World of Elevators

Chapter 9

John Foster decided to try the lower floor after completing the second-floor mission and taking first place.

With the 50,000 gold coins he won on the second floor, John purchased the cheapest simple crossbow. John was unconcerned because he frequently won first place in student-level archery competitions.

John is not a fool to want to face wolves who usually live in packs. He only needs to kill the players and steal the gemstones they have.

John had shot and killed two players from behind in the first hour. He didn't want to be a coward. He just didn't want the people he killed to take revenge on him when they returned to the game floor.

"I'm so lucky!"

When Josh saw Zach and Ray picking up a lot of gemstones, he smiled on the inside. He began to target both of them.

Originally, John would have killed Zach first because he was weak. But when he saw Zach's wolf, he was immediately put off.

John remembered the nerd. He also learned about Zach's pet, a rare and dangerous creature, according to the NPCs.

John shifted his focus to Ray. If Zach discovers him, he only needs to negotiate rather than fight Zach's pets.

After all, it was the same day that John and Zach both entered the world of elevators. John was confident, Zach would treat him more like a comrade than that unknown player.

Ray was instantly hit in the back by the arrowhead. The muscular man did not immediately lose his balance.

Ray turned around and writhed as if amused. The arrows didn't seem to penetrate his tough muscles.

"Ray, your back!" exclaimed Zach.

"Please remove this, Zach!"

Zach was unsure. "This is going to hurt you! You'll be losing a lot of blood!"

"It's fine, do it quickly! Before that person attacks you too!"

Zach rushed to pull the arrows from Ray's back. The open wound bled profusely.

Meanwhile, John does not want to miss another opportunity to attack Ray. Even after Zach realized what was going on and yelled at him, John remained focused on the shot.

'Hap!'

The wolf precisely caught the arrow. "Damn it!" John cursed and ran away.

John assumed that because he was running fast, he was safe from those two people. But he was wrong!

When John's legs began to slow, Zach's wolf charged. The wolf bit his neck ruthlessly.

"Ahhhhh!! Let go of me!! Help!"

When Zach and Ray caught up with the wolf, John was already dead. His body became transparent, like a hologram. Then it's completely gone.

[Pet level 37.]

[Your current level is 55.]

There are 67 gemstones on the ground where John vanished. Zach and Ray exchanged a glance.

"Let's divide it," Zach suggested.

"We only need to slaughter 16 more wolves."

"Right. So, how about your wound?"

Ray exposed his back. The wound immediately closed after he drank the health potion, leaving only torn clothes.

"I'll have to buy a lot of health potion later," Zach mumbled.

"You must also improve your skills."

"Skills?"

"Yup. There will be player skill statistics at level 100. Physical strength, speed, agility, stamina, and even appearance can all be improved! You can also improve your vision."

"Really?" Zach was astounded. "But changing only in this place is a waste."

"No, you are wrong! After exiting the elevator, the repaired appearance will remain the same. Do you think I got this great body through years of physical training?" Ray smirked.

Zach raised his eyebrows.

"Before descending to the lower floor, I purposefully strengthened my body. Also, as someone who has always wanted to be a physical education teacher, this is extremely beneficial."

"I want to heal my eyes. Then I'll kill as many wolves as I can! Just wait!"

Ray laughed. "Let's go to the -2 floor after this!"

***

"On your side, Zach!"

Zach used his left hand to block the wolf's neck. While his right-hand stabs the knife into the wolf's chest.

Zach is now accustomed to killing wolves without the assistance of Lua, his newly named wolf.

Zach sells the gems he has collected after discovering that players do not need to kill each other to obtain other players' gems.

He obtained and sold more than 450 gemstones. Ray only followed and observed Zach if he required assistance.

"Zach, come on! 1,000 gold coins for ten stones! Kill as many wolves as possible!"

Ray and Lua sat in awe as Zach battled six wolves at once. However, they did not leave their position to help Zach.

Zach's wish is to train to become stronger. It would be a waste if he went down to the floor and left Lua alone with the killing task.

"Haaa...." Zach let out a long sigh as he defeated the last wild wolf in the area.

[Your current level is 61.]

"Do you want to continue?"

"Haa... No... That's enough! It's better to go to floor -2 now... And keep an eye out for new enemies." Zach said haltingly.

"How many gemstones do you have now?"

"126 left. I'll sell these 20 stones and give the rest to Lua."

Several players hid behind a tree on their way to the werewolf queen's throne. They are those who purposefully wait for other players to arrive with gemstones.

Zach and Ray were already aware of this. They were preparing when two men appeared out of nowhere and attacked.

"Hand over your gemstones!" the tall, masked man yelled.

"Give me 2,000 gold coins in exchange for 20 yellow gemstones. I've already sold to several players."

The two gentlemen exchanged glances. It's fine to pay 2,000 gold coins. But they require more gemstones.

"We'll pay the multiplier for 60 yellow gemstones," said the other fat man.

"I only have 20 left to sell. If you don't want it, get out of the way." Zach gave a non-threatening order.

Ray nearly burst out laughing. Ray turned around and exhaled deeply.

Zach once told Ray about his life in the real world. Ray taught Zach to stop being bullied by his friends.

One of the lessons Ray taught was similar to this one, intimidating with words and tone of voice. Unfortunately, it is a complete failure!

Even though Zach had spent several hours practicing. Still, he appeared gentle and clumsy.

"You're a talker!" exclaimed the tall man.

Without warning, the tall man attacked him. Zach, on the other hand, was able to avoid it.

Fighting with fast-moving wolves is enough to improve his agility. He continued to dodge without responding.

"Behind you, Zach!" Ray stood a good distance away from him.

Zach had forgotten about the other guy. That fat man brandished a longsword aimed at Zach's neck!

Lua jumped high and bit the fat man's wrist. Even though the fat man shook his hand vigorously, Lua did not release her teeth.

"Let go of me, dog!"

Ray, who had arrived nearby, immediately pulled the tall man's shoulders. Ray moved his right foot to the left side of his opponent's leg as quickly as lightning. His leg swept the tall man down.

"Have you seen Zach? This is a jujitsu technique. This move can be practiced later."

"Wow!" Zach made a clapping motion with his hands.

Lua was the one who had to drag the fat man down. Zach was amazed once more. Seeing their performance lifted his spirits.

"F-Forgive us! Please release us." As he rubbed his palms together, the tall man begged.

"So, do you want to purchase 20 yellow gemstones?" Zach inquired.

They didn't want anything to do with Zach any longer, even though he could still not put on a fierce face.

[You have a total of 50,149 gold coins.]

"Ray, I'm very wealthy! I'll exchange the gold coins for dollars later."

"It's not much. You should go upstairs after we finish our adventure on the -2 floor. On the 50th and higher floors, you can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per week."

"First, I want to level up so I can heal my eyes."

"Excellent decision. Don't forget to strengthen and grow in height." Ray laughed.

"Did you insult me?" Zach pushed Ray but the man didn't budge.