a parade of Morlocks who they claimed they completely eradicated when on their way to the 40th floor. It was recorded that the "Arch Blade Party" are all high ranks individuals and one of the most anticipated parties that can conquer one of the Eight Grand dungeons...]
Silently listening to the newscaster on tv, was a man donned with a kimono, adorned with printed bamboo trees. He sat on a pillow before the knee-height table, which was filled with simple breakfast dishes such as fried rice, sunnyside-up egg, dumplings, and soup all on each plate. He has yet to touch any of these foods as he indulges himself with a cup of coffee.
The morning light slips to the curtains, as it warms the living room. Outsides the open doors, birds sang cheerfully from the few trees that surrounded the house. It was a peaceful morning like always, and not even tragic news such as this can ruin his mood. Though, there is someone who had a hint of concern about the news.
Standing behind him, was an old man in a black suit. It was only just a nuance, but it was enough to understand that man seems to be interested in the news as he stood like a statue with his full attention on the screen.
“You know that party?” the man in the kimono asked.
“Kind of… My daughter was always a fan of high-rank parties in the central continents. One of them was that Arch Blade, which is rising in popularity lately. It’s unfortunate that this marks the end of their adventures. My granddaughter will be probably dismayed if she sees this…"
“Unfortunate indeed…” he said before taking a sip. “The grand dungeon is just an overpowered dungeon. Normally you just need to match the strength of the monster inside to conquer it. But at this point, I'm starting to believe that overwhelming power is just isn't enough."
"Perhaps those dungeons were rigged with riddles on the lowest floor only those who possess a sharp mind can solve." The man in a black suit suggested.
"That may be true, those dungeon is completely different from others, so I won't be surprised if it had something like a trial that involves mental strength. However…” the man in the kimono said looking far outside the open door, somewhere the vast mountains and tall rock formations erected.
"Our men possess both strength and intellect that cuts above the average, but even them hasn't come back. We don't know the mysteries lie on the lowest floors, but one thing's for sure it seems cannot be conquered by normal means, otherwise, it wouldn't have remained standing there since its appearance."
The man in black takes a couple of seconds to digest those words before he replied. "So normally overpowered people won't just cut it… I wonder what kind of people would be able to conquer it.
"I have no idea.” The man said as he returned his cup of coffee to the saucer.
“…But Perhaps people that deviate from the norm and have unique sets of abilities, If they form a party and can have perfect synergy skills that complement one another to make up for their weakness, and can create the best strategy suited for any enemy. Perhaps that might gained them even the slimmest of a chance.”
“A party of deviant individual, with a perfect understanding of everyone's strength, and devise a cunning plan is it? Hmm…” the man with a black suit cup his chin in thought.
“For some reason... Isn't it a strategy of…”
“An MMORPG… At least that’s what my son told me before he left… he claimed bonds and friendship are not required to form an efficient team. Awareness was. If anyone is aware of anyones role and what they should do, then they can succeed. He just based his solution on online games. That kid…” the man in the kimono sighed in amusement. “But thinking about it, I guess what he said makes sense.”
“The young master is hardcore gamer… and quite famous as well in online for being a higher-rank player. And in real life, he possesses high levels of techniques and spells that some remain a mystery. Perhaps the strategy of the game can be applied in a dungeon. He may have a shot as one of those deviant people.”
“I wonder if it’s that simple.”
The man chuckled at that sentiment before he another takes sip.
"But he's a deviant alright. Even so, I’m not optimistic that he will succeed with just that. The nature of his magic has never been suited inside that place.”
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