Outright

They were expecting something reasonable. Somehow it gave them real hint to look for the trouble solution. “Indeed how can we forget the difficulty would increase since we are already at third colony? They say the ogres would be much horrible than before. And the aspect is that the ogres are designed with some intellect.” Albert spoke. 

They nodded on his words. “We are carried by the difference of the game portal and the fact is that we are tempered with the normal game designs. This one is unique with the presentation as well as the settings.” Junan added. They were talking about their next steps and keeping strict eye at the surrounding.  

They were standing in front of the recently cleared cottage when they heard the second announcement. The second team also wiped up in the first level. (This brought unlimited amount of commotion among the spectators of the live game portal. 

The rule was simple. The team which got wiped up entirely would not get chance in the second level of the game portal. Only the wining team can advance with all the limelight of winners and getting huge amount of money in the form of leveling perks. Among the three teams two teams got wiped up and eliminated from any future game. 

The third team was still alive and making advancement. Surprisingly none of the team members were eliminated or faced damage until now. It was stunning aspect for the spectators because the live announcement clearly told them the threats of this game portal the players facing inside the game. 

The organizers were cunning to the extent of foxy brains. The let the audience knew so to keep their curiosity at the peak. They succeeded in pulling more than one million spectators in this first live game portal. Their initial calculations about making money proved fruitful. In fact they were praising the young CEO of the ‘Sovereign Rulers’ for this brainy idea. 

Now spectators were curious whether the third team would survive or not. Some were betting on players. Half of the people were praising the efforts of the young player named ‘zero three’ while other half wanted him to get eliminated because he was not experienced player and might bring trouble for the team in their eyes.)         

There were seven cottages in this colony those were bigger and prominent. “I think we should decide about it first. The small cottages are only for the design of the portal and there are few ogres scattered in them. Should we skip the small cottage and only clear the bigger one? I am asking because each one of us is experienced with several types of games before this.” Junan thought to take their opinion before moving toward the next cottage. 

The surrounding was silent because the slave finally accepted defeat. The remaining slaves scattered in the hidden places away from the dark colony. They were being tortured by the hidden Python however after the players destroyed the third heart, the hidden Python could no more move in the other colonies at its will. 

It brightened the chances for the slaves to live for some time. They wanted to know if the players could kill the Python or not. Half of the creatures were waiting for the same reason. “I would suggest clearing bigger cottages because of the time limit. Also we need to find this shingle thing.” Hammer boy held his hammer on his shoulder and spoke. 

All of them were having their five weapons according to their set sub-categories. With two hands they were not supposed to pick all big weapons. Other team members also agreed. Their first priority was to save life in the game. The clue of the Book of Detection was enough to bring chills. Since the team head suggested that bigger cottages could render something bigger in return so they wanted to check it first. 

Jake was done sneaking all weapon types and apparently the small yet advanced arrow weapon was better choice. Sashi was hanging it on her waist while holding sword in her hand. She had been using swords in most of the games as the first hand weapon just like most gamers out there. 

Agreeing the team head led them toward the bigger cottage. This cottage was not in favorable condition. The wooden walls were charred and broken. Inner parts of the cottage were sinking in the darkness. The open street was bright though. 

“There won’t be many creatures. Let’s clear it in hurry.” Junan stepped ahead and stopped. The bright weather turned dark in the open. Suddenly the air got filled with the dark smoke; it was not ghoulish for breathing however they were unable to see their hands and feet. 

“Hell just when we think it is clear…” Orin spoke displeased. He closed the book of detection and firmly held his weapon ready in case the ogres wanted to intentionally create scene with this dark smoke. The broken cottage was no more in sight because of the dense black smoke. 

“Guys be alert, I don’t want any of you get damage with ambush of the ogres.” Junan warned them. He was worried if single player got eliminated, even if the rest of team won the level one, the team would be incomplete in the second level which was not good signs for winning second level. 

Jake held the gun trying to see through the black smoke. In his concern Jake asked the system. The lit screen appeared, [Last clue for today: you are near the first shingle, be ready for blank battle] 

The screen disappeared leaving Jake Lin agape whether to thank this thing called system for clue or scold for leaving just like it. “Do not bluntly use your weapons and unintentionally harm the team member. I think Sashi has the lit ladybird weapon.” Jake spoke. 

Other team members heard his warning and stopped recklessly waving the swords. “We need to move toward the broken cottage and see what is awaiting us.” Junan added.. The words of the younger player reminded what was necessary at hand.