Duo Leveling LITRPG | Post Apocalyptic | SYSTEM-Chapter 162 - 187+188

Chapter 187 - The Night Before the Storm

A no-win trap.

Whichever option you chose, someone would be sacrificed.

"If we go north, we lose people. If we go south, we miss the quest..."

Jhin furrowed his brow.

"They’re trying to split us up."

"Yes. It’s become a real headache."

If this were just a game, it wouldn’t matter as much.

But the idea that actual Arc players might be trapped in the south? That couldn’t just be ignored — especially if there was an execution looming.

"Tch. Such a petty trick."

And it was clear who was behind it. No matter how smart C-rank dungeon monsters might be, there’s no way they’d plan something this elaborate.

It had the Company’s fingerprints all over it.

Guess they’re feeling the heat now, huh?

After losing the Giant Horn Lizard... and watching their plot to collapse Arc fall apart completely — this operation was likely everything to them.

They couldn’t afford another failure either.

Adonis glanced around and lowered his voice cautiously.

"Jhin... What do you intend to do?"

"...What’s your opinion, Captain?"

"I believe... we should abandon them. Regretfully, we can’t jeopardize the operation for their sake."

It was the logical choice.

This scenario quest would determine the future of New Capital. If they let personal feelings compromise the mission, Arc’s future could be lost entirely.

Adonis hesitated, then added quietly:

"...But I also think we shouldn’t give up without trying."

"Why not?"

"If we abandon them without even trying to help, no one will ever put their life on the line for dungeon raids again."

If this were just a game, sacrificing a few "pawns" to ensure victory would be efficient.

But this wasn’t a game anymore.

Letting this slide could set off something far worse. Just like how people from Zone 3 lost trust in Arc when they felt abandoned...

If they didn’t even attempt a rescue, the players would lose faith in Jhin — and in Arc’s leadership.

They’d assume they could be sacrificed at any moment, if it served "the mission."

’If we were all hardened soldiers, maybe that kind of discipline would stick.’

But most players were in their teens or twenties. Very few had actual military backgrounds.

Sacrificing your life for the greater good? That kind of mindset wasn’t common.

"...Alright. I’ll think of something."

"Understood. By the way, Jhin... who is he?"

Adonis pointed to Tempah, who was at that moment ordering food from Eve. He was casually requesting grilled chicken breast — seriously, it had to be some kind of condition.

"I was just about to introduce him. This guy..."

BANG!

Before he could finish, the front door of Wind’s Rest slammed open.

A hulking man stepped inside and shouted:

"Eve! Grilled chicken breast!"

Chief Atlas of the Horn Tribe.

Jhin blinked and swallowed a breath.

That guy... was he always that jacked?

The frail figure that had once been on the verge of death was gone — replaced by an absolute wall of muscle.

Atlas immediately spotted him.

"Ho! You’ve finally returned!"

What the hell happened in the past week?

As the mountain of a man approached, he extended a thick hand.

Jhin, a bit stunned, took it. His brow creased at the sheer grip strength.

"As expected of my benefactor. Your bones are solid."

"...Chief, you’re the one who’s changed completely."

"Haha! You think so?"

No kidding. That handshake had nearly crushed his hand.

[Skill: "Rapid Regeneration (F)" activated.]

Meanwhile, Eve returned from the kitchen carrying a plate of perfectly grilled chicken breast.

Atlas rushed forward and snatched the plate.

"Knew my daughter would have something ready — must’ve sensed her father’s arrival!"

But the dish wasn’t for him.

"That’s mine."

"...Who are you?"

"Let go of the plate, nicely. Don’t mess around with food."

Tempah and Atlas.

Their gazes locked in a tense standoff. Eyes swept each other — top to bottom, side to side — scanning everything.

Atlas spoke first.

"Solid muscle you’ve got."

"You’re probably pushing some serious weight too."

Then he extended his hand.

"I’m Atlas."

"Tempah."

They clasped hands — and the silent battle resumed. Veins bulged. Muscles rippled.

Both released at the exact same moment.

"I like you."

"You’ve got grit."

They sat down and began some sort of deep, philosophical discussion. Whatever tension had existed moments ago vanished — they even started sharing the grilled chicken breast like old friends.

Jhin chuckled bitterly and continued his explanation.

"He’s a new ally. As you can see, that’s the kind of guy he is."

"...Ah. I see."

A while later, Wind’s Rest was filled with players and Horn Tribe warriors, the whole place buzzing with noise and energy.

Adonis had proposed a joint meeting with the Horn Tribe to prepare for the scenario quest. Atlas agreed.

Now here they were — in full-blown gathering mode.

Atlas poured drinks and declared:

"A night like this demands a drink! When death waits tomorrow, you’ll regret not emptying your glass tonight!"

"Drink! Let’s die together!"

Apparently, it was a Horn Tribe tradition.

A sacred pre-battle ritual — to drink and bid farewell to one another the night before going to war.

...Though it seemed more like an excuse to party.

"Weren’t you the one who doesn’t drink? You didn’t even touch anything during the festival."

"It’s tradition."

"What about the muscle loss?" 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Tempah pretended not to hear, clinking glasses and rubbing shoulders with fellow muscleheads like they were old gym buddies.

It wasn’t the alcohol he liked — it was being around others who trained.

Even Adonis, who started off with a sigh, now eagerly poured drinks for everyone.

Millie came over and clinked glasses with Jhin.

"This... isn’t half bad."

