Max skillfully moved across the forest while dodging every root and trunk in his way. The path he had taken when he entered was devoid of leaves because he had already cut them all. He was sure he could reach the exit if he followed both the torchlight and the mark he created earlier.


    Tap tap tap tap–


    Meanwhile, Tromax''s footsteps rang behind him. They were desperately chasing while howling, angry at what Max had done earlier. One of the smaller Tromax had dirt on its head from getting hit by the rock he threw.


    ''Therger Tromaxes doesn''t do anything.'' Max thought as he nced over his shoulders.


    Simr to the first run, therger Tromaxes somehow ran slower than the smaller ones. Only four tailed behind him so closely, while the other three were a few meters away behind the group.


    ''I still can''t understand why therge one could get me in the past.''


    He was halfway to the exit. He knew about it because he remembered therge branch he had difficulty cutting earlier.


    The countdown showed ''00:54:17.'' A few minutes had passed since he ran away from the Tromaxes.


    ''It''s too easy.''


    Just as he thought that he suddenly lost the sound of footsteps from the Tromaxes. He looked back immediately to find out what happened and noticed that they were gone.


    "What the…!?"


    Due to surprise, he stopped in his tracks. That… identally saved him.


    Swoosh! Chomp–


    Arge head passed his face, chomping the air in front of him. If he hadn''t stopped earlier, his head would have been inside Tromax''s mouth.


    Surprised, he jumped back with all his strength and looked in front of him. Threerge Tromaxes stood in front of four smaller ones that strangely faced the other way, growling ferociously at him. The one in the front was especially angry after Max dodged its attack.


    The small Toraxes howled and began to turn around after they noticed their prey weren''t in that direction.


    Max, still confused, blinked.


    "What the heck happened?" He asked loudly, hoping the chat would have an answer.


    However, at a time like this, the chat was evil.


    — No backseat!


    — Ssshh!! Let him be confused.


    — My right arm is satisfied with this depression and despair. More… Get depressed! Get eaten! My minions, EAT BREEZE!


    — No can do, Breeze. We won''t say anything


    — Try to guess what''s inside my mind, HAHAHAHA! *Insert evilugh*


    Naturally, Max had thought of the possibility of them refusing to tell him just to see him suffer. He had to find the clue himself. At times of confusion, he first needed to calm down and observe the situation.


    The first clue was the Tromaxes'' changing position. The second was a bit harder to spot, but he managed to find it.


    ''Thergest branch I cut is in front of me?'' He thought, eyes opened wide in realization. ''Could it be?''


    It was a bet, but he quickly turned around and ran at full speed. From other people''s perspective, he must''ve appeared to be crazy. No sane person would run back to where they came from.


    But as Max ran, he noticed that he made the right choice. He remembered those branches he cut. He hadn''t passed this path yet.


    "I understand now." His lips curled up into a wide grin as he solved the puzzle as to why he died the first time and almost died the second time. "It''s a confusion. The forest confused me and made me turn around unknowingly at some point. That mane is the trigger, I believe. Am I right, chat?"


    — Smart Breeze is back


    — lolol, he got it right


    — This streamer isn''t clueless


    — kekekeke, he got it right


    Getting confirmation from the chat, Max ran faster. Tromaxes still followed behind him closely, just like earlier. Loud howls filled the Misty Forest. The atmosphere was deadly and cold.


    Still, Max''sughter couldn''t be stopped. The satisfaction of solving the missing piece he couldn''t feel since earlier was exhrating.


    At some point, Max noticed that he was confused once again. This time, he managed to point out when it happened.


    One of the threerge Tromaxes'' mane glittered, shining brightly. The mist thickened to the point he couldn''t see anything in front of him for a second. When he realized it, the monsters were in front of him.


    "Oops! I have seen that trick before."


    Max jumped back before Tromax reached him and continued to run.


    [Countdown: 00:44:21]


    Based on the countdown and the time he needed to find the Tromaxes, the exit should be in sight soon.


    — Just a little bit more!


    — Only a few meters are left


    — Run faster! Run!


    The confusion happened a few times. However, Max skillfully evaded the bite attack each time it happened and ran away. After a while, he could see it.


    "Finally! I can escape this ursed forest!"


    Just a few steps ahead!


    Max increased his speed and unsheathed his sword at thest moment. To have a little bit of revenge against Tromaxes, he decided to try something stupid.


    Turning around, he threw his sword at the nearby monster and raised his middle finger. The sword pierced the small Tromax''s leg, causing it to stumble. The others followed suit, stumbling against their brother and causing a domino effect.


    As for therge Tromaxes, they stopped behind the fallen small ones.


    "Eat shit! Hahahaha!"


    With a heartyugh, Max stepped out of the Misty Forest. Sunlight greeted him. It felt warm and bright, the opposite of the atmosphere inside the Misty Forest.


    "Ah, so warm." He eximed as he walked toward the steam train.


    There was no sign of Tromaxes chasing after him anymore. It seemed like they were bound in the forest.


    "Missionpleted, guys. Let''s return to the base."


    — It''s notpleted yet


    — Yeah, you need to report it back to the Stronghold Mercenary


    — Because you got the mission from Hunter, you should visit Hunter


    — Show us your move again lol


    — Blood God is disappointed… I hope you give him more sacrifice next time.


    He froze just before he sat after reading the chat. Report back to Hunter? That only meant one thing.


    "I need to climb that ridiculously tall building again?"


    That idea terrified yet excited him at the same time.


    Was it a pain to climb such a high building?


    Yes.


    But… Was it fun?


    The answer was also yes.


    So, he would do it.


    "I guess I have no choice."


    Arriving at the Stronghold Mercenary base after the time skip in the train, Max immediately went to the main base. The sword he threw regenerated and returned to its sheath on his back, a pretty convenient game feature.


    Climbing the main building was easy because he had already found the path. It only took him around 5 minutes to reach Hunter. He reported the missionplete and received notifications.


    [Tromax''s Breakoutpleted!]


    [Rewards: 1,500 Gills, 50 Reputations, 5x health potions, 5x Antidote.]


    "Good job at the renaissance mission, newbie. Leave the rest to us. But… I might have to ask something." Hunter looked at him curiously.


    "Do you love climbing this building so much? Or do you love money? There is a quick lift with Garudama on the side of the cliff for 5 Gills. It will allow you to reach this ce in just a few seconds. If you want to go down, just enter this room and call for Garudama for another 5 Gills. It''s easy."


    Hearing that question, Max blinked repeatedly and raised his voice.


    "Excuse me, what?"