The Player's System

Chapter 71 - First Seal

First Seal 

The dagger seemed perfect for the upcoming battle. The front part got shattered in pieces as soon as the shredded skin burned away. They were again in the dark place standing at the down side of the ground. Clearly their position was unfavorable. 

The impact and the decision of the team head pulled the strings of the battle closer unknowingly. He ordered to burn the skin for the sake of task however the first seal appeared with this earlier than expected. 

There was black wall however they were unable to see anything other than the groups after groups of the ogres. Their eyes were flickering in the dark surrounding. Junan looked around to see the team members, "What shit is it?" He disliked remaining blank and blind when they were in the most dangerous colony. 

He was unable to see team members much less to see the seal in the distance. Sashi lit the weapon, but it did not work. Few of the weapons were ineffective in few places, this they faced at some occasions. 

It was bare truth that they would not be able to break the seal without getting their hands on the second part of the skin till then they could only battle with ogres. They were in huge numbers. The Book of Detection did not bring any signs to remind because it already gave silver and golden clue. 

It was up to the team to remember those clues. Jake did not use any clue from the system for this second last day. Quarter part of the day was invested in burning the first half part of the shredded skin. It was fairly worrisome. 

Jake did not forget any of the written words from the book of detection. He was not only genius but caught in the situation where he could rely on his intellect. 

"We are again in open ground?" Albert asked to confirm. Junan twitched, "We are surrounded by ogres however I don't know where we are. None of you should step away. We will decide first how to tackle it." Junan reminded them. 

"The open ground with black thundering clouds, the ogres ready to block our path, such a fate. This level is hardest I ever faced in any game." Ahram spoke. 

All of them were wondering what was going to happen. "We will split in two teams, one of us will battle with the ogres and the second team would search the second part of the shredded skin." Jake chimed in his personal opinion before others could decide differently.

They might have scolded him for such suggestion however they could not see his stature because of darkness. From the very first appearance in the district team head was forcing them to remain in a team while this kid was asking them to split at the critical phase of the level. 

"Do you have any sober reason for such suggestion? Albert asked instead of Junan. Junan was speechless to ask anything from the kid. Albert got the hesitation and asked instead. 

"Indeed I have strong reason for this suggestion. The first seal and the second part of the shredded skin are correlated with each other. No matter how long we kept mass killing we would not be able to walk past the first seal. Can you see the groups of ogres in front?" Jake pointed toward the flickering eyes. 

Albert looked in the distance out of curiosity. "If you cannot see then I can use grenade for you to see it clearly. The seal is closed and we have none of reliable weapon to break it open in next three days. Clark lost his hammer. The present weapon has longer cool down. Considering all aspects it would take three days while we have only one and half day to kill the last boss." Jake paused for a moment. 

His words were blunt that even the dumbest person could understand the logic behind. Without crossing first seal, they could never reach second seal. It was similar of hurdle that has steps to follow no matter if the player could use best weapon. 

The truth was harsh, they lost half of reliable weapons coming to this colony. Albert was shocked at such keen and ardent observation of the kid, "You want us to split in two teams so that both work to increase the pace. You are quite smart. One will search the second part of shredded skin and the second team would kill ogres in order to clear path toward the seal. I agree with this suggestion." Albert commented. 

With the brief explanation others also understood however they were awe struck at the sharp kid. They were thinking like players and he was thinking like pro. This difference created itching for them. 

However they did not deny that they learned from the kid. When they would put efforts on two different tasks only then they could meet the demand of the limited time. 

Junan took deep breath. "It is decided then we will split in two teams. The second part of the shredded skin must be at the same place or in the near. "Jake, Ahram and Sashi would be in one team. Their task is to search the shredded skin and burn. The remaining us would tackle the ogres." Junan fairly made them in two teams. 

He ordered and the split. Their present standing place was slippery. It was hard to step ahead and walk without staggering. 

Jake was not sure because he did not ask for the second clue from the system. However he was certain that the place must be under their feet. The ogres hid the second part in the distance from the first part of the skin. 

The distance was not much nevertheless in the darkness they were fiddling with the path. Junan asked others to focus in reducing the strength of the ogres so that when time comes the seal would not be big leap. 

"From the previous spot to the newest the ogres tried to confuse us. Carefully walk and tap your feet on the ground.." Jake guided Ahram and Sashi.