The sun had just appeared, casting orange light across the eastern sky, yet a chill still crept through the gaps in the walls of the house. Arka Nurdiansyah blinked slowly, opening his eyes in the small room he shared with his parents. He was still wearing the light armor he had borrowed last night—a comforting protection that helped him survive in Serpi Village, though now it felt tight in the quiet morning.
Outside the window, the bell of the guild gate rang as it opened. The heavy footsteps of Class D and C Hunters filled the narrow alley, armed with an array of battlefield gear, steel swords, composite bows, plate armor, even long poisonproof cloaks. Arka pulled the blanket tighter, closing his eyes briefly before rising. His body ached in several places: when he fought the goblins in Serpi Village, his right arm had twisted in a hurried strike, and his thigh bore a bruise from a creature's slash. Though the small wounds were healing—thanks to the "Regeneration" flowing through his system—Arka still felt lingering aches like emotional scars.
"It's too late to stay lazy in bed." he thought, rubbing his still-groggy face. He glanced at the rickety wooden desk in the corner: a tattered notebook with a torn cover—where he recorded every detail of his EXP gains and all the system lessons he'd learned. This morning, he had promised himself he would write down what he'd learned from the battle in Serpi Village. But he stopped his hand when he realized the bell wasn't inviting cooperation—it was announcing a newly posted training mission.
On the guild's bulletin board was written:
> Beginner Training Mission – Fire Corridor Dungeon • Level Requirement: 1–2
• Location: Fire Corridor Dungeon (E-Rank)
• Objective: Collect 3 Lava Cores (novice energy sources)
• Reward: 15 EXP | 150 coins | Basic Alchemy Materials
• Description: The Fire Corridor Dungeon is filled with scaled creatures that dwell between layers of scorching rock. A perfect setting for beginners to learn heat management and develop combat tactics in an extreme environment.
Arka stared at the worn slip tacked to the board—its letters seeming to tremble, as though calling him to hurry. He drew a deep breath, glancing at his parents still asleep beside him. A surge of guilt rose: before he left, he should have informed them, but last night had been so chaotic he never made it home in time. He gave a bitter smile. "Forgive me, Father, Mother. I must complete this training well."
With careful steps, Arka settled into his light armor once more, tightening the belt he'd left too loose last night. The Half‐Steel Sword hung across his back, while the wooden sword he'd used earlier now sat neatly in the corner, a memento of his tense first journey. On the desk lay a small bottle of healing potion—though his HP was full now, 50/50, he knew it was wise to be prepared.
Before he could walk out the door, a gentle voice called, "Arka, are you awake?" It was his mother, Mrs. Nurdiansyah—her age lines and gentle expression radiating warmth, though the exhaustion of last night still lingered in her face. Arka nodded, straightening as though he felt no fatigue. "Yes, Mother. I'm going to the guild briefly to join the training."
His mother studied him closely, concern flickering in her eyes. "Are you all right? Have you eaten?" She stepped forward and touched his arm gently. "Be careful in there. Don't overexert yourself. Learn to endure before you think of great power."
Arka offered a respectful smile, bowing slightly as if before a teacher. "Don't worry, Mother. It's just a beginner's training in an E‐Rank dungeon. Rika and I are both joining." He tried to reassure her, though his shoulders still tensed against lingering fatigue. Mrs. Nurdiansyah nodded and brought over a simple bowl of vegetable soup—an offering to strengthen his body. "This is for you, dear. Eat before you leave. You'll need the energy."
Arka gazed at the warm soup—its chicken broth aroma mingled with chunks of carrot and potato—and memories of childhood flooded him, when he helped his mother in the kitchen. He took a spoonful, feeling warmth spread in his rumbling stomach. Yet between each spoonful, his thoughts drifted to the "Status" screen in his mind, recounting his EXP: 60/100. That meant after the goblin quest in the village, he had gained 60 points; with the 15 EXP reward from this training he could reach 75/100—still far from Level 2. He swallowed carefully, suppressing the frustration that every step toward leveling felt so heavy.
