Online Game: Crazy Skeleton-Chapter 706 - 649: Mysterious Golden Ant (Two-in-One) _2

...

With the entire team focusing their attacks, the number of cloud ants decreased rapidly. It didn’t take long for Su Ran and his team to eradicate every one of them, turning them into little cloud puffs that floated in mid-air.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The dozens of cloud puffs converged and merged with one another, transforming into a splendid golden ant. The moment it landed, it hastily darted towards the deeper parts of the cloud cave.

"Is this... the golden boss? Why is it running away?"

Surprisingly, Su Ran watched as the peculiarly behaving cloud ant made its escape, puzzled. This was entirely out of the ordinary. Without any hesitation, Su Ran began to chase after it.

"Overturning Water, there’s no need to pursue it. Our mission here is complete. We’ve killed this golden ant before and it didn’t drop anything of value. Even the experience points gained were just one. It’s practically worthless! Killing it was an arduous process that took us over two hours! This must be some kind of trap set by the system to mess with us... Hey? Hey?"

Wang Cai couldn’t stop Su Ran. The lad didn’t show any sign of stopping, and Wang Cai helplessly watched him run further away.

"There’s something off about this ant. I’ll go check it out. You guys continue with the instance dungeon. I’ll catch up with you guys later!"

His hoarse voice echoed from a distance, but he was long gone.

"That stubborn kid... he wouldn’t even believe me, so headstrong, it’s worrying!"

Youtong grumbled annoyedly. Despite her explicit explanation, she couldn’t understand why Su Ran remained so determined.

"Youtong, isn’t this the reason why Overturning Water gets so many special tasks?"

Gu Yue approached Youtong and spoke, "That golden ant’s mighty appearance means it must have a purpose, it’s likely a crucial piece in this puzzle. In my opinion, that ant isn’t meant to be killed."

"It isn’t to be killed? Then is it meant to be played with? Little Yue, there’s no need to defend Overturning Water. The guy has been acting recklessly, ignoring commands, and lacking team discipline. He’s a serious detriment to us. This isn’t a good sign!"

Big Smoker hefted his iron stick, voicing his opinion. Clearly, he shared the same viewpoint as Youtong. The mission for this stage had already been completed, so there was no need to waste any more time in the ant cave. It was utterly unnecessary!

"I’ve always felt there’s something peculiar about this ant. Little Yue is right, killing it is not the smart choice. We haven’t truly explored this ant cave thoroughly. If necessary, let’s go all out today to accompany Overturning Water and investigate this ant cave properly. We’ll see what secrets are hidden within. Even if we fail the mission, we can always restart!"

Wang Cai made a decision right away, displaying boldness.

"We’ve been in there before, right? The inside’s like a labyrinth, there’s no way out. Going inside would just be a waste of effort!" freewebnσvel.cѳm

Big Smoker surprisingly held an opposing viewpoint. "With the time we have, it would be better if we just continue with the instance dungeon. Why waste time like this?"

"I support Wang Cai’s idea. When we first entered the ant cave, we killed the ants first before progressing deeper. We were disheartened when we encountered the labyrinth. But Overturning Water is different; he has the ant as a guide. He will definitely find the correct route through the maze. It won’t be challenging. This is something we all overlooked. If it weren’t for Overturning Water, we wouldn’t even think about this."

Gu Yue cleared her throat and chimed in, "Overturning Water has that bravery. That’s why he takes on so many hidden tasks. In this aspect alone, we are no match for him."

"Ah, I remember something!"

Suddenly clapping her hands, Youtong pointed at Big Smoker and laughed, "This guy has a phobia of choices. Mazes scare him to death! Telling him to enter a maze is worse than killing him!"

"A phobia of choices? So that’s why he always left the ant cave whenever a key dropped, I see!"

Wang Cai chuckled, completely surprised. She wouldn’t have guessed that such a burly man could have a weak side. How pitiful!

"You, Youtong! You promised you’d keep that secret. How am I supposed to maintain my image now?"

Big Smoker’s face reddened unusually, reproving Youtong angrily. Ignoring the reactions of the three ladies, he left the ant cave immediately, leaving the words, "You guys go and help Overturning Water first; I will complete the instance dungeon by myself!"

"Hey, take the treasure chest!"

Somewhat amused, Wang Cai said nothing more. She pulled out a treasure chest and tossed it up.

"Ahaha, Big Smoker’s shy side is really cute, hahaha!"

Youtong laughed without care, her laughter echoing throughout the cave. If Big Smoker was still around, he would’ve definitely found something to stuff her mouth!

"Youtong, everyone has their flaws. It’s unnecessary to amplify anyone’s shortcomings; it can be hurtful. I also overlooked this. I noticed something was off when we first arrived at the maze entrance, but I didn’t delve into it."

The pretty boy softly tapped Youtong’s head, signaling her to calm down.

"Pretty Boy, you hit my head again. If I am hurt, you are responsible!"

Youtong annoyingly covered his head, "It’s your fault that I am not growing taller!"

"Enough, let’s focus on how we can get through the maze."

Gu Yue looked ahead. Without the golden ant leading the way, finding the real passage was a problem.

"I’ll try to send a message to Su Ran. If that goes through, things will be simpler."

The pretty boy cautiously sent a message to Su Ran, not expecting Su Ran to respond so quickly.

"Our luck isn’t bad, Overturning Water sent us the path."

"How did Overturning Water memorize the complex path of the maze in such a short time? It’s incredible!"

Youtong was surprised and forgot to lower her hand from the back of her head.

"That’s why he’s known as a genius while you’re still the same. This is the difference between people."

After that, the pretty boy led the team deeper into the ant hole without saying more.

...

The scene switched to the protagonist Su Ran. He was interested in the gold ant leading the way and wanted to understand where this little creature intended to escape.

With this ant leading the way, Su Ran did not encounter any danger. In his eyes, this maze was nothing.

"Could this be the side-task of the instance?"

Su Ran wondered, puzzled. The pretty boy had once mentioned that they could continue without entering this maze and that only a side-task would not interfere with the instance. But what was the purpose of placing a golden ant in the system?

Su Ran was perplexed.

However, his life was too precious to take risks. When he couldn’t see the pretty boy, he summoned Wang Cai and rode on top of it. He suddenly felt safer.

"Today, I should see what you are up to!"

Looking at the steadily advancing golden ant, Su Ran made a resolution. Finally, after passing through seven channels, the ant’s speed slowed down.

Su Ran quickly ordered Wang Cai to stop, fearing that there might be a trap ahead.

At that moment,

The rock wall opposite the ant descended like an elevator, revealing a pitch-black hidden channel. The golden ant looked back at Su Ran before disappearing into it. It was quickly covered by the darkness and vanished.

"A secret passage?!"

Surprised, Su Ran watched the scene unfold. He absurdly understood the meaning behind the gaze of the ant before it disappeared.

Holy crap!

Did the ant become a spirit?! It was signaling me to catch up fast!

The secret passage emanated a dangerous aura, much like a beast’s gaping mouth waiting for the prey to fall into the trap.

Fortune favors the brave, let’s go for it!

After a moment of thought, Su Ran made up his mind and directed Wang Cai to charge into the mysterious passage. Like the ant, he too was soon swallowed by the darkness, disappearing from sight.

The entire maze was filled with an eerie silence as if no one could tell there once was a man and an ant here.