But this is precisely the high-risk attribute of the system. It is precisely because of similar situations that Akira has stronger determination and has to face the difficulties ahead.
"The levels of the tasks are different, the difficulty will vary, and the corresponding rewards will also differ. Before each task begins, you can choose from one of them," the voice of the system explained.
The sound of the system faded away, leaving the beautiful face of Nico Robin still in front of Akira.
"Ding, the task is being generated. Please choose from the options."
Once again, the system panel appeared in Akira's mind. Four levels of tasks, from D to A, were displayed. However, the details of the tasks weren't visible yet. Akira had to select one before they would be revealed.
"Friendly reminder: Once the host selects a mission, it cannot be changed!" the system cautioned.
Behind those tasks, there were various rewards and corresponding penalties. The highest level, A, promised a reward of 300 anger points. But the corresponding penalty for failure was severe—450 anger points would be deducted. If Akira failed that mission, it could mean a massive loss, especially since he only had 150 anger points left.
If that happened, he would lose his current abilities, including Amaterasu, which would be almost like starting over from scratch. Akira couldn't afford such a loss.
On the other hand, the D-level mission seemed like a safer bet. Its failure penalty was only 120 anger points, which wasn't too bad, and it would allow him to maintain his current level.
Akira didn't hesitate for long. "I'll take the D-level mission."
"Opening D-level mission for the host."
"Mission requirement: Successfully defeat the underground violent beast!"
A violent beast? Akira thought, his mind racing. It didn't seem like the easiest task, but it was far more manageable than risking everything on an A-level mission.
"Ding, mission time limit: three hours. Successfully defeat the violent beast. Mission reward: 100 anger points. Penalty for failure: 150 anger points deducted!"
Akira breathed a sigh of relief. The D-level task was the right choice for now, though the consequences of failure still loomed large.
Just as the system finished, Nico Robin broke the silence. "Mr. Akira, you're really an interesting person. You agreed to help me, but now you're hesitating. What's going on?"
Akira smiled, feeling slightly embarrassed. "It's nothing. I was just thinking things through. Now, let's move forward."
Robin gave him a sharp, assessing look, then nodded and moved towards the cave entrance. The sand had fully covered the area, and the two of them tread carefully as they made their way underground.
The place they arrived in was nothing like what Akira had imagined. It looked like an ancient underground palace, and the environment was complex and labyrinthine.
"Just as I suspected," Robin remarked, looking around. "To protect the treasure, the former king constructed this place like a labyrinth to trap those who came seeking it."
Akira didn't say anything in response, his eyes scanning the surroundings carefully.
Robin suddenly paused and looked ahead at a faint red light.
"What do you see?" Akira asked.
"The fire's position seems to represent the entrance," Robin said. "Maybe we should follow it. There could be something interesting up ahead."
Without waiting for Akira's response, Robin took a few steps toward the light.
Akira was about to follow when he suddenly stopped, his eyes widening slightly. It wasn't fear, but something unexpected caught his attention.
"Those are jewels. Their golden glow…" he whispered. "Though they're nowhere near Gol D. Roger's treasure, it's enough to secure a kingdom."
Robin's eyes lit up with interest, and she slowly reached out toward the glittering treasures. But just as her fingers were about to touch them, the ground beneath them shook violently.
Both Akira and Robin felt the tremors. Before either of them could react, a massive beast erupted from the earth, roaring loudly as it towered over them.
"Ugh!" the beast bellowed.
The creature, enormous and fierce-looking, began to charge directly toward them. Akira stared at it, unfazed, while Robin prepared for a fight.
"So this is the violent beast," Akira muttered to himself, sizing up the creature.
It seemed far more dangerous than expected, but Robin was ready to engage. "If you ask me, we should team up and take this thing down together. It's too strong for either of us to handle alone."
Akira, however, shook his head. He stepped forward, extending his hand to stop Robin.
"No," he said firmly. "Leave this to me."
Robin's eyes were full of surprise. She couldn't believe that this man dared to propose such an arrogant condition."Akira, do you know what you're talking about?" she continued to ask."Of course I know. So now, let's take this guy down," Akira replied confidently.
Robin, who was still struggling to adjust, was knocked back two steps by the roaring beast behind him. Her eyes widened in panic as she stared at the chaos unfolding.
In front of them, Akira stood tall, ready to face the violent beast head-on.
Robin was about to speak again, but before she could, the violent beast raised its massive hand and slapped Akira with a force that could easily crush anything in its path.
"Bang!"
The loud noise echoed throughout the cavern. Akira had been hit so hard that, for a moment, it seemed as if he had been destroyed by the attack. The surroundings grew eerily quiet.
Nico Robin couldn't believe her eyes. When she looked in that direction again, she found that Akira had actually appeared in another spot, completely unscathed.
"Fortunately, that was just a clone. Otherwise, I might have been killed by this big guy, just like you," Akira said with a smirk, his eyes glinting with confidence.
The berserk beast's eyes turned even redder with rage, and it became even more violent when it missed its target. Despite the fact that it couldn't speak, its hostile demeanor was enough to make it clear that this battle was far from over.
Akira stepped forward, his voice steady as he faced the raging creature. "Don't worry, didn't I give you a chance to deal with me?"...
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