After breakfast, Arka bid farewell to his father, Rendi, who was already preparing to leave for the docks. Rendi massaged his younger brother's shoulder, "Stay safe in there. Don't run off alone." His voice sounded harsh, but hidden behind it was brotherly love. Arka nodded. "Don't worry, Brother. I'll be careful."
The morning in Kaena City grew busier—fishermen were leaving the docks in their boats, nets of fish draped over their shoulders, while street vendors jostled through the alleyways hawking cheap goods: wheat bread, dried fruits, even cornmeal. Arka passed through the morning market, ignoring the cacophony of bargaining until he reached the guild gate on the city's western edge. The imposing stone building exuded grandeur: towering pillars, the guild's emblem displayed prominently, and members in navy uniforms flowing in and out.
Once inside the inner gate, the smell of metal, the grind of iron, and the dust of wood burned his nostrils. Several hunters in black and red uniforms practiced strikes on their sword sheaths, rehearsing deft slices and parries. In one corner of the main hall, a large circular door led to the training chamber, while in another corner, a dusty bulletin board held that month's posted quests. Arka patted his chest, steadying himself. Rika was already waiting: she sat on a stone bench near the hunters' water trough, her bow leaning at her feet, a playful stance to her gentle smile.
"Arka!" Rika called as she spotted him approaching. She waved briefly, then stood and gave his back two gentle pats—careful not to startle him. "You arrived early."
Arka nodded, wincing slightly as he held in his fatigue. "I said I'd have breakfast first. Sorry for being late." He took a breath, set aside his sword, and sat on the low bench beside Rika. He rubbed the skin still burning beneath his armor. Rika turned to study the bruise on his arm. "Still sore?" she asked softly.
Arka frowned. "A little. But as long as it's not too strenuous this training, I think I'll manage." He exhaled and looked at the bulletin board:
> Beginner Training Mission – Fire Corridor Dungeon (E-Rank)
"Three Lava Cores…" Rika murmured, a smile spreading across her face, "I've been there before. This mission is fairly easy as long as you can withstand the heat. The scaled creatures there, called 'Lesser Salamandras,' aren't overly aggressive—just don't rush in too fast."
Arka swallowed and looked at Rika respectfully. "Thank you… I'll remember that." A brief hush fell over them, broken only by the gentle gurgle of the water trough. Then Arka voiced the question that had weighed on his mind since last night: "Rika, if I successfully collect three Lava Cores, that means I'll gain 15 EXP, right?"
Rika nodded firmly. "Right. Your total EXP will become 75/100. Still halfway to Level 2, but every point counts. If you have enough coins, buy some Mana Potions. You'll need mana for your next skill."
Arka closed his eyes briefly, picturing his "Inventory" menu: Half‐Steel Sword, Light Armor, the remaining small health potion—and now, still zero coins. A moment of unease rose: facing the Fire Corridor Dungeon without Mana Potions meant he had no quick way to replenish mana if he needed to cast "Blinding Burst." He drew a steady breath and brought up the "Quest" screen:
> Quest: Collect 3 Lava Cores (0/3)
Reward: 15 EXP | 150 coins
Arka's gaze locked on the "0/3" counter. His heart accelerated: each Lava Core would be guarded by groups of Lesser Salamandras—reddish-scaled reptiles that breathed heat up to 50°C. Even a brief skirmish in that scorching environment would drain stamina swiftly. He knew: if he wanted to survive, he would have to adopt ninja‐style tactics—dodge every strike, sabotage their formations, then pluck the Lava Cores quickly without getting trapped in prolonged combat.
He exhaled, made up his mind: "Let's go. We should depart immediately."
Ten minutes later, Arka and Rika stood before the entrance to Fire Corridor Dungeon. Its gate was a yellowed iron grille jutting from layers of fiery red rock—fleeting bursts of flame danced from the vents above, sketching a silhouette like a dragon's wings. The oppressive heat struck their armor as though snarling, "Welcome, reckless beginners." A hiss of rolling fire echoed through the corridor walls: blasts of superheated air that exploded every few seconds, scorching any lingering oxygen and forcing rapid breaths.
