Infinite Range: The Sniper Mage

Chapter 56 56: Something's Off About This Dungeon

"Could this be... the key to a dragon's hoard?"

Orson froze, staring at the uniquely shaped key in his hand. Its black obsidian surface gleamed, and intricate, arcane patterns adorned its inverted triangular design. Experience more on empire

In his previous life, he'd seen something similar auctioned off on the black market. The item had fetched a staggering ten thousand gold coins before being snapped up by a wealthy player. Rumors claimed it had led the buyer to a dragon's hoard, yielding an astronomical profit.

Dragons in Infinite Dimensions were apex predators, synonymous with wealth and greed—common tropes in many games. Even the treasure of a low-tier dragon could bring unimaginable riches.

"Could this key unlock the hoard of the Dark Dragon King Rebellion?"

Suppressing his excitement, Orson stashed the key in his inventory.

Even if the hoard remained elusive, the key itself was priceless.

He turned back to survey the tomb but furrowed his brow. "Why does this chamber seem larger than before?"

Far ahead, faint candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows along the western corridor.

After thoroughly searching the current area to ensure nothing was overlooked, Orson set off toward the distant glow.

The corridor stretched endlessly, each step echoing in eerie silence. Faint music wafted through the air—a haunting melody, elusive and distant, yet strangely entrancing.

"If the gods included this detail, it must serve a purpose," Orson mused, firing a test [Explosive Fireball] into the darkness ahead.

The fireball illuminated the corridor as it hurtled forward. Moments later, the sound of gears grinding filled the air.

Clang! Clang! Clang!Nôv(el)B\\jnn

A barrage of traps unleashed from the walls—spears, blades, and falling stones crashed down in deadly waves.

Beads of sweat formed on Orson's forehead. "Good thing I didn't just charge in..."

But something felt off. Hidden treasures had already been secured—why were there still traps?

"This doesn't add up," he muttered.

Deeper into the corridor, the candlelight faded, leaving Orson at the mouth of a three-way fork.

The melody grew louder, its mournful strains echoing in the silence.

The haunting tune carried a sorrowful, almost divine quality, unsettling in the desolate corridor.

But Orson felt no fear. "Three paths, but only one will be safe. The other two will definitely lead to death."

Without hesitation, he fired off test attacks down each path.

Two of the fireballs collided with walls after a few seconds, triggering deafening explosions as more traps activated. The entire tomb quaked with their release.

"No sound from the left..."

Smirking, Orson reinforced himself with nine protective shields before stepping confidently into the left corridor.

Minutes later, he found himself facing a glowing white barrier blocking the path.

Her beauty was otherworldly, her pointed ears and regal aura marking her as a high elf.

"Wait... that's the Queen?"

The system identified her as:

[Earth Elf Queen: Lunar Grace]

[Title: Ascension Kingdom Queen Consort]

Orson's jaw dropped.

"Mancalan's wife was... her?"

The elegance and ethereal charm of the elven queen left Orson momentarily dazed.

"No way. How did that decrepit king land her?!"

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he muttered, "Thanks a lot, Bradley. Your dumb jokes about fat nerds are getting to me."

The vision faded, returning Orson to reality.

"This dungeon just keeps getting weirder."

Refocusing on the Tree of Rebirth, Orson formulated a plan.

Stepping back several hundred meters, he fired a series of [Explosive Fireballs] at the magical barrier.

-1.

The damage numbers were pitiful, a testament to the barrier's insane durability.

[Advanced Chaotic Barrier]

HP: 3 Billion

Defense: 10,000

"Three billion HP? Seriously?"

Despite its ridiculous stats, Orson noticed something promising: the tree trembled with each strike. Its fruits swayed precariously, as if on the verge of falling.

"This could work!"

Excited, Orson unleashed an even faster volley of attacks.

Suddenly, the barrier emitted a low hum.

Orson paused, realizing something was off. The barrier's resonance changed, and his attacks began to reflect back toward him.

He narrowly dodged, sweat dripping down his face.

"Something's wrong. There's a hidden mechanic here!"

A chilling thought crossed his mind. "Could the barrier actually be breakable?"