So what if I am just a mob in a novel : I will get what I want

Rishitha stood at the center of the cave, her breaths shallow as the overwhelming silence pressed in. The cavern was vast, the faint glow of bioluminescent moss casting eerie, shifting shadows on the jagged walls. She felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders—Mo Tang was counting on her to find a way out.

Her status window blinked to life.

[1st Path: Toxic gases, fatal in 5 minutes.]

[2nd Path: Infested with venomous rats, fatal in half a day.]

[3rd Path: Oxygen-deprived, fatal in 30 minutes.]

[4th Path: Traps, fatal if triggered.]

Her stomach twisted at the grim options. There wasn't a single safe route.

"So this is the kind of world I'm in now. No mercy, no shortcuts."

The system's voice lingered in her mind: "Think about it like a game."

Rishitha bit her lip and turned back. Mo Tang needed her.

+

Mo Tang sat against the rough cave wall, cradling her bandaged arm. Her ankle throbbed, each pulse reminding her of the fall. The memory of slipping echoed in her mind—one misstep near the edge, and she was plummeting before she could even scream.

When she hit the ground, she thought it was the end. The sharp pain in her ankle, the metallic taste of blood in her mouth—it felt too real to be anything but her last moments.

And then Rishitha came.

She hadn't expected much from the quiet, unassuming girl who often kept to herself, but Rishitha had descended into the cave without hesitation, treated her wounds with a steady hand, and now seemed determined to find a way out.

"She's stupid," Mo Tang muttered under her breath, though her voice softened. "But she's also brave."

Mo Tang clenched her fists. "If she can do this, so can I."

+

Rishitha returned to where Mo Tang rested, forcing a smile onto her face despite the turmoil brewing inside her.

"There are multiple paths," she said, keeping her voice neutral. "We'll have to check them out one by one. It might take time."

Mo Tang nodded. "Fine. Just tell me what to do."

As they started down the fourth path—the one filled with traps—Rishitha couldn't help but glance at the girl walking beside her.

"She's stronger than she looks," Rishitha thought. But another thought crept in, dark and insidious: "If this path kills us, it's my fault."

The weight of responsibility was suffocating. Every choice she made could mean life or death, and she wasn't sure she was ready for it. But there was no going back now.

The fourth path stretched before them, narrow and dark. Faint etchings lined the walls—symbols and runes that pulsed faintly with a pale blue light.

Rishitha froze as her system flared to life.

[Warning: Magical traps detected.]

[Condition: Traps will trigger if disturbed. Proceed with caution.]

She turned to Mo Tang, who was staring intently at the glowing runes. "What is this place?" Mo Tang asked.

Rishitha hesitated. "It's... just an old passage. We have to be careful."

She didn't explain further. The system's warning had been clear: these traps were deadly. If they weren't careful, this path would become their grave.

The floor was uneven, with small pressure plates barely visible beneath the dirt. Rishitha's gaze darted from one potential trigger to another, her heart pounding.

"Why did you do it?" Mo Tang's voice broke the silence.

"Do what?" Rishitha asked, not turning around.

"Come down here after me. It was reckless."

Rishitha paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Wouldn't you have done the same?"

Mo Tang blinked, then shook her head. "Maybe. But it was still stupid."

Rishitha chuckled dryly. "Guess I'm just stupid, then."

"You're brave," Mo Tang muttered, almost too quietly for Rishitha to hear.

Meanwhile, Ragith stood outside the cave, pacing anxiously. His fists were clenched, and his eyes darted toward the cave entrance every few seconds.

"Where's my sister?" he muttered. The other players milling around didn't seem to notice his agitation.

Ragith had been assigned a mission in a completely different area but had sensed something was wrong when Rishitha hadn't returned with the others.

"She's in trouble," he growled. A faint shimmer appeared in the corner of his vision—his own system window activating.

[New Mission: Find and rescue Rishitha. Time limit: 12 hours.]

Ragith's jaw tightened. "I'm coming, sis."

As Rishitha and Mo Tang ventured deeper into the trap-laden path, a faint glow began to emanate from Rishitha's palm. She paused, staring at it in confusion.

