Reincarnation of the Strongest Healer

Chapter 347: Exploration

At the mention of the monsters potentially lurking within the chasm, a frown appeared on Crimson Heartʼs face.

She was momentarily blinded and forgot to include the monsterʼs variable in her calculation.

ʼDamn, so I might actually have less than half an hour if we were to encounter numerous monsters.ʼ She inwardly exclaimed.

She began to realize why so many people in the audience had a fright when mentioning the Abyssal Rift.

However, during her thought process, she was interrupted by the sound of numerous footsteps.

”Oy, look at these three newbies coming here. They really are gutsy.”

”Heh, take a closer look at them. Theyʼre those immortals who canʼt die no matter what.”

”Who cares if theyʼre immortals? Whatʼs the point of being undying when youʼre weak as hell? They clearly have Tier 0 strength but dare to come to a place that requires a minimum of Tier 1.”

A group of NPCs discussed as they sneered at Xu Fengʼs group, passing them and exiting the area. From their taunt and demeanor, it was evident that they were an experienced team who had just finished their mission or hunt today.

Despite their taunts, Crimson Heart and Carmen remained silent.

The group of NPCs that passed by were all Tier 3 fighters and above. It would be foolish to confront them and risk getting killed, respawning back at Paradise Plains.

”Guild Leader, are you sure we can tackle the task assigned by Elder Yaren?” Carmen asked, her confidence wavering.

”Iʼm not sure either.” Xu Feng replied, his expression solemn. ”The Abyssal Rift is too randomized and itʼs hard to construct a proper strategy. The only solution is to adapt and be prepared for whatever is coming.”

There was no strict pattern regarding the Abyssal Rift, which was why Xu Feng wanted to refuse the task from the start. To tackle something he wasnʼt confident in was equivalent to seeking defeat.

However, now that they were here, he would naturally do his best to succeed.

”Once we get inside, you are free to do whatever you want.” Xu Feng turned to Crimson Heart and said, ”I wonʼt be worrying about you or attempting to protect you. My priority is myself and my companion.”

”I understand,” Crimson Heart nodded.

Shortly after, Xu Feng took the lead and began heading down the ladder. Due to the terrain, constructing a staircase was out of the question. Thus, to ascend and descend, they could only resort to the ladders.

Within each ladder, there are guards standing in place to ensure no one could attempt to destroy or remove the ladder. These guards were assigned by the Paradise Plains, so even if they werenʼt strong, none dared to offend them.

Once caught or identified, Paradise Plains wouldnʼt mind making an example out of them to warn the rest.

As the trio descended the ladder continuously, they were starting to get affected by the environment.

System: You have been affected by the special terrain of the Abyssal Rift. All attributes decreased by 30 percent!

”30 percent decrease huh.” Surprised, Xu Feng expected it to be at least 50 percent.

Nevertheless, he didnʼt mind the change as he proceeded to warn, ”This is the final ladder and from here, monsters could be hiding everywhere. This applies to a seemingly ordinary wall.”

”Where did you obtain the information from?” Crimson Heart suddenly asked, finding his knowledge to be truly vast. It didnʼt even appear as if this was his first time here.

Meanwhile, Xu Feng merely flashed a cheeky smile and replied with two simple words, ”Trade secret.”

With that said, Crimson Heart knew he wasnʼt going to reveal much. Thus, she gave up prying for information. Shortly after the trio officially descended deeper into the chasm, the air became heavier and colder.

It was hard to see more than a few feet ahead, and there was a faint, rotten smell lingering around them. The walls were rough and damp, with water dripping down in some spots. A dim light flickered here and there, but it was hard to tell where it was coming from.

”Is every environment thatʼs known to be spooky like this, Guild Leader?” Carmen pursed her lips and asked. Honestly, she was getting tired of seeing the same spooky and grim situation.

Instead of being worried or scared, she was actually annoyed and losing interest.

”The environment is set to dampen a playerʼs mentality.” Xu Feng shook his head and explained. ”Whatʼs dangerous in this kind of environment is the different types of monsters we may encounter.”

Hearing that, Carmen could only reluctantly accept the fact and continued the exploration.

Now that there was no more chatting, the only sounds were their footsteps, echoing off the stone walls, making the silence feel even more eerie.

The deeper they went, the more bored Carmen became. Despite her boredom though, she had not once lowered her guard.

A few minutes later, Crimson Heart stepped over a few small debris and tumbled slightly.

Suddenly, Crimson Heart noticed something move out of the corner of her eye. A shadow darted toward them, and before she could react, a creature leaped out from the darkness.

A Chasm Stalker appeared, its long, slender body blending in with the dark rocks. Its skin was a dull gray, making it almost invisible in the low light. The creatureʼs glowing silver eyes were the only bright thing about it, and its sharp claws and teeth were ready to strike.

The Stalker lunged at Carmen, but she managed to dodge just in time, feeling the creatureʼs claws swipe past her. It let out a low hiss, its eyes locked on her as it prepared to attack again.

”Did you seriously think Iʼm the weakest one?” Infuriated, Carmen snorted coldly and summoned her Elementalist. Afterward, she unleashed a barrage of spells at the Stalker.

”Spells are ineffective!” Xu Feng suddenly yelled out, activated Phantom Step, and quickly rushed toward Carmen. And in a smooth action, he wrapped his arm around her waist and dragged her away from the location.

A few seconds later, the ground where Carmen had been standing ruptured.

The Stalkerʼs claws slashed through the air, grasping at nothing but empty space.