Re-Awakening: I Became a Pay To Win Boss Monster

Rael took a few glances around before narrowing his eyes at Roger.

"Is that right...? So, from the amount of time you spent in this place, you haven't learned anything?" Rael asked skeptically.

If he was forced to stay in a spa for a week, he'd probably learn their shampoo recipe.

So there was no way this old man didn't know shit even after spending decades in here.

"Hmm... yes, you're right..." Roger trailed off, coughing a few times. "There are a few rules, I guess."

"Rules? Okay, we're getting somewhere now." Rael nodded with satisfaction. "So what are they?"

Roger held his chin, trying to remember. "Don't stare at the sky for too long? I think that's one of them. There are two other interesting ones I remember... Don't accept quests from the Abyss, and don't follow voices you don't recognize."

So basic stuff, but what's up with the Abyss quests? Rael thought as he decided to pester Roger more. "Is there a town? Or anything at all? I remember you mentioned 'we,' so are there more people?"

"Head north. You'll find the Mirefall encampment. Just tell them Roger sent you, they'll probably let you in," Roger said as he suddenly began walking away.

Rael tilted his head. "Aren't you coming with?"

"No, young man. It's the end of the line for me." Roger chuckled—then, all of a sudden, he pulled back his sleeve, revealing a black substance squirming on his wrist.

He continued, "I'm infected by the Abyss... I'm surprised it took that long, considering the amount of time I've been in here. But not everyone was as lucky as me... some get infected within the first few seconds of arriving."

Rael nodded, his brows furrowing as he finally realized what Roger was going to do.

Nonetheless, he was the pay-to-win boss for a reason.

"Roger. I have a way of saving you. Just tell me what kind of status ailment you have, and I'll get a cure."

"Hahaha, really?" Roger replied, amused. "So you'll get the cure for every single person in the encampment too? And all the people who get infected in the future as well? Yeah? You'll do that for us?"

Rael's brows twitched as he looked into Roger's eyes sternly. "Tell me the name of the status ailment."

"Fine..." Roger shrugged. "Hollow Touch, Level 6."

Level fucking 6? What? Rael's eyes widened as his trembling hand traveled toward the premium shop.

•—Premium Shop—•

Category: Potions/Cure/Hollow Touch

•—Balance: 6,515,322 Trell—•

• Unstable Concoction (Rare): 500,000 Trell

• The Cure All Potion (Legendary): 1,000,000 Trell

• Hollow Touch Source Cure (Epic): 5,000,000 Trell

• Body Reformation Potion (Legendary): 25,000,000 Trell

<Expand for more>

Fuck... Rael inspected each potion, and to no one's surprise, the only one that could help in this situation was the third option.

—Hollow Touch Source Cure (Epic)

Cures the Hollow Touch infection. Doesn't work on individuals infected with Level 7 Hollow Touch and above.

This was it, but then again...

"From your scrunched-up face, I can tell you wouldn't be able to help everyone. Thanks for trying, young man, but don't put a bounty on yourself for this old man," Roger said with one last chuckle as he faced away and began walking into the distance.

Rael could do it, he really could.

However, this person was a total nobody—someone who would likely die from old age in a few weeks.

I can't screw myself over for someone I don't even know... Rael glanced at Roger's departing back, and with a deep sigh, headed north.

Thankfully, he didn't need a compass, as his new skill, Primordial Sight (Mythic+), somehow made him very aware of his surroundings.

Meanwhile, the skill had been passively gaining experience—nearly 1,000 per hour.

I'll check out the changes later though. For now, I need to get to the encampment, Rael thought.

Nonetheless, he slowly made his way, his boots sinking into the wet black soil.

After a few minutes, he saw the encampment's wall, but just as he was about to head toward it, a voice resounded from behind him.

"Good job, young man. I knew you could find it."

Roger? Rael thought, but he didn't turn around.

"The infection went away, surprisingly, so I'll follow you if you don't mind. Just give me a moment—my cane is a bit wonky lately."

Soon, he heard footsteps heading toward him.

However, ever since Rael had begun playing the Violin Blade, his perception for sound had gotten so good that he could now tell the weight of someone just from their steps.

And whatever this is... it's much heavier. Rael took a deep breath as he suddenly launched himself forward and swiftly summoned his Violin Blade.

In the next instant, he turned around, glancing at the creature that spoke.

Yet as he did, his brows scrunched up in disgust.

What the fuck is that...?

A tall, dark creature with a gaping mouth and thousands of sharp, uneven teeth—its head tilted sideways as it stared right at him.

Basically, something he would expect to see if he went fishing while high on drugs.

Nonetheless...

—Lurking Horror [Level 110] [259,300/259,300 HP]

A Lurking Horror. Interesting... Rael thought.

Suddenly, it lunged at him, and as it did, he got a few system pop-ups.

<Your mind is being corroded!>

<Lose 1% HP as long as you are making eye contact with the Lurking Horror!>

[HP -6,590! 652,410/659,000]

Eye contact? Where the fuck are its eyes then? Rael scoffed, yet he didn't panic.

After all, this situation was under his control.

Rael tightened his grip on the rapier and, with deadly precision, struck the red string four times.

Each note that escaped was a perfect melody, and before the Lurking Horror could get any closer, its head was cut off—followed by its entire body being sliced in two.

-259,300! Instant Kill! (4x Crystal Violin Blade)

<Lurking Horror [Level 110] Killed! Experience: +14,081>

<+7,041 Trell Acquired>

<Resonant Duelist: +200 Experience>

Rael watched as the monster's body suddenly began deteriorating, melting into the ground.

The only thing left was some black ooze, which twitched and merged with the ground.

As it did, Rael's brows furrowed.

Don't tell me that is the same shit I'm standing on... He looked down, checking his boots, before letting out a sigh.

Fuck. Rael grumbled, but nonetheless, he picked up the pace and jogged toward the encampment.

After a few minutes, he arrived at the encampment's wall, where a single exhausted-looking guard stood.

However, upon noticing Rael, his posture straightened as he aimed a spear right at Rael's throat.

"Don't come any closer... what is your affiliation?"