In the depth of a cave, chirps of bat rings abound. In the ravines of its natural habitats, the cave extend wide. Natural rocks formation along with a touch of handmade seem to be the structure of this cave. Although not many, pathways throughout the caves were dug.
Through the entrance of the pathways, there were many cave dwelling props with wooden door. Each wooden door have its own shape and size. There is no standard size at all except a circular metal hoop latching onto each door. A rather crude simple mechanism to open the wooden doors.
Upon a closer look into the gap one particular room enclosed by a wooden door, inside, was a figure. The figure opens its eyes into a startle. This, seem to be an unusual place.
The figure soon stretches and felt cold all over. Zooming closer, the figure seems to be a human. Male, in fact. Slowly, but wearily awaken because of the particular environment. The rustle of hay underneath was familiar. Thought to be a dream, the figure muse. But, soon realize that everything is surreal.
'This has to be a dream!' The figure thought because the light shining through the wooden door looked the same as before.
This particular place should not have exist now. Now, the impossible is right in front.
The figure froze as a familiar cry came from the door, "Kik-kik kik-kik ki." Then two small shadow agilely made their way deeper into the cave.
With everything clear, the a loading bar appears right before the figures eyes.
[Loading... Complete]
[Congratulations on awakening!]
[Please choose your Weapon Mastery!]
[Sword F/E]
[Axe F/E]
[Lance F/E]
[Bow F/E]
[Anima Magic F/E]
[Light Magic F/E]
[Dark Magic F/E]
If everything is the same as before then the choice was obvious. Though still dubious, the figure did not hesitate and choose [Dark Magic F/E].
[Dark Magic mastery has been chosen.]
[Magic Tome has been rewarded.]
[Dark Wisp][Dark Magic F]
[2 Might / 90 Hit / 0 crit / 0 Weight][55/55]
Instantly, a thin booklet engraved with a five-pointed star appear on the figures hand. It was black and rough to the touch. A few runic syllables were engraved just below the star. This is a magic tome that records an attack spell that can summon a dark wisp to attack an enemy at range.
[Please voice or think of the Status Command]
"Status." The figure mutter faintly into the air.
[Status][Page 1]
Name: Jaden Lawson
Level: 1/10 [Exp: 0/100]
Potential: F
Class:
Commonwealth Lvl 1/10 [No Rank, Base Class]
And so, the figure was finally identify. It was Jaden this time all along. Whether this is a dream or not, he still have to see through to the end of this dungeon.
Jaden's page one [Status] is the same as he first saw it. Nothing has changed. Even though Jaden had revert back to level one with a no rank class. He was no less excited, expectant, and afraid within himself. With mixed feelings, Jaden move to page two.
[Status][Page 2]
Commonwealth Lvl 1/10
Hp: 4/4
Str: 0/10
Mag: 1/10
Skl: 1/10
Spd: 1/10
Lck: 3/10
Def: 1/10
Res: 1/10
Move: 3
Con: 6
Affin: Dark
Cond: Normal
Same, it was still the same stat that Jaden first had when he awaken. He was incredibly lucky as shown by his [Lck] stat. Later on with his continuous level ups, he would have become even more luckier.
Jaden had personally believe that the [Lck] stat played an unimaginable role in his survival before. It was because he had survival many pitfuls that could have killed him on many occasions. However, the key thing is survival.
Jaden thought lingers on [Status] page three, four, and five.
[Status][Page 3]
[Mastery: Dark Magic F/E]
Phy Att: 0
Mag Att: 3
Phy Def: 1
Mag Res: 1
Hit: 95
Avoid: 5
Crit: 2
Dodge: 5
[Status][Page 4]
[Magic Item Slot]
[Slot 1: [Dark Wisp][Dark Magic F]
[2 Might / 90 Hit / 0 crit / 0 Weight][55/55]
[Status][Page 5]
[Skill]
[N/A]
With the [Dark Wisp] tome might of only two in addition with Jaden's [Mag] stat of only one. He frowns as he went deeper into thoughts. By his own estimation, for one goblin he would need to cast at least two spell before taking out one goblin.
