Finally, the second mission appeared after a long wait.

[Stealth]

Using the skill I just activated, I was able to blend in with other people without anyone noticing my presence. So, I found out that the appearance of this second mission wasn't from the hidden Holy Altar or let's say it like that.

In fact, the Holy Altar that was previously only I knew about started being visited by people a while ago.

I knew, this second mission is quite challenging after I knew the objective of the mission.

This monster that I just took down is a monster that has just appeared with a new level. It is one of the signs of the start of the second mission, which is to stay alive for the allotted time or defeat as many monsters as possible.

The time for the completion of the second mission has been confirmed, a month from now. This is a sign that the second mission will be completed simultaneously, not individually.

For those who are able to defeat the monsters will be rewarded with something that is not yet known while still getting the basic reward, because it adjusts to their individual performance. While those who can only survive, there is no punishment and only get a basic reward.

“So, the more monsters I defeat, the more promising the reward, huh? I don't know how many islands can be crossed with just one paddle. What is clear, from now on I will continue to crush many monsters even more fiercely!”

Even without I‘m looking for it, the monsters will keep coming. Because as the mission objective is to survive or hunting, which means it would be a waste if the Skeletons Valley is set up like the first mission.

Without having high agility assisted by Swift Movement and Agility Master, Sprinter Ghost Dagger will not bring out its potential well. No matter how good my Sprinter Ghost Dagger's potentials are, this type of weapon cannot be used as a weapon of mass destruction.

The attack area that can be reached by all types of daggers and knives is very small, at most it can reach no more than one target at a time. What's more, it might be a big problem on a large target.

As long as you know the enemy's weakness, knives and daggers will be very effective. In addition, facing many opponents at once is also a problem. But with high dexterity, the problem can be covered.

Like me, in a short period of time I've overthrown a lot of monsters that just came my way.

Not the slightest trace of blood stuck to my body, let alone wounds. The monsters are unable to move after I activated my two flagship skills. Without knowing anything after approaching their prey, they fall one by one into fertilizer on the muddy ground or maybe pollute it.

"Let's see, how many monsters I've managed to get rid of..." I say after cleaning the back of the blade on the Sprinter Ghost Dagger which have black bloodstains on it.

The number I see on the fallen monsters counted is 102, it made me not expect the number to reach three digits.

My attention is immediately drawn to the pile of monster corpses that from time to time sink into the muddy ground. I wince, because I knew that the mud that never dried up is actually very shallow. Of course, the soil that is always covered in mud is dense enough not to make deep indentations after being given a load.

So, monster corpses shouldn't sink into solid ground.

"Is it true, the weight of each monster is very heavy?" I mutter speculating.

Intrigued by my own thoughts, I descend to a stilt that is low enough to grab one of the monster corpses. I lift it with one hand, while the other hand holds my body to keep me balanced.

“It's normal, it's as heavy as I'd guessed. But why?" I frown, feeling that something is not strange which of course is difficult for logic to digest.

I try to press the ground as well as I know, the ground remains solid.

Then, I remember about something.

“Wait a minute myself… It seems, I found a common ground for this awkwardness…” I frown, trying to find the answer that keeps running through my mind.

“Skeletons Valley! Yeah, maybe because of its name. I had time to think, why this valley is named so bad. Apparently, this can be used as an excuse. I do need logic to digest this strangeness, but isn't this the world in a dream?” I nod, agreeing with myself.

When I look closely, the mud that covers the ground seems to be moving. It is as if the mud is alive and is eating away at the corpses of the monsters I have defeated and piled up on the ground.

I immediately keep my distance from the ground, afraid of being suddenly pecked by the mud which might change shape and eat me too.

Staring at the mud that had littered my body before for a while, then I immediately go to another place after shaking my head slowly as a form of my reluctance to never touch the mud again and also feel disgusted when I remember my body covered in mud at that time.

The Skeletons Valley is very wide, no matter how much I dart from one point to another, I don't get out of the Skeletons Valley. Soil covers with mud, in some places will be separated by a small clear river. Then in some places there are also dry places and overgrown with grass, usually the ecosystem that the little creatures live in is around the Holy Altar.

While I am moving, I would occasionally use Stealth to camouflage in the dark so as not to attract the attention of a group of people I accidentally passed.

Sometimes, I help people who seem overwhelmed against monsters without them knowing who helped them. Because apart from using Stealth, I also use two of my mainstay skills to move quickly and not let any traces be seen.

Because of that, a rumor circulates.

Those who know the story of the Sprinter Ghost will think that the Helper Figure is a legend who always lulls children to bed, namely a real Sprinter Ghost.

Hearing these rumors made me cough after a few days had passed since the start of this second mission. It's nothing, but what they're talking about is me you know!

I'm not used to being the subject of conversation, let alone being glorified. Even though I knew, the one they are glorifying is the Sprinter Ghost that comea from legend. Whereas in reality, I am the person they speak of as the Sprinter Ghost.

When I accidentally met a girl who recognized me and was the only one who knew about me, I was immediately adored by her. The girl, Elrene immediately knew the real figure that many people are talking about. All of that could be attributed to her knowing the reward I got from the first mission back then, which is the Ghost Sprinter Gear.

“Erlene, act as usual. Okay? I really don't like being treated like a king whose people are so exalted. And if you can, please remove the master's call for me, will you?" I plead.

Elrene who doesn't know my way of thinking, because people usually wants to be adored and vying for recognition tilts her head in astonishment. She really wants to ask me, but she is afraid of being considered presumptuous. So, she chooses to nod her head as a sign of assent to my wishes.

"Oh yeah, Kenno-... I mean, what level is Hiro right now?" asks Elrene who is curious about my character level.

"Seven-..." Before I could finish, Elrene immediately exclaims in disbelief.

“I can't believe it, there's no way you who are so great are still at level 7?”

"Hey! Don't scream all of a sudden! Besides, I haven't finished telling you either. So, you misunderstood, right? And again, have you forgotten the achievements I’d made so far?”

I was actually taken aback by Elrene's sudden exclamation, but I felt like I have to cover up my surprise in front of this girl who admires me so much.

“I-I'm sorry, Kennomaru-sama...” Elrene who’s bowing is immediately startled, because she called me wrong. "I mean, Hiro..." she says again, looking like she is about to cry, because she is too nervous.

I smile slightly at Elrene's behavior, the girl who gave feedback to me with a kick on the genitals at that time looked so different.

'Doesn't she look like a girl?' I gently stroke Elrene's head.

"Forget it. Act like your real self. Don't let something cause you to lose your identity. Okay?" I advise.

Elrene nods happily, the tension seems to be fading.

“Hiro, may I come with you?”