Arka blinked. "My body feels like it's melting," he murmured. The radiating heat was more than mere high temperature—an arcane warmth pulsed through the stones, far beyond ordinary lava. He wiped his wrist, checking that his tunic sleeves weren't soaked with cold sweat. Rika swiped the sweat from her brow and patted Arka's arm encouragingly: "Stay calm. We'll start slowly. Follow my lead."
Rika stepped forward confidently, wearing iron‐toed heat‐resistant boots. She planted her foot on a blackened rock, faintly glowing under the dim light, then proceeded into the first corridor. Arka matched her pace, noting every crack in the stones that streamed thin ribbons of magma. The odor of sulfur stung his nostrils.
"System," Arka whispered, activating his "Map" screen in his mind. Three small orange circles appeared: the positions of the Lesser Salamandras guarding the Lava Core. They formed a tight triangle around a siphon of molten lava at the corridor's end. Arka inhaled—"HP regen here is slower," he recorded mentally, "because the high heat adds physical strain."
He opened "Status" to check at a glance:
Level: 1
EXP: 60/100
Health: 50/50 (Regenerating: 1 HP/s)
Mana: 5/10 (Regenerating: 2 Mana/5s)
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 4
Dexterity: 4
Arka swallowed. HP and mana regeneration here were noticeably slower. If he misstepped, his HP could run out before he defeated a Salamandra. Swiftly, he tapped "Quest" in his mind—"Collect 3 Lava Cores (0/3)."
One second later, a Lesser Salamandra emerged from a shadowed niche. Its crimson scales glowed like embers, its wrinkled skin reminiscent of cracked flame petals. The heat sucked warmth from the air around it, making Arka feel nauseated. The Salamandra snarled, its roar filling the corridor with echoing menace. It shot a small gout of flame, barring the path to Arka and Rika.
Rika leaped aside, evading the blast. She drew her bow single-handedly and nocked a glowing arrow. As the Salamandra turned to hiss again, Rika loosed the arrow: white light merged with fiery sparks as it struck the creature's scales, producing a sharp sizzling sound. The Salamandra yelped in pain as its scales began to flake off in scorched fragments.
Seizing the opportunity, Arka raised his Half‐Steel Sword and delivered a swift slash across the Salamandra's flank, slicing away a hardened scale that clattered to the floor with a "krisik!" The Salamandra stumbled but immediately pivoted and unleashed a deafening screech.
Arka held his breath and retreated one step—"Mana: 5/10," he noted. If he wanted to use "Blinding Burst" here, he had to consider two things: its cooldown was not yet expired, and he had only 5 mana left. Unsure whether the crowd-control effect would work on a heat-adapted Salamandra, he instead relied on a hit-and-retreat tactic.
The Salamandra retaliated with a fiery claw swipe from its heated tongue, its expanded wings flaring a blinding red glow. The flickering shadows danced along the corridor walls, amplifying its terror. Arka felt his perception slow—"Focus Mode" activated, perhaps triggered by his mounting tension. He could see every muscle twitch in the Salamandra's body: each scale resisting the searing air, the ridged tongue poised to explode in flame.
At that moment he made his decision: he leaped to the Salamandra's left flank, sidestepping the still‐glowing fire trails, then landed on a slanted patch of rock. With that momentum, he pierced the gap between its wings and underarm, driving his sword into the base of a rib. His blade bit through the scaly flesh—only to stop short at a tiny molten vein that dripped scorching lava. A rush of heat scalded Arka's arm—this time his steel armor bore some of the heat, but residual burn stung fiercely.
The Salamandra screeched again, spewing a larger tongue of flame. Arka grimaced, stifling the reaction—without specialized heatproof gear, his arms and shoulders now felt singed. "Health: 45/50," flashed in his mind. He had just taken heat damage. He paused for a moment, then kicked the Salamandra's neck with a powerful strike—creating a brief opening.
