The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 41: Ch : The First Dungeons- Part 2

After gathering a few supplies, the trio set out toward the plaza.

The streets were filled with chaos—people running, screaming, trying to escape the monsters that chased them.

Buildings were damaged, smoke rose from different parts of the city, and the stench of blood and fear hung in the air.

You could not see in a direction without seeing the influence of the apocalypse marking it.

This all felt like a nightmare, but this was humanity’s new reality and something they would have to live by now.

Selene’s hands clenched into fists as she watched the panicked civilians.

Some were trying to fight back, but most were defenseless, falling victim to the creatures hunting them. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to step in and help.

Her feet moved before she could think, but a strong grip on her wrist stopped her.

"Don’t!"

Ethan said firmly.

Selene turned to him, frowning.

"But—"

"You can’t save everyone. If you try, you’ll just end up dead. Or worse—you’ll keep blaming yourself for every person you couldn’t save. You’ll never move forward that way"

His golden eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unwavering. It was a cold reply, but a practical one. The best course of action would be to do nothing for these people and let them survive.

Selene’s chest tightened. She hated it. Hated that he was right.

Her past life had proven that time and time again. No matter how much she tried, she could never save everyone. Nor should she try to.

It was hard enough to keep a small hand-ful safe. Adding to the burden would only make her go mad.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to look away from the dying and focus on what mattered—the dungeon.

If they got stronger, if they gained enough power, then maybe she could make a difference later.

She exhaled sharply, nodding.

"I know. I won’t let myself get weak for them anymore."

Ethan studied her for a moment before letting go of her wrist. Her words had convinced him about her determination.

"Good."

Zara gave them both a glance before nodding toward the horizon.

"It’s almost time. The dungeon is about to open any second."

The trio positioned themselves near the plaza, blending in with the shadows of a broken building as they waited.

Then, as the clock struck 06:00 AM, the sky pulsed.

A deep, unnatural hum vibrated through the air, making the very ground beneath them tremble. The clouds above shifted, swirling as if responding to an unseen force. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Then, a robotic, emotionless voice echoed in the minds of every living being.

[System Integration Complete.]

[Initiating First Dungeon Formation.]

Gasps, screams, and cries of confusion erupted around them as the glowing blue light tore through the center of the plaza.

The shimmering gateway pulsed, growing larger until it became a massive archway of swirling energy.

Selene tightened her grip on her knife.

’It’s starting.’

The system...no, rather, the administrator was awake and now, their new reality would settle in.

Ethan grinned.

"Time to go."

Without hesitation, the trio darted toward the dungeon.

While others hesitated, too shocked or afraid to move, they rushed forward, slipping inside before the masses could react.

The moment they stepped through the portal, the world around them changed.

Gone were the ruined buildings and bloodied streets. Instead, they found themselves inside a vast underground cavern, the air thick and damp.

Towering rock formations loomed above them, glowing fungi casting an eerie blue light around the space. But the most concerning part?

The hundreds of ant-like monsters crawling across the rocky terrain.

Selene’s breath hitched. The creatures were massive—each one the size of a wolf, with sharp mandibles clicking hungrily.

They immediately locked onto Selene.

"Guess they know you’re the weakest."

Ethan mused.

Selene shot him a glare but knew he wasn’t wrong.

Compared to Ethan and Zara, she was the weakest in combat. That was why they had already planned their strategy.

"I’ll draw them in. You two handle the rest."

Selene said, shifting into position.

Zara nodded.

"On it."

Ethan rolled his shoulders.

"Try not to get eaten, alright?"

Selene ignored him and ran.

The monsters immediately responded, skittering toward her with terrifying speed. Their legs moved in a blur, their mandibles snapping as they rushed after their prey.

Selene’s heart pounded as she ducked and weaved between them, using her agility to avoid their attacks. She focused entirely on dodging, never staying in one place for too long.

Behind her, Ethan and Zara went to work.

Ethan’s sword flashed, cutting through the creatures with brutal efficiency. Each swing severed limbs and heads, sending dark ichor splattering across the rocky ground.

Zara moved with deadly precision, twin daggers slicing through the air as she danced between the monsters. With every strike, her blades cut deep, ensuring each hit counted.

Selene continued drawing more creatures in, keeping them distracted long enough for the others to wipe them out.

The system chimed in her mind as the experience points rolled in. Even though she wasn’t landing the kills, as part of the party, she still received her share of the rewards.

But it was exhausting.

Dodging, running, making sure none of the creatures overwhelmed her—it took everything she had.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last monster collapsed with a sickening crunch. The cavern fell silent.

Selene bent over, panting. Her entire body ached.

"That was fun."

Ethan said, looking completely unaffected.

Zara flicked the blood off her daggers.

"Speak for yourself."

Selene groaned.

"I’m going to collapse."

Ethan smirked.

"I did offer to carry you earlier."

Selene immediately straightened, shooting him a glare.

"I will crawl before I let that happen."

Ethan just chuckled, clearly amused.

Zara rolled her eyes.

"Alright, enough. We need to keep moving."

Selene sighed, forcing herself to stand properly. Her legs still wobbled, but she refused to admit it.

They had barely scratched the surface of this dungeon.

And they had a long way to go.