Chapter 13

**Thud**

**Cough**

**Groan**

In front of me, three goblins lay sprawled on the ground.

I was currently descending to the second floor of the dungeon.

I had intended to rest after acquiring new weapons today, but I couldn't resist the urge to try them out, and before I knew it, I had extended my steps.

"Still, the dagger is light, so it's easy to swing."

Thanks to raising the 'Dagger Skill' to level 5, or perhaps due to my agility exceeding 100, I was able to perform swift movements that I couldn't before.

My attacks had also changed from the previous method of overpowering and securing advantageous positions to dodging the enemy's attacks and striking with the fastest possible speed.

"I managed to take down the goblins with two normal attacks and didn't even use Bash."

While Bash has more power per hit, it leaves me vulnerable when used.

Until now, I had used it creatively to knock enemies in certain directions or when there were few enemies. However, if I can take them down with regular attacks, there's no need to take such risks.

"I do feel a slight sensation of my magic being drained."

I looked at the Magic Dagger.

It felt similar to the sensation I had when using Healing for the first time, as if something was being pulled out of my body.

"For now, I'll just test the waters. Since it's not that late, I'll head back once I level up."

With that thought, I proceeded to defeat about 120 goblins.

**"Well... what should I do?"**

Returning to the usual cheap inn, I sat on the bed and stared at my status screen.

**Name:** Tim

**Age:** 16

**Class:** Warrior Level 20

**Strength:** 119 + 40

**Agility:** 102

**Stamina:** 102 + 40

**Magic:** 16

**Spirit:** 38

**Dexterity:** 73

**Luck:** 37

**Status Points:** 10

**Skill Points:** 110

**Unique Skills:** 'Status Manipulation'

**Skills:** 'Sword Skill Level 6', 'Bash Level 6', 'Healing Level 3', 'Increased Skill Points Level 5', 'Increased Status Points Level 5', 'Increased Experience Gain Level 5', 'Light', 'Trap Detection Level 5', 'Trap Disarming Level 5', 'Backstep Level 5', 'Item Appraisal Level 5', 'Dagger Skill Level 5'

Thanks to my persistence today, my Warrior level increased by one, and I now had 10 status points to allocate. I was pondering which attribute to boost.

Currently, my power to defeat monsters is sufficient. Allocating points to luck might increase the chances of finding treasure chests.

"No, with the Magic Dagger, and considering that the increase in magic power becomes less effective after 100, I'll allocate the points to magic."

I considered boosting luck, but I wanted a stable increase in strength first.

After some thought, I allocated the acquired status points to magic.

"Still..."

The benefits of leveling up as a Warrior on the second floor are diminishing.

Goblins are used to determine whether an adventurer can survive at the bare minimum. Even with the 'Increased Experience Gain' skill, it's becoming less effective to level up here...

"No, isn't it more impressive that I can still level up in this situation?"

When I first saw my status screen, I was a 'Novice Adventurer Level 20.' The unique skill 'Status Manipulation' likely awakened at that point. I reached that level by consistently defeating goblins every day for a year.

Considering that, it's incredible that I've grown to 'Warrior Level 20' in just ten days since awakening my unique skill.

"Should I descend one more floor starting tomorrow?"

I had already found the stairs to the third floor. It would be a good opportunity.

"Oh, right... I should change my class first."

Considering the milestone of reaching Warrior Level 20, I decided to switch my class after some thought and rested for the day.

**"This is the third floor."**

I looked around with interest.

"Even inside the dungeon, there are plants growing..."

After descending a long staircase, I found myself in a lush environment.

I had heard rumors about the lower floors from other adventurers, but this was my first time seeing it with my own eyes.

I vaguely recalled the forest where I had been hunting goblins until now.

"Well, starting today, it's the third floor. I need to stay focused."

The second floor is for novice adventurers, while serious earners delve deeper than the third floor.

"Unlike yesterday, there are adventurers everywhere."

Even from a distance, I could see other adventurers.

Unlike the previous floors, the area was more open, making it easier to spot enemies. When monsters spawned, people quickly rushed to them.

"Whoa!"

A distortion appeared in front of me.

It was the moment the dungeon spawned monsters.

After a moment, one goblin and one goblin appeared. They were larger and better equipped than those I encountered on the first and second floors.

"Warrior Goblin and Warrior Goblin, huh?"

I had heard that goblins and goblins with various skills appear on the third floor.

"Let's test the waters. Here I go!"

I drew my Magic Dagger and charged in.

"Gob!"

"A bit shallow?"

I had trained thoroughly on the upper floors, so they didn't feel as threatening as I thought.

However, I intended to deal more damage with that attack, and my calculations were off.

"Gobb!"

"Garrr!"

The two enraged creatures swung their weapons and attacked.

"Whoa! Backstep!"

But with my high agility, I was too quick for them. The injured Warrior Goblin lagged behind, while the Warrior Goblin advanced.

"Gar! Gar! Garrrrr!"

I struck twice before they could catch up, but they didn't fall.

"Backstep!"

I kept them at bay, attacking and retreating. It took five attacks to finally take down the Warrior Goblin.

"It took longer than I thought. Next is the Warrior Goblin."

I had isolated it by manipulating their movements.

Unlike the previous floors, the open structure allowed me to move freely, giving me an advantage with my high agility.

"Gar! Gar! Garrrrr!"

I attacked repeatedly, gradually wearing it down. Despite my agility, my strength was lower, so it took time to bring it down.

"Alright, the finishing blow!"

"Gah!"

I finally managed to defeat the Warrior Goblin with my seventh attack.

"Ah, I leveled up."

I checked my status screen...

"I thought I might struggle due to the class change and the new adjustments, but I managed to take them down without any issues."

At this rate, I should be able to earn experience points effectively. With that thought, I resumed my movement.