The six-day countdown felt like the final week before a major exam back in Ibadan — except instead of failing a course, failing here meant the dungeon (and Tobi) getting absorbed or destroyed.
Tobi stood at the expanded entrance of what was now officially called Nyx's Hustle Realm (he had upgraded the name with 50 mana for better branding). The third floor was complete: a dense forest-themed maze with moving illusory trees, hidden Mana Wolf packs, and Uncle Festus now upgraded with better armor and a new ability called Festus Charge (basically a stone bull rush mixed with copied greatsword momentum).
Mana reserves sat at a healthy 3,920/6,000. The dungeon had gained two new passive defenses and a small shop area where defeated adventurers could "buy" minor healing items with the crystals they dropped.
Nyx's orb floated nearby, spinning faster than usual — her version of anxiety. "A full C-rank guild is coming. That's thirty to forty adventurers, some at Silver and Gold ranks. We are still technically F-rank overall. This is suicide."
Tobi adjusted the glowing runes on his upgraded black cloak. "Madam, suicide is when you have no plan. We have pepper soup, copied skills, and Naija spirit. That's three advantages they don't have."
He had spent the previous night preparing "diplomacy tools." A larger outdoor cooking station now served upgraded Fantasy Pepper Soup, Jollof Rice (made with fantasy tomatoes that glowed faintly), and even small meat skewers that tasted suspiciously like suya.
The plan was simple on paper:
Soften them with food and banter.
Copy as many new skills as possible during the raid.
Use the dungeon's growing layout to wear them down.
Turn the raid into the best marketing event the region had ever seen.
Lila had stayed the night, helping set traps. She was currently practicing her upgraded Tri-Shot Pepper Barrage on a training dummy Tobi had created. Mira had also arrived early with a small group from the Greenleaf Guild, offering "friendly support" (and clearly more interested in watching Tobi fight).
Elara was still away, but she had sent a message via magic bird: "Don't embarrass my investment."
The C-rank guild arrived at dawn on the sixth day.
Guild Name: Iron Fang
Leader: Viktor Kane — a burly man in heavy plate armor with a massive war hammer. Silver-rank peak, bordering on Gold.
Members: 38 adventurers — well-equipped, disciplined, and clearly here for conquest rather than fun.
They stopped at the entrance, reading the new flashy sign:
"Welcome to Nyx's Hustle Realm – Best Pepper Soup on the Continent. Conquer us if you can, but try the food first. No hard feelings."
Viktor laughed loudly. "Arrogant little dungeon. We'll clear it in two hours and absorb the Core."
Tobi stepped out with a big tray of steaming bowls, smiling like a street vendor. "Oga, calm down. Breakfast first? My treat. Special Naija recipe — it will give you strength for the fight."
Some of the younger adventurers looked tempted. The smell was incredible.
Viktor narrowed his eyes. "Tricks won't work on us."
But Tobi had already started handing out bowls to those who reached for them. "Free sample. If you no like, you fit still fight. But at least your stomach go happy before stress."
Within minutes, half the guild was eating. The spice hit hard — several warriors started sweating and laughing, praising the flavor. Even Viktor took a cautious sip and couldn't hide his surprise.
"This… is actually good," he muttered.
Tobi seized the moment. "See? We can be friends. Why destroy a good business? Join as regular challengers instead. I pay in crystals and training."
Viktor slammed his hammer down. "Enough talk. We conquer today."
The raid began.
The first floor fell quickly — the Iron Fang guild was professional. They dismantled traps, defeated the Mana Wolves, and solved the riddle door with minimal losses.
But Floor 2 slowed them down. Uncle Festus, now enhanced, tanked hits like a proper Lagos danfo bus and countered with powerful charges. Tobi joined the defense directly, copying new skills left and right.
Skill Witnessed: War Hammer Smash (B-rank) → Upgraded: Naija Hammer Justice (A-rank)
Massive area strike. Extra damage when shouted with righteous frustration.
Skill Witnessed: Shield Wall Formation (C-rank) → Upgraded: Hustle Shield Wall (A-rank)
Creates temporary mana barriers fueled by team coordination and pure willpower.
The battles turned chaotic and hilarious. Tobi kept shouting motivational lines in English and Yoruba, confusing the guild members and making some of them laugh even while fighting.
Lila fought alongside him on the second floor, her arrows providing perfect cover. Mira supported with magic from the rear. Their chemistry was noticeable — Lila shot jealous glances whenever Mira got too close to Tobi during lulls.
By the time the guild reached Floor 3, they had lost momentum. The forest maze confused their formation. Hidden wolves ambushed from the sides. Illusory trees shifted paths.
Viktor was getting angry. "This is no normal F-rank dungeon anymore!"
Tobi appeared on a raised platform, breathing hard but still grinning. "Welcome to Floor 3, oga. Here we test character. You want the Core? Come collect am."
The final push was brutal.
Tobi used every upgraded skill in his arsenal. He combined Naija Ghost Step with Hustler's Burning Spirit, blinking around the battlefield and landing enhanced strikes. When Viktor activated a powerful area hammer skill, Tobi copied it instantly and upgraded it into something ridiculous.
New Skill: Naija Earthquake Hammer — created a localized quake that knocked half the guild off balance.
Nyx was providing constant support from the Core room, boosting dungeon creatures with her limited authority.
In the end, the Iron Fang guild cleared Floor 3 but at heavy cost. Only 19 members were still combat-ready. Viktor himself was injured and breathing heavily.
Tobi stood before the final chamber, cloak torn but eyes bright. "Last chance. Call it a draw. Become regular customers. I'll even give you discount on future clears."
Viktor spat blood and raised his hammer one last time. "I don't do draws."
Just as the final clash was about to begin, a powerful presence arrived.
Elara Voss stepped out of the forest, greatsword already drawn. "You're late to the party, Apostle. But I brought backup."
Behind her walked ten elite adventurers she had apparently recruited on short notice — all Silver or higher.
The tide turned instantly.
With Elara's overwhelming strength joining the defense, the remaining Iron Fang members were forced to retreat. Viktor glared at Tobi with burning eyes as he withdrew.
"This isn't over. The bigger guilds will hear about this freak dungeon."
As the invaders left, the System exploded with notifications.
Raid Successfully Repelled!
Major Reputation Gain: "Undefeated New Power"
Dungeon Rank Up: E → D
Mana Reward: +4,850
New Title: Raid Breaker Apostle
Mystery Box Acquired (Rare)
Tobi collapsed onto the ground laughing. "We did it! Chai, my chest!"
Lila rushed over, helping him up with a worried but proud smile. "You were crazy out there."
Mira arrived a second later, healing magic already glowing in her hands. "That was amazing! Your skills keep evolving mid-fight."
Elara sheathed her sword and crossed her arms, looking impressed despite herself. "Not bad for six days of prep. You're growing faster than expected."
The three women stood around Tobi, creating a moment of awkward but electric tension. Nyx's voice whispered dryly: "Your small harem is now officially operational. Congratulations."
Tobi just grinned wider. This calls for celebration pepper soup. On the house for everyone who fought.