The Descent, Firepower Coverage Is the Only Way to Give Him a Sense of Security

You can't defeat Jennifer without enough power; you wouldn't even know how you died. A person targeted by a Demon is like a rose with thorns – easily pricked.

It was only natural for Li Dan to choose to go on an adventure with Sam and the others, though some preparations were needed before departure.

Guns, ammunition, and lighting were essential, especially when it came to American Iaido. After all, there was more than one monster in the cave. In his opinion, as long as a monster had a physical form, except for those with immortality like Mike, all others could be dealt with by overwhelming firepower. For example, even though the Mutated Ogre lacked pain sensation and possessed immense strength, it would still die under a barrage of rifle fire.

The next day, school let out early.

Sam took Li Dan to meet the other members of the exploration team; they were all women.

Sarah had a mental breakdown a year ago after witnessing the death of her husband and child in a car accident. This cave expedition was originally organized to help her overcome the trauma.

Juno was the leader of this cave adventure.

Beth was the school's English teacher and the one who invited Sam to join the team.

Holly was a fan of punk fashion and low-altitude skydiving. Her reckless personality meant she liked to charge ahead, which translated to her being quite fond of courting death.

Rebecca was a Nordic athlete and a professional mountaineer. The only person she knew well in the group was Juno, as they both enjoyed exploring various caves and extreme sports.

Initially, Juno, as the leader, refused to let Li Dan, a man who had never been on an expedition before, join. But he had Money Power, enough to upgrade all their gear. Juno couldn't find a reason to refuse. The top-tier exploration equipment was too appealing.

After successfully joining the team.

Li Dan then found Pete, the town's police chief, and bought a set of Special Forces Gear. Most importantly, he got ear protection, as the sound of gunfire in the cave would be too loud. Pete might have been a bit greedy, but he truly delivered when paid.

A few days later.

Police officer Joe, Pete's subordinate, pushed a wheelchair to deliver the gear to Li Dan. It included a black camouflage combat suit and an anti-infrared camouflage cover, classic components of the US military standard ALICE Load-Bearing Equipment System, and a triple magazine pouch carrying two M67 grenades. Plus, one high-explosive grenade. The plastic outer layer also included a folding entrenching shovel, and a bayonet in a convenient pocket for engineering work, self-rescue, and mutual aid, providing a sharp weapon for close combat. An L-shaped flashlight and an LC backpack with an aluminum frame further enhanced night combat and marching capabilities. Two Rocloc pistols with very little recoil were holstered at his waist. Li Dan had paid a hefty price for this set.

Wearing it, he was completely covered. If he had added a mask and hat, he would have looked like a special forces combat soldier. Of course, one crucial item was still missing: an M16 rifle. But that thing was too conspicuous. Li Dan already attracted strange looks walking down the street; carrying an M16 would make people think he was a soldier just discharged from the war. Li Dan had someone take the M16 to the destination in advance.

When Li Dan, clad in his Special Forces Gear, arrived at the agreed-upon meeting point outside the town, Juno and the others were stunned. Looking at Li Dan's gear, Juno asked in surprise, "Hey Li Dan, we're not going to war, we're just going on an expedition. You're dressed like this, it's going to hinder our progress."

"Wearing too much for a cave expedition can be dangerous for you."

"Li Dan, there's still time. We can get you a set of professional exploration gear instead of dressing like you're part of a combat unit."

Facing their kind advice, Li Dan stubbornly replied, "Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble. I have a set of exploration gear in my car, and besides, hasn't my stamina already been proven?" There's no way I'm taking this off, he thought. Only ample firepower and enough containment items could give him a sense of security. With insufficient containment items, he naturally had to acquire more firepower. If he weren't afraid of the cave collapsing, Li Dan would have brought a rocket launcher.

Hearing this, Juno consulted with Rebecca, the professional exploration expert. In the end, she agreed, but with a few conditions: "Okay, we agree. But once we're in the cave, you have to follow our commands. Otherwise, you might drag the whole team into danger, understand?"

"No problem," Li Dan agreed to everything, verbally.

While Juno and the others were organizing their gear, Sam secretly comforted Li Dan.

"Li Dan, Juno and the others are actually concerned about your safety. Exploring caves is dangerous, especially since this cave has never been explored before."

"Sam, I understand. Don't worry."

The seven people prepared two off-road vehicles.

When Juno found an M16 assault rifle in the back of the car, she was speechless.

"Li Dan, how afraid of death are you? Do you think there will be someone in the cave who needs you to shoot them?"

Rebecca chuckled, "Maybe our young Chinese boy just feels insecure in unfamiliar places."

Li Dan spread his hands. "Just in case."

Before the two leaders could say anything, Holly chimed in with mockery, "Cowardly behavior."

Li Dan just chuckled and said nothing. There was no need to say much to a dead man.

Sam helped Li Dan explain, "No, Li Dan just prepared a bit more because it's his first exploration. We should be more understanding of newcomers."

After she said that, the others in the team didn't say anything further.

Everyone's original destination was the Lehan Cave Cluster in Chattanooga National Park, located in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. However, Juno, the leader, felt it wasn't exciting enough. What was the point of exploring caves that had already been explored?

So, she secretly changed their destination to an unknown cave.

She hoped that after a successful exploration, this cave would be named after Sarah.

It was a good intention to help her good friend Sarah overcome her dark shadow, but such actions were too dangerous.

Juno hid it well, and no one noticed, including Li Dan.

After all, Li Dan had only seen The Descent, but he didn't know the specific locations or some of the details.

So, at first, he thought they were really going to the Lehan Cave Cluster in Chattanooga National Park in the Appalachian Mountains.

It wasn't until they got closer and looked at the continuous mountains in the distance that he realized something was amiss.

Before entering, there was a dirt road covered with dead leaves and branches.

Li Dan surveyed the trees around the temporary wooden cabin and the quiet mountain forest. Everything was so primitive and peaceful.

There wasn't even the sound of birds chirping. Was this normal?

Was this a national park?

They weren't even on the mountain yet.

Just as Li Dan was wondering if they had taken the wrong road, Sam walked over and said, "Li Dan, don't worry. We're going to rest in the cabin for a day. We won't go into the mountains until tomorrow morning. It's too late today, and there's still a stretch of road ahead."

Li Dan looked up at the darkening clouds and said.

"I just think it's a bit too quiet around here."

Sam thought the quietness was perfectly normal. She explained.

"Not many people come here, so it's normal for it to be quiet. Don't overthink it. You need to rest well so you have the energy for the exploration tomorrow."

Li Dan hummed in response, but in his heart, he thought he had come to the right place.

PS: These five are not the female leads. Trust my aesthetic. If you don't like it, you can consider it as having women but no main female lead. There are stories of people going through horror movies alone.