Rika took advantage of that opening. She sprang onto a nearby rock and loosed a second arrow—this one tipped with a luminescent water core. Upon impact, the arrow sizzled and hissed as steam erupted from the Salamandra's charred scales. The creature convulsed, its eyes reddening, and then collapsed to the corridor floor with a muted tremor.
Arka edged forward carefully and slit open the fallen Salamandra's belly. The scaly flesh parted, molten red nectar dripping forth. He plunged his hand into the magma vein and withdrew a small orb of red-gold—a Lava Core. Its surface glowed softly, pulsating as though alive. Arka placed it gently into a cloth pouch. It felt warm but not scorching.
> Quest: Collect 3 Lava Cores (1/3). EXP +5
Arka exhaled deeply, exhilaration filling his mind: +5 EXP meant his total was now 65/100. Yet at the corridor's far end, two more Lesser Salamandras were already emerging, ready to attack. He glanced at Rika, crouched behind a rock—her brown eyes sparkled with determination, her next arrow already set to nock.
"Be careful," Rika whispered. "They move in a formation: one distracts, one guards the right, one guards the left. Don't let them corner us."
Arka nodded, focusing. He checked his "Status" once more:
Health: 45/50 (Regenerating: 1 HP/s)
Mana: 4/10 (Regenerating: 2 Mana/5s)
Rika's arrow streaked true, striking the Salamandra on the right flank. The wounded creature roared, blasting a stream of flame that scorched a nearby cloth in the corridor corner. Arka's eyes flicked to ensure the fire didn't spread, then refocused on the two retreating beasts.
"Three, two, one…" A quick internal countdown. In that instant, "Focus Mode" kicked in again—without realizing, Arka's tension had triggered it. He saw every muscle fiber tighten in each Salamandra: the thick cords in its tail bracing against heat, the moisture‐slick scales reflecting molten glints, every sinew in its legs poised to spring.
Arka gathered his resolve: he leaped forward, slicing off a few scales from the right Salamandra's wing as it hissed, then ducked just in time to avoid its flaming breath. The searing heat brushed his hair, singeing it. He gritted his teeth and vaulted again, landing between the two creatures before spinning behind the left Salamandra. With a swift move, his blade sank into its ribs and severed half its neck. The Salamandra spewed flame and collapsed to the ground in a throes of fiery convulsions.
Rika fired another arrow at the last Salamandra's gaping maw, making it pause. Arka spun his body, delivering a precise horizontal slash that cut through the beast's throat. With one trained motion, he felled each scaly adversary—though his heart hammered as though wanting to burst.
As the third creature crumpled, the "Quest" screen appeared again:
> Quest: Collect 3 Lava Cores (2/3). EXP +5
Arka let out a long breath, his steps unsteady as his heart continued to race. He surveyed the corridor: at its far end, a small outcropping of molten lava hissed, steam rising in hazy whirlpools. Standing above the lava vein was a Elder Salamandra guarding the third Lava Core. It was larger, absorbing energy from its surroundings—its battered scales and arrow‐pierced shell testament to previous fights.
The heat radiating from it made Arka feel as if his nerves were melting. He bent his knees slightly, trying to calm his breathing before moving again. "Health: 40/50," flashed in his mind. The bouncing heat had just burned away another 5 HP. He swallowed hard—if he wasn't careful today, he could die here as a mere Level 1.
Rika spoke softly: "Arka, this final fight will sap a lot of energy. We need a plan. I'll keep distance while you strike at its scales, then I'll fire the final arrow."
Arka absorbed her words, then locked eyes with the Elder Salamandra. Its cracked scales bore sticky magma residue. The beast fixed him with smoldering red eyes, then let out a thunderous roar—flicking its tail and spraying molten droplets as if to say, "I'll burn you!"
Arka gave a resolute nod, steadying his purpose. He inhaled deeply, letting "Focus Mode" broadcast a subtle vibration through his body. Unlike before, this time he deliberately triggered focus before the engagement: he knew the tempo could not exceed three seconds, or he risked inhaling too much scalding steam.
First, he counted down the skill's cooldown in his mind: "Blinding Burst – Cooldown: 20 seconds remaining." He frowned—still not ready, and his mana was only at 4/10, insufficient to cast the area‐effect skill. He had to rely on his sword.