[Congratulations! Skill Awakened: Keen Instincts.]

[Effect: Allows the user to sense hidden dangers and navigate complex situations with heightened perception.]

The glow spread to her eyes, sharpening her vision and illuminating faint outlines of pressure plates, tripwires, and magical runes.

"What's happening?" Mo Tang asked, noticing the change.

"Just... something useful," Rishitha replied, her voice steady for the first time since entering the cave.

Rishitha took the lead, her newfound ability guiding her steps. She crouched low, motioning for Mo Tang to follow her exact path.

"Step where I step," she instructed. "Don't touch anything else."

Mo Tang nodded, her face pale but determined.

The traps were intricate and deadly—arrows poised to fire, pits waiting to swallow them whole, and magical runes that pulsed ominously. But Rishitha's instincts led them through, one careful step at a time.

"We'll make it," Rishitha whispered, more to herself than to Mo Tang. "We have to."

In her heart, she hoped Ragith—or anyone—would come for them. But until then, survival depended on her choices and her newfound power.

The air was thick and stale, clinging to Rishitha's skin like an unwelcome embrace. The faint smell of damp stone mixed with something metallic—perhaps blood or rust—hung in the air. Each step sent small echoes ricocheting off the jagged walls, a stark reminder of how alone they were in this labyrinth. Somewhere in the distance, water dripped steadily, the sound amplifying the oppressive silence.

Rishitha glanced back at Mo Tang, who limped along behind her, her pale face a mixture of pain and determination. The bandages Rishitha had hastily wrapped around her arm and ankle were already stained through with blood.

"She's in no condition to walk, but what choice do we have?" Rishitha thought, her lips pressed into a thin line.

The glowing runes along the walls cast a soft blue light, enough to illuminate the faint outlines of multiple paths ahead. As Rishitha's gaze swept across the options, her system window blinked to life again.

[1st Path: Toxic gases, fatal in 5 minutes.]

[2nd Path: Infested with venomous rats, fatal in half a day.]

[3rd Path: Oxygen-deprived, fatal in 30 minutes.]

[4th Path: Traps, fatal if triggered.]

Her stomach churned. All of them were deadly. She couldn't tell Mo Tang. The girl was already shaken; this information would only push her over the edge.

Rishitha turned, forcing a calm expression onto her face. "There are multiple ways out. We'll have to explore and see which one works."

Mo Tang studied her for a moment, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. "You're hiding something."

"Of course not," Rishitha lied, keeping her voice even. "I wouldn't lie about something like this."

Mo Tang leaned against the cave wall, her injured ankle screaming in protest with every step. She hated feeling weak, hated needing help. Yet here she was, depending entirely on someone else to survive.

"And it's her of all people," Mo Tang thought bitterly, stealing a glance at Rishitha's back. "The quiet girl who barely spoke in class."

But the bitterness didn't last long. She couldn't ignore how Rishitha had rushed into the cave without hesitation to save her. Risking her life to patch up someone else's wounds—it wasn't something most people would do.

"She's stupid," Mo Tang muttered under her breath, but the words felt hollow. There was more to it than stupidity. It was… kindness.

Rishitha paused and looked back, concern etched across her face. "Did you say something?"

Mo Tang shook her head. "Nothing. Keep going."

Rishitha's heartbeat quickened as they stepped onto the fourth path. The air grew colder, and the glowing runes intensified, pulsating faintly with energy. She could feel the traps before she saw them—a tingling in her fingertips and a pressure in the air, like an unseen force warning her to tread carefully.

Her system window appeared again.

[Warning: Magical traps detected. Proceed with extreme caution.]

Rishitha closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. She couldn't afford to panic now. When she opened them again, a soft glow emanated from her palm, spreading to her eyes. The faint outlines of pressure plates and tripwires became visible, glowing faintly in the dark.

"What's that?" Mo Tang asked, noticing the change.

"Something useful," Rishitha replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "Follow me exactly. Step where I step. Don't touch anything else."

Mo Tang nodded silently, her usual sharp tongue replaced by quiet trust.

As they navigated the treacherous path, Mo Tang found herself watching Rishitha closely. The way she moved with purpose, the way her eyes darted from one potential danger to another—it was as if she had transformed into a different person.

