Engineers (3)

That seems to have abated her curiosity for now. But I can that this conversation will continue during the break.

"Next up, orcs. They are higher level monsters as compared to goblins. And if you do meet them I suggest you run."

"We can't hide?"

"Orcs have a surprisingly powerful sense of smell. They will likely find you unless you have ways to hide your scent. On that note a general piece of advice, no fragrances, perfumes or colognes while in a dungeon. Any scent that is clearly distinct from what is found in the dungeon will attract monsters."

A few of the women whose perfume I can pick up from all the way across the room suddenly look a little uncomfortable. I guess being told they can't wear something they consider a daily necessity isn't what they wanted to hear.

"Moving on, skeletons. They are generally weak unless they have gone through evolution. You can fight those if you act decisively and go for the head with enough blunt force to destroy it. However, skeletons are rarely alone and their danger increases with their numbers. They will mob you to death if you let them.

"Additionally, they don't see the way we do. We don't know how they do it but they can see objects and living things at the same time. Meaning they can see you and the rock you are hiding behind. Dungeon walls are an exception, those seem to block their vision."

No questions this time.

"Then, there are animal types. These are generally underestimated as they look incredibly similar to normal animals. They are however vastly more dangerous. They tend to have higher stats than their breatherens outside and they are a lot more aggressive at lower levels. At higher levels and with every evolution they gain more intelligence. They may pretend to be some tame animal but I assure you, they are not.

"With that we have covered the basics of what you will face. For more you can either get one of many books documenting monsters and their habits or ask adventurers in that area. Now for a slight practice run, we will move to the VR capsules.

"Please remember the idea is for you to survive even against superior foes. You will be up against monsters you stand no chance of defeating. Since you are non combat personnel, your sense of pain will only be a tenth of what you would feel if things were real. I will be accompanying you but my stats will be reduced to yours so don't count on me for rescue."

We move over to a room full of VR capsules. As we open our eyes inside the virtual world, we are greeted by Navi who hands out pepper spray cans. Everyone including myself gets a can that says Monsterased in bold letters all over it.

Monster and erased, huh. You really rushed that one.

How about anti-mon. Short for anti monster spray. Because that's what it is.

Sure.

Soon, everyone thinks they are ready and we start the training. We are next to a train wagon that has been overturned. Around us are dozens of orcs and five simulated adventurers fighting them off. With the large discrepancy in numbers, a few orcs easily pass by and the rest will follow after having overwhelmed and killed those adventurers.

I look around quickly and identify the direction with the least orcs. That's the way to survive. But I can't just escape now or everyone will just follow me. I'll wait until the last moment. Now, how will the others deal with this, I wonder?

"Form a wall! They can't get to use if we use the Monsterased!"

Oh, come on. I specifically told them not to fight and to prioritize escape. Do they think these sprays they are using have infinite capacity?

I watch about ten of them group up and create a wall out of pepper spray by continuously spraying in front of themselves. The approaching orcs are indeed stopping but after about 15 seconds, the cans are all used up.

The orcs are still teary eyed and have trouble breathing but when the cloud of pepper spray clears, the ten people are also coughing violently why rubbing their eyes. Yes, if you spray that much you'll probably be affected too.

So, ten people are down for the count. Evading an orc while under the effect of pepper spray might be impossible, even for me. Of the remaining eight, two panic, drop their cans and take off running. Too bad we are surrounded…

They get caught and die quickly.

Another three try to hide in the wagon that has been tipped over. A decent strategy but I doubt they'll be able to hide for long. Even with the pepper sprays in the air, orcs still have a far better sense of smell than humans.

The remaining three have also grouped up and are approaching me. The lady in the blue cardigan is leading them.

"Yes?"

"We have chosen to follow you since that holds the highest chance of survival."

"And if I wasn't here?"

"Then neither would we be. Once this scenario becomes a reality I want to be confident in doing what you're about to do by myself. Otherwise, I won't go!"

"Fine by me. It's not like I know some secret that will magically make this easy. That's the direction with the least orcs. Try to stay a good distance away from each other so you can use your spray cans without worrying. Also, with some space between us the orcs will have to split their attention."

The three nod and I notice that the two that follow the lady in the cardigan each have to cans instead of one. They probably picked up the cans the two runners dropped.