Dungeon Designer: Bringing Smiles to the World!

"frog?"

Just as the group was wondering what was going on, accompanied by the croaking of frogs that grew louder as they approached, several figures slowly hopped toward them.

"Coo coo...quack..."

The creature that appeared before the adventurers could only be described as having the general shape of a frog.

It has jet-black skin, swollen vesicles, a long tail with sharp spikes, and a mouth covered with tiny, sharp teeth.

Of course, its most distinctive feature is its pair of huge yellow "eyes".

"Frog, it's kind of cute..."

The archer in the group, Lia, had hearts in her eyes.

Hmm... perhaps most girls can't resist a cute creature with adorable big eyes.

Of course, it's also possible that her aesthetic sense is different from that of ordinary people.

"Quack quack..."

The frog continued hopping and skipping closer to the five people.

"Attack," Galadon said in a deep voice.

This is a dungeon, where any creature that appears before you must be considered an enemy; this is the first rule for adventurers.

Dylan waved his staff and chanted a spell. A chilling aura burst forth from the tip of the staff, forming a fan shape that drifted toward the eerie frogs.

First-level spell – Cold Finger!

"Frogs are so cute, why hit them...?"

The other four could hear Lia's quiet complaints, but no one paid her any attention.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, a chill swept over all the frogs.

"Croak..."

After letting out a wail that wasn't exactly a scream, the frogs all rolled over belly up.

But before they died, these frogs made one last move.

That is the spewing out of thick black smoke, representing calamity and curse.

"This fog..." Dylan frowned and warned, "Even my Arcane Eye can't see through it. Something's strange. Be careful."

[Toxicity Detection]

Horn released a detection-type prayer.

"The fog itself is not poisonous."

But the group still retreated, intending to wait for the ominous-looking smoke to dissipate.

"Shhh..."

"Awooo..."

A completely different voice rang out from behind.

Turning my head, I saw a large group of skeletal centipedes and rotting wild dogs rushing towards me.

A rough estimate suggests there are at least several dozen! This number is definitely not right!

Before them was a rapidly approaching unknown black mist, and behind them was a menacing horde of monsters.

The five members of the SilverAsh Squad were completely caught in the middle.

Actually, there is a way to deal with this large group of monsters. You just need to cast a 3rd or 4th ring area-of-effect spell.

But it takes time.

"Why don't you just use a Wind Wall spell to disperse this fog?"

Lia looked at Dylan, who looked embarrassed.

"Uh... I didn't bring it..."

Magicians cannot cast spells at will; they are subject to certain restrictions.

Besides the most common ring restrictions, even if a mage is highly knowledgeable and theoretically able to cast low-ring spells from any school, his body cannot withstand the chaotic magic.

Therefore, mages usually select certain spells to fix before battle, forming a deck.

From four or five spells for a low-level mage, to a dozen or so for a high-level mage, and then to dozens for even higher-level professions...

The number of spells constructed will gradually increase, which is one of the most significant ways in which the mage's combat power increases.

In short, unfortunately, Dylan did not bring the 4th-circle Wind Wall into his build before entering the dungeon.

Rather, Dylan rarely uses wind-related magic.

There's no particular like or dislike; it's just a matter of habit.

"There's nothing we can do; we're just lacking in intelligence."

No one blamed Dylan; no one expected to encounter this situation in the dungeon.

As they spoke, the black mist and the monster horde drew closer.

"Break through this fog and take care of these monsters," Galadron ordered in a deep voice.

The five of them quickly got to work.

【slow】

Priest Horn released a group of negative prayers.

Instantly, the speed of the rapidly approaching rotting wild dogs and skeleton centipedes was halved.

Without further hesitation, the five of them immediately rushed into the black mist.

But the next second, a terrifying shock that struck the deepest part of their souls froze them all in place.

It was as if this black fog was the embodiment of the concept of "death".

The most basic instinct of living beings is to survive and reproduce, while death is the opposite of these desires and the most primal fear that no living being can avoid.

"Thump...thump..."

Everyone felt as if their hearts were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and the force was increasing.

The body gradually grew cold, breathing gradually stopped, and a sweet death was approaching.

In short, their curse gauges are almost full.

……

"A reckless but sensible choice."

Rogge, who was watching the game, gave his assessment.

After all, before entering, no one knew that the black mist spewed by the cursed frog would be so powerful.

Every adventurer has the instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm. No matter how you look at it, the dozens of menacing monsters behind him are more terrifying.

After all, the cursed frog's true form is so vulnerable that anyone would let their guard down.

"However, a team with all members at the Silver level can't be that capable, right? I'm counting on you guys to help me find the flaws in my design."

With this thought in mind, Roger continued reading.

……

The fear of death may temporarily overwhelm reason, but it is not insurmountable.

For example, the power of faith.

"God, grant me courage!!!"

The priest Horn suddenly widened his eyes and shouted.

[Collective Heroism]!

A surge of courage filled everyone, briefly suppressing the chilling fear brought on by the curse of death.

"Hurry up!"

Taking advantage of the opportunity, everyone hurriedly ran out of the black fog.

But for some, it may be too late, because they have been in the fog for too long.

"Uh... Ah!"

Dylan, who was the slowest and lagging behind, suddenly let out a painful howl.

The remaining four turned to look, only to see a scene beyond their comprehension.

Beneath Dylan's skin, black veins meandered and writhed like snakes, as if trying to burrow into the deepest part of his body.

"ah!!!"

With another scream, Dylan's body began to twist and bend, his pain evident.

The next moment, countless withered thorns surged out of Dylan's body in all directions, lifting him into the air as if he were pierced by thorns.

But that's still not the most terrifying thing.

Dylan was still alive at this time, suffering greatly from the torment.

Horn's expression changed, and he was about to release a healing prayer.

Before he could make a move, Dylan's skin suddenly burst open.

Countless twisted maggots hatched from Dylan's body, then instantly transformed into flies, emitting disgusting sounds as they attacked the remaining four.

Cursing death—this is the deepest curse, the most terrifying form of death…