Compared to Jaden's original timeline, he chose the [Sword] mastery which directly gave him the advantage. Since a goblin can only equip axe-type weapon.
Given the new universal law; [Sword] are effective against [Axe], [Axe] are effective against [Lance], and [Lance] are effective against [Sword]. Form an absolute law above all.
The weapon effective increases damage dealth and hit rates by +2/+20 respectively. With a novice sword that has a might of three, Jaden only need to swing once in order to kill a goblin.
However, Jaden was confident with dealing goblins since they were one of the weakest monster with a [Max Level] of five without a class. It is very uncommon to see a goblin with a class. Only, the concern is that the boss of this dungeon was a goblin shaman.
Whether Jaden can overcome this dungeon is dependent on the [Mag Res] of the boss. With only three [Mag Att], if he can't trade enough damage in comparison then he would be the first to die. Now that the die has already been casted, he only need to enforce it now.
Once everything has been planned out, Jaden started to move. Inching closer to the wooden door with hand ready to cast, he listened to the sound of the bats rummaging. Actively sense for any other beings, goblins.
No matter how weak a goblin and low their growth potential are. At Jaden's current [Status], he is no better than them. The only advantage he currently have was magic and range.
Nothing came up after awhile, so he carefully open up the door with caution. The mossy wall were the first thing he encounter. To the right side was where the entrance was and to the left was where the two goblin went.
Jaden follow along the left side. This part, he was familiar with the layout of the cave. Base on memory, his first victim is a goblin patrolling on the fringe of the cave entrance.
Soon, Jaden came behind one column and hide himself there. Through the gap of the colum he was in the dark. As long as the patrolling goblin went past on the other side, he would be able to aim and cast a [Dark Wisp] spell.
It did not take long for Jaden's small effort to be rewarded. The goblin came patrolling alone with a club in hand. As the true face of timing comes, his nerve was taunt and he slow down his breathing with precision.
'Dark Wisp!' Jaden shouted within his mind.
As the thought connects with the intentions, magic power faintly course from the body onto the [Dark Wisp] tome. With the activation period down, a gush of mana gathers in front of his opened palm.
Faint strain of bluish hue gathers and condense into that face of a skull. Sharp fangs were scarily open and sent flying straight towards the unassuming goblin [Dark Wisp][54/55]. The dark wisp impacted the chest of the goblin [-3HP].
Taking the chance while the iron was still hot, Jaden channel another cast. Before the goblin could react, the second cast has already arrived hitting squarely on the neck of the goblin [-3HP][Dark Wisp][53/55].
'Ding!'
[Lvl 1 Goblin defeated]
[Exp +5][Lvl 1][Exp: 5/100]
[WExp +5][Dark Magic F][WExp: 5/50]
Jaden smile as the experience notification came through. Like he had expected, goblin have around four to seven health points. For the dead goblin, it was only a level one monster. Naturally, the goblin could not possibly have any [Mag Res]. With the target dead and the two main goblin fang looted, Jaden rushes to the next location.
Sitting at the next location, it was a little risky since there is no colum to hide behind. Jaden could only crouch and wait for the next goblin to come. But, his patience was rewarded. An unsuspecting goblin came into view.
Like before, with practice ease. Jaden time his cast of [Dark Wisp][52/55] straight into the side stomach of the goblin [-3HP]. As a result, the goblin gap in deep breath and could not utter a voice as it falls.
Without giving an inch for the goblin to breathe it's last, Jaden second spell came over and hit straight at the neck [Dark Wisp][51/55][-3HP].
'Ding!'
[Lvl 2 Goblin defeated]
[Exp +6][Lvl 1][Exp: 11/100]
[WExp +5][Dark Magic F][WExp: 10/50]
The death of the second goblin was smooth with practical ease. No matter the strategic vantage point or the aim. Everything was spot on. Only someone like Jaden who has many years of experience would be able to do the same thing as he does.
Jaden pry the two main fang of the second goblin and pocketed them. Then continues on to the next location. Often time, with the natural habitats of the cave like system like this, goblins would have the natural advantage.
