After this round of preparations, all six members of the battle team now possessed the [Immortal War God] status, and their supplies were more than abundant. They were fully ready to face another wave of monsters with renewed courage.
Lala clasped her hands in prayer, "I hope this time we get some grape monsters, corn monsters, ice cream monsters, or ham-floss pastry monsters..."
Dongfang Yuan immediately nodded in agreement, "Exactly! Last time wasn’t satisfying enough. Those dough monsters weren’t as fun, and I’m not a big fan of spinach."
Qi Xu first distributed some fruits that could reduce fatigue to everyone before speaking up, "Don’t worry. Once Master Chef gets his hands on them, he’ll turn them into something you’ll love."
"Haha, true. No one can question Master Chef’s culinary skills."
Noticing Ballpoint Pen casually nibbling on a grape, Qi Xu pushed other fruits toward her and placed them in her hand, "Eat these instead. They reduce fatigue more effectively."
"Boss, this entire dungeon run, I’ve been eating your food, drinking your supplies, using your resources... I’m really feeling guilty..."
Before joining this game, Qi Xu had little experience working in a team. But now, as the designated leader, it was clear this role was the best choice for the group.
As the primary beneficiary, even if no one voiced dissatisfaction and everyone respected the decision, Qi Xu knew it was necessary to contribute more in small ways to balance the team’s morale.
Paying attention to details like this could prevent unnecessary conflicts and resentment, ensuring no one felt slighted over time.
Fortune God's Only Daughter kept rolling her eyes before finally sighing deeply. It really was different here—or rather, nothing like what she was used to.
In the Black Whirlwind team, everyone actually cared about each other, while personal gains and losses took a backseat.
After resting and feeding the three prisoners, the 20-minute break ended. Qi Xu confidently raised their voice, "Let’s continue the challenge!"
[Stage 6: 100 Diamond Apes]
Just from the number, Qi Xu knew these monsters wouldn’t be weak.
Dealing with disorganized mobs was one thing, but stronger enemies like these would be a real challenge.
The throne’s backplate had completely shattered, rendering it useless, leaving them with one less weapon...
However, the battle arrangement this time was interesting. Instead of assigning defensive positions, Qi Xu had to decide the order of combatants.
Bian was the first to react, "A relay battle? That means weapons can be reused—perfect!"
Qi Xu recalled a similar relay challenge from the "Unity is Strength" dungeon, though that one involved push-ups instead of fighting monsters.
In this kind of setup, the later a person’s turn, the greater the pressure.
And unlike last time, failure here meant death—no second chances.
As time passed, the dungeon’s difficulty was steadily increasing...
When arranging the order, Qi Xu first finalized the last two positions: themselves as the anchor and Watch Me Cut You Down as the second-to-last.
After some thought, they decided the first fighter’s momentum was crucial—a strong start would boost the team’s confidence. So, they assigned Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly to set the tone.
The final order was: Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly, Lala, Fortune God's Only Daughter, Ballpoint Pen, Watch Me Cut You Down, and Invincible Black Whirlwind.
On average, each person would face about 16 or 17 monsters, but individual strengths meant different targets.
Having fought Diamond Apes before, Qi Xu knew their limit was around 30, and Watch Me Cut You Down was likely similar. The relay format also allowed weapons to be reused.
The red-tasseled spear was a bit tricky to handle, but the pink chainsaw was easy to wield and came with built-in defensive armor, making it suitable for everyone.
"Don’t stress. Watch Me Cut You Down and I can handle about 60 between us. The rest of you just focus on taking down 10 each."
Dongfang Yuan admired this about Qi Xu—not only were they strong, but they also acknowledged others’ strengths without hesitation, acting decisively and openly.
"Exactly. Leave the rest to me and Whirlwind Boss."
The others nodded with smiles, but inwardly, they were determined to fight until they couldn’t anymore.
They couldn’t just take others’ dedication and sacrifices for granted.
At this moment, Qi Xu suddenly remembered the leader’s privileges—controlling puppets and assigning tactics to fighters.
A truly malicious leader could place everyone else at the front, forcing them to fight desperately while reaping the benefits from the rear...
Qi Xu had no such intentions and wasn’t worried about being misunderstood. Still, the leader’s authority might need to be exercised—especially to prevent Watch Me Cut You Down from going all out recklessly.
Lala and Ballpoint Pen also seemed like sincere, straightforward kids. Having them fight later would help maintain control over the battle’s flow.
Qi Xu wanted to clear the dungeon, but everyone’s lives were far more important than victory.
Shortly after finalizing the order, 100 Diamond Apes appeared simultaneously, roaring and pounding their chests in a spectacle that was both awe-inspiring and... hilarious.
Watch Me Cut You Down and Fortune God's Only Daughter burst into laughter, setting off a chain reaction as the whole team joined in, giggling uncontrollably.
The Diamond Apes were stunned. Their carefully planned, intimidating entrance had been met with outright mockery! Furious, their nostrils flared, and their chests heaved as if about to explode...
Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly strode forward, gripping the red-tasseled spear. The crimson tassel fluttered wildly in the wind as they locked eyes with the Diamond Apes, radiating an unshakable aura.
Soon, one of the apes charged forward, while the others cheered like a hype squad—surprisingly human-like behavior.
The ape lunged wildly without any technique, but Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly didn’t dodge. They met it head-on, aiming the spear at its head, though the ape managed to deflect it with its arms.
Seizing the moment, Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly lowered their stance and adjusted the angle, driving the spear into the ape’s ribs with precision.
As the ape recoiled in pain, they pressed the attack, each move executed with effortless grace.
Dongfang Yuan alternated between shaking and nodding their head, leaving Qi Xu baffled. "What are you doing?"
"With such solid fundamentals, if only they’d cut back on the flashy moves!"
"Watch Me Cut You Down, why don’t you mentor them a bit?"
Qi Xu thought Dongfang Yuan was great at giving guidance—after all, their own breakthrough had come from following their advice.
"Me? Really?"
"Of course! You’re the one who taught me!"
Dongfang Yuan waved their hands hastily, "No, no, you’re just naturally gifted with incredible comprehension!"
Qi Xu shot them a sidelong glance, "Why do I feel like you’re low-key disdainful of me?"
"Not at all. You’re the best."
Dongfang Yuan grinned so wide their gums showed, radiating sincerity.
.........
