The training room pulsed with dense, vibrant mana, saturating the air with an almost tangible presence. It wrapped around me, filling the room with an electrifying hum.
My body reacted instinctively, adapting to the environment as I took a deep breath and surveyed the maze-like structure before me.
The narrow pathways stretched out like the roots of an ancient tree, twisting and dividing into countless branches.
Each turn promised challenges designed to push my limits and sharpen my abilities.
'This is perfect,' I thought.
The training room wasn't merely a place to gain stats—it was a crucible. Here, the mana-rich atmosphere would accelerate my growth, restoring my body to its peak condition and allowing me to break past the barriers that held me back.
Titles were what I truly sought. They were rare, valuable, and one of the few ways to surpass natural limits. I had only obtained two titles in my previous life, despite years of struggle. This time, I was determined to claim more.
---
A maze was a maze. It was packed so tightly that it was impossible to fly. And I confirmed the items held in the leather pouch hanging from my waist.
If I wanted, I could return to this room at any time but I vowed not to leave until it was cleared. Therefore, I used 10,000 pt to purchase a magic bag. I could put items in it up to 150 times the size of the bag.
[Magic Space Bag - (R)
Description: Can store roughly 150 times the size of the bag. Stored food and water]
It could be everything including food and water. Even a demon would starve after 8 months. I prepared more practical oriented food instead of taste. It was enough if it could stop my hunger.
I shut the leather pouch after checking the items.
'Let's run lightly first.'
I moved quickly, each step precise as I traversed the maze. My first branching path appeared after an hour of running, and I followed the simple rule I had set: always take the right path.
After another hour, the path opened into a large chamber. The stone walls towered high, and the air thrummed with an ominous energy. In the center of the room lay dozens of weapons—iron, steel, and enchanted—all arranged in a circle, their gleaming surfaces reflecting the ambient glow of mana.
[-Please choose your weapon.]
The message window materialized before me, clear and direct. Without hesitation, I chose an iron sword. Reliable and simple, it was the perfect weapon for me.
The moment my hand gripped the hilt, the other weapons vanished like smoke. The air around me shifted, and I could feel the mana grow restless. Cracks began forming in the space around me, spreading like a web.
"Grr…"
A guttural growl echoed through the room as creatures emerged from the fractures. They were wolf-like demons, their glowing eyes filled with savage intent.
*Crazyhounds.*
[-Get rid of the wolf-type Crazyhound! 300/300]
The message confirmed my challenge, and my grip on the sword tightened. Crazyhounds were weak creatures—low-level demons—but their strength lay in their numbers. Facing 300 of them at once was no small task, especially with my stats temporarily restricted.
The pack charged.
---
The first wave lunged at me, their sharp fangs glistening. I activated *Keen Insight*, instantly scanning their stats.
[Name: Crazyhound]
[Base Stats]
Strength: 31
Intelligence: 14
Agility: 42
Stamina: 34
Magic Power: 9
[Potential Level: (130/130)]
[Uniqueness: Temporarily summoned to a room. Has an intense hostility towards Randalph Brigsiel.]
[Skill: Berserk (Normal)]
[Description: Increase the maximum attack power and and attack speed when health is below 30%. Penalty of decrease intelligence when Berserk.]
As expected, Keen Insight can read the description of the skill.
'Weak, but persistent,' I thought as the first hound leapt at me.
I sidestepped smoothly and swung my sword, slicing through its neck. The creature dissolved into mana before it even hit the ground.
Another attacked from the left. I pivoted, using the momentum to drive my blade through its chest. My movements were fluid and efficient, each strike calculated to maximize damage while conserving energy.
*Keen Insight* wasn't just revealing their stats—it let me anticipate their movements, reading the subtle shifts in their muscles and posture. I could see where the next attack would come from before it even happened.
More hounds charged, but their numbers didn't intimidate me. They were fast and vicious, but their lack of coordination made them easy to pick off.
---
The chamber echoed with the clash of claws and steel.
I danced through the pack, my blade a blur of silver as it cut through the air. Each swing struck true, reducing the Crazyhounds to nothing more than dissipating wisps of mana.
The time between attacks and counters was almost nonexistent. My strikes were precise, my footwork flawless. It felt like a deadly choreography, with me leading the dance.
As their numbers dwindled, the remaining hounds grew desperate, activating their *Berserk* skill. Their movements became faster, more erratic—but also more predictable.
I adjusted my strategy, exploiting their recklessness to end the battle quickly.
Six minutes later, the last Crazyhound fell.
[-Victory. You have exterminated all the creatures!]
The notification appeared as the remaining mana in the room settled. I exhaled slowly, the tension leaving my body as the stone walls around me began to shift.
Five new paths were revealed.
The challenge was far from over, but I felt a thrill of triumph. This was only the beginning.
---
I paused to catch my breath, my eyes scanning the paths ahead. The rule I had set—always take the right path, remained in effect, so I chose the farthest path to the right and moved forward.
The next chamber was smaller, with a single pedestal at its center. On it sat a small vial filled with a shimmering blue liquid.
[-This health potion will increase your stamina if consumed. Would you like to take it?]
I hesitated.
The potion was tempting, especially after the exhausting battle, but I knew the training room was designed to test more than just physical strength.
Managing resources was as important as fighting skill.
After a moment, I decided to take the risk.
"Yes," I said aloud.
The potion dissolved as I consumed it, and a refreshing wave of energy surged through my body.
My stamina increased, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and ready to press on.
'This is just the beginning,' I thought, gripping my sword tightly as I stepped forward.
The training room was relentless, but so was I. Each challenge brought me closer to my goal, and I wouldn't stop until I had claimed the reward waiting at the end.