Chapter 3

The next day.

I immediately made my way to the F-rank dungeon near the Sylphid territory, the "New Recruit's Training Ground."

The weapon I carried was a short sword from home.

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【Short Sword】

・A very simple sword.

・Recommended equipment level: 1

・Attack +3

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Cleon's attack power is determined by a complex formula, but for front-line classes, it can generally be considered equal to strength.

An attack power of +3 is quite modest for a sword, but it was not a negligible value in the early stages.

"By defeating a few monsters along the way and leveling up a few times, I should be able to challenge the boss."

With my resolve firmly set, I finally entered the "New Recruit's Training Ground."

The inside of the dungeon was a dark, labyrinthine ruin.

Looking around, I felt a sense of nostalgia and relaxed my cheeks.

"Come to think of it, how long has it been since I last came to the New Recruit's Training Ground? The inheritance skill obtained here is for the [Sword Emblem], so it must have been since I last came to conquer it with my main character."

What surprised me even more was that the map inside the dungeon was almost identical to the one in the game.

Even though it had been quite a while since I last conquered it, low-rank dungeon maps are often simple. I was sure my memory was correct.

"Kyaa!"

"Whoa!"

While I was thinking about this, I encountered my first monster.

A green goblin holding a club—a standard enemy in RPGs.

"Status"

By saying this, a message window appeared before my eyes.

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【Goblin】

・Recommended level for defeat: 5

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Only the name and recommended level for defeat were displayed.

Like Cleon, it was a very basic status.

For dungeon bosses or named monsters, detailed information would also be written.

"Anyway, the recommended level for defeat is 5."

My current level is 1.

There is a bit of a gap, but...

"Yeah, no problem."

I nodded without hesitation.

This is because, in the battle system of 'Crest Online,' there are three major factors that determine victory or defeat.

One is level. This is a given in an RPG.

Another is skills. Skills that consume MP can be used in various situations.

And the last one is player skill.

In Cleon, this is as important as, or even more important than, the first two.

It's not all about play time or money spent; with the right skills and tactics, you can defeat higher-level opponents.

This is why Cleon has been popular among a wide range of players.

And among them, I reached the world rank 1.

When it comes to player skills, I don't need to say more; I possess the highest level of skill.

In other words—

"You're no match for me."

"Gah!"

The goblin lunged at me.

It raised its club high, but its movements were very slow.

"Whoa"

"―――!?"

"Ha!"

With a light movement, I circled behind the enemy and swung my sword at its vulnerable neck.

A critical hit must have occurred, as the goblin's head flew off with just one swing.

"Yeah, as expected, my experience in Cleon can be put to use in this world too."

With a sense of accomplishment, I muttered this just as a system sound rang out.

'Experience gained. Level increased by 1.'

'Stats points gained: 2.'

"Good, this is a good start."

I confirmed this and smiled.

At this pace, I should be able to level up smoothly.

As I thought this, the goblin's corpse disappeared with a hiss, leaving behind a small magic stone.

"Right, I can't forget to collect the magic stone."

The magic stone can be sold for a decent amount of money.

I put the magic stone into my item bag and then checked my own status.

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Zelos Sylphid

Gender: Male

Age: 15

Emblem: [Emblem of Nothingness]

Level: 2

HP: 20/20 MP: 10/10

Strength: 2

Endurance: 2

Speed: 2

Intelligence: 2

Luck: 2

Stats points: 2

Skills: None

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