The morning air smelled faintly of damp earth and mana.
"Finally," Lucien said, stretching as he looked at the cave entrance carved into the side of the southern cliff. "Side quests are open. Let's go hunting."
Kael groaned.
"Don't call it a side quest."
Lucien winked. "It's more fun this way."
Brom hefted his hammer, eyes shining. "I've been waiting for this all week!"
Elarion sighed and checked his mana flow. "This won't be a simple exercise."
Lucien grinned. "Then all the better."
DUNGEON ENTRANCE
The cave yawned like a dark mouth. Faint crystals along the walls emitted a soft glow, illuminating strange runes.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Dungeon Detected. Level Range: Beginner
Potential EXP Reward: Moderate
Boss: None Detected
Special Rule: Teamwork Encouraged
Lucien stepped in first, as usual. "After me, everyone! Think of this as a cooperative dungeon raid—classic RPG style."
Kael muttered, "…I can't believe I'm following this human."
Brom laughed. "I like this human."
Elarion just rolled his eyes, adjusting his bow. "This better not be a trap."
MONSTER ENCOUNTER
The first chamber was small, but shadows stirred. Suddenly, three goblin-like creatures leapt from the ceiling. Their claws glinted with faint mana traces.
Lucien's eyes sparkled. "See? Tutorial enemies. Classic drop experience, right?"
He sidestepped the first and flicked his hand, sending a subtle mana shock at the second. The goblin yelped and tumbled.
Kael's fire infused punches scattered the remaining ones with controlled bursts. Brom's hammer slammed into the floor, causing a minor shockwave that knocked the creatures off their feet. Elarion shot arrows that pinned two goblins to the walls.
Lucien stepped forward, laughing. "See? Synchronized combo attack, just like I planned!"
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Combat Coordination Bonus: +5% EXP
Bonding Increase: Kael Dravaryn +2%
Brom Ironvein +2%
Elarion Sylvaris +2%
Lucien's grin widened. "Ohhh yes, I love efficiency!"
DUNGEON EXPLORATION RULES
After clearing the first room, Lucien paused to explain—because that was his style.
"Alright, team," he said, waving his hands. "Dungeon hunting comes with rules."
Rule #1 — EXP System
• All participants gain experience points for defeating monsters.
• EXP increases based on teamwork, strategy, and efficiency.
• Solo killing yields less EXP, encourages cooperation.
Rule #2 — Loot Distribution
• Items dropped are shared fairly.
• Higher rank or bond increases chance of rare drops.
Rule #3 — Bond Multiplication
• Bonds amplify stats, talents, and attributes temporarily during the dungeon.
• Mastering bonds provides permanent bonus.
Rule #4 — Level Checkpoints
• Each dungeon has a recommended level.
• Exceeding recommended level drastically reduces EXP, encourages challenges.
Lucien looked at his teammates. "Basically, work together, share loot, and don't get killed. Simple, right?"
Kael rolled his eyes. "You make it sound like a game."
Lucien grinned. "Exactly."
TEAMWORK AND BONDS
In the next room, a large spider-like creature dropped from the ceiling. Its body was slick with black venom.
Lucien quickly grabbed Kael's arm, forcing them into a coordinated maneuver.
Brom flanked the left while Elarion used long-range shots.
Bond Triggered: Lucien Vale + Kael Dravaryn
Initial Bond: 5% Multiplication of Talent, Attribute, and Physique during combat
Bond Growth: +3% per successful coordinated attack
The spider screeched and fell, leaving behind glittering mana crystals.
Lucien clapped his hands. "See? That's why bonds are fun!"
Kael muttered, "…I don't like how efficient he is."
DUNGEON CLEARANCE
At the final chamber, the team discovered a faintly glowing chest.
Lucien grinned and opened it.
Inside:
• Minor artifact (boosts physical agility temporarily)
• Mana crystal
• Scroll labeled "Hidden Dungeon Map"
SYSTEM NOTICE:
EXP distributed evenly: 1200 points
Bonding bonus applied: +15%
Lucien Vale Level Progress: +1500 EXP
Lucien threw an arm around Kael and Brom. "See? That's what teamwork looks like!"
Kael groaned. "You're unbearable."
Brom laughed. "I like this human even more."
Elarion smirked faintly. "…Fine. It's efficient."
GODDESS OF SIGHT — POV
She observed the group from afar.
"Experience is being earned."
"Bonds are forming."
"Efficiency is growing."
Her gaze lingered on Lucien.
"Even without knowing it, he manipulates progress."
"That will matter in the long run."