With an athletic leap, he vaulted to the Salamandra's left flank, striding across scorching rocks that hissed beneath his boots, and slashed a cracked scale from its wing, dislodging a handful of hardened plates. The Salamandra twisted in pain, hurling up a plume of magma steam that turned several dripping droplets into fiery sparks. Arka withstood the scalding brush, then retreated ten paces, gripping his sword tightly as cold sweat formed despite the furnace around him.
Rika seized the opportunity: she raised her arrow, drew the string to a resonant hum, then released. The arrow's glowing tip sliced through the air and struck the fracture in the Salamandra's shell. The impact detonated in a burst of fractured scales and scalding shards, spraying miniature geysers of lava in all directions. The beast rattled Madly and then slammed itself against the corridor wall, shaking the entire grotto with a resonant thud.
Arka advanced once more, stepping over smoldering basalt rocks, and struck in a single fluid motion—his sword soaring in a diagonal arc across the creature's neck before following through deep into its spinal ridge. The Salamandra bellowed, convulsed, and fell prone, its partially incinerated body hissing as trapped moisture met molten rock.
The final Lava Core dislodged gently as the Salamandra collapsed. Arka knelt, retrieved the glowing orb—now glowing even hotter, as though it held the pulse of magma itself—and laid it carefully into his cloth bag so it wouldn't slip.
In the dim corridor, only a faint rumble signified the Salamandra's last breath, turning its remains to a small pile of blackened ash. Arka turned to Rika, who lowered her stance in relief and pride. The "Quest" screen instantly appeared:
> Quest: Collect 3 Lava Cores – COMPLETED
EXP +15
CURRENT EXP: 75/100
The numbers "75/100" shone in his mind, as if he stood at the threshold of a new frontier. Yet a fine veil of disappointment swept over him, this training granted only 15 EXP, and he still needed 25 more points to reach Level 2.
Arka swallowed, steeling his resolve. He looked to Rika. "Still… still far," he murmured softly. Rika nodded and gently touched his arm. "Even so, 75 EXP is excellent for today. You performed admirably. Now, let's return to the guild to turn in the 150 coins and claim our alchemy materials."
Arka closed his eyes for a moment and exhaled—his legs trembled on the scorching stones. He gripped his Half‐Steel Sword as fatigue pressed into his muscles, then gazed at the flickering steam around him. His thoughts drifted: "Level 2… will I reach it tomorrow?" But he knew that answer depended on how hard he trained next.
With a single motion, he straightened his posture and stepped out of Fire Corridor Dungeon alongside Rika. The heat dulled slightly as they moved away from the lava vent. The sulfurous steam thinned, giving way to the scent of distant pine trees—an indication they were nearing the lower pavilion where the portal to town stood. Rika patted his arm. "Come on, I'll patch my arrows quickly, then we'll buy the basic alchemy supplies."
Arka nodded, checking his "Inventory":
1. Half‐Steel Sword (Condition: Fair)
2. Light Armor (Condition: Fair)
3. Small Health Potion (+20 HP) [Qty: 1]
4. Lava Core ×3
Below, in a smaller line:
> Quest Item: Lava Core (cannot be sold)
Arka swallowed—these Lava Cores "could not be sold" at a regular market. To get coins, he would have to hand them to the guild's alchemy NPC. A flicker of hope stirred. "With three Lava Cores, I'll earn 150 coins, and I already got the 15 EXP." Yet he couldn't forget that the money wasn't enough for a large Mana Potion—he still needed 300 coins more for that.
Rika whistled and opened the glowing portal—usually this portal was activated by touching a crystal at the lower pavilion. Arka approached it and looked at Rika seriously. "Tomorrow, I'll come back alone to train in the guild arena."
Rika smiled gently. "All right. I'll be ready to back you up whenever you need. But remember, don't forget to rest. Your regeneration needs time, too."
Arka nodded, suppressing the anxiety coiling in his chest. "I know. But… Level 2 feels like the light at the end of a tunnel." He gazed at Rika, then turned his attention to the magical crystal before them—the portal slowly opening, spilling lavender light that soothed his nerves.