"I don't get it," Mo Tang said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Why did you come after me? You could've left me and saved yourself."

Rishitha didn't stop walking. "Would you have done the same for me?"

Mo Tang hesitated. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean it wasn't reckless. You could've died."

Rishitha turned to look at her, a small, tired smile playing on her lips. "I couldn't just leave you. That's not who I am."

For a moment, Mo Tang felt a lump rise in her throat. She wasn't used to people caring like this—not without expecting something in return.

"You're stupid," Mo Tang muttered, her voice softer than before.

"And you're welcome," Rishitha replied, turning back to the path ahead.

Rishitha's mind raced as they moved deeper into the cave.

"Why am I like this?" she thought. "Risking everything for someone I barely know? It's like I don't even value my own life."

But another thought followed, unbidden: "If I don't value my life, maybe it's because I've never been given a reason to."

She shook her head, forcing the dark thoughts away. Mo Tang needed her to focus.

The path ahead narrowed, the walls closing in around them. Rishitha crouched to inspect a glowing rune etched into the ground.

"This one's different," she murmured, mostly to herself.

Mo Tang leaned closer, wincing as her injured ankle brushed against a jagged rock. "Different how?"

"It's… a warning," Rishitha said slowly. "If we trigger it, the entire section of the path might collapse."

Mo Tang paled. "Great. Just what we need."

As they continued, the cave opened into a larger chamber. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like jagged teeth, and the floor was littered with what looked like ancient debris—broken weapons, tattered cloth, and shattered bones.

"This place…" Mo Tang whispered. "It feels… alive."

Rishitha nodded. She felt it too—a pulsing energy that seemed to resonate with her newfound power.

"This cave is more than just a trap," she thought. "It's a test."

As they prepared to move forward, Mo Tang spoke up. "Hey, Rishitha?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. For, you know… everything."

Rishitha glanced at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. "Don't mention it."

"No, I mean it," Mo Tang insisted. "You didn't have to do any of this. But you did. And I won't forget it."

Rishitha felt a warmth spread through her chest—a small, flickering light in the darkness of the cave.

"Let's get out of here alive," she said, her voice firm.

Mo Tang grinned, despite the pain. "Deal."

Rishitha's system window blinked to life again.

[New Objective: Escape the Labyrinth.]

[Reward: Skill Upgrade - Keen Instincts (Advanced).]

She clenched her fists, determination flaring in her eyes. Together, they wouldThe Collapse of Trust and Sacrifice

The cave's oppressive silence was shattered by the deep, guttural sound of grinding stone. The walls trembled, loose rocks falling and bouncing chaotically off the ground. Dust filled the air, choking the dim light from the glowing runes that had guided them this far.

Rishitha froze for a moment, her pulse pounding in her ears. Her system window blinked ominously before her.

[Warning: Cave stability compromised.]

Mo Tang's voice wavered behind her, panicked. "What's happening?! Are we going to die?"

Rishitha spun around, catching the terror in Mo Tang's wide eyes. Fear threatened to paralyze her, too, but she pushed it down. I can't afford to lose my head now. If I do, we're both dead.

She glanced at the six new entrances before them, her mind racing. Each path promised death, and none seemed like a safe bet. The ground beneath them shifted ominously, cracks spiderwebbing across the stone.

"If I die here, who will save my family? What about the missions? What about the world?"

The weight of it all pressed down on her. Rishitha's hands trembled as she clenched her fists. No. I won't die here. Not yet. Not without doing everything I can. I'll save them all—even if it kills me.

She grabbed Mo Tang's arm, her grip firm. "Stay close. No matter what happens, don't let go of me."

Mo Tang nodded, her face pale but resolute. "Okay."

The ground gave way beneath them with a violent lurch, a deafening roar echoing through the cavern as rocks rained from above. Rishitha didn't think—she acted. Spinning around, she pulled Mo Tang into her arms and shielded her with her own body.

The impact of the fall was brutal. Rishitha's body collided with sharp, jagged stones, her ribs screaming in protest as she absorbed the brunt of the crash. Her breath came in short, pained gasps, but her arms tightened around Mo Tang instinctively, refusing to let go.