Jaden had experienced this dungeon before and managed to closed it too at that time. So, he knew the layout of this dungeon by the heart. Though, slightly differ from how he remembers them. Jaden was able to exploit the lazy nature of goblins and set up key ambush point all around. That lasted until he finishes off the seventh and eighth goblin.
'Ding!'
[Lvl 1 Goblin defeated]
[Lvl 3 Goblin defeated]
[Exp +13][Lvl 1][Exp: 59/100]
[WExp +10][Dark Magic F][WExp: 40/50]
Jaden can faintly tell that this group of goblins has begin to notice the disapperances of their kin. This dungeon is a no rank dungeon, so him quietly taking out half of the goblins within so little time has made the paltry tribe cautious. Even the goblin shaman was alarmed.
No matter the case, Jaden had his fair share study of goblins. He hid his traces well and it is highly unlikely for the inexperienced goblins to track him down with a short amount of time.
A few more kills and Jaden can finally rank up his [Dark Magic] mastery to rank E. With a rank E [Dark Magic], it will increase his [Mag Att] by one point. That single point is the key to his victory against the goblin shaman.
Now that it was harder to gain an initiative against the goblins since they have begun to move in pairs. Jaden had trail a duo of goblins in the distance. He was waiting for the right opportunity.
Without doubt, Jaden prudence prove correct. One of the pair split was steeping away quietly, nature calls. By the time the goblin squat to squeeze, he had already blasted the second of the pair with [Dark Wisp][38/55]. The second goblin was squarely hit right at the throat making a gag, "Ku-" [-3HP].
Now, in the middle of a dung coming out and the unexpected attack. The first goblin was stun and froze. It was not able to react at all as it saw it's partner gag in pain.
Jaden was not a pushover at all, he did not waste any time to channel the second cast. Right before the second goblin got up, the first goblin that was squatting was blasted in the face with a [Dark Wisp][37/55][-3HP].
As the second goblin recovered, the first one was already down. Even when it was charging forward, Jaden calmly aim and cast the spell [Dark Wisp][36/55]. The spell hit straight on the bare chest of the second goblin [-3HP]. The second blow killed it.
Now recovered, the first goblin got up and the other of the pair was already down. This situation was too frightening for the first goblin. As it plans to run away, Jaden would definitely not allow a survivor to flee in his grasp.
The final [Dark Wisp][35/55] follows after. The fleeing goblin collapse and died after the spell hit it [-3HP].
'Ding!'
[Lvl 4 Goblin defeated]
[Lvl 4 Goblin defeated]
[Exp +16][Lvl 1][Exp: 75/100]
[WExp +10][Dark Magic F][WExp: 50/50]
[Rank Up][Dark Magic F -> E]
From the start to finish, everything was within Jaden control. If he had made a slight mistake, he would have been undoubtedly be in danger. No matter how calm Jaden claims to be, he was sweating a lot as the adrenaline slows to a stop.
Once Jaden looted the two pairs of goblin fang, did he turn to check page three of his Status.
[Status][Page 3]
[Mastery: Dark Magic E/E]
Phy Att: 0
Mag Att: 4
Phy Def: 1
Mag Res: 1
Hit: 100
Avoid: 5
Crit: 2
Dodge: 5
Now, no matter how much Jaden uses [Dark Wisp] he would not be able to gain any mastery points to rank up his [Dark Magic]. His current weapon mastery has reach the max of his current class. To reach a higher weapon mastery rank, he must first reach level ten, then get a [Base Class]. Thus allowing him a higher cap.
Jaden smiled confidently and swiftly made his way into heart of the dungeon. Which is where the goblin shaman reside. His greatest reliance now was his [Mag Att] might.
Jaden could've eradicate the remaining goblins and level up. However, there was a special item he wanted to get before he levels up. It was crucial that he uses that item before then. With that in mind, he formulate his battle plan.
The pathways were straightforward. After navigating around bypassing the other goblins, Jaden came into what seem like a sealed door engrave in goblin linguistics. The red marks of random gibberish somehow form a consistent language pattern. Although, it was quite long.
