Han Joon woke with a start, warmth spreading through his body. Pain still throbbed, but it was fading.
A window materialized in his vision:
[SYSTEM NOTICE]User in critical condition. Healing Potion used.
Blinking, he pushed himself upright. His injuries had already healed enough to allow movement, though his ribs still ached.
In the distance, he heard the teachers calling:
"All students, come back! Dungeon trip is over!"
Before he even took a step, another window popped up:
[LEVEL UP!]New Level: 9Stat Points Available: 9
Han Joon's mind raced. Nine points. He allocated them carefully:
Strength: +3
Speed: +3
Mana: +3
Immediately, he felt the change. His legs were lighter, his reflexes sharper, and even the sword in his hand felt easier to wield.
He began running toward the teachers. Each step was smoother, faster, more precise. Even breathing felt easier. It's working… I really am getting stronger.
When he reached the courtyard, the other students were staring. Some mouths were hanging open; others whispered, trying to hide their astonishment.
They don't know about my skill… Han Joon thought, a faint blush rising. They just see that I survived the dungeon alive.
A mix of emotions surged through him: embarrassment, pride, and something almost like disbelief. He didn't care about their snickering. He just wanted to leave the spotlight behind.
The teacher's voice rang out:
"You are now allowed to enter dungeons alone, provided everyone returns safe and unharmed."
The students began lining up to trade their loot for money. Han Joon opened his inventory. The three red-eyed rabbit fangs gleamed faintly, a small reminder of his fight.
He took them and handed them to the teacher, who carefully weighed and inspected them. Finally, the teacher handed him a stack of bills.
$1,500
Han Joon couldn't help but smile. It wasn't much—but it was enough to prove that surviving the dungeon was worth something. At least it was a start.
Walking home, sunlight hitting his face, he felt a strange mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. Every step reminded him of what he had endured—and survived.
I survived… and I can get stronger. I will get stronger.
He thought about his family, about the people who depended on him. Each coin he earned, every skill he gained, every fight he survived—it all brought him closer to being able to protect them.
For the first time since entering the academy, Han Joon felt a spark of hope. He had the weakest skill. He was poor. He was underestimated. But he had survived. And now, he had a system, a plan, and the drive to rise above everyone else.
The dungeon was only the beginning… and I won't fail.