Dust and debris filled the air, choking and blinding them. Each stone that struck her body sent a jolt of pain through her, but she bore it silently, biting down on her lip to keep from crying out.

"If I loosen my grip, even for a second, she could die."

Mo Tang's world spun as they fell, the air rushing past her like a deafening roar. She felt Rishitha's arms around her, the warmth of her body a stark contrast to the cold stone.

"She's protecting me," Mo Tang realized, her chest tightening. "She's putting herself in danger to keep me safe."

When they landed, she expected pain. She braced for it, waiting for the sharp, biting sting of broken bones or torn skin. But it didn't come. Instead, she felt the shuddering impact against Rishitha's body, heard the muffled groan of pain that escaped her lips.

"Rishitha…" Mo Tang's voice cracked, tears stinging her eyes. "You idiot! Why are you doing this?! You're going to kill yourself!"

"I'm fine," Rishitha lied, her voice hoarse. She gritted her teeth, forcing her battered body to hold onto Mo Tang tighter. "Just hold on. We'll be okay."

They landed with a jarring thud in a lower chamber of the cave. Rishitha collapsed onto the cold, uneven ground, her body trembling with pain. Mo Tang scrambled out of her arms, her hands frantically patting Rishitha's face.

"Rishitha! Say something!" Mo Tang's voice was frantic, her usual bravado replaced by raw panic.

Rishitha coughed, her lungs burning from the dust and exertion. "I… I'm fine," she managed, her voice weak.

"Fine?! Look at you! You're bleeding everywhere!" Mo Tang's hands were shaking as she tore at her already tattered sleeves, trying to make makeshift bandages.

But before she could do much, the sound of falling rocks snapped them both back to attention. Above them, stones began to rain down from the collapsed ceiling, sealing off the hole they had fallen through.

The air was thick with tension, each falling rock a reminder of how precarious their situation was. Mo Tang grabbed Rishitha's arm, trying to pull her up.

"We have to move! If we stay here, we're going to get buried alive!"

Rishitha winced, her legs barely cooperating as she forced herself upright. Her body screamed in protest, but she ignored it.

"Pain doesn't matter right now. Survival does."

She scanned their surroundings, the faint glow of her system window flickering in the darkness.

The chamber they had fallen into was massive, its walls carved with ancient symbols that pulsed faintly with an otherworldly light. Stalactites dripped water onto the floor, which was slick with moss and littered with broken stalagmites.

Rishitha's gaze swept across the chamber. There were several tunnels leading out, but her system window didn't display any information about them.

"No toxic gas. No rats. No traps. But that doesn't mean it's safe."

Mo Tang's voice was quieter now, her fear giving way to a shaky determination. "Rishitha… You saved me. You could've left me, but you didn't."

Rishitha shook her head. "I couldn't leave you. I wouldn't."

Mo Tang swallowed hard, her usual sharp tongue replaced by something softer. "Thank you. I mean it."

The Weight of Responsibility

Rishitha forced a smile, though her body was screaming in pain. "Don't thank me yet. We're not out of this."

She reached out and touched the wall, her fingers brushing against the glowing runes. A faint warmth spread through her hand, and her system window blinked to life again.

[New Skill Activated: Endurance Boost.]

[Temporary Effect: Pain Suppression.]

A rush of energy coursed through her body, dulling the sharp edges of her pain. She straightened slightly, her gaze hardening.

"We're going to find a way out of here," she said firmly. "Together."

Mo Tang nodded, her faith in Rishitha solidifying like steel. For the first time, she felt like they had a real chance.

As the last of the rocks settled, the two girls began to move cautiously through the lower chamber. Each step was fraught with uncertainty, but together, they pressed forward, their bond growing stronger with every trial they faced.

In the depths of the cave, amidst the danger and darkness, they found something neither had expected: trust.

make it out. 

The cave was eerily silent now, the echo of falling rocks fading into a tense stillness. The air hung heavy with dust, making it hard to breathe, let alone think. Rishitha lay on her side, her body battered and aching, cradling Mo Tang as best as she could in the narrow space.