Jaden swallow his saliva and drown his fear forcefully. He knew his chances, but given how weak he actually is right now makes it impossible not to be nervous at this time.Taking a deep breath with determination, he pushes the door opens.
Jaden welled up his tome in his hand and begin casting right away. Before the door open up entirely, his [Dark Wisp][34/55] zoom directly towards the goblin shaman. Upon the surprise attack, a faint layer of [Mag Res] shone and block parts of the might of the spell [-2HP].
"Kua-Kiii!" The goblin shaman shouted in pain and anger.
Seeing the damage, Jaden sigh in relief, 'this is doable.'
Under Jaden's attack, the goblin shaman was not only able to withstand it. The goblin shaman was able to start retaliating. A dark red hue skull also was launch under that time constrain.
Meanwhile, Jaden also maintain his advantage and cast another spell of his own [Dark Wisp][33/55]. Both spell flew off at practially one slower than the other by half a beat.
The speed of both spells are extremely agile and accurate.
Jaden was first hit in the chest by dark red skull [-2HP]. He mightily resist the pain coursing through his entire body as adrenaline starts to kick in.
The goblin shaman wasn't any better either. Jaden's [Dark Wisp][32/55] spell also blasted the goblin shaman arm apart [-2HP]. The arm that was hold onto the tome.
Screening in pain, Jaden was merciless in his next move. He cast the third [Dark Wisp][31/55] right at the throat and took the last breath of the goblin shaman [-2HP].
'Ding!'
[Lvl 5 Goblin Shaman (BOSS) defeated]
[Exp +19][Lvl 1][Exp: 94/100]
[WExp +0][Dark Magic E][WExp: --/--]
[Obtain Dark Wisp tome!]
[Dark Wisp][Dark Magic F]
[2 Might / 90 Hit / 0 crit / 0 Weight][12/55]
Once the message came through, relief first came before Jaden can sense how drenched he was. Not only that, he was still holding onto pain from the impact.
A large portion between the rib and soft belly turns into a bluish hue. It was bruise badly. Jaden's shirt had a massive hole size destroyed from the goblin shaman magic spell.
Fortunately, the goblin shaman did not have more than two points of [Mag Res]. Most importantly, the goblin shaman only had six health points. Otherwise, Jaden would definitely have a harder time than this.
With this, the rest of the dungeon will be easy. Defeating the boss does not destroy the dungeon. The way to destroy the dungeon is by breaking the dungeon core or taking the dungeon core outside.
Jaden knows the worth of a dungeon core, so he pocket the dungeon core the size of a fist into a leather bag hanging by the wall.
Next, Jaden excitedly approaches the wooden chest reward that appears after killing the goblin shaman. The rewards are random depending on the dungeon and it's structure. But, he honestly believes that the rewards are still the same.
Jaden smiled upon seeing the content inside. There were three items in total; a vial that were filled with an unknown liquid, the other was a [Healing Potion][20/20HP], and the last was a small leather bag that contains fifty gold coins.
The mysterious vial is Jaden original goal. Back then, he let this vial broke while evading danger. He did not kmow the use of it until much later down the line so he have not felt it much. But later on, he come to learn what it is and he regretted so much that it almost became an obsession.
Thus, at this moment. Jaden was madly excited and drank the content with any reserve. He did not want the past to repeat itself. The moment the last drop enter into his stomach, his body begin to emit a scorching heat.
The transformation to roughly ten minutes, but the pain and searing heat was almost unbearable. Jaden had already fallen down onto the ground gasping for air. Sweat poured out of his body like mercury and his hair begins to noticeably grow longer by an inch or two.
Finally, all of the transformation ended and Jaden grin hard.
'Ding!'
[Lesser Potential Potion comsume.]
[Your body is under going metamorphosis.]
[Your body have matured one year!]
[All Growth Potential increases by +5%.]
[+2HP Permanently!]
[Exp +50][Lvl 1][Exp: 44/100][Level Up!]
