Chapter 3: Ms. Ling
Over the next week, Mark threw himself into the Moral-1 Goblin Dungeon. Sword after sword shattered against Hobgoblin axes, goblin claws, and even the Goblin Boss's heavy blows. Hours blurred into days. Sweat, blood, and fatigue were constants, but he refused to slow down. Every swing, every kill, every dodge was another step closer to the level he needed for the Moral-2 exam.
Despite his efforts, progress was slower than he had hoped. He had killed countless goblins, dozens of Hobgoblins, and even defeated the boss multiple times, yet only eight levels had been gained in the span of a week. His stats had skyrocketed with each level, but the climb itself was taxing.
He leaned against a tree after slaying another group of goblins, wiping sweat from his brow and examining his Status Window once again.
Status Window:
Name: Mark Song
Age: 18
Rank: Moral-1
Level: 21
HP: 180/180
MP: 150/150
Strength: 103
Speed: 90
Agility: 90
Defense: 103
Mental Strength: 95
Ability Seal: Demonic Devil
Fighting Arts:
Demonic Stair [Lvl 1]
Demon Rage [Lvl 1]
Items Equipped: Goblin Chief Necklace, ________, ________
Well… this sucks, Mark thought, sitting on a rock and staring at the forest floor. Even with my stats shooting up twenty points each level, I'm still only Level 21. Moral-2 requires Level 25. The climb's only going to get harder.
He dropped his head into his hands. Maybe… I need a break. One day. One day to think, plan, and… maybe visit Ms. Ling.
The thought of Issy made him feel both nervous and excited. He had promised to see her in her family office, and now seemed like the perfect time. With a deep breath, he stood, wiped the dirt from his armor, and headed toward the city.
He took a train—a luxury only affordable for warriors of his current level, though he kept the ticket hidden from anyone who might judge him—and soon the sprawling capital of Silver Rise opened before him. Towering buildings, bustling streets, merchants hawking exotic goods, and warriors of all ranks moving with purpose.
At the heart of the city stood the Ling Family Office. The building alone was awe-inspiring, a massive structure of stone and steel, sunlight glinting off its polished surfaces. Flags bearing the Ling family crest waved in the wind, and warriors of all ranks entered and exited through the grand entrance.
Mark approached the gates, his heart hammering. This was Issy's world, her family's domain. He felt small in comparison to the grandeur and authority radiating from the building. Yet he reminded himself: he had defeated Hobgoblins, even the Goblin Boss, and wielded the Demonic Devil Seal. He had every right to stand here.
The guards at the entrance regarded him with the usual protocol. "Warrior ID," one of them barked. Mark handed over his Moral-1 card.
After a brief verification, the guards nodded and allowed him through.
The interior was as impressive as the exterior—marble floors, vaulted ceilings, banners of the Ling family's victories hanging from the walls, and young warriors training under the watchful eyes of their instructors.
Mark felt the weight of it all, but he pressed forward, navigating the halls until he reached the office. A massive door loomed ahead, engraved with the Ling family crest. He knocked lightly.
"Come in," a calm, confident voice replied from inside.
Mark pushed open the door. Issy was seated behind a large mahogany desk, reviewing documents. She looked up, her piercing blue eyes locking onto his. A faint smile spread across her face.
"You came," she said simply.
"I… wanted to thank you again," Mark said, bowing slightly. "And… I thought I could learn a thing or two from you, maybe get advice about the Moral-2 exam."
Issy's expression softened. "You've grown a lot in just a week," she said, gesturing for him to sit. "I saw your status window when you left the dungeon yesterday. Level 21 in a week… not bad for someone starting at Level 13."
Mark's cheeks flushed slightly. "Thanks… but it's not enough. Moral-2 is coming soon. I need Level 25 in three weeks. And every time I fight in the dungeon, I break another sword."
Issy leaned back, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "Your seal… the Demonic Devil. It's rare, yes… but it's unstable. Your stats increase faster than a normal warrior, but you're burning through your equipment faster too. You need to learn efficiency, control, and how to conserve resources."
Mark's eyes widened. "So… it's not just brute force I need?"
Issy shook her head. "No. Brute strength will get you killed against higher-ranked monsters. You need strategy, skill mastery, and proper use of your environment. The Moral-2 exam isn't just about strength—it's about survival and technique."
Mark nodded slowly, taking in her words. "I… I understand. Thank you."
Issy stood, walking around her desk. She extended her hand. "I want to help you, Mark. If you train here for a few days, I can teach you how to refine your skills, manage your seal, and prepare for the next dungeon. But you have to promise me—you'll follow instructions."
Mark grinned. "I promise. I'll follow. Just… don't go easy on me."
Issy chuckled softly. "Good. Then we'll begin tomorrow morning. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, your training truly starts."
Mark left the office with renewed determination. The Moral-2 exam was within reach, and this time, he had guidance.
As he exited the towering Ling Family building and stepped back into the streets of Silver Rise, his mind raced with possibilities. Skill mastery, strategy, survival, and growth. Level 25 was close—and nothing, not even the challenges of the dungeon, would stop him.