The rubble surrounded them, pressing in from all sides. The narrow gap they were trapped in felt suffocating, each moment ticking by with the growing dread that the space would collapse entirely.

"We're alive—for now. But how long before this place caves in completely?" Rishitha thought, her fingers trembling as she clutched Mo Tang's hand.

Her breath was shallow, her chest tight with the effort of holding herself together. Pain lanced through her body with every movement, but she pushed it aside. I can't afford to fall apart. Not now.

"We need to move," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "If this space collapses, we'll be buried alive."

Mo Tang's eyes were wide with fear, her lips trembling. "But how? We're trapped, Rishitha. There's no way out…"

Rishitha swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lump in her throat. I won't let it end here. I can't let it end here. If I die, who will save my family? My mission? The world? No. I have to keep going.

Just as Rishitha was gathering her strength to try and crawl through the rubble, a faint sound caught her attention. At first, she thought it was just more rocks shifting above them, but then she heard it again—clearer this time.

The scrape of stone against stone.

"Rishitha…" Mo Tang's voice was barely a whisper. "Do you hear that?"

The noise grew louder, closer. Light began to filter through the cracks in the rubble above them. Then, a small hand reached through, pulling away the stones with surprising strength and speed

Rishitha's breath caught as the figure emerged, illuminated by the faint glow of the runes etched into the cavern walls. He was a boy, no older than ten, with jet-black hair that fell in soft waves around his face. His eyes were a deep, piercing black, holding a wisdom and determination far beyond his years. Despite the dust and grime clinging to his clothes, his features were striking—almost otherworldly.

"Hey," he said, his voice steady and calm despite the chaos. "Are you okay?"

For a moment, neither Rishitha nor Mo Tang could speak. The boy's presence was almost surreal, as if he'd stepped straight out of a dream. His small frame belied the strength with which he cleared the rubble, his hands moving with practiced efficiency.

Rishitha stared at him, her heart pounding. Is this real? Did someone actually come to save us? She tried to speak, but her voice came out as a croak. "W-we're fine… just… trapped."

The boy's gaze flicked to her, his expression softening. "Don't worry. I'll get you out of here."

Mo Tang, still clinging to Rishitha, watched the boy with wide eyes. Who is he? How did he find us?

As he worked, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. His movements were precise, his focus unshakable. He didn't seem scared or overwhelmed—just determined.

"He's… amazing," Mo Tang whispered, more to herself than to Rishitha.

The boy worked quickly, his small hands moving stone after stone. Despite his size, he seemed to possess an uncanny strength, as if the weight of the rocks was nothing to him. As the narrow space began to widen, Rishitha could feel fresh air brushing against her face, cool and invigorating.

Finally, with one last pull, the boy created a gap large enough for them to crawl through.

"Come on," he said, reaching out a hand to Rishitha. His dark eyes locked onto hers, steady and reassuring. "I'll help you."

Rishitha hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze. Then she took his hand, allowing him to pull her up

As soon as Rishitha was clear, the boy turned to Mo Tang, extending his hand to her as well. Mo Tang looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You… you saved us."

The boy gave her a small, almost shy smile. "It's nothing. I couldn't just leave you here."

Once they were out of the rubble, Rishitha collapsed onto the ground, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion and pain. Mo Tang knelt beside her, her hands shaking as she tried to assess the damage.

"You're hurt," Mo Tang said, her voice trembling. "You took all those hits for me, and now—"

"I'm fine," Rishitha cut her off, forcing a weak smile. "You're safe. That's all that matters."

Mo Tang bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears. "You're so stupid, Rishitha. But… thank you. For everything."

The boy watched them silently, his expression unreadable. Then he spoke, his voice soft but firm. "We need to move. This cave isn't safe."

Rishitha nodded, pushing herself up despite the pain. "Right. Let's go."

As they followed the boy through the now-cleared path, Rishitha couldn't help but study him. There was something about him—an air of confidence and strength that didn't match his young age. His movements were graceful, almost effortless, as if he belonged in this dangerous world.

"Who are you?" Rishitha finally asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and awe.

The boy glanced back at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Just someone who couldn't let you die."