Chapter 8

"Well, from today on, I need to get back on track."

The next morning, when I woke up, my stomach was churning.

Was it because of the alcohol I drank for the first time, or the frustration from last night's argument?

It didn't matter either way. Right now, I was suddenly filled with a desire for adventure.

I clenched my right fist and slammed it into my left hand.

"I absolutely don't want to lose!"

I recalled how I was always picked on during training. I remember Walter, Red, and many other peers giving me cold looks.

I've even cursed this world where a single skill can make a clear difference. But now it's different. I have a skill too—a unique skill, no less.

I believe that if I use this unique skill correctly, it will be a weapon that no one can match.

"Only one month left..."

I have to admit that there's a gap between him and me, but I think it can be managed with the right approach.

The important thing is not to rush and mess up my pace. If I rush and make reckless plans for my growth, I'll fall into a trap.

I should think more than before and focus on useful skills and status allocation.

"For now, to grow, I need to increase the number of battles..."

Leveling up happens after defeating monsters, so combat can't be ignored if I want to achieve my goal.

"Then I need to start by increasing the number of battles."

I thought about what I should do and how I should manipulate my stats. My mind was working hard.

"Alright, this is the place for today."

In front of me was a cave.

In the square in front of the entrance, many adventurers were gathered in small groups, discussing something.

They were having thorough discussions and checking their equipment. Once they were done, they were planning to enter this dungeon.

I ignored them and quickly entered the dungeon.

"Wow... this is inside the dungeon. It's pretty dark without light."

I was nervous as I entered the dungeon for the first time, and my throat went dry.

"Right... I need to light up immediately... 'Light.'"

When I used the 'Light' spell that a priest can learn, six orbs of light floated up and illuminated the surroundings.

"It's better than a lantern because it doesn't tie up one of my hands, so it's a help."

Before entering the dungeon, I had already adjusted my stats.

Name: Tim

Age: 16

Job: Warrior Level 4

Strength: 63 + 8

Agility: 43

Vitality: 33 + 8

Magic: 16

Spirit: 38

Dexterity: 31

Luck: -9

Status Points: 17

Skill Points: 17

Unique Skill Acquired: 'Status Manipulation'

Skills Acquired: 'Swordsmanship Level 5', 'Bash Level 5', 'Healing Level 3', 'Skill Point Increase Level 5', 'Status Point Increase Level 5', 'Experience Gain Increase Level 5', 'Light', 'Trap Detection Level 5', 'Trap Disarming Level 5'

First, I thought my overall abilities were still low, so I allocated 10 points to each stat to boost them. Then, considering I would be entering the dungeon, I prioritized combat and scouting skills.

I also took the opportunity to max out the useful increase skills, so I was fully prepared.

"Using 'Light' doesn't make me tired because my stats have been boosted, right?"

I'm not sure which stat, but it's probably Magic or Spirit, as they relate to magic.

"Since I can't rely on magic for recovery, I'll have to depend on potions."

Alone, if I use too much recovery magic and collapse, I'll be in trouble. Although it feels wasteful to spend money, I used all the rewards from yesterday's Kobold hunt to buy potions.

After confirming that my equipment was sufficient, I proceeded deeper.

I moved forward, mindful of the dark areas beyond the light. The 'Light' spell continued to float above my head, illuminating the ground, so I didn't trip over any depressions.

After advancing for a few minutes, I sensed something ahead and stopped.

"Three Goblins..."

Soon, the Goblins entered the range of the 'Light' spell.

"Sure enough, this is a dungeon. To meet monsters so easily..."

I decided to enter the dungeon this time because I could increase the number of battles here.

The dungeon lures humans with items and spawns monsters to attack them.

When creatures die inside the dungeon, they are absorbed and return to the dungeon. At that time, the monsters leave magic stones and items, which become the income of adventurers.

Unlike outside, where you can always get parts from defeated enemies, the magic stones and items are not guaranteed to drop.

To have a stable income, I should hunt outside, but to close the gap with Walter, I had no choice.

"If I can encounter this many, maybe it's more profitable here?"

With the various improvements I've made, I should be able to handle three Goblins without any problem.

I took the initiative and charged at the Goblins with my sword.

"Phew, the first battle is over."

I took a deep breath after drinking a potion.

The Goblins inside the dungeon were more aggressive than those outside.

They didn't consider their own safety at all, as if they had no fear, and charged at me.

When I tried to keep them at bay with my sword, they didn't retreat, so I ended up getting a few wounds.

"Maybe they don't have emotions because they were created in the dungeon?"

We fight to survive. Each person has their own reason for entering the dungeon, whether it's a better life or praise from others.

However, the Goblins seemed to only focus on defeating the enemy in front of them, without considering their own safety.

"My sword swings more smoothly than before, but it's tough when they charge recklessly."

I raised my swordsmanship to level 5, so I could aim for the enemy's vital points more sharply.

However, while I was taking down one, the other two would charge, so I inevitably got hurt.

"Moreover, I didn't get any magic stones or items from the three Goblins... Outside, I could earn about one silver coin and five copper coins... "

The potion I'm drinking now costs one silver coin, so I barely break even, but there's no income inside the dungeon because the bodies disappear.

"Is the 'Experience Gain Increase' skill working properly?"

I boldly raised it to level 5, but it seems that my level doesn't increase with just three Goblins.

I want to confirm that my level is increasing as soon as possible...

"This is a path that Walter and the others have already taken. I can't afford to give up."

I came to the dungeon because I don't want to lose to them.

If I retreat and go back to hunting outside, it would mean admitting defeat.

"I still have potions, so I'll shake off my worries and keep going!"

I regained my motivation and moved deeper into the dungeon.