Without another word, Arka stepped into the portal. A swirl of blue shadows enveloped him, and then he vanished until only the rustle of armor and Rika's exhalation remained.
When he reappeared in the guild's upper pavilion, the stillness was broken by alchemical murmurs—potions bubbling over flames, the faint perfume of assorted herbs blending together. A long table stood not far from Dionysius, the guild's Master Alchemist—a gray-bearded elder with a sharp nose and eyes that sparkled like crystal.
"Ah, Arka!" Dionysius boomed, his voice low but friendly. "You've returned from the dungeon?" He cast a keen glance at the three Lava Cores in Arka's hand. Arka nodded and placed the cores on the table. "Here, Master," he said quietly. "I completed the Beginner Training Quest."
Dionysius furrowed his brow, then smiled broadly. "Excellent… obtaining three Lava Cores is no small feat for a Level 1. You've shown remarkable endurance." He took the cores and placed them in a glass vial, then poured a transparent purple liquid around them, producing a soft hissing sound. "As promised, here is the alchemical result—'Novice Elixir.' One bottle instantly restores 50 mana. Keep it safe."
Arka accepted the small vial, feeling the bright blue liquid shimmer with quiet magic. "Thank you, Master. How much do I owe?" he asked. "I need coins to purchase it."
Dionysius shook his head. "This one's on the house. No payment needed. Return whenever you like—with three more Lava Cores, and I'll give you two more bottles. I hope this helps you."
Arka closed his eyes, drawing the humid air deep into his lungs. His eyes glistened—he hadn't received such a gift in so long. "Thank you very much, Master."
Dionysius patted Arka's shoulder. "Now, go to the equipment shop. Rika might be waiting to repair her arrows. And remember: you've still not reached Level 2. Use this elixir wisely. May it give you strength."
Arka nodded, then turned to walk toward the spiral staircase leading down to the lower hall. Each step echoed—a silent invitation for him to ponder. On that staircase, he replayed his "Status" in his mind:
Level: 1
EXP: 75/100
Health: 50/50 (Regenerating: 1 HP/s)
Mana: 10/10 (Novice Elixir +5 Mana once used)
His mana was now a full 10/10 thanks to the Master Alchemist's gift. He had a reserve for casting "Blinding Burst," yet he still had to be cautious—its cooldown was incomplete, and relying on it in a dungeon where mana regen was sluggish would be a risky gamble.
Arka exhaled deeply while descending, planning his next move: tomorrow, when he returned, he would head to the guild's training arena—where phantom creatures simulated real battles—to gather EXP more quickly. Though the EXP rewards from the arena wouldn't equal those from an actual dungeon, the arena was much safer: if he lost, he would simply "respawn" in front of the arena with full HP and mana, and any lost EXP would be regained after training.
But he also knew the arena had limits—EXP rewards diminished if he repeated the same fight. He would have to continually improve his tactics and fight at speed and skill. "All right," Arka thought. "This is not enough yet, but it's the first step toward Level 2."
In the lower hall's corner, he saw Rika waiting in front of the arrow‐repair tent—her smile widening as she spotted him. She held up a single elixir bottle before him. "This is from the Master Alchemist," she said softly, "to refill your mana. I hope it helps in your next training."
Arka managed a tired smile as he took the vial. "Thank you, Rika. Only with your support could I survive." He touched the elixir's surface, sensing the gentle magical pulse within the bottle. "I'll use it carefully."
Rika nodded, then tapped his shoulder. "Tomorrow, we'll return. I already arranged a simulated E‐Rank duel in the arena. That should be enough to boost your EXP."
Arka shrugged, suppressing the fatigue that pressed upon him. "All right. Let's go home. I need to rest and write down everything that happened today."
Their footsteps cast long shadows on the stone floor as they made their way toward the guild exit. Outside, the sky had begun to darken in the west, promising a gentle dusk and a calm night. Arka gazed at the horizon and whispered, "Level 2… I'm coming."