[Lvl 1/10 -> 2/10][Mag +1][Lck +1][Res +1]
Mag: 1/10 -> 2/10
Lck: 3/10 -> 4/10
Res: 1/10 -> 2/10
Due to the special nature of a potential potion. It is only effective once per person. However, Jaden knows that a [Greater Potential Potion] would still be somewhat effective. However, having consuming the [Lesser Potential Potion]. The effect of the [Greater Potential Potion] does not stack upon the [Lesser Potential Potion]. In fact, it would just be replaced by it.
A potential potion aged a person which is a small side effect of the such potions. But, they were worth it. Jaden had also gain fifty experience points as well which pushes him to level up to two. Not only that, this level up had increased his; [Mag], [Lck], and [Res] stat by one point each.
With a raise of three points a level, Jaden conside that the blessing of the [Lesser Potential Potion] a fortunate affair. He knows his growth rate the best in his last life. These three points are extremely valuable to him.
Corking the other potion, Jaden sip of the [Healing Potion][16/20HP] a few time until his health points slowly heal [+4HP]. His gains within this dungeon were great and left him quite satisfied.
Meanwhile, he also picked up the corpse of the goblin shaman. Even in death, it's usefulness have not faded yet. Since he pocketed the dungeon core, the goblins can still linger.
Naturally, Jaden wants to finish off the stragglers and get as much benefits out of this dungeon as much as possible before he leave. That is where the corpse of the goblin shaman comes into play.
The death along with the corpse of the goblin shaman can physiological bring the other goblins into a terrified state. At this point, Jaden can easily harvest the lives of the goblins without risking himself. Without further ado, Jaden felt rested and took the corpse with him.
Just freshly out of the sealed door, Jaden already spotted his first two experience bag. He heavily threw the corpse of the goblin shaman towards the two approaching goblins. With a sudden heavy, 'thumph.' The two surprised goblins look in horror at their leader's corpse. Instant great fear creeps in.
Before the two could come out of their horrified state. Jaden cast a [Dark Wisp][11/55] towards one of the goblin's waist. With a snag, the goblins leg pop like a balloon and the two piece fell soundly apart to the ground dead [-4HP].
The second goblin screech frantically turns to run away. But, it was too late. Jaden had already casted the second [Dark Wisp][10/55]. It blasted the back of the second goblin and knock the goblin head first into the ground.
Squealing in fear, Jaden gave mercy and ended the goblin misery with a second cast of [Dark Wisp][9/55]. The goblin neck exploded due to the spell [-4HP].
'Ding!'
[Lvl 1 Goblin defeated]
[Lvl 3 Goblin defeated]
[Exp +10][Lvl 2][Exp: 54/100]
[WExp +0][Dark Magic E][WExp: --/--]
This steady strategy was incredibly useful against weaker mobs like goblins. But, it will not work against stronger monsters.
With clear results, Jaden harvested two more pair of goblin fangs and set off to hunt the remnants of the goblins in the same manner. By the end of an hour's worth, Jaden rounded up the last remaining four goblins with ease.
'Ding!'
[Lvl 4 Goblin defeated]
[Lvl 4 Goblin defeated]
[Lvl 3 Goblin defeated]
[Lvl 2 Goblin defeated]
[Exp +25][Lvl 2][Exp: 79/100]
[WExp +0][Dark Magic E][WExp: --/--]
With a smile, Jaden left to the entrance from the very wooden door that he came from. Just like before, the portal opens up as he enter into the room. A vast blue aura of mana stretches and form a circular spatial teleportation. It was just enough for a team of five to enter comfortably.
Now, with a pocketful of loots. Jaden step towards the dungeon exit with a conflicted mind. One, he is afraid that everything that happened here might have been his obsessive dream. Jaden, him, traversing back through time is incredibly unrealistic.
Carrying a fragile hope, dream, and anxiety. Jaden wishes that he had really step back through time to come back and release every single little regrets that he ever had beginning from this point on.
And so, the almighty [Dreamweaver Wish Orb] that hang upon this illusionary dungeon world broke.
-Thus, Chapter One Comes To The End.