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, likely from accepting every drink offered — but there wasn’t a hint of drunkenness in her eyes.

Probably regenerating in real time.

Her Regeneration skill wasn’t about to let a little alcohol slow her down.

Clink!

The mood continued to rise.

Lutz was blowing into a bottle and singing some nonsense tune, while Adonis had joined in with drunken antics of his own.

Chapter 188 - One Man Is Enough

Karin was sound asleep, gently snoring. Eve walked over and tucked a blanket over her shoulders.

The scene was surprisingly peaceful.

So much so, it felt strange — almost sorrowful — that this was a prelude to war.

Atlas, holding a large jug of alcohol, took a swig and strolled over to Jhin.

"You’re not getting drunk."

"I’m sturdier than I look."

With S-Rank Composure, S-Rank Concentration, and even F-Rank Rapid Regeneration, there was no way Jhin would succumb to alcohol. If he did, the game’s balance system would be a joke.

Atlas chuckled and passed him a fresh cup.

"I heard about the situation in the south. Your comrades are imprisoned there, huh? What’re you planning to do?"

Jhin didn’t answer right away.

Atlas looked at him seriously. "I’ll say this up front — the Horn Tribe’s warriors will all be marching north. Even for our benefactor, we can’t spare anyone."

"I expected as much."

For the Horn Tribe, the scenario quest wasn’t just important — it was everything. That was both their culture and the rules set by the system. Claiming the throne of this dungeon was their highest priority.

Jhin simply shrugged. "Then let’s talk about the quest. The Dragon Seal — whoever claims it wins, correct?"

"That’s right. It’s the symbol of the one who rules this dungeon."

Jhin narrowed his eyes slightly.

"But no one’s figured out how it appears, have they?"

Atlas went quiet for a second, then said, "According to Karin’s prophecy, the condition will reveal itself naturally once battle breaks out."

Karin — the Horn Tribe’s shaman and prophet — had even predicted Jhin’s appearance in this world through her visions.

"...That’s not exactly helpful."

"It’s vague, sure. But accurate. Karin’s never been wrong."

Jhin knocked back his drink. The Horn Tribe’s liquor was absurdly strong — throat-scorching, even. Strong enough to trigger his regeneration skill.

[Skill: Rapid Regeneration (F) activated.]

Atlas watched him for a moment, then asked quietly:

"But you still haven’t answered."

"About what?"

"The south. What are you going to do about it?"

Jhin finished his drink, then turned toward him.

"Have you ever heard the phrase ’a no-win trap’?"

"...Can’t say I have."

"It’s a situation where, no matter what you choose, you lose something."

Atlas raised a brow, but Jhin didn’t wait for a reply.

"In those situations, people are forced to decide which loss is more acceptable."

"Hmm..."

"But that’s always felt off to me," Jhin said, a quiet fire rising in his voice.

There was a film he liked. A superhero movie. The one where the man wore a bat-shaped suit.

The Dark Knight.

In that film, the hero is forced into a trap — a no-win choice — where no matter what, someone dies.

The protagonist ended up losing his lover but saved a number of others.

Jhin remembered watching that scene and thinking:

That was Batman’s fault.

A trap, sure. An evil, well-planned scheme, no doubt.

But was sacrificing someone the best he could do?

No, Jhin thought.

He should’ve had a team.

There’s no shortage of bad people in the world. Trying to deal with them all alone is just foolish.

If he’d had a team, he could’ve divided forces. One group to each location. Saved both.

A "no-win trap"?

Only if you’re acting alone.

"You can’t cover the sky with one hand."

Especially not in Exodia.

This world was never designed to be played solo. There were quests that required parallel objectives. Teamplay wasn’t optional — it was survival.

Even if they cleared this scenario, what about the next? What about when multiple quests came at once?

Jhin furrowed his brow deeper, his thoughts racing.

Even if we send all our strength north, this scenario is going to be tough. And if we can’t personally take part, our chances drop even more.

There was no real choice.

The southern players weren’t less important than the dungeon itself.

But then he asked himself the hardest question of all:

Is this really the best I can do?

Atlas must’ve sensed his thoughts, because he suddenly frowned and said:

"I’ll say it again — we can’t split our forces. I’m going north."

"Of course. I agree with that."

"...Then what’s that look in your eyes?"

Jhin grinned.

"Assuming we actually have to make a choice, I mean."

"...?"

He lifted a single finger.

"One person."

"What?"

"Just assign me one guide. That’s all I ask."

Atlas leaned on his elbow, hand at his chin, deep in thought.

But then he shook his head.

"...Still no. We need every warrior on the northern front. I know it sounds selfish, but I don’t even want you sending Arc’s people south. And more than that — you’re the linchpin of this mission, Jhin."

His eyes drifted subtly to the dragon curled up on Jhin’s shoulder, snoozing contentedly.

He may not have said it aloud, but he clearly understood: Kimmy wasn’t just a companion. His presence alone could tip the scales in battle.

"I know. I’m not planning on skipping the main battle. But that doesn’t mean I’m abandoning the south either."

"...What are you trying to say?"

Jhin answered calmly.

"We’re going to send two people."

No need for a no-win trap.

The idea that you must sacrifice something to gain something else?

That wasn’t how Jhin operated.

He wasn’t some product of the ’give-up-on-everything’ generation. He didn’t believe in surrender.

"Three people is all we need for the south."

And with that, he found the optimal solution — the perfect counter to the no-win trap.